Multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs in rats

Background

Multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs would be a potential treatment for severe pelvic floor dysfunction with fecal and urinary incontinence, extensive perineal trauma, or congenital disorders. Here, we describe the microsurgical technique of multivisceral transplantation of pelvic organs, including the pelvic floor, in rats.

Donor operation

We performed a perineal (including the genitalia, anus, muscles, and ligaments) and abdominal incision. The dissection progressed near the pelvic ring, dividing ligaments, muscles, external iliac vessels, and pudendal nerves, allowing pelvic floor mobilization. The aorta and vena cava were isolated distally, preserving the internal iliac and gonadal vessels. The graft containing the skin, muscles, ligaments, bladder, ureter, rectum, anus and vagina, uterus and ovarian (female), or penile, testis and its ducts (male) was removed en bloc, flushed, and cold-stored.

Recipient operation

The infrarenal aorta and vena cava were isolated and donor/recipient aorta-aorta and cava-cava end-to-side microanastomoses were performed. After pelvic floor and viscera removal, we performed microanastomoses between the donor and the recipient ureter, and the rectum and pudenda nerves. The pelvic floor was repositioned in its original position (orthotopic model) or the abdominal wall (heterotopic model). We sacrificed the animals 2 h after surgery.

Results

We performed seven orthotopic and four heterotopic transplantations. One animal from the orthotopic model and one from the heterotopic model died because of technical failure. Six orthotopic and three heterotopic recipients survived up to 2 h after transplantation.

Conclusion

The microsurgical technique for pelvic floor transplantation in rats is feasible, achieving an early survival rate of 81.82%.

What is the role of heat shock protein in abdominal organ transplantation?

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a pathophysiological event occuring after abdominal organ transplantation, and has a significant influence on prognosis and survival of the graft. It is involved in delaying the primary function or non-functioning of the graft. The objective of this study was to provide information on heat shock protein mechanisms in ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations, and to indicate the possible factors involved that may influence the graft outcome. Several classes of heat shock proteins are part of the ischemia and reperfusion process, both as inflammatory agonists and in protecting the process. Studies involving heat shock proteins enhance knowledge on ischemia-reperfusion injury mitigation processes and the mechanisms involved in the survival of abdominal grafts, and open space to support therapeutic future clinical studies, minimizing ischemia and reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations. Expression of heat shock proteins is associated with inflammatory manifestations and ischemia-reperfusion injuries in abdominal organ transplantations and may influence graft outcomes.

Gastrointestinal Tract Reconstruction in Adults with Ultra-Short Bowel Syndrome: Surgical and Nutritional Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Historically, adults with ultra short bowel syndrome (USBS) have been considered candidates for lifetime parenteral nutrition (PN) or are referred for visceral transplantation. We examined the surgical and nutritional outcomes of adult patients with USBS managed at a single intestinal rehabilitation center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 588 adult patients referred to our center between January 2013 and December 2018. USBS was defined as residual small bowel (SB) length ≤ 50 cm.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients (7.6%) with a mean age of 46.7 years (range 17-78) were identified. Indications for enterectomy included mesenteric ischemia (n=17) and internal hernias (n=6), followed by large intraabdominal fibroids, trauma, and allograft enterectomies, with five cases each. Median SB length was 18.0 cm; 20 patients (44.4%) had their entire SB resected. Thirteen patients had an intact colon, of which nine had preservation of the ileocecal valve. Patients who underwent autologous reconstruction of their gastrointestinal (GI) tract required a lower total PN volume (29.0 ± 7.6 vs. 40.8 ± 13.2 ml/Kg/day, p=0.002) and presented better short- and long- term survival (p=0.005). Patients with no gut had higher mortality (p=0.036). Hormonal therapy with the glucagon-like peptide-2 analog teduglutide was used in nine patients (20%) five of whom were weaned off TPN. Excluding patients with no gut (n=20), discontinuation of total PN rate for patients with an end ostomy or tube decompression (n= 6), jejunocolostomy (n= 10), and jejunoileostomy (n=9) were 0%, 40%, and 77.7%, respectively. Eleven patients (44%) with some residual small intestine achieved nutritional autonomy in an average of 20 months after GI reconstruction. Fifteen patients were listed for transplantation (33.3%). Seven patients underwent isolated SB transplantation and achieved nutritional autonomy in an average of three months after transplantation. One-year patient and graft survival were 100%. After a 37-month median follow-up period, 36 of 42 patients followed by our center were still alive (85.7%).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional autonomy can be achieved in a significant number of patients with USBS in specialized centers with surgical and/or hormonal therapy. The presence of an intact colon and ileocecal valve can significantly increase the adaptation rate. Moreover, restoration of GI tract continuity has a positive impact on medical management and survival.

Functional outcome of autologous anorectal transplantation in an experimental model

BACKGROUND

Although anorectal transplantation is a challenging procedure, it is a promising option for patients who have completely lost anorectal function or in whom it failed to develop, as in congenital malformations. The paucity of animal models with which to test functional outcomes was addressed in this study of anorectal manometry in rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were assigned randomly to four groups: orthotopic anorectal transplantation, heterotopic transplantation, sham operation, or normal control. Bodyweight and anal pressure were measured immediately before and after operation, and on postoperative days 7 and 14. ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to compare results for bodyweight, anal manometry and length of procedure.

RESULTS

Immediately after the procedure, mean(s.d.) anal pressure in the orthotopic group (n = 13) dropped from 31·4(13·1) to 1·6(13·1) cmH2 O (P < 0·001 versus both sham operation (n = 13) and normal control (n = 15)), with partial recovery on postoperative day 7 (14·9(13·9) cmH2 O) (P = 0·009 versus normal control) and complete recovery on day 14 (23·7(12·2) cmH2 O). Heterotopic rats (n = 14) demonstrated partial functional recovery: mean(s.d.) anal pressure was 26·9(10·9) cmH2 O before operation and 8·6(6·8) cmH2 O on postoperative day 14 (P < 0·001 versus both sham and normal control).

CONCLUSION

Orthotopic anorectal transplantation may result in better functional outcomes than heterotopic procedures. Surgical relevance Patients with a permanent colostomy have limited continence. Treatment options are available, but anorectal transplantation may offer hope. Some experimental studies have been conducted, but available data are currently insufficient to translate into a clinical option. This paper details functional outcomes in a rat model of anorectal autotransplantation. It represents a step in the translational research that may lead to restoration of anorectal function in patients who have lost or have failed to develop it.

An analysis of tacrolimus-related complications in the first 30 days after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Orthotopic liver transplantation has improved survival in patients with end-stage liver disease; however, therapeutic strategies that achieve ideal immunosuppression and avoid early complications are lacking. To correlate the dose and level of Tacrolimus with early complications, e.g., rejection, infection and renal impairment, after liver transplantation. From November 2011 to May 2013, 44 adult liver transplant recipients were studied in this retrospective comparative study.

RESULTS

The most frequent indication for liver transplantation was hepatitis C cirrhosis (47.7%), with a higher prevalence observed in male patients (68.18%). The ages of the subjects ranged from 19-71 and the median age was 55.5 years. The mean length of the hospital stay was 16.1±9.32 days and the mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 26.18±4.28. There were five cases of acute cellular rejection (11.37%) and 16 cases of infection (36.37%). The blood samples that were collected and analyzed over time showed a significant correlation between the Tacrolimus blood level and the deterioration of glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine (p<0.05). Patients with infections had a higher serum level of Tacrolimus (p = 0.012). The dose and presence of rejection were significantly different (p = 0.048) and the mean glomerular filtration rate was impaired in patients who underwent rejection compared with patients who did not undergo rejection (p = 0.0084).

CONCLUSION

Blood Tacrolimus levels greater than 10 ng/ml were correlated with impaired renal function. Doses greater than 0.15 mg/kg/day were associated with the prevention of acute cellular rejection but predisposed patients to infectious disease.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in liver transplant patients: clinical presentation, risk factors and initial management

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon but well-known complication after transplantation diagnosed by characteristic radiological features. As limited data on this complex syndrome exist we sought to better define the incidence, clinical presentation and risk factors for PRES in liver transplant (LTx) patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1923 adult LTx recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2010. PRES was diagnosed radiologically in 19 patients (1%), with 84% of cases occurring within 3 months post-LTX. We compared this cohort of PRES patients to 316 other LTx recipients also requiring radiographic imaging within 3 months after LTx for neurological symptoms. Seizure was the most common clinical manifestation in the PRES group (88% vs. 16%, p< 0.001) and 31% had an intracranial hemorrhage. Those with hemorrhage on imaging were more likely to be coagulopathic. PRES patients were significantly more likely to have had alcoholic liver disease and infection/sepsis. These factors may be related to a common pathway of vascular dysregulation/damage that appears to characterize this complex syndrome. Intracranial bleeding and seizures may be the end result of these phenomena. The relationship of these associated factors to the hypothesized pathophysiology of PRES is discussed.

Motives and decision making of potential living liver donors: comparisons between gender, relationships and ambivalence

The motives and decision making of potential living liver donors are critical areas for transplant clinicians evaluating these candidates to understand, yet these topics remain relatively unstudied. Thus, we surveyed 77 prospective living liver donors at the point of donation evaluation using structured instruments to gather more information on their approach to and concerns about donation. We collected information on donation decision making, motives for donation and anticipated social and physical concerns about postdonation outcomes. We examined three additional characteristics of donors: gender, the relationship of the donor to the intended recipient and the presence of ambivalence about donation. Women had more concerns about their family/social responsibilities. Those donating to nonimmediate family were more likely to have been asked to donate but less likely to feel they had to donate. However, ambivalent donors were the most distinct having difficulties and concerns across most areas from their motivations for donating, to deciding to be tested and to donate, to concerns about the postdonation outcomes. We discuss the clinical relevance of these findings to donor evaluation and preparation.

An innovative sphincter preserving pull-through technique with en bloc colon and small bowel transplantation

This report describes a new innovative pull-through technique of hindgut reconstruction with en bloc small bowel and colon transplantation in a Crohn's disease patient with irreversible intestinal failure. The approach was intersphincteric and the anastomosis was established between the allograft colon and the recipient anal verge with achievement of full nutritional autonomy and anal continence.

Sustained Gastric Mucosal Acidosis After Hemorrhage in Spite of Rapid Hemodynamic Restoration With Blood or Hypertonic/Hyperoncotic Solution

Splanchnic hypoperfusion has been implicated as the motor of multiple organ dysfunction. Hypertonic saline has shown to benefit microcirculatory blood flow. In hemorrhaged animals, we tested the hypothesis that small-volume 3% NaCl/10% dextran 40 (3%HSD) promotes global and regional improvements, including gastric mucosal acidosis reversal. Seventeen dogs (18.8 +/- 1.2 kg) were bled (20 mL/min) to a mean arterial pressure of 40-45 mm Hg, which was maintained at these levels for 15 min. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Blood (n = 9), total shed blood retransfused at 40 mL/min; or a 4-min bolus injection of 3%HSD (n = 8), in a volume equivalent to 25% of total shed blood. All animals were followed for 30 min thereafter. Gastric mucosal PCO2 (gas tonometry), portal vein PCO2, superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMA, ultrasonic flowprobes), and systemic and regional O2-derived variables were evaluated throughout the protocol. Hemorrhage induced significant reductions of arterial pressure, cardiac output, and SMA blood flow, while portal-arterial and gastric-arterial PCO2 gradients increased. Total shed blood transfusion, as well as 3%HSD bolus injection, promptly restored all parameters, except for the increased gastric-arterial PCO2 gradient. We conclude that persistent gastric mucosal acidosis cannot be adequately predicted by global and splanchnic O2 derived variables in following hemorrhage and resuscitation with total shed blood transfusion or small-volume hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution.

Cholesterol-lowering properties of whole cowpea seed and its protein isolate in hamsters

Hypercholesterolemic hamsters were fed for 4 wk on diets rich in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, differing only in protein source (20 %): casein (control group, HC), whole cowpea seed (HWS), and cowpea protein isolate (HPI). Hamsters fed on HWS and HPI presented significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. HPI and HC presented similar protein digestibility, which were significantly higher than that of HWS. Animals fed on HWS presented significantly higher levels of bile acids and cholesterol in feces than did the animals fed on casein or HPI diets. Histological analyses of the liver showed that HC diet resulted in steatosis widely distributed throughout the hepatic lobule, while HWS and HPI diets promoted reductions in liver steatosis. The effectiveness of HWS for modulating lipid metabolism was greater than that of HPI, as measured by plasma cholesterol reduction and liver steatosis.

Small volume of hypertonic saline as the initial fluid replacement in experimental hypodynamic sepsis

INTRODUCTION

We conducted the present study to examine the effects of hypertonic saline solution (7.5%) on cardiovascular function and splanchnic perfusion in experimental sepsis.

METHODS

Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs received an intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli over 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, they were randomized to receive lactated Ringer's solution 32 ml/kg (LR; n = 7) over 30 minutes or 7.5% hypertonic saline solution 4 ml/kg (HS; n = 8) over 5 minutes. They were observed without additional interventions for 120 minutes. Cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal and renal blood flow (PBF and RBF, respectively), gastric partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2; gas tonometry), blood gases and lactate levels were assessed.

RESULTS

E. coli infusion promoted significant reductions in CO, MAP, PBF and RBF (approximately 45%, 12%, 45% and 25%, respectively) accompanied by an increase in lactate levels and systemic and mesenteric oxygen extraction (sO2ER and mO2ER). Widening of venous-arterial (approximately 15 mmHg), portal-arterial (approximately 18 mmHg) and gastric mucosal-arterial (approximately 55 mmHg) pCO2 gradients were also observed. LR and HS infusion transiently improved systemic and regional blood flow. However, HS infusion was associated with a significant and sustained reduction of systemic (18 +/- 2.6 versus 38 +/- 5.9%) and mesenteric oxygen extraction (18.5 +/- 1.9 versus 36.5 +/- 5.4%), without worsening other perfusional markers.

CONCLUSION

A large volume of LR or a small volume of HS promoted similar transient hemodynamic benefits in this sepsis model. However, a single bolus of HS did promote sustained reduction of systemic and mesenteric oxygen extraction, suggesting that hypertonic saline solution could be used as a salutary intervention during fluid resuscitation in septic patients.

Systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of enalaprilat infusion in experimental normotensive sepsis

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to improve splanchnic perfusion in distinct shock states. We hypothesized that enalaprilat potentiates the benefits of early fluid resuscitation in severe experimental sepsis, particularly in the splanchnic region. Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs received an intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli over a period of 30 min. Thereafter, two interventions were performed: fluid infusion (normal saline, 32 mL/kg over 30 min) and enalaprilat infusion (0.02 mg kg(-1) min(-1) for 60 min) in randomized groups. The following groups were studied: controls (fluid infusion, N = 4), E1 (enalaprilat infusion followed by fluid infusion, N = 5) and E2 (fluid infusion followed by enalaprilat infusion, N = 5). All animals were observed for a 120 min after bacterial infusion. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output (CO), portal vein blood flow (PVBF), systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables, and lactate levels were measured. Rapid and progressive reductions in CO and PVBF were induced by the infusion of live bacteria, while minor changes were observed in mean arterial pressure. Systemic and regional territories showed a significant increase in oxygen extraction and lactate levels. Widening venous-arterial and portal-arterial pCO2 gradients were also detected. Fluid replacement promoted transient benefits in CO and PVBF. Enalaprilat after fluid resuscitation did not affect systemic or regional hemodynamic variables. We conclude that in this model of normotensive sepsis inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme did not interfere with the course of systemic or regional hemodynamic and oxygen-derived variables.

Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula: a rare complication of gallbladder disease

CONTEXT

Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous abscess or fistula is an extremely uncommon complication secondary to cholecystitis. Over the past 50 years fewer than 20 cases of spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistulas have been described in the medical literature. We here report a case of subcutaneous gallstone as a rare clinical presentation of the already uncommon cholecystocutaneous fistula.

CASE REPORT

An 81-year-old man presented with a large subcutaneous abscess in the right subcostal area with surrounding cellulitis and crepitus. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed two subcutaneous gallstones and communication between the abscess and the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy was performed and the abdominal wall abscess was drained externally. This case report demonstrates that maintaining a high degree of suspicion of this rare entity is helpful in achieving correct preoperative diagnosis, and that computed tomography scan should be performed in all cases of unexplained abdominal wall suppuration or cellulitis.

Mechanisms of Action of Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Small volumes of 7.5% NaCl (2400mOsm/L) have been extensive evaluated in animal models of hemorrhagic shock and in clinical trials of post-traumatic hypotension and as volume support for complex cardiovascular procedures. Hypertonic solutions promote immediate blood volume expansion, restore cardiac output and regional blood flows, improve microcirculation and modulate immune responses, thereby decreasing inflammatory responses triggered by shock and trauma. A large number of very interesting in vivo and in vitro experiments highlighted that hypertonic saline resuscitation may decrease susceptibility to post-traumatic sepsis, modulate trauma and sepsis-induced immune dysfunction, inflammatory response and apoptosis. All those long-term benefits associated with hypertonic resuscitation may be of potential relevance for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action of hypertonic saline based on experimental studies as well as its efficacy and safety based on its clinical use. We believe those studies support the need for additional experimental and clinical studies before the widespread use of hypertonic solutions for the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.

[Early effects of 7.5% hypertonic saline solution on splanchnic perfusion after hemorrhagic shock]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of SSH resuscitation on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic variables in an experimental model of controlled hemorrhagic shock.

METHODS

Ten mongrel dogs were bled (20 ml/min) to a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40+/-5 mmHg. After 30 minutes of shock, animals received SSH infused in 5-minute and they were observed for 60 minutes thereafter. Systemic hemodynamics were evaluated through a Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters while gastrointestinal tract perfusion by a catheter inside the portal vein, an ultrasonic flowprobe around portal vein blood flow (PVBF) and a gastric tonometer. Splanchnic oxygen delivery and consumption, intramucosal pH and veno-arterial, portal-arterial and mucosal-arterial pCO2-gradients (D(ap-a)pCO2, D(vp-a)pCO2 e D(t-a)pCO2, respectively) were assessed.

RESULTS

Hemorrhage (29.8+/-2.4 ml/Kg) induced significant decreases in MAP (125+/-6 to 42+/-1 mmHg), in CO (1.9+/-0.2 to 0.6+/-0.1 L/min), and PVBF (504+/-73 to 126+/-12 ml/min) while significant increases were detected in D(ap-a)pCO2 (5.3+/-0.8 to 19.9+/-1.6 mmHg) D(vp-a)pCO2 (5.4+/-1.4 to 22.6+/-2.1 mmHg) and D(t-a)pCO2 (6.1+/-1.1 to 43.8+/-7.5 mmHg). SSH infusion promoted only partial benefits in systemic and splanchnic blood flows. Reduced pCO2 gradients but fewer effects in D(t-a)pCO2 were observed.

CONCLUSION

The SSH infusion promoted partial systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic benefits. Those benefits were especially poor at the splanchnic microcirculation, as evaluated by D(t-a)pCO2. In addition, systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables do not reflect the regional microcirculation disturbances. Gastrointestinal tonometry clearly represents a useful tool for monitoring splanchnic perfusion in patients in hemodynamic shock.

Severe pulmonary disease due to multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease in a horse

Multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease was diagnosed histologically in a 17-year-old Quarter Horse intact mare that was presented with a chronic history of respiratory distress. At necropsy, the lungs were poorly collapsed and the pulmonary parenchyma contained innumerable, discrete, spherical nodules in a miliary pattern. A few similar nodules were scattered in the liver and the renal lymph nodes. Histologically, these nodules consisted of fibrosing eosinophilic granulomas. Based on histologic findings and the absence of an etiologic agent, a diagnosis of multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease was made.

Hepatic Arterial Buffer Response Fails to Restore Hepatic Oxygenation After Temporary Liver Dearterialization in Canines

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery thrombosis is a rare but extremely troublesome condition after liver transplantation. Recently, urgent arterial revascularization has been used as rescue therapy, leading to improved graft and patient survivals. Hepatic artery ligation produces a progressive reduction in portal vein blood flow. Theoretically, a hyperemic response may be expected following hepatic artery reperfusion (hepatic artery buffer response, HABR). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that HABR can maintain adequate liver oxygenation after temporary liver dearterialization.

METHODS

Seven dogs (19.7 +/- 1.2 kg) subjected to 60 minutes of hepatic artery occlusion were observed for 120 minutes thereafter. Systemic hemodynamics was evaluated through Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters, and splanchnic perfusion by portal vein and hepatic artery blood flows (PVBF and HABF) via an ultrasonic flowprobe. Liver enzymes (ALT and LDH) and systemic and hepatic oxygen delivery (DO2hepat) were calculated using standard formulae.

RESULTS

Hepatic artery occlusion induced a progressive reduction in PVBF and DO2hepat. A complete restoration of HABF after hepatic artery declamping was observed; however, the DO2hepat (33.3 +/- 5.9 to 16.5 +/- 5.9 mL/min) did not return to the baseline levels.

CONCLUSION

Temporary hepatic artery occlusion induced a progressive decrease in portal vein blood flow during ischemia, an effect that continued during the reperfusion period. The hepatic artery blood flow was promptly restored after declamping. However, HABR was not able to restore hepatic oxygen delivery to baseline levels during the reperfusion period.

Active spleno-femoral shunt avoids splanchnic congestion during portal triad occlusion: an experimental study

Portal triad occlusion (PTO) is often performed during hepatic resections for trauma or malignancies to minimize intraoperative blood loss. The pringle maneuver is also regularly required during liver transplantation. This maneuver leads to temporary hepatic ischemia and may be associated with splanchnic blood flow congestion, promoting undesirable hemodynamic disturbances in some patients. Veno-venous bypass is a useful, easily performed technique that may avoid those deleterious hemodynamic effects of PTO. We tested the hypothesis that an active spleno-femoral shunt maintains hemodynamic stability and promotes complete decompression of the mesenteric bed, avoiding intestinal mucosal blood congestion, during PTO.

METHODS

Seven dogs (17.2 +/- 0.9 kg) were subjected to 45 minutes of hepatic ischemia during which there was an active spleno-femoral shunt. Systemic hemodynamics were evaluated through Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters. Splanchnic perfusion was assessed by portal vein blood flow and hepatic artery blood flow (PVBF and HABF, ultrasonic flowprobe), intestinal mucosal-arterial pCO(2) gradient (D(t-a)pCO(2), tonometry), and regional O(2)-derived variables.

RESULTS

No significant changes in systemic and regional parameters were observed during the ischemia period. During reperfusion, a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure, PVBF, and arterial pH was observed. A significant increase in ALT and D(t-a)pCO(2) (4.8 +/- 2.5 to 18.9 +/- 3 mm Hg) was also observed following hepatic blood flow restoration.

CONCLUSION

Spleno-femoral shunt maintains systemic hemodynamic stability, with an effective decompression of the splanchnic bed during portal triad occlusion. The deleterious hemodynamic and metabolic effects observed during reperfusion period, such as transitory hypotension, high D(t-a)pCO(2), and acidemia, were associated with an isolated hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, not with the blood congestion in the splanchnic bed.

Short-lasting systemic and regional benefits of early crystalloid infusion after intravenous inoculation of dogs with live Escherichia coli

We investigated the systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of early crystalloid infusion in an experimental model of septic shock induced by intravenous inoculation with live Escherichia coli. Anesthetized dogs received an intravenous infusion of 1.2 x 10(10) cfu/kg live E. coli in 30 min. After 30 min of observation, they were randomized to controls (no fluids; N = 7), or fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution, 16 ml/kg (N = 7) or 32 ml/kg (N = 7) over 30 min and followed for 120 min. Cardiac index, portal blood flow, mean arterial pressure, systemic and regional oxygen-derived variables, blood lactate, and gastric PCO2 were assessed. Rapid and progressive cardiovascular deterioration with reduction in cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and portal blood flow (approximately 50, approximately 25 and approximately 70%, respectively) was induced by the live bacteria challenge. Systemic and regional territories showed significant increases in oxygen extraction and in lactate levels. Significant increases in venous-arterial (approximately 9.6 mmHg), portal-arterial (approximately 12.1 mmHg) and gastric mucosal-arterial (approximately 18.4 mmHg) PCO2 gradients were also observed. Early fluid replacement, especially with 32 ml/kg volumes of crystalloids, promoted only partial and transient benefits such as increases of approximately 76% in cardiac index, of approximately 50% in portal vein blood flow and decreases in venous-arterial, portal-arterial, gastric mucosal-arterial PCO2 gradients (7.2 +/- 1.0, 7.2 +/- 1.3 and 9.7 +/- 2.5 mmHg, respectively). The fluid infusion promoted only modest and transient benefits, unable to restore the systemic and regional perfusional and metabolic changes in this hypodynamic septic shock model.

Intestinal obstruction induced by a giant incarcerated Spigelian hernia: case report and review of the literature

CONTEXT

Spigelian hernia is an uncommon spontaneous lateral ventral hernia with an incarceration ratio of around 20%. However, complications such as intestinal obstruction are extremely rare. We report on a case of giant incarcerated Spigelian hernia with a clinical condition of complete intestinal obstruction that was treated using prosthetic polypropylene mesh.

CASE REPORT

A 72-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department complaining of diffuse abdominal pain. Abdominal examination revealed a firm 10 x 10 cm tender mass in the lower left quadrant, without surrounding cellulite or tenderness. Plain abdominal radiographs displayed the formation of levels, thus indicating the existence of intestinal obstruction. An abdominal computed tomography scan clearly showed a fluid and air-filled mass in the soft tissue area of the lower left-side abdominal wall. Spigelian incarcerated hernia was diagnosed and the patient underwent emergency surgical repair by means of local incision. The large defect in the abdominal wall was closed up as successive anatomical layers, and a prosthetic polypropylene mesh was set into the lateral aspect of the rectus sheath. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day.

Effects of Intra-Aortic Balloon Occlusion on Intestinal Perfusion, Oxygen Metabolism and Gastric Mucosal PCO2 during Experimental Hemorrhagic Shock

BACKGROUND

Aortic occlusion has been suggested for the initial treatment of severe uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. Our objective is to determine the impact of aortic occlusion, during hemorrhagic shock, on splanchnic mucosal perfusion and to correlate these findings with other systemic and regional markers of splanchnic ischemia.

METHODS

Fourteen dogs (17 +/- 1.7 kg) anesthetized with pentobarbital were bled to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg. After 30 min, the animals were randomly assigned to controls (no aortic occlusion, n = 7) and transfemoral aortic occlusion (TAO) at T9 level (n = 7). Superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMABF, ultrasonic flow probe), gastric mucosal PCO2 (gastric tonometry) and splanchnic oxygen extraction ratio (O2ERsplanc) were evaluated for 120 min.

RESULTS

Hemorrhage caused a marked reduction in SMABF and increases in PCO2-gap and O2ERsplanc in both groups. TAO significantly improved MAP and further increased the PCO2-gap and O2ERsplanc, with a decreased SMABF. After reperfusion, SMABF, MAP and O2ERsplanc returned to pre-occlusion values, although the PCO2-gap remained higher in the TAO group.

CONCLUSION

Aortic occlusion promotes blood pressure restoration with an additional insult to mucosal perfusion, which could be adequately predicted by global and/or splanchnic oxygen-derived variables during ischemia, but not during the early reperfusion period.

Cardiac Output Determination During Experimental Hemorrhage and Resuscitation Using a Transesophageal Doppler Monitor

Transesophageal Doppler (TED) monitoring has been considered a noninvasive and accurate alternative to pulmonary artery catheterization for volume replacement and cardiac output measurement in patients undergoing major surgery. This study tested the hypothesis that TED can accurately predict cardiac output during hemorrhage, shock, and resuscitation, by comparing it to total pulmonary artery blood flow (PABF) and to standard intermittent bolus cardiac output (ICO). In eight anesthetized dogs (18 +/- 1.0 kg), PABF was measured with an ultrasonic flowprobe while ICO and mixed venous O2 saturation (SvO2) were measured through a Swan-Ganz catheter. A TED probe (CardioQ, Deltex Medical Inc., Irving, TX, U.S.A.), designed for adult use (minimum 30 kg, 16 years), was placed in midesophageous to evaluate stroke volume. A graded hemorrhage (20 mL/min) was produced (H5-H35) to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg and maintained by additional blood removal for 30 min (S1-S30). Total shed blood volume was retransfused (541 +/- 54.2 mL) over 30 min (T5-T30), after which a massive hemorrhage, 100 mL/min rate, was produced over 10 min (MH5-MH10). In general, TED overestimated PABF (r2 = 0.3472), but changes in TED paralleled PABF throughout the experimental protocol, particularly during massive hemorrhage (r2 = 0.9001). We concluded that TED accurately reflected the direction and magnitude of the changes of cardiac output over time during abrupt hemodynamic changes. Probes designed for lower weights and smaller aortas may improve its accuracy in medium size animal models under less dramatic alterations induced by hemorrhage, shock, and resuscitation.

Initial management of severe hemorrhage with an oxygen-carrying hypertonic saline solution

We tested the hypothesis that the combination of polymerized bovine hemoglobin (PBHg) with hypertonic saline may be beneficial for the initial management of hemorrhagic shock in 22 mongrel dogs (15 +/- 1 kg) bled to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg in 5 min and maintained at this level for 45 min (shed blood volume approximately 50 ml/kg). Animals were treated with a 4 ml/kg bolus over 4 min of one of the following fluids: whole blood, 7.5% NaCl (HS), 13 g/dl of PBHg, or 7.5% NaCl combined with polymerized bovine hemoglobin (HS-PBHg). No additional intervention was performed, and the animals were followed for 60 min after treatment. PBHg and HS-PBHg produced a sustained, significant increase in MAP. Cardiac output was transiently increased only after HS and HS-PBHg. A partial increase in superior mesenteric artery blood flow was observed, particularly after HS-PBHg. We concluded that small volumes of PBHg alone restore MAP, but not blood flow. The combination of PBHg with hypertonic saline provides improvements in cardiac output and mesenteric blood flow, suggesting a potential benefit for the initial management of major blood loss.

Radioisotope blood volume measurement in uncontrolled retroperitoneal haemorrhage induced by a transfemoral iliac artery puncture

Standard-of-care, large volume crystalloid infusion, in the setting of uncontrolled bleeding, has been challenged and it is not known if fluid resuscitation increases retroperitoneal hemorrhage. We developed an experimental model of retroperitoneal haemorrhage to correlate haemodynamic and metabolic alterations with the blood volume loss. Anaesthetised, spontaneously breathing dogs (17.1+/-0.56 kg) were randomised to unilateral (UL, n=11) or bilateral (BL, n=11) iliac artery puncture, using a metallic device introduced through the femoral arteries and followed for 120 min. Initial and final blood volumes were determined using radioactive tracers, 99mTC and 51Cr, respectively. UL was associated with a stable arterial pressure and a moderate decrease in cardiac output and oxygen delivery. BL induced an abrupt and sustained decrease in mean arterial pressure, from 131.9+/-5.9 to 88.6+/-10.8 mmHg, and a much greater reduction in cardiac output, oxygen delivery and consumption than UL throughout the experiment. Total retroperitoneal blood loss after BL was 36.8+/-3.2 ml/kg, while after UL was 25.1+/-3.4 ml/kg (P=0.0262). We conclude that a transfemoral bilateral iliac artery puncture produces a clinically relevant model of uncontrolled retroperitoneal haemorrhage, with hypotension and low flow state, while a unilateral iliac artery lesion causes a compensated shock state.