Systematic review and comparison of national and international guidelines on diverticular disease

PURPOSE

Diverticular disease is common and of increasing medical and economical importance. Various practice guidelines on diagnostic and treatment on this disease exist. We compared current guidelines on the disease in order to identify concordant and discordant recommendations.

METHOD

Eleven national and international guidelines on diverticular disease published over the last 10 years have been identified by a systematic literature review on PubMed and compared in detail for 20 main and 51 subtopics.

RESULTS

The available evidence for the most aspects was rated as moderate or low. There was concordance for the following items: Diagnosis of diverticulitis should be confirmed by imaging methods (10 of 10 guidelines). Mild forms may be treated out-patient (10/10). Abscesses are treated non-surgically (9/9). Elective surgery should be indicated by individual patient-related factors, only, and be performed laparoscopically (10/10, 9/9 respectively). Main differences were found in the questions of appropriate classification, imaging diagnostic (computed-tomography versus ultra-sound), need for antibiotics in out-patient treatment and mode of surgery for diverticular perforation. Despite growing evidence that antibiotics are not needed for treating mild diverticulitis, only 3/10 guidelines have corresponding recommendations. Hartmann's procedure has been abandoned several years ago and is now recommended for feculent peritonitis by the three most recent guidelines. In contrast, laparoscopic lavage without resection is not recommended anymore.

CONCLUSION

There are dissents in the recommendations for central aspects regarding the diagnostic and treatment of diverticular disease in recently published guidelines.

ECSPECT prospective multicentre registry for single-port laparoscopic colorectal procedures

BACKGROUND

The international multicentre registry ECSPECT (European Consensus of Single Port Expertise in Colorectal Treatment) was established to evaluate the general feasibility and safety of single-port colorectal surgery with regard to preoperative risk assessment.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing single-port colorectal surgery were enrolled from 11 European centres between March 2010 and March 2014. Data were analysed to assess patient-, technique- and procedure-dependent parameters. A validated sex-adjusted risk chart was developed for prediction of single-port colorectal surgery-related conversion and complications.

RESULTS

Some 1769 patients were enrolled, 937 with benign and 832 with malignant conditions. Procedures were completed without additional trocars in 1628 patients (92·0 per cent). Conversion to open surgery was required in 75 patients (4·2 per cent) and was related to male sex and ASA fitness grade exceeding I. Conversions were more frequent in pelvic procedures involving the rectum compared with abdominal procedures (8·1 versus 3·2 per cent; odds ratio 2·69, P < 0·001). Postoperative complications were observed in a total of 224 patients (12·7 per cent). Independent predictors of complications included male sex (P < 0·001), higher ASA grade (P = 0·006) and rectal procedures (P = 0·002). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0·5 per cent (8 of 1769 patients); three deaths (0·2 per cent; 1 blood loss, 2 leaks) were attributable to surgical causes.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility and safety, conversion and complication profile demonstrated here provides guidance for patient selection.

Lymph node harvest in single incision laparoscopic surgery for colorectal malignancy

AIM

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has not been sufficiently evaluated with respect to its oncological equivalence to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.

METHOD

Of 507 patients who had SILS for colorectal diseases in our institution, 87 had segmental resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma. For each of the surgical specimens the number of lymph nodes which can be expected to be identified by the pathologist was calculated using the ACPGBI lymph node harvest model, which was developed from a nationwide database of 5845 surgical specimens. The predicted number of lymph nodes was compared with the number identified in our SILS specimens.

RESULTS

The median predicted number of lymph nodes was 11 (4.5-14.8) compared with 18 (5-44) in the SILS specimens (P < 0.001). In all subgroups analysed for various operations, the lymph node harvest in the SILS specimens was significantly higher than predicted.

CONCLUSION

In terms of lymph node harvest SILS seems to be comparable to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery.

Differences in ano-neorectal physiology of ileoanal and coloanal reconstructions for restorative proctectomy

OBJECTIVE

Restorative proctectomy with straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA) and restorative proctocolectomy with ilealpouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) are options for maintaining bowel integrity after rectal resection. The aim of this study was to compare clinical function and anorectal physiology in patients treated with CAA and IPAA.

METHOD

Three-dimensional vector-manometry and neorectal volumetry were performed in straight CAA [53 patients (34 male)] and IPAA [61 patients (39 male)] for ulcerative colitis. Function was assessed using a 14 day incontinence diary.

RESULTS

Function was similar in both groups, but neorectal compliance and threshold volumes for sensation, urge and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) were significantly higher after IPAA than after CAA. Mean pressure, vector volume and sphincter symmetry at rest were significant determinants of continence in both groups but squeeze pressure did not correlate significantly with function in either group. Threshold volume, MTV, and compliance were significantly correlated with frequency of defecation in patients with IPAA but not with CAA.

CONCLUSION

A strong consistent resting anal sphincter pressure is one determinant of continence after both IPAA and CAA. Squeeze pressures do not influence the functional result. In IPAA but not CAA, the neorectum has a reservoir function which correlates with the postoperative frequency of defaecation.

Laparoscopic-assisted or laparoscopic-facilitated sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease? A prospective randomized trial on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy is an attractive but sometimes challenging operative technique for the treatment of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. The aim of this study was to compare, with respect to early postoperative analgesic demand and postoperative pain, laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy with a laparoscopic-facilitated technique. In the laparascopic-facilitated technique, the sigmoid colon is removed conventionally via a cosmetically inconspicuous incision after prior laparoscopic mobilization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients subjected to elective sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis were randomized to either laparoscopic-assisted or laparoscopic-facilitated sigmoidectomy. All patients had piritramide-based, patient-controlled analgesia. The cumulative postoperative consumption over 96 hours was defined as the primary end point. Postoperative pain, fatigue, pulmonary function, and resumption of bowel function were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

: Forty-five patients were randomized according to the protocol to laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy (n = 22) or laparoscopic-facilitated sigmoidectomy (n = 23). The analgesic consumption between the two groups was equivalent (61.3 (9-171) mg piritramide/96 hours vs. 64.3 (18-150) mg piritramide/96 hours; P = 0.827). Patients with laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy had lower pain levels on Day one and Day two. Cumulative pain levels over 96 hours and over the whole 7-day observation period, however, were not significantly different, although postoperative fatigue and pulmonary function were significantly different. Duration of surgery was slightly shorter for laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy (127 (47-200) vs. 135 (60-239) minutes; P = 0.28), but recovery of bowel activity was faster after laparoscopic-facilitated surgery. There was no significant difference in morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the postoperative outcome was roughly equivalent after both techniques of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Therefore, laparoscopic-facilitated sigmoidectomy could be considered as an alternative to laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy in technically difficult cases of diverticulitis subjected to laparoscopic surgery.

Prospective randomised trial comparing ileocaecal interposition and colon-J-pouch as rectal replacement after total mesorectal excision

BACKGROUND

Ileocaecal interposition (ICI) is a technique of rectal replacement after total mesorectal excision (TME), but the method has never been evaluated in a randomised fashion. We performed a randomised, controlled trial to compare ICI and colon-J-pouch (CJP) for rectal replacements after TME for rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients were enrolled into each treatment group of the trial according to the protocol. Follow-up evaluations were performed 3 months and 1 year after ileostomy closure and at a mean of 5 years after initial surgery.

RESULTS

Similar results between the groups were found for incontinence, urgency, constipation and quality of life at all follow-ups. The frequency of defecation was slightly lower in the CJP group at 3 months [3 (2-6) vs 5 (2-11) (p=0.043)] and at 1 year [3 (2-5) vs 5 (2-8) (p=0.034)]. However, this difference lost significance if patients who had postoperative radiotherapy were excluded from the analysis. Four out of the 15 patients treated with ICI experienced bowel obstruction, which required open surgery in two, endoscopic dilatation in one or maintenance of the ileostomy in one patient. None of the patients treated with CJP had similar complications.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI and CJP reconstruction result in a similar functional outcome and quality of life. As ICI did not show any benefit over CJP and tended to result in a higher frequency of defecation, it should not be used as a first choice treatment. In addition, ICI was associated with significant complications after radiotherapy. Therefore, it must not be used if postoperative radiochemotheray is intended.

Adenocarcinoma of the ileoanal pouch for ulcerative colitis--a complication of severe chronic atrophic pouchitis?

BACKGROUND

The appearance of a carcinoma in the ileal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative proctocolitis is rare. Most of these adenocarcinomas previously described in literature develop from residual viable rectal mucosa. We report a case of an adenocarcinoma arising in all probability from the ileal pouch after malignant transformation of the ileal pouch mucosa based on a chronic atrophic pouchitis.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 34-year-old man developed an adenocarcinoma after a double-stapled ileorectal J-pouch for ulcerative colitis (UC) proceeded from malignant ileal transformation. Before surgery, he had a 20-year history of UC refractory to medical therapy, but no occurrence of backwash ileitis, dysplasia or colitis-associated illness. He experienced severe pouchitis after IPAA since the ileostomy closure. Carcinoma was ensured by endoscopy, and the patient underwent an abdominoperineal pouch extirpation combined with excision of perirectal tissues and anal canal. Histology after surgery showed a pT4,pN2(4/16)pM0,G3 adenocarcinoma with global severe chronic atrophic pouchitis (CAP), villous atrophy and malignant ileal transformation. No metaplasia of the rectal mucosa was found, not even malignant epithelial transformation of the anal canal.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that a malignant transformation of the ileal pouch mucosa may occur as a pure complication of severe CAP, even in the absence of backwash ileitis or a previous history of cancer. The absence of metaplasia of the rectal mucosa revealed the passage from CAP to dysplastic epithelium and to cancer. A multifactorial development of carcinogenesis is supposed, but we emphasize the importance of severe CAP, and that careful surveillance is needed in patients after IPAA. We must submit that this is just a case report and cannot stand for general cancer development in ulcerative colitis, but it may point out the risk factor of chronic inflammation and leads the surgeon to skillful working when building the pouch.

Pharmacokinetics and peritoneal penetration of moxifloxacin in peritonitis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the penetration of moxifloxacin into peritoneal exudate in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 10) with evidence of peritonitis who required surgery with drainage of the abdominal cavity received a single intravenous infusion of moxifloxacin, 400 mg, over 1 h. Plasma and peritoneal exudate samples were obtained over 24 h, and moxifloxacin concentrations were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection.

RESULTS

Plasma moxifloxacin concentrations decreased from a geometric mean of 3.61 mg/L at 1 h to 0.36 mg/L at 24 h. Concentrations in peritoneal exudate were highest 2 h after the start of the infusion, reaching a geometric mean of 3.32 mg/L, and declined to a geometric mean of 0.69 mg/L at 24 h. The exudate/plasma concentration ratio rose from 1.45 at 2 h to 1.91 at 24 h; the 95% confidence intervals for the ratio excluded unity at all time points, suggesting that moxifloxacin penetrates and accumulates in peritoneal exudate. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) tended to be greater in exudate; the time to peak concentrations (T(max)) was longer in exudate than in plasma, as were half-life and mean residence time (MRT).

CONCLUSIONS

Following intravenous administration, moxifloxacin penetrated peritoneal exudate in patients with peritonitis, achieving and maintaining concentrations that exceed the MICs for pathogens commonly isolated in cIAIs. These findings support the clinical use of moxifloxacin as treatment for cIAIs.

ESPEN Guidelines on Enteral Nutrition: Surgery including organ transplantation

Enhanced recovery of patients after surgery ("ERAS") has become an important focus of perioperative management. From a metabolic and nutritional point of view, the key aspects of perioperative care include: Enteral nutrition (EN) by means of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and if necessary tube feeding (TF) offers the possibility of increasing or ensuring nutrient intake in cases where food intake is inadequate. These guidelines are intended to give evidence-based recommendations for the use of ONS and TF in surgical patients. They were developed by an interdisciplinary expert group in accordance with officially accepted standards and are based on all relevant publications since 1980. The guideline was discussed and accepted in a consensus conference. EN is indicated even in patients without obvious undernutrition, if it is anticipated that the patient will be unable to eat for more than 7 days perioperatively. It is also indicated in patients who cannot maintain oral intake above 60% of recommended intake for more than 10 days. In these situations nutritional support should be initiated without delay. Delay of surgery for preoperative EN is recommended for patients at severe nutritional risk, defined by the presence of at least one of the following criteria: weight loss >10-15% within 6 months, BMI<18.5 kg/m(2), Subjective Global Assessment Grade C, serum albumin <30 g/l (with no evidence of hepatic or renal dysfunction). Altogether, it is strongly recommended not to wait until severe undernutrition has developed, but to start EN therapy early, as soon as a nutritional risk becomes apparent.

[Contraction of the hip and fecal drainage via a fistula tract 30 years after "appendectomy"]

A 46-year-old female was admitted with increasing fecal drainage via a fistula tract in the right inguinal region. She had a history of surgery for appendicitis 30 years previously, from which there was disturbed wound healing resulting in a blunt fistula, and the patient suffered from contraction of the right hip. Computed tomographic scan and ultrasound demonstrated an inflammatory mass in the right inguinal region. Colonoscopy demonstrated a stenosis of the rectosigmoid junction but did not provide any further specific information. Surgery revealed the presumed diagnosis of complicated Crohn's disease, but an advanced squamous cell carcinoma was also identified. The patient died 23 months later due to generalized tumor. Although malignant transformation of a fistula tract is rare, this case demonstrates that long-standing fistulas should be cured as far as possible without significant morbidity. In the case of incurable fistulas, malignancy must definitely be excluded if the clinical appearance of the fistula changes.

[Surgical approach is toxic colitis]

Toxic colitis is still a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Mortality rates depend on the severity of the disease and range from 2% to 30%. Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary and structured therapeutic steps from conservative to operative treatment seem to be most effective. The surgical option for toxic colitis usually is subtotal colectomy with closure of the rectal stump or mucus fistula and ileostomy. This procedure allows the reconstructive operation later on. In selected cases and suitable situations a primary colectomy with ilealpouch are also possible depending on local and general effects.

Prospective pilot study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin in resectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer. Analysis of 42 neoadjuvant chemotherapies

PURPOSE

Since there are currently no data available from a prospective trial, the primary objective of this prospective study was to investigate whether the rate of R0-liver resections without morbidity would be at least 50 % in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

42 patients were treated with a biweekly FOLFOX regimen. Chemotherapy consisted of a 2-hour infusion of folinic acid (FOL) 500 mg/m2, followed by a 24-hour infusion of 5- fluorouracil (F) 2000 mg/m2 daily for two days. Oxaliplatin (OX) 85 mg/m 2 was given simultaneously with FOL. Treatment allocation was randomized with either 3 or 6 cycles for the final 30 patients. A liver resection was performed 2 to 5 weeks after the final infusion.

RESULTS

An objective response was observed in 20 of 42 patients (response rate was 27 % higher after 6 cycles). Liver resection (R0) could be performed in 34 patients. Postoperative complications were reported in 14 patients (13 occurring within 30 days after resection) and severe complications in 5 cases (including two deaths after extended resection). Liver failure and persistent biliary fistula were the most frequently documented complications. There was no relevant difference in safety criteria between 3 and 6 applications.

CONCLUSION

The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable liver metastases induced significant remissions without increasing morbidity. The rate of severe complications and cases of no R0-resection in this study was 31 % and was with that significantly lower than 50 % (95 % CI 17.6 %-47.1 %). The risk to the patient is therefore acceptable when undergoing neoadjuvant treatment in a prospective intergroup trial.

[Vulnerability of ileocoecal interposition pouch and colonic J-pouch to postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy]

AIM

The interposition of an ileocoecal segment has been introduced as an alternative procedure to impair the functional outcome following total mesorectal excision (TME). Up to now, there is no information concerning the effect of postoperative radiotherapy on the functional outcome of this method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We compared functional outcome, anorectal physiology, and radiation therapy-related morbidity of 18 patients treated with TME und ileocoecal interposition (ICI) of which ten had postoperative radiotherapy, with 15 patients who had TME and colonic J-pouch (CJP) reconstruction of which 7 were subjected to radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Patients with no radiotherapy revealed a satisfying functional result with a similar median frequency of defecation of 4.25 (2-5) and 3 (2-6) and an incontinence-score of 2.8 (0-6) and 1.0 (0-2) after ICI and CJP, respectively. Median stool frequency (7 (2-11) (ICI) and 5 (2.5-11) (CJP)) and incontinence score (6 (0-12) (ICI) and 7 (6-12) (CJP)) were markedly increased in both groups after radiotherapy. Besides a reduced anal resting pressure, a lower compliance and a smaller volume of the neorectum were observed in the irradiated patients. A radiogenic injury which required surgery was seen in 4/10 patients after ICI. In three of these four patients the interposed ileocoecal segment was mainly affected. None of the patients treated with a CJP suffered a similar complication.

DISCUSSION

These data indicate that postoperative radiotherapy severely impairs the functional outcome after TME independent of the type of surgery used for reconstruction, and causes a significant morbidity after ICI.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiotherapy following TME should be indicated cautiously, and ICI should not be used if postoperative radiotherapy is intended.

Negative side-effects of retention sutures for abdominal wound closure. A prospective randomised study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of retention sutures on the postoperative course of patients after major abdominal operations.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital, Germany.

SUBJECTS

95 patients who were at increased risk of wound failure after major abdominal operations.

INTERVENTION

Conventional mass closure either with (n = 44) or without (n = 51) reinforcement by wire retention sutures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain intensity on postoperative days 3, 6, 9, and 12, patients' acceptance, retention-suture-related morbidity, general morbidity.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain was overall more severe with retention sutures. On day 6, 31/49 control patients but only 13/41 patients with retention sutures were pain-free (p = 0.003, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.51). Twelve of 44 patients with retention sutures developed local complications of the sutures, and 21 of the 44 had to have them removed prematurely, in most cases because of intolerable pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention sutures used to close abdominal wounds cause inconvenience, pain, and specific morbidity.

Stoma care nurses: good value for money?

Decreasing financial resources in health services often lead to wholesale budget reducing in hospitals. Enterostomal therapists are more and more concerned by this situation. Data on the cost-effectiveness of stoma therapy have not existed, a gap filled by the present study. From January to December 1996 data from 94 patients about therapy-related costs, outcome, and evaluation of stoma therapy from the patient's point of view were ascertained prospectively. For an average (SD) of 14.6 (7.1) patient contacts for stoma planning, advice, care, and so on the average duration was 12.9 (9.1) minutes per contact. At an average exchange rate of 1.50 German marks (DM) per US dollar in 1996 the enterostomal therapist's part of the total staff costs was US$15,212 (2.7%), the cost of stoma products was US$7750 (4.5% of the total costs of medical supplies). About 89.3% of the patients classified the enterostomal therapist necessary and indispensable; 70.3% of the patients said they could cope with their stoma very well to well at the time of questioning. In contrast, 69.2% of those questioned declared that without the care by the enterostomal therapist in hospital they would be able to cope with their stoma only poorly to very poorly. We conclude that from the patient's point of view the costs of our stoma therapy are justifiably low. Therefore we see no reason for a discussion about rationalization measures regarding our stoma therapy staff.

[Problems in calculating and recalculating case fees and special reimbursements exemplified by a general surgery clinic]

A calculation of costs for the not perforated appendicitis was performed. The main costs are the nursing costs on ward. As one of the consequences we have to prove the intensity of nursing and the resulting classification to reduce the depending more costs of 200 DM.

[Mesh-plasty for recurrent abdominal wall hernias--results]

The rates of re-recurrent hernias after initial abdominal wall hernia repair are high. To reduce this intolerable high recurrence rate, 31 patients were treated by polypropylene-mesh implantation and followed up for about 3 years. Two new hernias could be diagnosed and were treated without problems by repeated implantation of Prolene-mesh. About 50% of patients complain of some pain at the edges of the implanted mesh--usually this makes only very few discomfort for the patients. The Polypropylene (Prolene) mesh implantation seems to reduce re-recurrence rates compared to published results of hernia repair without mesh implantation.

Transintestinal elimination of ciprofloxacin in humans--concomitant assessment of its metabolites in serum, ileum and colon

Ciprofloxacin (200 mg) was infused to seven patients at the beginning of elective colorectal surgery. Thirty minutes after the end of infusion (i.e. 60 min after the start of the operation) ciprofloxacin reached concentrations of 1.60 mg/l in serum and of 3.42-6.07 mg/kg fresh weight in the ileum and colon. During the next 30 min (90 min after the start of operation) the concentration of ciprofloxacin in serum decreased to 86% of its initial level, but this decrease was less rapid than that observed in the ileal (to 56.8%) or colonic (to 74.8%) mucosa. Three metabolites could be identified (desethylen-, sulpho-, oxociprofloxacin). Initially, at 60 min the amount of these metabolites was about 15% of the total drug concentration in serum, but only 2-3% of that in the gut tissues. At 90 min the relative amount of metabolites was increased in serum as well as in the gut tissues. It is concluded that transintestinal elimination of ciprofloxacin is a general feature of the whole gut. Obviously, the elimination process is not due to degradation of ciprofloxacin within the gut wall.

Laser-assisted removal of a foreign body from the colon

An 81-year-old woman underwent a colonoscopy because of a sigmoiditis poorly responding to conservative therapy. A rod-shaped foreign body found in the sigma proved impossible to remove conventionally. Irradiation with a low laser energy caused the foreign body to break apart, after which its extraction was straightforward. The further clinical course was uncomplicated. In this case a partial sigmoidectomy would have been indicated had the laser-supported extraction not been successful. The authors suggest that a similar procedure could be helpful in the management of foreign bodies in the esophagus.

Whole gut irrigation and Prepacol laxative preparation for colonoscopy: a comparison

Two techniques for preparation of the colon for colonoscopy were compared in a controlled trial. Fifty patients given a low residue diet and the laxative Prepacol were compared with 50 patients given whole gut irrigation. Significantly more patients suffered from vomiting (P = 0.0005), shivering (P = 0.0062) and nausea (P = 0.031) following irrigation; in two cases the procedure had to be abandoned because of profuse vomiting. Irrigation was less well tolerated by the patients (P = 0.00002) than preparation with Prepacol. On the other hand, the quality of bowel preparation was found to be better (P = 0.0005) after irrigation. On two occasions colonoscopy was not possible following Prepacol preparation because of faecal residue. Patients with a previous colorectal resection showed a similar quality of cleansing to those patients prepared with irrigation. We conclude that Prepacol is as efficient as irrigation for patients who have had a previous colorectal resection because the quality of bowel preparation is as good and the associated patient discomfort is small.

Endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy: early results of a consecutive trial

Percutaneous tracheostomy is increasingly being used for patients needing prolonged ventilatory support. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of widespread application of endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Sixty-one consecutive ICU patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation underwent bedside endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Using a modified Ciaglia technique, a #6-10 tracheostomy tube was introduced between the second and third tracheal rings. Bronchoscopic transillumination facilitated identification of the appropriate tracheostomy site, and verified satisfactory placement of dilators and tracheostomy tube. There was one procedure-related death due to arrhythmia. Procedure-related complications included (n = 7): bleeding (controlled with local pressure), two infections, two cuff tears, and two obstructions of the tracheal tube. The tracheostomy was eventually removed in 13 patients. Bronchoscopic evaluation of three patients at 4 months post-tracheostomy removal was normal and there has been no clinical evidence suggestive of tracheal stenosis in the remaining ten extubated patients. There was a 50% reduction in cost when compared to operative tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a simple, safe, cost-effective bedside procedure for critically ill ventilator-dependent patients. Endoscopic guidance appears to increase the safety of this procedure and may prevent complications of pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and paratracheal false passage previously reported with blinded percutaneous methods.

Percutaneous endoscopic tracheostomy

Bedside percutaneous tracheostomies are increasingly performed. This avoids patient transport to the operating room. Complications of this procedure are largely related to the blind nature of the technique. After laboratory studies, 4 patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic guided tracheostomy in a selective clinical trial. There were no procedure-related complications. Endoscopic guidance ensures precise low tracheostomy position, prevents paratracheal tube misplacement, and avoids inadvertent injuries.

Analysis of 5-OH-indoles in human gut biopsy tissues by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection

A method was devised for the rapid simultaneous determination of major indoles in human gut tissues. Analysis with picomol detection limits was done by HPLC on a C(18) reversed-phase column with fluorimetric detection at 276/350 nm. This simple method for which there is no necessity of derivatization or purification was validated for routine analysis of small mucosa samples (less than 4 mg fresh weight) obtainable during endoscopy. A comprehensive list of 5-OH-indole compounds in human gut tissue is presented.

Analysis of tryptophan, tyrosine and related dipeptides in mouse brain by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography with switchable wavelength fluorescence detection

Tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) are pharmacologically active compounds which, after administration of adequate doses, are increased in level in the brain, and stimulate neurotransmitter synthesis. Trp and Tyr containing dipeptides were tested as possible substitutes with regard to the effect on precursor level in the brain. Glycyltryptophan, alanyl-tryptophan and glycyl-tyrosine were intravenously applied to young female mice and the brain levels of dipeptides, Trp and Tyr measured 30 min after application. Neurotransmitter precursor levels in the brain increased similarly in all cases. The results suggest that the dipeptides are as effective as the single amino acids and may be superior because of their better solubility.

Percutaneous endoscopic duodenostomy (PED). Case report

Surgeons are increasingly using endoscopy to place transabdominal feeding tubes for enteral nutrition or gastric decompression. A possible extension for the application of this new technique is the direct placement of the feeding tube into the duodenal bulb. Two patients are presented in whom percutaneous endoscopic duodenostomy was successfully performed, although percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was not possible. It shows that this new method is technically possible. In both patients the positive influence of this technique on the patient's quality of life could be shown using the Spitzer Quality of Life Index and the Karnofsky Performance Status. Enteral nutrition was maintained for more than 6 weeks.

Quality of life: an important endpoint both in surgical practice and research

Surgery asks patients to trade present discomfort and risk for future gains. Although research reports on the effectiveness of surgery have largely focused on mortality, length of hospital stay, major complications, and laboratory analyses, the principal criteria guiding surgeons' clinical decisions and patients' acceptance of treatment are most often the patients' subjective feelings and capabilities, the quality of their lives. This is true for both major and minor surgical procedures. We discuss the role of information on functional capacity, overall well-being, and quality of life in the assessment of surgical outcomes. Broadening the choice of endpoints beyond traditional, so-called "hard" variables in surgical studies has advantages for both surgeons and patients.

Long-term results of Troidl's technique of endoscopic pneumatic dilatation for achalasia of the esophagus. A prospective clinical trial

In a prospective clinical trial, 26 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic pneumatic dilatation over a 10-year period. Dilatation was achieved by means of a balloon attached to a normal gastrointestinal fiberscope. With the endoscope in an inverse position, the device was placed in the cardia and the dilatation process was monitored macroscopically. Before dilatation, patients suffered from dysphagia (92%), reduced speed of swallowing (100%), symptom aggravation under stress (73%), weight loss (50%), aspiration, pain, regurgitation, and vomiting. After dilatation and long-term follow-up (mean of 5 years), symptoms could be markedly reduced, especially the speed of eating and symptom aggravation under stress. Excellent and good results (Visick scale) were achieved in 76%. Fair results were achieved in 20%. To date, perforation and other complications have not occurred. Mortality was zero. Our series was an uncontrolled trial, so the results are hardly comparable to other studies. Furthermore, the small number of patients in our study represents a weak point with regard to complications. We conclude that the main advantages of the procedure are its simplicity and practicability. The simple procedure may be the method of choice in elderly patients. Of course, no final decision can be made until a well-designed controlled trial has been carried out.

[Gastric outlet stenosis (benign): definition, incidence, therapy?]

According to a strict definition of a benign gastric outlet obstruction i.e. delayed vomiting, changing of symptoms, weight loss and intraoperative test by Hegardilators (less than 14), 2.2% real stenoses among 619 operative treated duodenal ulcer patients were found. All patients were treated by SPV and digital dilatation of the stenosis through a gastrotomy. During up to a 10 year follow-up no reoperation was necessary. All patients showed Visick-classification of I and II. In conclusion SPV with digital dilatation showed good clinical results for patients with benign gastric outlet obstruction in long-term follow up.

[Dissociation behavior of peptide diets]

The solution stability of different diets (Peptisorb, Salvipeptid, Survimed and Survimed neutral) was investigated. All diets exert a more or less cream formation. Additionally in some of them one can observe the sedimentation of particulates. When these diets were pumped out of the nutrient bag, as usually done in clinical practice during enteral nutrition, some of them produce an effluent, which contains a high portion of sedimenting particulates at the beginning of the infusion. All of them show a very high colloidal portion in the last pumping fraction. The question is raised, whether these phenomena may lead to an osmotic burden of the bowel, thus in consequence, causing the often observed diarrhoea in tube fed patients.

[Modern technics of tube feeding]

A prospective study was done in 101 patients and clinical usefulness of a fine needle-catheter-jejunostomy was investigated; this procedure was modified according to the procedure devised by Delany (2). The instruments used were two split canules and a polyurethane catheter (inner diameter 2.1 mm); these instruments are simple, safe and can be applied quickly. Formation of fistulae, peritonitis, ileus or deaths caused by the procedure could not be observed. The catheter needs to have certain mechanical qualities as e.g. sufficient rigidity. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is an alternative to corresponding surgery procedure. The stomach is punctured under sight and a Foley catheter is applied immediately. We performed this procedure without major complications in seven cases, and found it to be very useful. The techniques described here are essentially important if the advantages of the enteral as compared to the parenteral nutrition are to be made use of. As soon as the problems of diarrhea and belching are solved, tube feeding will offer in the near future a real alternative to parenteral nutrition, especially in patients who need long time artificial nutrition.

[Effect of immunoglobulin and antibiotic in E. coli infection of malnourished mice]

Malnourished mice, which exert a greater susceptibility to E.coli induced intraperitoneal infection than standard fed animals, cannot be protected by application of immunoglobulin (2 X 10(5) cells/animal). If, however, an antibiotic (mezlocillin, 500 mg/kg s.c.) is given shortly after infection, the surviving rate increases dramatically to 42%. This effect is enhanced to 63% survival, if the infected animals receive an additional dose of immunoglobulin.