Median Number Of Procedures Research Articles

Tu1412 An Adequate Level of Training for Technically Competent Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Colorectal Polyps

candidates referring to training in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The median number of formative colonoscopy assessments was 3 (range 0-16). In the year since DOPyS was introduced there were 150 applications for certification. The median number of procedures per candidate was 206. All of these candidates had evidence of polypectomy assessment with a median number of DOPyS of 7 (range 3-27). 89 per cent of applicants had evidence of assessed EMR. The median number of formative colonoscopy assessments in this cohort was 32 (range 9-199). There was a significant increase in the number of logged polypectomy assessments (p 0.001), experience of EMR (p 0.001) and formative colonoscopy assessments (p 0.001). There was no significant difference in the total number of colonoscopy procedures performed. Conclusions: These data the largest in the literature to date show that structured polypectomy assessment improves trainees’ documented exposure to therapeutic endoscopy as well as providing formal evidence of skills acquisition. As polypectomy plays an increasing role globally in colorectal cancer prevention, the DOPyS provides an effective means of assessing and certifying polypectomy in order to minimize the well-recognized risks associated with this technique. Reference: 1. Gupta S et al. Development and validation of a novel method for assessing competency in polypectomy: direct observation of polypectomy skills. Gastrointest Endosc. 2011 Jun ;73(6):1232-9.e2.

Critical appraisal of endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformation using Onyx in a series of 92 consecutive patients

The introduction of Onyx has led us to adopt a new treatment approach for brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), using endovascular embolization with Onyx as the first line treatment with a curative intent. The aim of the present report is to evaluate our results using this strategy, with special emphasis on angiographic characteristics affecting treatment risks and success rates. From October 2006 to December 2009, 92 consecutive patients harboring brain AVM were treated with Onyx during 177 procedures. Endovascular treatments were completed in 68 out of 92 patients. Median number of procedures was two. Complete obliteration using embolization exclusively was achieved in 25 patients, resulting in a 37 % cure rate in patients who concluded treatments (25/68), and 27 % in the cohort. In Spetzler-Martin grades 1 & 2 AVMs, complete obliteration was achieved in 48 % of the cases. Complete obliteration rates were significantly higher in lesions with superficial big feeding arteries. There were 15 bleeding complications during 177 embolization sessions (8.4 % per procedure); seven cases resolved in less than 3 months. Permanent disability rate was 6.5 %; mortality rate was 2.2 %. Bleeding was related to the use of the microcatheter/guidewire in six cases and to the use of the embolization material in nine, the amount of Onyx injected was significantly higher in those nine cases. Embolization of brain AVM using Onyx and detachable tip microcatheters results in a relatively high rate of complete obliteration. Angioarchitecture of the lesion can predict treatment success. Higher amounts of Onyx injected per session increase the bleeding risk.

Unilateral lower limb loss following combat injury

This is a case series of prospectively gathered data characterising the injuries, surgical treatment and outcomes of consecutive British service personnel who underwent a unilateral lower limb amputation following combat injury. Patients with primary, unilateral loss of the lower limb sustained between March 2004 and March 2010 were identified from the United Kingdom Military Trauma Registry. Patients were asked to complete a Short-Form (SF)-36 questionnaire. A total of 48 patients were identified: 21 had a trans-tibial amputation, nine had a knee disarticulation and 18 had an amputation at the trans-femoral level. The median New Injury Severity Score was 24 (mean 27.4 (9 to 75)) and the median number of procedures per residual limb was 4 (mean 5 (2 to 11)). Minimum two-year SF-36 scores were completed by 39 patients (81%) at a mean follow-up of 40 months (25 to 75). The physical component of the SF-36 varied significantly between different levels of amputation (p = 0.01). Mental component scores did not vary between amputation levels (p = 0.114). Pain (p = 0.332), use of prosthesis (p = 0.503), rate of re-admission (p = 0.228) and mobility (p = 0.087) did not vary between amputation levels. These findings illustrate the significant impact of these injuries and the considerable surgical burden associated with their treatment. Quality of life is improved with a longer residual limb, and these results support surgical attempts to maximise residual limb length.

Plerixafor and Filgrastim XM02 (Tevagastrim®) as a first line peripheral blood stem cell mobilisation strategy in patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma candidated to autologous bone marrow transplantation

Plerixafor, a CXCR4 antagonist, has shown to be effective in increasing the number of circulating stem cells, even in patients failing a previous mobilisation attempt. Recently a number of non-glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been clinically approved for the same indications as the originator G-CSF for comparable safety and efficacy and their reduced cost. In an attempt to provide a less toxic strategy, 14 patients affected by haematological malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma = 4, Hodgkin's disease = 2 and multiple myeloma = 8), received the combination of biosimilar filgrastim and plerixafor as a first line mobilising strategy. The median number of circulating CD34+ cells on day 4 was 16 (3-42); Plerixafor was administered to all, but one patient who had already 42 CD34+ cells per μL on day 4. On day 5, after plerixafor administration, the median number of circulating CD34+ cells had raised to 60 per μL (14-138). All the patients underwent leukapheresis and were able to collect a number of CD34+ cells ≥ 2.0 × 10(6) /kg in a median number of procedures of one. Although preliminary, these data show the combination of biosimilar filgrastim and plerixafor is effective and provides a non-toxic approach to mobilise stem cells.

Preoperative Stent Placement Decreases Cost of Ureteroscopy

To examine the effect of preoperative stent placement on total cost of ureteroscopic stone intervention. Passive ureteral dilation with a preoperative ureteral stent has been proposed as a method to facilitate both upper tract access and stone removal. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent ureteroscopic stone intervention at our institution from 2005 to 2009. A sample of patients who had undergone stenting before ureteroscopy was selected and nonstented matched controls were used as a comparison group. A cost model was used to compare the total healthcare costs for the prestented and nonstented patients with a large (>1 cm) and small (≤1 cm) stone burden using the actual cost accrued for each patient. Sensitivity analyses were used to examine the robustness of the cost model. A total of 104 patients were included in the present study (45 prestented, 59 not prestented). The median stone size was 1 cm (range 0.3-4). The overall stone clearance rate was 95.8%. The median number of procedures was 1. Pre-stenting significantly decreased the total healthcare cost in patients with stones >1 cm. The median cost for the prestented and nonstented cohorts was $17,706 and $27,806, respectively (P < .01). However, prestenting increased the total cost for smaller stones of ≤1 cm, although not significantly. The median cost for the prestented and nonstented cohorts was $10,872 and $12,344, respectively (P = .70). Sensitivity analysis confirmed that the model conclusions are robust. Preoperative stent placement is cost-effective for successful ureteroscopic treatment of stones >1 cm.

Preoperative Stenting Decreases Operative Time and Reoperative Rates of Ureteroscopy

Large stone burden can be treated ureteroscopically, but the treatment often requires more than one procedure. Placement of a preoperative stent may theoretically enhance stone clearance by dilating the ureter to facilitate both access and stone removal. This study determines the impact of stent placement before ureteroscopy on operative time, radiologic stone clearance, and reoperative rates. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent ureteroscopic stone intervention at our institution from 2002 to 2008 by a single surgeon. Nonstented matched controls were used for comparison. Demographics, stone characteristics (size, number, density, and location), presence of preprocedural ureteral stent, operative time, and results of postoperative imaging were compared between the two cohorts. Statistical analysis was performed. There were 104 patients included in the study (45 prestented and 59 nonstented). Median stone size was 1 cm (range 0.3-4 cm). Overall stone clearance was 95.8%. The median number of procedures was one. Prestenting significantly reduced operative time during first ureteroscopy in patients with large stone requiring multiple ureteroscopies (p = 0.008) and total operative time to stone clearance in patients with stone >1 cm (p = 0.01), but not in patients with stone burdens <1 cm (p = 0.48). Prestenting also significantly reduced reoperative rates in patients with stone burden >1 cm (p = 0.001), especially for stones located in proximal ureter and kidney. Prestenting improves postoperative radiologic clearance, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.56). Results show that ureteroscopic lithotripsy of large stone burden can be performed with a high success rate. Preureteroscopic stent placement was associated with a decreased operative time and reoperative rates in patients with larger stone burdens of >1 cm.

Direct endoscopic necrosectomy for the treatment of walled-off pancreatic necrosis: results from a multicenter U.S. series

Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) for treatment of walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) has been performed as an alternative to operative or percutaneous therapy. To report the largest combined experience of DEN performed for WOPN. Retrospective chart review. Six U.S. tertiary medical centers. A total of 104 patients with a history of acute pancreatitis and symptomatic WOPN since 2003. DEN for WOPN. Resolution or near-resolution of WOPN without the need for surgical or percutaneous intervention and procedural complications. Successful resolution was achieved in 95 of 104 patients (91%). Of the patients in whom it failed, 5 died during follow-up before resolution, 2 underwent operative drainage for persistent WOPN, 1 required surgery for massive bleeding on fistula tract dilation, and 1 died periprocedurally. The mean time to resolution from the initial DEN was 4.1 months. The first débridement was performed a mean of 63 days after the initial onset of acute pancreatitis. In 73%, the entry was transgastric with median tract dilation diameter of 18 mm. The median number of procedures was 3 with 2 débridements. Complications occurred in approximately 14% and included 5 retrogastric perforations/pneumoperitoneum, which were managed nonoperatively. Univariate analysis identified a body mass index >32 as a risk factor for failed DEN. Retrospective, highly specialized centers. This large, multicenter series demonstrates that transmural, minimally invasive endoscopic débridement of WOPN performed in the United States is an efficacious and reproducible technique with an acceptable safety profile.

Manual erythroexchange for chronic transfusion therapy in patients with sickle cell syndromes unresponsive to hydroxyurea: A long‐term follow‐up

Between 1981 and 2010, we have treated 40 patients requiring chronic transfusion with periodic manual erythrocyte exchange and autologous plasma rescue (MEEX). Here, we present retrospective, long-term (median 22, range 14–29 years) follow-up data for a subset of seven patients with sickle cell syndromes who did not respond to hydroxyurea (HU). Patient characteristics are listed in Supporting Information, Tables I and II. MEEX was accomplished by using a single venous access and infusing 500 ml of isotonic solution (for adults) and removing 500 ml blood (range 400–600 ml according to the patient's weight and the physician's discretion). The rescue process involves centrifugation of the collected blood product and reinfusion of autologous plasma. This is followed by another 500 ml phlebotomy and the infusion of 2–3 units of packed Rh-matched, leuko-filtered, plasma-depleted red cells, with the aim of lowering HbS levels to around 40%. For pediatric patients, the bleeding volume is smaller (5–10 cc/Kg) and the volumes of infused saline and packed Rh-matched, leuko-filtered, plasma-depleted red cells are equal to the phlebotomy volumes, without plasma rescue. The interval between each MEEX procedure for these seven patients ranged from 45 to 90 days to maintain at all times HbS concentrations below 60–70% and the median number of procedures was 133 (range 85–204). None of the seven patients experienced acute complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), such as acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, stroke, bone necrosis, or priapism, or long-term complications such as renal failure, cerebrovascular or retinal damage, or pseudoxanthoma-like manifestations. None of the seven patients experienced alloimmunization and all but one patient had normal liver iron concentrations [assessed by superconducting quantum interference device, magnetic iron detector, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or biopsy]. This patient, who started the program at the age of 26 years with iron overload due to previous transfusions, required regular iron chelation therapy. Cardiac function tests indicated that all subjects had a left ventricular ejection fraction of >60% and cardiac T > 20 mms (measured by MRI). There was no evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension on echocardiography. During the observation period, five patients required hospitalization (four with acute cholecystitis and one due to venous occlusive crisis). Only one patient requires chronic analgesia (to relieve pain caused by pre-existing femur head necrosis). Automated EEX (AEEX) ensures lower postprocedural HbS levels (30% HbS vs. 40% with our MEEX protocol) because it makes use of two distal ports to increase the volume of red cells removed. However, the larger number of transfused units in AEEX exposes the patient to a higher transfusional risk. In addition, the automated procedure is significantly more expensive than the manual one, as indicated in Table I. Previous studies have indicated that EEX is a safe and efficacious alternative to both HU and simple transfusions for preventing complications of SCD and improving patients' quality of life [1, 2]. Our results with MEEX confirm previous findings including that if MEEX is started before significant iron overload occurs, the need for chelation therapy may be obviated [3]. Given the relative simplicity and the lower cost, MEEX should be considered for chronic transfusion therapy in developing countries [4]. The authors thank Jane Tricker and Dr. Silvia Caviglia for editorial assistance in the preparation of this article. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Nationwide study of decompressive surgery for malignant supratentorial infarction in the Czech Republic: utilization and outcome predictors

Decompressive surgery within 48 hours in patients younger than 60 years of age reduces mortality and morbidity from malignant supratentorial infarction. The goal of this study was to characterize the utilization of decompressive surgery in the Czech Republic in 2006. This nationwide study was undertaken from September to December 2007 using a questionnaire sent to all neurosurgery departments in the Czech Republic. Diagnosis of brain infarction and decompressive surgery was based on discharge codes. Patient data were retrieved from hospital charts. Favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≤4 on the day of discharge from the hospital. Data were obtained from 15 of the 16 neurosurgery departments in the Czech Republic (94%) and from 39 patients (11 female [28%]). The average patient age was 52 +/-14 years (11 patients > 60), median time to surgery was 48 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 26-67 hours; 15 patients > 48 hours), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 22 (IQR 16-30), median infarct volume was 341 cm³ (IQR 243-375 cm³), mean shift from the midline was 9.9 +/- 4.1 mm, median duration of hospitalization was 19 days (IQR 13-30 days), and mean bone flap surface area was 75 cm² (IQR 70-97 cm²). A favorable outcome was achieved in 19 patients (49%). The median number of procedures per site in 2006 was 1.5 (range 0-13 procedures). Five sites (31%) serving one-third of the entire population did not perform any decompressive surgery. No variable was a significant predictor of outcome in a multiple regression model. In 2006 decompressive surgery was underutilized and occurred late in the clinical course in the Czech Republic. Revision of national guidelines is necessary to incorporate the latest data and ensure that the patients who can benefit most receive treatment.

Hypersensitivity Reactions to Transcatheter Chemoembolization with Cisplatin and Lipiodol Suspension for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To assess the predictors of hypersensitivity reaction to chemoembolization procedures with cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Between February 2005 and December 2008, 434 patients with HCC were treated with chemoembolization with a cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions as an adverse effect and their predictors by multivariate logistic regression analyses. In total, 847 chemoembolization procedures were carried out in 434 patients. The median number of procedures per patient was 2 (range, 1-12). Mean dose of cisplatin per chemoembolization session was 27 mg (range, 15.0-80.0 mg), and the median total dose of cisplatin per patient was 55 mg (range, 5.0-560.0 mg). Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 14 patients (1.7%). The median number of chemoembolization procedures in these patients was 7 (range, 3-10). Mean dose of cisplatin per session was 22 mg (range, 9.2-35.7 mg), and the median total dose of cisplatin was 134 mg (range, 37-286 mg). On multivariate analysis, the only parameter that showed an independent association with hypersensitivity reactions was the performance of 3 or more than three chemoembolization procedures. Performance of more than three chemoembolization procedures with a cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension was found to be independently associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Patients undergoing repeated chemoembolization procedures with cisplatin and Lipiodol suspension may experience hypersensitivity reactions as an adverse effect.

Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Treatment Using a Combination of Onyx and a New Detachable Tip Microcatheter, SONIC: Short-Term Results

Endovascular embolization with Onyx is one of the tools used in the treatment of intracerebral AVMs. The recent introduction of a new microcatheter with detachable tip has led us to adopt a new treatment approach by using endovascular embolization with Onyx as the main treatment for brain AVM with curative intent. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate our initial results by using this new treatment strategy with special emphasis on the safety and feasibility of the technique. Forty-three consecutive patients were treated by embolization for brain AVM over a 14-month period, mostly by using Onyx and a microcatheter with detachable tip. Twenty-six of these patients (60%) harbored Spetzler-Martin AVMs of grades 4-5. Endovascular treatments were completed in 29 out of 43 patients; the median number of procedures per patient was 2 (range, 1-4). Complete obliteration by using embolization exclusively was achieved in 16 patients, resulting in a 55% cure rate in patients who concluded treatments (16/29) and 37% in the cohort (16/43). The amount of Onyx injected by using microcatheters with detachable tips was significantly larger than that injected with the nondetachable microcatheters (mean volume, 2.5 +/- 2.2 versus 1.7 +/- 1.3 mL, respectively, P < .05, t test). Seven clinical complications were observed in a total of 76 embolization sessions (9.2%). Endovascular embolization of brain AVM by using Onyx and SONIC results in a relatively high complete obliteration. The use of the microcatheter with detachable tip adds several advantages, mainly in that higher volumes of Onyx can be safely injected.

Updated Worldwide Survey on the Methods, Efficacy, and Safety of Catheter Ablation for Human Atrial Fibrillation

The purpose of this study was to provide an updated worldwide report on the methods, efficacy, and safety of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). A questionnaire with 46 questions was sent to 521 centers from 24 countries in 4 continents. Complete interviews were collected from 182 centers, of which 85 reported to have performed 20,825 catheter ablation procedures on 16,309 patients with AF between 2003 and 2006. The median number of procedures per center was 245 (range, 2 to 2715). All centers included paroxysmal AF, 85.9% also included persistent and 47.1% also included long-lasting AF. Carto-guided left atrial circumferential ablation (48.2% of patients) and Lasso-guided ostial electric disconnection (27.4%) were the most commonly used techniques. Efficacy data were analyzed with centers representing the unit of analysis. Of 16,309 patients with full disclosure of outcome data, 10 488 (median, 70.0%; interquartile range, 57.7% to 75.4%) became asymptomatic without antiarrhythmic drugs and another 2047 (10.0%; 0.5% to 17.1%) became asymptomatic in the presence of previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs over 18 (range, 3 to 24) months of follow-up. Success rates free of antiarrhythmic drugs and overall success rates were significantly larger in 9590 patients with paroxysmal AF (74.9% and 83.2%) than in 2800 patients with persistent AF (64.8% and 75.0%) and 1108 patients with long-lasting AF (63.1% and 72.3%) (P<0.0001). Major complications were reported in 741 patients (4.5%). When analyzed in a large number of electrophysiology laboratories worldwide, catheter ablation of AF shows to be effective in approximately 80% of patients after 1.3 procedures per patient, with approximately 70% of them not requiring further antiarrhythmic drugs during intermediate follow-up.

A Randomized, Clinical Trial to Compare Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Subsequent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Primary Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration During Cholecystectomy in Higher Risk Patients with Choledocholithiasis

Outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) versus laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) during LC are comparable in fit patients with choledocholithiasis. This randomized, clinical trial aimed to determine the optimum treatment in patients with higher medical risk. Ninety-one higher risk patients with evidence of bile duct stones were randomized to ES/LC (group A) or LBDE during LC (group B). The primary outcome measure was duct clearance. Secondary outcome measures were complications, number of procedures per patient, conversion, and postoperative hospital stay (POS). Forty-seven patients were randomized to ES/LC and 44 to LBDE. The median age was 74.56 years. On an intention-to-treat basis, duct clearance was achieved in 29 of 47 of group A and 44 of 44 of Group B patients (P < 0.001). Clavien Grade II-V complications occurred in 8 of 47 and 8 of 44 patients (P = 0.884), the median number of procedures was 2 (2-3) and 1 (1-1) (P < 0.001), 2 of 47 and 4 of 44 patients required conversion (P = 0.676), and the median POS was 3 (2-7) and 5 (2-7) days (P = 0.825), respectively. There was no difference between approaches to duct clearance in terms of postoperative stay, complications, or conversion in higher risk patients, but the laparoscopic approach was more effective and efficient and avoided unnecessary procedures.

Management Outcomes of Large Colon Polyps: A Single Center Experience

Purpose: The optimal method for management of large colon polyps is not known. Post-polypectomy bleeding, incomplete resection and perforation are major concerns of endoscopic resection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic and/or laparoscopic management of large colon polyps (>20 mm). Methods: Patients with large colon polyps were identified from the endoscopy database of our institution from 2002 to 2007. Data regarding patient demographics, polyp characteristics, polypectomy methods, endoscopic complications, surgical interventions, and post-operative complications were collected by reviewing patient charts. Data were compared between the groups of patients who had successful endoscopic polypectomy and those who underwent surgical resection. Results: In the study, 232 patients {54% men, 92% white, mean age 69.2 (SE 0.8) years} had 239 large colon polyps. A majority of the polyps were sessile (204, 85%), and located in the right colon (143, 62%). Mean polyp size was 30.9 (0.8) mm. Endoscopic polypectomy was attempted in 149 (64%) patients. Complete excision was achieved in 95 (64%) patients {24(10%) patients during initial colonoscopy, the others needed follow up colonoscopies with median number of procedures being 2 (range 2-6) }. The technique of saline-assisted polypectomy was used in 51 patients. Four patients died during follow up because of unrelated events, and in 56 patients follow up was either pending or was done elsewhere. A majority (72%) of these polyps were tubular or villous adenomas. Post-polypectomy bleeding occurred in 7 patients, all of which either ceased spontaneously or after endoscopic therapy. Colonic perforation was suspected in 5 patients, but only 2 patients required surgery. 77(33%) patients underwent surgical excision {36(47%) had laparoscopic surgery}. 32 out of the 77 patients (42%) who underwent surgical resection had cancers in the polyps with 19(25%) patients with more than T1 tumor category. 11 patients had post-operative complications requiring prolonged length of stay (LOS), with a mean LOS of 6.8 (SE 0.4) days. A stepwise logistic regression model showed that the presence of synchronous polyps and pedunculated appearance were independent predictors of successful endoscopic resection, while presence of cancer in the polyp predicted need for surgical resection. Conclusion: In our study, two thirds of patients with large polyps were successfully managed with endoscopic resection. The remaining one-third of the patients had surgical resection. Endoscopic variables can be used to predict successful endoscopic polypectomy, and may be applied in clinical practice for selection of patients.

GS09 RESULTS OF SURGERY FOR INTESTINAL FAILURE

Background: The main aims of intestinal failure (IF) surgery are to reduce the severity of IF in patients by repairing fistulae and restoring continuity in those with short gut, and to restore body image. We report on the surgical management of IF patients at a major tertiary referral institution, in order to evaluate current management practises and outcomes.Methods: Retrospective review of outcomes between July 2005 and December 2007.Results: 60 patients (36 male; median age 47 yrs) underwent 78 operations. On presentation 42 (70%) required parenteral nutrition (PN) and 34 (57%) had stomas. IF was secondary to short gut in 19 (30%) or enterocutaneous fistulae in 42 (70%). Median number of procedures before referral was 4 (1–14). Median time from last operation to our intervention was 365 days (25–3534). Median length of stay postoperatively was 16 days, and at a median follow‐up of 268 days, 54 (90%) had been discharged from surgical care. 7 (12%) required ICU care postoperatively but 30 day/inpatient mortality rates were 0%. Re‐fistulation occurred in 5 patients. 23 (56%) became independent of PN. Residual small bowel length was the only significant contributing factor identified (p = 0.007).Conclusion: Surgical management of IF is safe when performed in a dedicated unit and when time is allowed for patient optimisation.

The surgical management of fistula-in-ano in a specialist colorectal unit

Fistula-in-ano can be associated with a number of conditions, including Crohn's disease. The majority, however, are classified as idiopathic or cryptoglandular. The aim of this study was to review the outcome of surgical management of fistula-in-ano in a specialist colorectal unit. One hundred and four consecutive patients underwent surgery for anal fistulae between 1st January 2000 and December 2004. Data was analysed in two main groups, according to the aetiology, cryptoglandular (n = 86) and Crohn's disease (n = 18). Follow-up data was available on 91 patients. In the cryptoglandular group, 62 patients had an inter-sphincteric tract, of which 48 underwent a single-stage fistulotomy. Of those patients with a trans-sphincteric tract, six patients underwent a single-stage fistulotomy, 13 had a seton and staged fistulotomy. Follow-up data revealed that two fistulae recurred. The median number of procedures in this group was 1 (range 1-3). There was a significant difference in the inpatient stay depending of Park's classification (p = 0.001). In the Crohn's group, three patients with an inter-sphincteric tract underwent a single-stage fistulotomy, two patients with a trans-sphincteric tract had single-stage fistulotomy, and five required a loose seton and staged fistulotomy. Eight patients had multiple fistulae which required long-term setons. Four patients from this group eventually required proctectomy. In the Crohn's group, there was a significantly increased complexity of surgery and higher recurrence. This was reflected in an increased inpatient length of stay and a greater reliance on imaging (p = 0.001). The median number of procedures in this group was 3 (range 1-5). The majority of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano were treated by primary fistulotomy or staged fistulotomy with a loose seton. This was associated with a low recurrence rate and low rates of faecal incontinence. There was a low reliance on imaging techniques in this group. However, we would urge caution when dealing with fistula-in-ano related to Crohn's disease. In this group of patients, the fistulae tended to be more complex and require additional imaging and multiple procedures.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Prevalent Disease in the United States That Affects All Age Groups

Most reports on eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) are limited to small series from single institutions. This study describes features of EE in a broader population. A national pathology database (Caris Diagnostics, Irving, TX) was used to identify EE cases from a cohort of upper endoscopies. Slides from potential cases were reviewed by pathologists. Study inclusion required a mean of (1) 20 eosinophils or more in 5 high-power fields, or (2) 30 eosinophils in 2-4 high-power fields. Endoscopists provided demographic and clinical information. There were 363 cases identified from 74,162 patients and 26 states. EE had a male predominance (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-3.8). Ages ranged from 1 to 98 years, including 42 children and 321 adults. The most common endoscopy indications in adults were dysphagia (70.1%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/heartburn (27.1%). Children most frequently reported GERD/heartburn (38.1%) and abdominal pain/dyspepsia (31.0%). A total of 25.1% of cases had a peak mucosal eosinophil count of 20-59, 29.2% had a peak mucosal eosinophil count of 60-100, and 45.7% had a peak mucosal eosinophil count of more than 100. There was no difference in the peak counts between age groups or sexes, but patients with dysphagia had higher counts (P < .001). The prevalence of EE increased during the study period (P < .001). EE is a national disease found in all age groups, more frequently in males. Dysphagia and GERD symptoms are common indications for endoscopy. The degree of eosinophilic infiltration is high throughout all ages and may be related to patients' symptoms. Our series highlights important elements of this disease, the prevalence and/or recognition of which is increasing.

Treatment of malignant ascites in patients with advanced cancer: Peritoneovenous shunt versus paracentesis

Malignant ascites in patients with advanced cancer is often difficult to treat and effective palliation is not achieved. We performed peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) placement in patients with malignant ascites, who were admitted to our institution between January 2000 and March 2005. The outcome of PVS placement was compared with paracentesis as a treatment option during the same period. Comparisons included changes in abdominal girth, hematocrit (Hct), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) measurements before and after PVS placement. The number of procedures, changes in the postoperative performance score, the median survival, possibility of discharge, and complications were compared between the two groups. Twenty patients underwent PVS placement and 49 patients were subjected to paracentesis. After PVS, abdominal girth and Hct decreased significantly. BUN and Cr tended to decrease. The median number of procedures was less in the PVS group than in the paracentesis group (one vs two, respectively; P < 0.0001). The postoperative performance score showed a significant improvement following PVS placement (P = 0.0026). Median survival was significantly longer for patients undergoing PVS placement than for those undergoing paracentesis (42 days vs 18 days, respectively; P = 0.003). The rate of possible discharge was significantly higher for patients undergoing PVS placement (P = 0.0076). Severe complications were observed in one patient in the PVS group and in seven patients in the paracentesis group. PVS placement provides an effective treatment option for patients with refractory malignant ascites in advanced cancer, and yields a higher likelihood of discharge compared with conventional paracentesis.

Fluoroscopically guided synechiolysis for patients with Asherman’s syndrome: menstrual and fertility outcomes

To describe a 5-year experience of fluoroscopically guided hysteroscopic synechiolysis for Asherman's syndrome. Retrospective, uncontrolled cohort study. Department of Endo-Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Thirty consecutive patients with confirmed Asherman's syndrome (March 1999-March 2004). Women had hysteroscopy performed under general anesthetic, with the use of a spinal needle in parallel to the hysteroscope to perform synechiolysis. The progress of the procedure was determined by injecting radiographic contrast medium, and visualized with the use of an image intensifier. Individual procedures were terminated when the endometrial cavity was reconstructed, or at 60 minutes. Cyclic high-dose estrogen therapy was used to stimulate endometrial proliferation. Repeat procedures were performed monthly until the endometrial cavity was reestablished. Menstrual and fertility outcomes were obtained from patient records and by postal questionnaire. Thirty patients were treated for Asherman's syndrome (13% AFS Grade I, 43% AFS Grade II, and 43% AFS Grade III). Prior to treatment, 60% of patients were amenorrheic. The median number of procedures per patient was 1.5 (range, 1-6), and the mean length of the procedure was 42 minutes (range, 10-70 minutes). After treatment, 96% had regular menses. Seventeen patients attempted to conceive after surgery, and 9 (53%) were successful. Hysteroscopic synechiolysis under image-intensifier control appears to be an effective treatment for Asherman's syndrome.

Failure modes of spinal cord stimulation hardware

Epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is effective at treating refractory pain. The failure modes of the implanted hardware, however, have not been well studied. A better understanding of this could aid in improving the current procedure or designing future devices. The authors reviewed electronic charts and operative reports of 289 patients who had undergone SCS implantation between 1998 and 2002 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Data were collected on demographics, type of hardware, date of implantation procedure, indication for treatment, time to failure, and failure mode. Data were then analyzed to identify significant differences. A total of 577 procedures were performed, 43.5% of which involved revision or removal of SCS hardware. The most common indication was complex regional pain syndrome 1, and this was followed by failed-back surgery syndrome. The median number of procedures per patient was two. Approximately 80% of all leads were the percutaneous type. The majority (62%) of leads were placed in the thoracic region, and 33.5% of all leads required revision. Poor pain relief coverage was the most common indication for revision. Surgically implanted leads broke twice as often as percutaneous leads. In 46% of the patients, hardware revision was required, and multiple revisions were necessary in 22.5%. Three-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in failure mode rates according to location (cervical compared with thoracic, p = 0.037) and failure modes (p = 0.019). Laminotomy leads tended to break and migrate sooner than percutaneous leads. Thoracic leads became infected sooner than cervical leads. The results of this analysis of SCS hardware failures may be used as a basis for refining surgical technique and designing the next generation of SCS hardware.