Isolated Roux-loop pancreaticojejunostomy: a series of 61 patients with zero postoperative pancreaticoenteric leaks

There have been approximately 70 reported variations of reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The pancreaticojejunal (PJ) anastomosis is the source of most reported morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to identify the anastomotic leak rate in patients undergoing PD for malignant disease using a proximal isolated jejunal pancreatic anastomosis. Sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing PD (26 women and 35 men; age range, 41-79 years, mean age, 62 years). had an identical reconstruction. The PJ anastomosis was performed using the most proximal isolated jejunum in two layers: interrupted 4.0 Prolene was used to achieve mucosal/ductal continuity, and 3.0 Prolene was used for the serosal/parenchymal anastomosis, around an appropriately sized stent. All postoperative complications were recorded. A pancreatic leak was defined as persistent discharge of amylase-rich pancreatic drain fluid. The overall complication rate was 44% (27 of 61, including 15 chest infections, 8 wound infections, and 2 postoperative cardiac arrhythmias). There were 3 deaths (30-day mortality rate, 5%). One patient died after a cerebrovascular accident, one from respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, and the third of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia after small bowel ischemia caused by pressure necrosis from a drain. There were no PJ anastomotic leaks. This method of pancreatojejunostomy has produced a 0% leak rate in this center.

Systematic reaction to electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo

BACKGROUND

Only a minority of secondary liver tumours are amenable to segmental resection and as a result, considerable research has been focused on developing ablative methods to destroy liver metastases. Many of these methods are limited by the development of a systemic inflammatory response mediated by cytokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The aim of the present study was to determine if a systemic reaction occurred following electrolytic treatment of pig livers in vivo, by measuring biochemical indices of liver function and cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF-alpha.

METHODS

Seventeen white domestic pigs were subjected to varying electrolytic doses ranging from 100 C to 800 C. Blood samples were taken at hourly intervals before, during and after electrolysis. Blood parameters measured included markers of liver enzyme activity; albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutaryl transferase and aspartate transaminase. Cytokine response to electrolysis was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IL-8 and TNF-alpha.

RESULTS

Aspartate transaminase levels showed a clear and progressive rise post-electrolysis peaking at 2 h post-procedure. IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels showed only very mild variation with no significant response to electrolysis. This lack of association was borne out regardless of the electrolytic dose administered.

CONCLUSION

Electrolysis is not accompanied by a significant systemic inflammatory response, reducing the risk of systemic inflammatory response, acute respiratory distress syndrome and other immune response mediated end-organ damage. Follow-up studies are needed in human trials.

Haemorrhage from pancreatic pseudocysts presenting as upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Haemorrhage is a rare but frequently fatal complication of pancreatic pseudocysts. The high mortality associated with pancreatic haemorrhage makes prompt and aggressive management essential. Occasionally, haemorrhage may present atypically, leading to delay in its diagnosis and management. This report details a case of pancreatic haemorrhage presenting as an upper gastrointestinal bleed and discusses the subsequent management. When managing patients with pancreatic pseudocysts who present with the stigmata of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the possibility that the bleeding originates from the pancreas must always be borne in mind.

Angiogenesis of gastrointestinal tumours and their metastases – a target for intervention?

Angiogenesis is an obligatory event for the growth of tumours beyond 2 mm in diameter, above which simple oxygen diffusion can no longer support the rapid proliferation of malignant cells. Angiogenesis is a fine balance between inhibitory and stimulatory factors, the knowledge of which offers novel targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasia. A literature search of Pubmed and Medline databases was undertaken, using the keywords colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis therapy. It was found that angiogenesis in primary tumours is a sequential and highly complex cascade of molecular events resulting in the rapid exponential growth of the tumour. Hepatic metastases of primary tumours may be less reliant on traditional angiogenic pathways, by co-opting pre-existing hepatic vasculature. Research into angiogenesis has revealed many different sites that can be targeted by agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Many anti-angiogenic agents are undergoing preclinical evaluation, with only a few entering phase I and phase III clinical trials. However, early results suggest that anti-angiogenic therapy could be an important adjunct to conventional chemotherapy treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasia.

Detection of curcumin and its metabolites in hepatic tissue and portal blood of patients following oral administration

Studies in vitro and in animal models of colorectal and hepatocellular cancers suggest that curcumin is an effective chemopreventive agent. In this pilot trial, we investigated whether oral administration of curcumin results in concentrations of the agent in normal and malignant human liver tissue, which are sufficient to elicit pharmacological activity. In total, 12 patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer received 450–3600 mg of curcumin daily, for 1 week prior to surgery. Levels of curcumin and its metabolites were measured by HPLC in portal and peripheral blood, bile and liver tissue. Curcumin was poorly available, following oral administration, with low nanomolar levels of the parent compound and its glucuronide and sulphate conjugates found in the peripheral or portal circulation. While curcumin was not found in liver tissue, trace levels of products of its metabolic reduction were detected. In patients who had received curcumin, levels of malondialdehyde-DNA (M₁G) adduct, which reflect oxidative DNA changes, were not decreased in post-treatment normal and malignant liver tissue when compared to pretreatment samples. The results suggest that doses of curcumin required to furnish hepatic levels sufficient to exert pharmacological activity are probably not feasible in humans.

The emergent role of focal liver ablation techniques in the treatment of primary and secondary liver tumours

Only 20% of patients with primary or secondary liver tumours are suitable for resection because of extrahepatic disease or the anatomical distribution of their disease. These patients could be treated by ablation of the tumour, thus preserving functioning liver. This study presents a detailed review of established and experimental ablation procedures. The relative merits of each technique will be discussed and clinical data regarding the efficacy of the techniques evaluated. A literature search from 1966 to 2003 was undertaken using Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Keywords were Hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases, percutaneous ethanol injection, cryotherapy, microwave coagulation therapy, radiofrequency ablation, interstitial laser photocoagulation, focused high-intensity ultrasound, hot saline injection, electrolysis and acetic acid injection. Ablative techniques offer a promising therapeutic modality to treat unresectable tumours. Large-scale randomised controlled trials are required before widespread acceptance of these techniques can occur.

Role of microbiological investigations in the management of non-perineal cutaneous abscesses

BACKGROUND

Pus samples for microbiological examination are routinely sent after incision and drainage of abscesses. There is no evidence that microbiology reports influence treatment for non-perineal cutaneous abscesses.

AIMS

This study assessed (1) how often the microbiology report is used to manage patients' treatment after incision and drainage of an abscess and (2) junior surgical trainees' opinions on sending pus for microbiological examination.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of the notes of all patients undergoing incision and drainage of abscesses from January 2001 to January 2002 was made. A telephone poll of junior surgical trainees was also undertaken.

RESULTS

Most patients, 91%, had specimens referred for microbiology. Of these 43% yielded no growth. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (55.9% of all positive cultures). Anaerobes were a frequent finding from axilla and groin abscesses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was grown in two patients. Other less common organisms cultured were methicillin resistant S aureus (n=1) and Proteus sp (n=1). Follow up of microbiology reports was found to be inadequate.

CONCLUSION

The bacteria present in non-perineal cutaneous abscesses are, for the most part, predictable. However, a significant number grow less common organisms. It is concluded that pus specimens should be sent routinely for culture and sensitivity and there should be further emphasis on following up microbiology reports by junior medical staff.

Management of benign rectal strictures: a review of present therapeutic procedures

PURPOSE

A significant benign stricture of the rectum is uncommon but can be a recalcitrant condition to treat. Case reports detailing a particular treatment option abound in the surgical literature. An overall précis of the different techniques available is presented, with a comparison of their relative strengths and weaknesses.

METHODS

A literature search was undertaken from 1963 to the present day, using MEDLINE. Keywords were benign, strictures, and rectum.

RESULTS

Balloon dilation is the most frequent intervention described in the literature. Repeated dilation with time often is required to achieve normal bowel function. Electrocautery resection or incision combined with dilation increases the success rate without increasing the complication rate. Transanal strictureplasty with mechanical staplers is reported as achieving the best success with the smallest complication rate; however, only a minority of strictures are suitable to be managed in this way, and therefore, the numbers treated are small.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the techniques reviewed compared favorably with formal stricture resection in terms of success rate and complications.

A snapshot of MDT working and patient mapping in the UK colorectal cancer centres in 2002

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain the position nationally of Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) implementation as part of the NHS cancer plan. Also to define nationally patterns of 'bottlenecks' in the patient journey from referral to treatment.

METHODS

A simple questionnaire was sent to the lead clinician at all 183 cancer networks asking about their current MDT organization, and whether they had undertaken a mapping exercise of the patient journey.

RESULTS

Ninety-one percent (n = 166) of the questionnaires were returned, and of these 90% (n = 150) stated that their MDT meeting was up and running. Sixty-two percent (n = 102) stated they were having problems running their MDT meeting and of these 32% (n = 33) did not have a dedicated MDT clerk. Several of the Calman-Hine identified 'core personnel' are attending infrequently. Sixty-four percent (n = 107) of respondents have carried out a patient mapping process with 65% (n = 70) claiming it was a success, leaving 27% (n = 32) with no immediate plans to undertake the process.

CONCLUSIONS

Although MDT activity is near-universal, the survey has highlighted a wide variation in MDT meeting implementation across England, with the same problems being experienced by most centres. Organizational problems are common, and we feel that a dedicated MDT clerk is essential for smooth running. Further areas that require development have been identified by most respondents as radiological, oncological and endoscopic services. It is anticipated that true collaboration nationally will develop, and contact with the nine pilot sites is encouraged to explore solutions to difficulties.

Chemoprevention of gastrointestinal malignancies

BACKGROUND

There has been considerable interest in the use of chemical or dietary agents to suppress or inhibit the development of tumours in the early stages of carcinogenesis. This concept is known as chemoprevention and although the potential for such agents is tremendous, evaluating their clinical benefit is beset with difficulties.

AIMS

Using selected agents, such as curcumin and indole-3-carbinol, as examples, the present review will discuss the possible mechanisms of chemoprevention and the problems encountered in developing these agents into clinical drugs.

METHODS

A review of the published literature from 1985 to the present day was performed using Medline and Web of Science search engines. Key words used were 'gastrointestinal cancer' and 'chemoprevention'.

CONCLUSION

A huge number of agents with possible chemopreventive action has been identified. Pilot trials using molecular signatures of cancer activity can be used to select which agents should be included in large-scale phase III clinical trials. Publications concerning chemoprevention are concentrated in the scientific and oncological literature but surgeons with their greater exposure to premalignant gastrointestinal disease need to be aware of current concepts in this rapidly expanding field. This knowledge would allow collaboration between oncologists and surgeons in clinical trials to further evaluate chemopreventive compounds and ascertain their clinical impact.

Results following conservative lateral sphincteromy for the treatment of chronic anal fissures

INTRODUCTION

Lateral sphincterotomy is now the standard surgical treatment for fissure-in-ano. Healing is achieved in 90% of cases, however, sphincterotomy also carries a significant risk of incontinence. Traditional sphincterotomy comprises of division of the internal sphincter up to the level of the dentate line, a more conservative division could lead to a lower incontinence rate, with an equivalent healing rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 65 patients undergoing conservative lateral sphincterotomy under a single operator between January, 1996 and January, 2002 were reviewed. Specific questions were asked regarding overall success of the operation, leakage of fluid, faeces or flatus and recurrence of fissure symptoms. Supplemental data was obtained from a retrospective analysis of the patients' case notes to ascertain demographics, length of hospital stay and complication rate.

RESULTS

Sixty of 65 patients responded to our postal questionnaire. The male to female ratio was 1:1 and the mean age 40.3 years of age. No complications were recorded and 97% of patients had achieved fissure healing by the time of their out-patient follow-up (mean 6.9 weeks). Two patients reported new incontinence following their procedure; one patient experienced incontinence of fluid and flatus (1.7%) and the remaining patient complained of incontinence to flatus only. No patients experienced incontinence of faeces. Eleven patients experienced persistent symptoms of pain and bleeding but only 6 of these patients required treatment from their general practitioner which consisted of stool softeners and topical analgesia. No patients required re-operation.

CONCLUSION

A conservative division of the internal anal sphincter results in adequate fissure healing and a much lower incontinence rate than that previously recorded in the literature for more traditional divisions of the internal anal sphincter.

Molecular biomarkers of colorectal carcinogenesis and their role in surveillance and early intervention

Modern medicine is increasingly focused towards population surveillance for disease, coupled with the implementation of preventative measures applied to 'at-risk' patients. Surveillance in colorectal cancer is limited by the cost and risk of endoscopy. Trials of putative chemopreventive agents in colorectal cancer are hampered by difficulties in following up large cohorts of patients over long periods of time to ascertain the clinical effect. Research into possible pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis has revealed a range of biological intermediates which could be used in surveillance, the identification of high risk populations and early diagnosis of cancer. The aim of this paper was to review the possible role of biomarkers in surveillance and the timing of intervention. A literature review using both Medline and Web of Science was performed from 1995 onwards using keywords: biomarkers, colorectal cancer, carcinogenesis, chemoprevention, surveillance and screening. Research has identified many potential biomarkers, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), oxidative DNA adducts and glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms, which could be applied in a clinical setting to screen for and detect colorectal cancer. Molecular biomarkers, such as COX-2, oxidative DNA adducts and GST polymorphisms offer new prospects in the detection of early colorectal cancer, surveillance of high-risk populations and prediction of the clinical effectiveness of chemopreventive drugs. Their role could be extended into surgical surveillance for potentially operable disease and post-operative follow-up for disease recurrence. Research should be directed at assessing complementary biomarkers to increase clinical effectiveness in determining management options for patients.

How valuable is ascitic cytology in the detection and management of malignancy?

INTRODUCTION

Ascitic cytology is often requested in the early stages of ascitic assessment. A review of this practice in a major English teaching hospital is presented.

METHOD

Patients were retrospectively identified using the histopathology and patient administration system between January 1999 and May 2001.

RESULTS

Of 276 samples sent for assessment 35 cases were found to be negative when on further review an intra-abdominal malignancy was present. The malignancy was diagnosed using a radiological modality. The sensitivity of ascitic cytology was found to be 60% with 100% specificity. A delay of up to five days could be incurred awaiting the cytology results before further radiological examinations were undertaken.

CONCLUSION

Too much hope is placed on ascitic cytology to provide the diagnosis at the expense of other investigations. It is recommended that the initial assessment should concentrate on history, examination, and basic tests on ascitic fluid to assess the serum-ascites albumin gradient. Ovarian malignancy is the only tumour type yielding a significant rate of detection from cytology with some prognostic impact. Results should not be awaited before abdominal ultrasound is undertaken. This more directed practice would help reduce unnecessary workload for the pathologist and has resource implications.

Pelvic extramedullary haematopoiesis associated with hereditary spherocytosis

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare disorder and is characterised by the appearance of haemopoietic tissue outside of the bone marrow. The most common of the previously recognised sites of EMH are the spleen and the liver. This case-report describes a unique case of pelvic EMH secondary to herditary spherocytosis with regression of the lesion following splenectomy. Current principles of managing EMH are also discussed.

Evaluation of dysfunction following reconstruction of an anorectal anomaly

To evaluate the utility of anorectal manometry (ARM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with an endocoil in the assessment of dysfunction in children with repaired anorectal anomalies (ARA), 15 patients aged 1 to 15 years with repaired ARAs and chronic faecal incontinence or constipation were prospectively recruited. They underwent clinical assessment using a modified Wingfield score (MWS). ARM and MRI with an endocoil and conventional external coil were carried out. The results of ARM alone, MRI alone, and a combination of ARM and MRI were correlated with the MWS. Manometric internal anal sphincter (IAS) scores determined from sphincter length and activity correlated with MWS (r = 0.56, P = 0.02); manometric scores of rectal peristaltic activity did not. Overall manometric score (IAS and rectal scores combined) showed a correlation with MWS (r = 0.55, P = 0.02). Endoanal MRI sphincter scores did not correlate with MWS, but the presence of a megarectum on MRI did (r = 0.44, P = 0.05). Overall MRI score did not correlate with MWS. Minor neurosacral anomalies were shown on MRI in 3 children who had poor functional scores. Combined manometric and MRI scores showed a correlation with MWS (r = 0.58, P = 0.01). ARM and MRI are potentially useful in the assessment of dysfunction of children with repaired ARAs. Both modalities require refinement and further assessment in the context of directing management.

Therapeutic efficacy and renal effects of cefonicid in the treatment of difficult urinary tract infections

EFFICACY, renal effects and nephrotoxicity of the cephalosporin cefonicid (CEF) were evaluated in 11 adult patients with urinary tract infection and varying renal function (creatinine cl 19-161 ml/min, mean 75). CEF was administered i.m. for 7 days at a daily dose adjusted to renal function of the patients.

EFFICACY

At the 4th day and at the end of the treatment urine cultures were negative in all cases; a recurrence of the infection was observed in 4 patients 10 days after completion of therapy. Renal effects and nephrotoxicity: CEF neither modified plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid and their renal clearances nor glomerular filtration rate. Only the urinary enzyme activity of alanine aminopeptidase increased slightly at the end of the therapy. It returned to basal values in the post-treatment period. Urinary enzyme activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and lysozyme were unmodified during and after treatment with CEF. These results indicate that CEF is an effective antimicrobial agent which does not influence renal function, nor cause nephrotoxic effects.