[Abdominal catastrophe--abdominal wall defect associated with gastrointestinal fistula--strategy of therapy]

BACKGROUND

Wound dehiscence complicated by gastrointestinal (GI) fistula to belong ,,abdominal catastrophe". Therapy is prolonged and connected with high morbidity and mortality rate.

METHODS

In the period from October 2006 to July 2009 we performed 12 reconstructive surgical procedures on gastrointestinal tract in patients with abdominal catastrophe. Treatment of 12 consecutive patients (9 men, 3 women) was managed according to a standardize protocol. The protocol consists of treatment of septic complications, optimisation of nutritional state, special wound procedures, diagnosis of gastrointestinal fistulas and GI tract, timing of surgical procedures, reconstruction of GI tract and postoperative care.

RESULTS

Reconstructive surgery of GI tract was successful on 11 patients. One patient developed recurrence of early GI fistula. In four patients we let open abdomen to heal per secundam. We observed no deaths after operation.

CONCLUSION

With regard to complex character of therapy of abdominal catastrophe there is a need of multidisciplinary approach. Considering long-lasting and expensive therapy there is logical step to concentrate these patients into special centres which are experienced, equipped and their staff is trained in treatment of such a seriously impaired patients.

[Stapler procedure for anal prolapse and hemorrhoids: long-term results]

INTRODUCTION

The surgical treatment of internal hemorrhoids and anal canal prolapse using stapler technique was introduced to clinical practice by Longo, as soon as in 1993. Few years later, Czech surgeons became familiar with this technique, and even it is being performed in many surgical departments of our country at the present time. At the Dept. of Surgery, Teaching Hospital Hradec Králové, this surgical method has been carried out since 1999.

THE AIM OF THIS WORK

To analyze the long-term results of the Longo's operation. This study has been based on the retrospective documentation analysis complemented by a questionnaire-survey.

METHODOLOGY

It is the retrospective documentation study complemented by a questionnaire-survey. The patients received a questionnaire asking questions regarding their subjective feelings and opinions on surgical treatment, as well as on recent status of the illness. Furthermore, the medical documentation was analysed with particular attention to the post-operative period with regard to complications, analgetic therapy need, operation-time, length of the hospital stay and recovery time.

RESULTS

Since 1999, the authors have used stapler technique in internal hemorrhoids operations in 71 patients. From this number 65 patients who were operated on at least one year before the follow-up analysis was performed were included into the study. 51 patients completed and gave back the questionnaire. Average following time was 5.5 years. 92 percent of the patients are very satisfied with the Longo's operation. Low rate of complications, small postoperative pain and early recovery are the basic merits of the hemorrhoids operation with use of stapler technique.

CONCLUSION

We think of Longo's operation in indicated cases as safe and suitable for the hemorrhoids therapy.

[Numbers of lymph nodes in large intestinal resections for colorectal carcinoma]

INTRODUCTION

Precise evaluation of lymph nodes in the surgical specimen is crucial for the staging and subsequent decision about the adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer. Prognosis of the patients can be assessed only in cases when at least 12 lymph nodes in the surgical specimen are examined.

AIM OF THE WORK

To evaluate the radicalism of resections for colorectal carcinoma after introducing laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

We compared all resections for primary colorectal cancer and rectal cancer (C 18-C20) performed in the Department of Surgery in University Hospital Hradec Králové in the years 2005 and 2008 and we evaluated numbers of examined lymph nodes in the surgical specimens. The patients with recurrent tumours and the patients with complete pathological response (negative histology) after neoadjuvant therapy were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

117 patients were included in the study in 2005, 2 of them were operated laparoscopically. 155 patients (more by 32.5%) were included in the study in 2008, 53 of them (34.2%) were operated laparoscopically. In tumours of the right part of the colon (C180-C184) treated by right hemicolectomy: on an average 7.9 (+/- 5.3) lymph nodes were examined in the specimens in 2005, and 15.3 (+/- 7.0) lymph nodes in 2008. In tumours of the left part of the colon (C185-C186) treated by left hemicolectomy: 6.5 (+/- 5.1) lymph nodes were examined in 2005, and 19.6 (+/- 15.6) in 2008. In tumours of the sigmoid colon (C187) 9.1 (+/- 6.9) lymph nodes were examined in 2005,and 15.4 (+/- 7.9) in 2008. In tumours of the rectosigmoid junction (C19) 8.0 (+/- 6.9) lymph nodes were examined in 2005, and 17.8 (+/- 11.2) in 2008. In rectal cancer (C20) 5.2 (+/- 4.5) lymph nodes were examined in 2005, and 13.6 (+/- 12.5) in 2008. There is a significant difference in a number of examined lymph nodes in patients without neodadjuvant treatment compared to those with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant radiotherapy. In 2005, in an average 3.7 (+/- 3.3) lymph nodes were removed in rectal resections after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in 2008 in an average 7.6 (+/- 6.1) lymph nodes were removed. In 2005, in an average 5.1 (+/- 3.7) lymph nodes in rectal resections after neoadjuvant radiotherapy were removed, in 2008 6.3 (+/- 4.3) lymph nodes were removed. In 2005, in an average 7.0 (+/- 5.5) lymph nodes in rectal resections without neoadjuvant therapy were removed, in 2008 20.9 (+/- 14.1) lymph nodes were removed. Laparoscopic resections were comparable with open resections regarding the number of examined lymph nodes in our group of patients.

CONCLUSION

Introducing the laparoscopic approach to resections of colorectal carcinomas did not decrease radicalism of the operation as to the number of removed lymph nodes.

[Peritonitides caused by gastrointestinal perforations--analysis of an elderly patient group]

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess causes of peritonitides resulting from acute abdominal perforations in a group of elderly patients and to evaluate the yield of common classification systems in predicting the risks of postoperative complications, in particular of postoperative death rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The retrospective analysis included 123 patients aged 70 y.o.a. and over (65 males, 58 females, the mean age was 78.7 y.o.a.), who underwent surgical revision for signs of peritonitis due to urgent GIT perforation, over a five-year period. The patients were assigned to groups based on their baseline diagnosis and on the procedure performed. The PSS (Peritonitis Severity Score) and MPI (Mannheim Peritonitis Index) classification systems factors were assessed. Statistical significance of the classification systems was evaluated, as well as their relation.

RESULTS

Overall death rate of the studied group was 30% (37 patients). The highest death rate related to the baseline diagnosis was observed in the GIT ischemia group (67%). Based on the procedure, the highest death rate was observed in the enterostomy group (75%). Overall morbidity related to a known wound infection was 24% (29 patients). Significant correlation between the both classification systems was demonstrated (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.86). Of the all studied factors creating classification schemes, the following proved statistically most significant: ASA IV, peritonitis Hinchey grade III-IV, existing immunosuppression and signs of organ failure (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Perforation peritonitis remains a high risk condition, considering the postoperative morbidity rates, as well as the death rates. Perforation of the sigmoid diverticle was the commonest cause of GIT perforations in the elderly. The highest death rate was observed in those with ischemic ethiology. The PSS and MPI scoring systems are of high prediction value in the assessment of the risk of postoperative death.

Preemptive antimycotic treatment in critically ill patients in the Czech Republic

The incidence of Candida afflictions in critically ill patients is still growing in the Czech Republic. We looked for a method that not only decreases Candida afflictions but also decreases treatment expenses. This method is preemptive therapy. Critically ill patients were determined by a risk score system. This system was based on summarizing all the risk factors in one patient. Patients who reach the risk score were randomized into groups A and B. Patients in group A were administered itraconazole; patients in group B were not administered any antimycotics. Results of the study show that preemptive treatment decreases Candida infection and Candidemia. A decrease of treatment expenses was reached by identifying the specific group of patients at risk using the risk score system and administering antimycotics.

[Blunt thoracic injury and the oxidation stress]

INTRODUCTION

Each injury is accompanied with the oxidation stress with an increase in the level of free oxygen radicals accompanied with a simultaneous decrease in the body's antioxidation capacity. The objective of the study: The objective of this study is to verify connection between the severity of an injury and the intensity of oxidation stress.

METHODS

126 patients with blunt chest injuries were evaluated during 33 months. The patients were divided into four groups, depending on the extent of trauma severity assessed by means of ISS (Injury Severity Score). Randomly selected patients in each group were administered--in addition to standard therapy--indomethacin in usual doses. Level of free oxygen radicals and the body's antioxidation capacity were observed. All tests were carried out at a significance level alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

Practically all patients, regardless of their respective subgroups, experienced an increase in the level of free oxygen radicals accompanied with a simultaneous decrease in the body's antioxidation capacity.

CONCLUSION

The identified results display a connection between the severity of an injury and the intensity of oxidation stress.

[SIRS and serious blunt thoracic injuries]

INTRODUCTION

Serious blunt injuries are accompanied with the worsening of the mechanics of ventilation due to the chest and lung injuries alone as well as with a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) that always affects the lungs. The development of an injury-induced respiratory failure is multifactorial and timely pharmacological intervention is likely to contribute to the treatment algorithm, thus improving prognosis in some patients with a serious chest trauma. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study is to verify the efficacy of the pharmacological blockade of the systemic inflammatory response of the body (SIRS) in serious blunt chest injuries. The study also intends to identify whether the administration of indomethacin could reduce SIRS score and prevent multiorgan dysfunction and multiorgan failure.

METHODS

126 patients with blunt chest injuries were evaluated during 33 months. The patients were divided into four groups, depending on the extent of trauma severity assessed by means of ISS (Injury Severity Score). Randomly selected patients in each group were administered--in addition to standard therapy--indomethacin in usual doses. All tests were carried out at a significance level alpha of 0.05.

RESULTS

The onset of SIRS in the subgroup with indomethacin was statistically significantly postponed in groups I. and II. Groups ISS I to III showed a statistically markedly shorter time of SIRS duration in the subgroup with indomethacin. The first increase in inflammatory markers (acute phase proteins) was statistically significantly postponed in the group ISS I without the administration of indomethacin. Groups ISS II through IV did not show a statistically significant differences in the first onsets of inflammatory markers. The evaluation of all four groups did not detect any statistically significant differences in the duration of the inflammatory markers increase in the subgroup with indomethacin and in a control group. There was no statistical significance in the average time of ventilation support. An average hospitalization time was shorter in the subgroup ISS II with indomethacin. There was found statistically significant difference. Of the patients included in our file seven died during the monitored period. Lethality is thus 5.6%. A multiorgan failure was the cause of death in two patients in the non-indomethacin subgroup and in one patient in the indomethacin subgroup.

CONCLUSION

We proved that the factors that can be affected by the blockade of cyclooxygenase display statistically significant changes in subgroups with the administration of indomethacin. No changes were recorded with regard to acute phase proteins whose synthesis is not mediated by prostaglandins. The administration of indomethacin positively affects the development of SIRS, reduces and diminishes its effects as well as impact on the impaired body.

[Pharmacologic prevention of SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) in severe thoracic injuries]

INTRODUCTION

Frequency and severity of the blunt chest injuries are increasing. Rather high letality is caused by the injury and following systemic inflammatory response.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to verify the efficacy of pharmacological blockade of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in serious blunt chest injuries. The aim is also to find out if the administration of indomethacin as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor could prevent multiorgan dysfunction (MODS) and multiorgan failure (MOF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were divided into 4 groups according to trauma severity (Injury Severity Score). The group I. contains patients with ISS up to 17. There is no premise of the SIRS development. In the group II. there were patients with ISS 18-30, which means polytrauma group due to new definition. In the group III. there were patients with ISS 31-40 (severe trauma). Group IV. contains critically injured patients (ISS 41 and higher). Some patients involved in our study were given indomethacin (as cyclooxygenase inhibitor in arachidonic acid cycle) together with standard therapy.

RESULTS

65 patients were included into study in last 14 months, 22 patients were given indomethacin. The group with indomethacin administration has later increase of inflammatory markers in groups III. and IV. This increase also takes less time in groups II. and III. Shorter time of mechanical ventilation support in group III. in patients with indomethacin was significant. SIRS is present in time of admission approximately in 44%. All patients have low antioxidants level. 5 patients died in our group, letality was 7.7%. All the died patients came from the subgroup without indomethacin, however only one death caused by MOF.

CONCLUSION

From the results of the first 14 months of the study we can conclude that certain number of patients with serious blunt thoracic trauma could benefit from indomethacin administration.

[Preemptive antimycotic therapy in critically ill patients]

This article presents the results of the first year of the grant study that deal with preemptive treatment of yeast infection in surgical ICU. This research included patients with a large number of risk factors (ten and more). These risk factors indicated in the chart. 147 patients reached a score of ten and more points. This number was divided in two groups. In the first group there were 87 patients who received treatment of itraconazol by prescribed scheme. They were hospitalized in ICU for 11.6 days, on average. The first group did not display any positive hemoculture and also other microbial culture from intravenous cannula. No patients fell from ill candida sepsis. Itraconazol was not administered to the 60 patients, who were hospitalizated 11.8 days, on average. Positive hemoculture or yeast sepsis with connection invasive yeast infection was proven in six cases (10%). No patient died in direct connection with yeast infection in either groups. The presented results show a reduction in the number of developing yeast infections and mainly yeast sepsis in patients undergoing preemptive treatment with itraconazol.

[Prevention and treatment of infectious complications after pulmonary resection--part I]

Pulmonary complications are still the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality after lung resections. One of the most significant ones are infectious complications, particularly pneumonia. Pneumonia is very often caused by residual atelectasis. We evaluated a group of 75 patients after lung resection focused on occurrence of these two significant complications. We emphasize the prevention of these complications and draw attention to the bronchoscopy and "breathing reeducation" (physical therapy).

[Occurrence of yeast infections at a surgical intensive care unit]

The authors evaluate the occurrence of candida infections in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a one-year period. From the group of 1798 patients hospitalized in a surgical ICU there are 50 patients (2.8%) with candida colonisation and even 56 patients (3.1%) with candida infection. The authors evaluate risk factors for development of candida infection, its etiologic agents and the most frequent site of infection. In addition to usual treatment the authors suggest pre-emptive therapy in patients with risk factors. In the one-year period, two patients died of multiorgan failure (MOF) in close connection with candida infection (sepsis). The mortality of the group with proved candida infection was 3.57%.

[Bacteriologic study of secretions of the lower respiratory tract after pulmonary resection]

Bacteriological monitoring of the low respiratory tract secretion was examined in 43 patients with lung resections. Three groups of cultivation results were evaluated: before operation, during operation and after operation in selected patients. There are two main reasons: 1. To prevent early infectious complications after operation, 2. To attempt treatment of the known bacteriological agent in time.

[Yeast infections in patients in a surgical intensive care unit]

The authors evaluate importance of candida infections in a surgical ICU. They present recent survey of aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations and therapy of invasive candida infections. The aim of this article is especially to summarize risk factors of the candida infection development.

[Do we amputate too much or too little? A retrospective analysis of the situation in the East Bohemian Region]

A retrospective analysis of 1146 amputations of the lower extremities in five departments of the East Bohemin a region revealed that the number of amputations in the thigh is higher and less frequently preceded by angiographic examination and reconstruction operations of the arteries as compared with distinguished departments abroad. The mortality after amputations was 12.5%. The results call for more intensive training of vascular surgeons and the establishment of vascular surgical departments where it would be possible by early reconstruction operations made in time to prevent amputations or at least shift the height of the amputation in the most distal direction possible.