Diaphragmatic Reconstruction Research Articles

Radical nephrectomy with en bloc resection of liver, diaphragm, and lung for locally invasive sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma

Despite the widespread use of abdominal imaging, some patients with renal cell carcinoma still present with advanced disease. We report 1 case of locally invasive sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma requiring resection of the kidney, adrenal glands, liver, diaphragm, and lung, with diaphragmatic reconstruction with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch. The patient was alive and well 5 years postoperatively. However, we acknowledge that the success experienced with this case does not represent the typical outcome for a patient with such advanced disease.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: onset of respiratory distress and size of the defect

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) either presenting within the first 24 h of life or diagnosed prenatally. The study was particularly focused on the time of onset of respiratory distress and on the use of the Gore-Tex (GT) patch for diaphragmatic reconstruction. Records of 104 neonates with CDH were retrospectively reviewed. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test or chi (2) test as appropriate. The result showed that the overall survival rate was 73.1% (76/104). Survival of operated neonates was 91.6% (76/83). Postnatally diagnosed neonates with the onset of respiratory distress within the first minute of life survived in 67%, with the onset between 2 and 10 min survived in 89%, whilst neonates with the onset of respiratory distress after l0 min survived in 100% (P = 0.007). Birth weight, gestational age, time of onset of respiratory distress and Apgar score significantly differed between survivors and nonsurvivors. Primary closure of the diaphragmatic defect was performed in 62 patients while the GT patch was used in 21 patients. The survival of patients with a large defect treated with a GT patch was lower (76.2 vs. 96.8%, P = 0.003). There was only one case of recurrence in our series with the GT patch. Survival depends on the time of onset of respiratory distress and size of the defect, both of which correlate with the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia. The term high-risk CDH is appropriate only for children with respiratory distress within the first 10 min of life and those diagnosed prenatally. The GT patch is a suitable material for the diaphragmatic reconstruction; we suppose that the recurrence is caused by incorrect attachment of the patch to the thoracic wall.

The whole truth: comparative analysis of diaphragmatic hernia repair using 4-ply vs 8-ply small intestinal submucosa in a growing animal model

Background Diaphragmatic reconstruction remains a challenging problem. There is limited information concerning the use of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair. A canine model was used to evaluate the use of a SIS patch in diaphragmatic reconstruction. Methods Eleven beagle puppies (1.6-4.2 kg, 8 weeks old) underwent left subcostal laparotomy, central left hemidiaphragm excision (2 × 7 cm, 50% loss), and reconstruction with a 4-ply group I (n = 5) or 8-ply group II (n = 6) SIS patch. Chest radiographs were taken at time of operation and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Animals were killed at 6 months. Adhesion formation (both pleural and abdominal), gross visual evaluation of the patch, and histology were compared. Results In group I (4-ply), 1 animal died at 3 months from patch deterioration accompanied by stomach herniation that resulted in respiratory failure. In the 4 remaining animals, chest radiographs showed no evidence of herniation or eventration. On physical examination, there was no evidence of chest wall deformity. During gross surgical examination, the 4-ply patches showed thinning, multiple defects, and liver herniation in 3 animals. In 1 pup, the patch was thickened, intact, well incorporated at the repair site, and adherent to the liver and spleen. In group II (8-ply), 1 animal died of cardiopulmonary failure in the early postoperative period. In the other 5 animals, chest radiographs showed evidence of eventration in 1. On gross examination the patch adhered to the liver in all 5 surviving animals. In 4, the patches were thickened, viable, but had some shrinkage. One patch pulled away from the native diaphragm laterally; however, no visceral herniation was present. In the 1 animal with eventration, there was no evidence of a patch. Adhesion scores (AS) were graded and determined by the sum of extent (0-4), type (0-4), and tenacity (0-3). Average abdominal AS in group I was 5.6 ± 0.8 vs 10.2 ± 0.2 ( P = .079) for group II. Average lung AS was 0.6 ± 0.6 in group I vs 3.8 ± 1.1 ( P = .0476) for group II. Histological examination showed group II patches had greater collagen deposition with central calcification and mild inflammation within the residual graft, whereas group I patches were much thinner and were composed of granulation tissue without evidence of residual graft. Conclusions These data indicate that 8-ply SIS repair of diaphragmatic defects was superior (80%; 4/5 to 4-ply, 20%; 1/5, success). Organ adherence appears to be necessary for neovascularization of the SIS composite. Eight-ply grafts appear to be more durable and persist for a longer period, which may improve neovascularization. Long-term follow-up to evaluate remodeling characteristics of the patch material is required.

Autologous diaphragm reconstruction with the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap

The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle has been previously described to repair diaphragmatic defects, but as a "reverse" flap, relying on secondary blood supply from the perforating lumbar vessels rather than primary inflow from the dominant thoracodorsal artery. We report resection of a retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma, with reconstruction of the hemidiaphragm using the LD rotated on its primary neurovascular bundle. By using the dominant pedicle, the vascularity of the flap is improved, minimizing the chance of flap tip loss. Maintaining an intact nerve supply prevents atrophy. As the distal origin of the LD is broad and flat, it is ideally suited for diaphragm repair. A latissimus-sparing thoracotomy incision is required to enable this method of diaphragm reconstruction.

Diaphragmatic repair through fetal tissue engineering: a comparison between mesenchymal amniocyte– and myoblast-based constructs

Purpose We have previously shown that fetal tissue engineering is a preferred alternative to diaphragmatic repair in a large animal model. This study was aimed at comparing diaphragmatic constructs seeded with mesenchymal amniocytes and fetal myoblasts in this model. Methods Neonatal lambs (n = 14) underwent repair of an experimental diaphragmatic defect with identical scaffolds, either seeded with labeled autologous cells (mesenchymal amniocytes in group 1 and fetal myoblasts in group 2) or as an acellular graft (group 3). At 1 to 12 months postoperatively, implants were harvested for multiple analyses. Results Repair failure (reherniation or eventration) was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2, with no difference between groups 1 and 2. Seeded fetal myoblasts quickly lost their myogenic phenotype in vivo. All grafts contained cells with a fibroblastic-myofibroblastic profile. Elastin concentrations and both modular and ultimate tensile strengths were significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. There were no differences in glycosaminoglycans and type I collagen levels among the groups. Conclusions Diaphragmatic repair with a mesenchymal amniocyte–based engineered tendon leads to improved structural outcomes when compared with equivalent fetal myoblast–based and acellular grafts. The amniotic fluid is a preferred cell source for tissue-engineered diaphragmatic reconstruction.

Full-thickness diaphragmatic resection for stage IV ovarian carcinoma using the EndoGIA stapling device followed by diaphragmatic reconstruction using a Gore-tex® graft: A case report and review of the literature

Background. Previous studies have reported the results of full-thickness diaphragmatic resection for ovarian cancer metastatic to the diaphragm. Case. We present the first case of an extensive full-thickness diaphragmatic resection performed using the EndoGIA® [US Surgical Corp., Norwalk, CT] staple device followed by successful reconstruction using a Gore-tex® (W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Newark, DE) graft. Conclusion. Full-thickness diaphragmatic resection using the EndoGIA stapling device is a safe and effective method to completely remove extensive tumor during cytoreductive surgery. Use of the stapler expeditiously assists in removal of the specimen with minimal blood loss. In cases where large defects cannot be repaired primarily, a Gore-tex® patch should be used.

Hérnia perineal em cães

A hérnia perineal acomete mais freqüentemente cães machos de meia idade e idosos, sexualmente intactos, podendo ser uni ou bilateral. Por tratar-se de afecção com altos índices de recidiva e complicações pós-operatórias, o trabalho tem por objetivo abordar os sinais clínicos, métodos diagnósticos, com ênfase aos tratamentos cirúrgicos. Entre as técnicas mais efetivas de reconstrução do diafragma pélvico, estão as transposições musculares únicas ou combinadas, tais como as do músculo obturador interno ou músculo glúteo superficial. Em casos de recidivas, podem ser utilizados métodos complementares como a colopexia e cistopexia por fixação dos ductos deferentes, ou procedimentos mais complexos como a transposição do músculo semitendinoso.

Diaphragmatic reconstruction with autologous tendon engineered from mesenchymal amniocytes

Purpose This study examined the effects of amniocyte-based engineered tendons on partial diaphragmatic replacement. Methods Ovine mesenchymal amniocytes were labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), expanded, and seeded into a collagen hydrogel. Composite grafts (20 to 25 cm 2) based on acellular dermis (group I), or acellular small intestinal submucosa (group II) received either a cell-seeded or an acellular hydrogel within their layers. Newborn lambs (n = 20) underwent partial diaphragmatic replacement with either an acellular or a cellular autologous construct from either group. At 3 to 12 months’ postoperatively, implants were subjected to multiple analyses. Results Diaphragmatic hernia recurrence was significantly higher in animals with acellular grafts (5 of 5) then in animals with cellular ones (1 of 4) in group I ( P < .05) but not in group II (3 of 6 and 4 of 5, respectively). Cellular grafts had higher modular (5.27 ± 1.98 v. 1.27 ± 0.38 MPa) and ultimate (1.94 ± 0.70 v. 0.29 ± 0.05 MPa) tensile strength than acellular implants in group I (P < .05), but not in group II. Quantitative analyses showed no differences in extracellular matrix components between cellular and acellular implants in either group. All cellular implants showed GFP-positive cells. Conclusions Diaphragmatic repair with an autologous tendon engineered from mesenchymal amniocytes leads to improved mechanical and functional outcomes when compared with an equivalent acellular bioprosthetic repair, depending on scaffold composition. The amniotic fluid may be a preferred cell source for engineered diaphragmatic reconstruction.

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the diaphragm presenting as a chest mass

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare malignancy that has not been previously reported to arise from the diaphragm. We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman who had a large thoracic mass found at operation to be an extraskeletal osteosarcoma arising from the diaphragm. The tumor was completely resected en bloc with a margin of surrounding diaphragm, which necessitated a diaphragmatic reconstruction. The literature concerning this rare tumor is reviewed.

Suture or Prosthetic Reconstruction of Experimental Diaphragmatic Defects

Diaphragmatic reconstruction may cause several respiratory changes. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the respiratory changes induced by two methods of diaphragmatic reconstruction. Two groups of rats with an experimental diaphragmatic defect were studied. In one group (n = 5), diaphragmatic resection was followed by stitching together the borders of the wound (SUT); in another group (n = 5), the defect was repaired by suturing in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch. All animals were sedated, anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. Spirometry, respiratory mechanics, and thoracoabdominal morphometry were evaluated before and after diaphragmatic reconstruction. The suture of the diaphragm significantly decreased FVC and FEV(1), and increased respiratory system, lung, and chest wall static and dynamic elastances and viscoelastic/inhomogeneous pressures in relation to their respective control values. On the other hand, diaphragmatic reconstruction with PTFE increased only respiratory system, lung, and chest wall static elastances. In addition, respiratory system, pulmonary, and chest wall viscoelastic/inhomogeneous pressures and dynamic elastances, as well as respiratory system and lung elastances, were significantly greater in SUT than in PTFE. Lateral diameter at the level of the xiphoid and cephalocaudal pulmonary diameter diminished only in the SUT group. The reconstruction of the diaphragm with PTFE might be preferred to simple suture for surgical repair of large diaphragmatic defects, at least from a mechanical standpoint.

Latissimus dorsi reverse flap to substitute the diaphragm after extrapleural pneumonectomy

Background. The standard procedure for diaphragm reconstruction after extrapleural pneumonectomy for a malignancy consists of the use of prosthetic patches. Our original technique utilizing the reverse flap of the latissimus dorsi is evaluated.Methods. Once the extrapleural pneumonectomy is performed, the distal portion of the latissimus dorsi, which has been divided with a standard posterolateral thoracotomy at the level of the fifth to sixth rib, is elevated into the chest through the passage obtained by resection of the tenth rib and sutured to the lower pericardium and to the chest wall. Nine patients were evaluated.Results. No operative death occurred. No flap-related complication nor infection was postoperatively assessed. Six patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. No late complication was observed.Conclusions. The distal latissimus dorsi can be used for total reconstruction of one hemidiaphragm, ensuring a watertight separation between the pleural and peritoneal cavities and avoiding paradoxical respiratory motion. In our opinion, the technique was easier, faster, and more reliable than the standard procedure employing prosthetic materials. We recommend that the procedure be integrated with the standard technique of extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Prognostic factors after surgical treatment of lung cancer invading the diaphragm

Background. Diaphragmatic invasion from lung cancer (T3-diaphragm) is a rare occurrence reported to portend a poor prognosis.Methods. Fifteen patients with T3-diaphragm (14 males, 1 female; median age, 64 years) were surgically treated over a twenty-year period by en bloc resection (14 patients). One patient was only explored. Pathologic stage IIB (T3N0) was found in 11 patients. A partial infiltration of the diaphragm was observed in 3 patients, whereas full-depth invasion was found in 12. Diaphragmatic reconstruction was done primarily in 9 patients, and, by prosthetic material in 5.Results. Two patients are still alive without evidence of disease at 88, and, 114 months from surgery. Overall median survival was 23 months (range, 3 to 168). The actuarial 5-year survival was 20%, when all patients were considered, and, 27%, for T3N0 patients. Univariate analysis showed that prosthetic replacement of the muscle (p = 0.018) was significantly related to survival.Conclusions. T3-diaphragm is best treated with en bloc resections with wide tumor-free margins and prosthetic replacement of the diaphragm.

Evaluation of small intestine submucosa and acellular dermis as diaphragmatic prostheses

Background/Purpose: The repair of large congenital diaphragmatic defects in the neonate continues to be a challenge. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the synthetic material most widely used for reconstruction in instances of partial and complete diaphragmatic agenesis. Recurrent hernia is a frequent complication, because this material does not grow with the infant. This study evaluates two novel materials; small intestine submucosa (SIS; Cook Biotech, Lafayette, IN), and acellular dermis (AlloDerm; Lifecell Corp, The Woodland, TX) for diaphragm reconstruction in growing animals. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (100 g, n = 87) were anesthetized and underwent laparotomy. The control group (n = 18) underwent a sham laparotomy with a left subcostal incision and closure. The other two groups underwent central excision of the left hemidiaphragm (50% loss) and reconstruction with either a SIS (n = 35) or AlloDerm (n = 19) patch sutured circumferentially with 6-0 prolene. Seventy-two animals survived the operation, and were killed at five separate time intervals (2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 4 months). Chest radiographs were performed monthly and before death. Radiographs were reviewed in a blinded fashion by two observers as were the necropsies, and rib deformity was noted if present. Histological examination of the diaphragm patch was performed in each animal. Results: There was no evidence of rib deformity noted on gross examination at necropsy or on chest radiograph in either experimental group. At necropsy, all patches were intact without hernia, eventration, or contraction. Histology findings initially showed acute and chronic inflammatory changes in both patch materials that lessened at the 2-month time interval. Both prosthetic patches began to thin at 3 months and was most prominent in the SIS rats. At 4 months, both SIS and AlloDerm remained viable without evidence of necrosis. Each patch showed evidence of fibroblastic incorporation and small capillary ingrowth. These changes were more prominent in the AlloDerm group. There was no evidence of skeletal muscle ingrowth. Conclusions: These data indicate SIS and AlloDerm may be useful materials for prosthetic repair in instances of partial or total agenesis of the diaphragm. Further investigation in a large animal model over a longer duration is indicated.

Reverse flap of distal latissimus dorsi for diaphragm reconstruction in the adult: Specification of the technical procedure and report on six cases

autograft rather than other valve prostheses in children, some specific reasons were present in this special situation. Resection of the aneurysmal aortic root was necessary and the relatively difficult access to the aortic root made the choice of a homograft less preferable in view of the inevitable reoperation. The operation turned out to be straightforward. The anterior placement of the pulmonary trunk made its harvesting easy. Coronary artery problems were not encountered. Transposition may, however, be combined with coronary artery patterns that make harvesting of the pulmonary trunk more difficult, especially a right coronary artery crossing the right ventricular outflow tract. No important mismatch between the diameters of the pulmonary trunk and aortic anulus existed, which further encouraged us to choose the pulmonary autograft for aortic root replacement. In conclusion, the Ross procedure is technically feasible after an arterial switch operation and may be a particularly attractive alternative for this special population. This may be even more true because it is the original aortic valve that is used to replace the insufficient neoaortic valve. R E F E R E N C E S 1. Gittenberger-de Groot AC, Sauer U, Oppenheimer-Dekker A, Quaegebeur JM. Coronary arterial anatomy in transposition of the great arteries: a morphological study. Pediatr Cardiol 1983;4(suppl 1):15-24. 2. Klautz RIM, Ottenkamp J, Quaegebeur JM, Buis-Liem TN, Rohmer J. Anatomic correction for transposition of the great arteries: first follow-up (38 patients). Pediatr Cardiol 1989;10: 1-9. 3. Yamaguchi M, Hosokawa Y, Imai Y, Kurosawa H, Yasui H, Yagihari T, et al. Early and midterm results of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries in Japan. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1990;100:261-9. 4. Ungerleider RM, Gaynor JW, Israel P, Kanter RJ, Armstrong BE. Report of neoaortic valve replacement in a ten-year-old girl after an arterial switch procedure for transposition. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1992;104:213-5. 5. Serraf A, Roux D, Lacour-Gayet F, Touchot A, Bruniaux J, Sousa-Uva M, et al. Reoperation after arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1995;110:892-9.

Prosthetic diaphragm reconstruction in the growing animal

Widespread use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has allowed an increasing number of infants with total agenesis of the diaphragm to survive. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the most widely used material for reconstruction. However, recurrent hernia is a growing problem; PTFE also does not grow with the patient. This study evaluated different materials for diaphragmatic reconstruction in growing animals. Sprague-Dawley rats with a mean weight of 93 g were anesthetized and underwent laparotomy. The control group had an incision into the diaphragm with primary repair. The other three groups underwent complete removal of the left hemidiaphragm and were randomly assigned to one of three reconstruction methods: oxidized cellulose, polyglactin mesh, or a 1-mm PTFE patch. All patch materials were sewn around the ribs circumferentially and into the membranous portion of the central diaphragm medially with 4-0 silk. Thirty-seven animals survived operation, were followed with weekly chest radiographs, and were killed when they reached 400 g. The radiographs were reviewed in a blinded fashion by two observers as were the necropsies, and rib deformity was graded on a scale of 0 to 3. Histological examination of several animals from each group was performed. There was significantly greater rib deformity (2.0 v 0.2, P < .01) in the PTFE group versus controls with 5 of 10 animals also having a smaller thorax. The PTFE pulled away from the chest wall in the animals leaving a fibrous remnant anteriorly. The polyglactin group had significantly more animals with eventration (P < .03, 7/10) compared with all others.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prosthetic diaphragm reconstruction in the growing animal

Prosthetic diaphragm reconstruction in the growing animal

High apical insertion of the right diaphragm in an infant with right-sided bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia

We report the case of a newborn full-term infant who presented to our service on the first day of life with a right-sided Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with a high apical insertion of the right hemidiaphragm at the level of the second rib. This resulted in incarceration of the left lobe of the liver within the right hemithorax, but minimal pulmonary hypoplasia. A search of the literature failed to show a previous report of this variant of a duplication of the diaphragm in conjunction with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The approach taken for diaphragmatic reconstruction and closure of the defect is described.

Diaphragmatic reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap following wide resection of the diaphragm combined with esophago-gastrectomy for cardial cancer.

In three patients with cardial cancer invading the esophagus and the diaphragm, wide resection of the left diaphragm and its reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi muscle flap were performed during radical esophago-gastrectomy. More than two thirds of the diaphragm could be resected because the muscle flap was large enough to be brought into the thoracic cavity without difficulty, to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The postoperative respiratory function of these patients was adequately maintained. A technique for diaphragmatic reconstruction by means of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap is described in this report.