Poor Preoperative Status Research Articles

Respiratory and physical therapy in the intensive care unit after liver transplantation for acute-on-chronic liver failure: a case report.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe clinical condition for which liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative option. Due to the recipients' generally poor pre-operative clinical conditions and extensive surgery, post-LT respiratory disorders are very common and significantly contribute to related morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 49-year-old patient with ACLF grade 3 who has been taken care of by the Respiratory Physiotherapy Team since hospital admission. After the extubation, the patient was supported with non-invasive ventilation and mechanical in-exsufflation; meanwhile, early resistance and functional training were started. No adverse events occurred during physiotherapy sessions, and the patient returned home without respiratory support. Respiratory and physical therapy in the intensive care unit after LT were safe and feasible interventions for this patient. Given the high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and the high rehabilitation needs, we suggest that physiotherapy should be provided for ACLF recipients.

Clinical diagnosis and surgical management of chronic megacolon in a kitten

Chronic cases of megacolon are found frequently in older cats but are rarely reported in kittens below six months of age. Megacolon is the abnormal and persistent dilatation of the colon without mechanical obstruction, leading to severe constipation. A 5-month-old kitten was presented to a local vet hospital for investigation of a long-term bowel dysfunction followed by obstipation for nine days. Prior to the presentation, the kitten underwent medical treatments including oral laxatives/purgatives and enema, but these remained unsuccessful. Clinical examination revealed severe dehydration and dullness, alongside a distended abdomen in lateral recumbency. The diagnosis of chronic idiopathic megacolon was made based on radiographic imaging after meticulous physical examinations of the distended abdomen. Subtotal colectomy followed by end-to-end colo-colonic anastomosis was performed. Supportive medications and fluid therapies were provided subsequently. Unfortunately, the kitten did not survive beyond 54 h following the surgical intervention. The overall delay in presentation and poor preoperative status were considered to be the main contributors to the unfavorable outcome. In summary, chronic cases of megacolon can be deadly in kittens. Therefore, any cases of feline constipation must be considered with priority to ensure early treatment, otherwise, unresolved cases may lead to definite megacolon in later life.

SURG-02. SURGICAL OUTCOME OF SUPRATENTORIAL MENINGIOMA PATIENTS AGED ≥80 YEARS – RETROSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL MULTICENTER STUDY

Abstract BACKGROUND Demographic changes will lead to an increase in old patients, a population with significant risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, requiring neurosurgery for meningiomas, Objective: To evaluate outcome of supratentorial meningioma patients aged ≥80 years. This multicenter study aims to report neurofunctional status after resection, to identify factors associated with outcome, and to validate a previously proposed decision support tool. METHODS Neurofunctional status was assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Patients were categorized in poor (KPS ≤40), intermediate (KPS 50-70), and good (KPS ≥80) preoperative subgroups. Volumetric analyses of tumor and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) were performed; volumes were scored as small (< 10 cm3), medium (10-50 cm3), and large ( >50 cm3). RESULTS The study population consisted of 262 patients. Median age at surgery was 83.0 years. Median preoperative KPS was 70; 117 (44.7%) patients were allotted to the good, 113 (43.1%) to the intermediate, and 32 (12.2%) to the poor subgroup. Median tumor and PTBE volumes were 30.2 cm3 and 27.3 cm3; large PTBE volume correlated with poor preoperative KPS status (P = .008). The 90-day and 1-year mortality rates were 9.0% and 13.2%. Within the first postoperative year, 101 (38.5%) patients improved, 87 (33.2%) were unchanged, and 74 (28.2%) were functionally worse (including deaths). Each year-increase of age associated with 44% (23–70%) increased risk of 90-day and 1-year mortality. In total, 111 (42.4%) patients suffered from surgery-associated complications. Maximum tumor diameter ≥5cm (odds ratio 1.87 (1.12–3.13)) and large tumor volume (odds ratio 2.35 (1.01–5.50)) associated with an increased risk of complications. Among patients with poor preoperative status and large PTBE, most (58.3%) benefited from surgery. CONCLUSION Patients with poor preoperative status and large PTBE most often showed postoperative improvements. The decision support tool may be of help in identifying cases that most likely benefit from surgery.

Interventional Bridging Therapy for Radical Cardiac Surgery in a Patient Seemed to be Inoperable Due to Very Poor Left Ventricular Function: A Case Report

Cases that are inoperable owing to poor preoperative conditions are sometimes encountered. However, there are some cases that are led to radical treatment by performing bridge therapy. Here, we presented a case of a patient with complex cardiac disease in an inoperable state who underwent bridging therapy that led to successful surgical treatment. A 73-year-old male who received hemodialysis treatment and had severe aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease planned surgical treatment. However, he was deemed inoperable owing to his low cardiac function and hemodynamic instability. Therefore, to escape from a fatal condition, we first performed balloon aortic valvuloplasty and percutaneous coronary intervention as palliative procedures. Subsequently, his cardiac function and hemodynamic stability remarkably improved; therefore, after 1 month, we performed a successful radical surgical treatment. Even in inoperable patients, bridging therapy leading to radical treatment is possible.

Clinical Outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Device Pump Infection.

Few studies have focused on the clinical outcomes and risk factors of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pump infection, and no standard treatment for LVAD pump infection has been established. Therefore, we used a therapeutic flowchart to manage LVAD pump infections. We retrospectively evaluated 220 patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation between January 2005 and March 2021 at Osaka University, Japan. First, we performed wound debridement, negative-pressure wound therapy, antibiotic treatment, and omental flap transposition. Subsequently, we administered conservative treatment, scheduled implantable LVAD exchange, or emergent removal of the implantable LVAD and exchange for extracorporeal LVAD or percutaneous LVAD (IMPELLA). Pump infections occurred in 32 patients. The survival rates of patients with pump infections during LVAD support were 93%, 74%, and 61% at 180 days, 1 year, and 2 years after LVAD pump infection, respectively. Fifteen patients underwent successful heart transplantation. Bridge-to-bridge surgery, preoperative use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or percutaneous LVAD, high lactate dehydrogenase levels, and driveline infection were significantly associated with pump infection. Our study reveals that poor preoperative condition and driveline infection were significant risk factors for LVAD pump infection.

Perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes after ablation or partial nephrectomy for solitary renal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials.

The perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of patients with solitary small renal tumors (SRMs) treated with ablation (AT) or partial nephrectomy (PN) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of these two surgical techniques. In April 2023, we conducted a literature search in several widely used databases worldwide, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Review Manager was used to compare various parameters. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022377157). Our final meta-analysis included 13 cohort studies with a total of 2,107 patients. Compared to partial nephrectomy (PN), ablation (AT) had shorter hospital stays (WMD -2.37 days, 95% CI -3.05 to -1.69; p < 0.00001), shorter operating times (WMD -57.06min, 95% CI -88.92 to -25.19; p = 0.0004), less postoperative creatinine increases (WMD -0.17 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.05; p = 0.006), less postoperative glomerular filtration rate decreases (WMD -9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI -14.25 to -5.44; p < 0.0001), less postoperative new-onset chronic kidney disease (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.71; p = 0.005), and less intraoperative blood loss (WMD -285.92ml, 95% CI -428.44 to -143.40; p < 0.0001). The transfusion rate was lower in the ablation group (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.51; p = 0.001). The risk of local recurrence was higher in the ablation group (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.27 to 6.89; p = 0.01), while the risk of distant metastasis was higher in the partial nephrectomy group (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.28 to 6.18; p = 0.01). The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were lower in the ablation group (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; p = 0.004 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.38; p < 0.00001, respectively). However, overall survival, postoperative dialysis rate, and tumor-specific survival were not different between the two groups. Our data suggest that ablation and partial nephrectomy are equally safe and effective in the treatment of small solitary kidney tumors and are better options for patients with poor preoperative physical condition or poor renal function.

The open-first strategy is acceptable for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm even in the endovascular era.

To examine the surgical findings of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) based on the open-first strategy in the last decade, and to analyze the predictors of in-hospital mortality for RAAA in the endovascular era. The subjects of this retrospective study were 116 patients who underwent RAAA repair, for whom sufficient data were available [25% female, median age 76 (70-85) years]. Sixteen (13.8%) patients were managed with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and 100 patients (86.2%) were managed with open surgical repair (OSR). Univariate analysis identified base excess (BE) (odds ratio [OR] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.96; p = 0.006), and preoperative cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) [OR] 15.4; 95% [CI] 1.30-181; p = 0.030), BE (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79-0.96; p = 0.006), shock index (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.01-5.94; p = 0.050), lactic acid (Lac) (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.02-1.36; p = 0.026), and blood sugar (BS) > 215 (OR 3.46; 95% CI 1.10-10.9; p = 0.034) as positive predictors of hospital mortality. The findings of this study suggest that a first-line strategy of OSR for ruptured AAAs is acceptable. Poor preoperative conditions, including a high shock index, CPA, low BE, high Lac, and a BS level > 215mg/dl, were identified as predictors of hospital mortality, rather than the procedures themselves.

Mortality, complication risks, and clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of spinal epidural abscess: a comparative analysis of patients aged 18–64 years, 65–79 years, and ≥ 80 years, with a 3-year follow-up

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) is a rare illness with a steadily increasing incidence. However, comparative analyses of young and older patients with SEA are lacking. We aimed to compare the clinical course of patients aged 18–64 years, 65–79 years, and ≥ 80 years undergoing surgery for SEA. Clinical and imaging data were retrospectively collected from the institutional database between September 2005 and December 2021. Ninety-nine patients aged 18–64 years, 45 patients aged 65–79 years, and 32 patients ≥ 80 years were enrolled. Patients ≥ 80 years presented with a poorer baseline history (9.2 ± 2.4), as indicated by the CCI, than their younger counterparts (18–74 years: 4.8 ± 1.6;6.5 ± 2.5; p < 0.001). Patients aged 65–79 years and 80 years had a significantly longer length of stay. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in those aged ≥ 80 years compared to their younger counterparts (≥ 80 years, n = 3, 9.4% vs. 18–64 years, n = 0, 0.0%; 65–79 years, n = 0, 0.0%; p < 0.001), while no differences in 90-day mortality or 30-day readmission were observed. After surgery, a significant decrease in C-reactive protein levels and leukocytes and amelioration of motor scores were observed in all the groups. Of note, older age (> 65 years), presence of comorbidities, and poor preoperative neurological condition were significant predictors of mortality. Surgical management led to significant improvements in laboratory and clinical parameters in all age groups. However, older patients are prone to multiple risks, requiring meticulous evaluation before surgery. Nevertheless, the risk profile of younger patients should not be underestimated. The study has the limitations of a retrospective design and small sample size. Larger randomized studies are warranted to establish the guidelines for the optimal management of patients from every age group and to identify the patients who can benefit from solely conservative management.

Hidden blood loss and its risk factors in percutaneous vertebroplasty surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a percutaneous interventional procedure for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, hidden blood loss (HBL) during the surgery is easily disregarded. This study aimed to evaluate HBL and its possible risk factors in the patients following PVP for OVCFs. Patients with OVCFs who underwent PVP surgery between January 2019 and November 2022 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' demographics, laboratory data, and imaging and clinical date were also collected. Preoperative and postoperative hematocrit were recorded, the hidden blood loss was calculated according to Sehat formula, and the risk factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression analysis. One hundred and fifty-five patients (26 males and 129 females) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. 85.2% of patients had one segment vertebral fracture and the mean surgical time was 30.5 ± 11.0min. No intraspinal cement leakage occurred. The mean HBL was 204.0 ± 89.6ml. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that HBL was positively associated with number of fracture segments (P = 0.001), degree of vertebral height restoration (P = 0.001), surgical time (P = 0.000), number of puncture (P = 0.002), and cement leakage (P = 0.038). Multiple vertebral fractures, higher degree of vertebral height restoration, longer surgical time, more number of puncture, and cement leakage are independent risk factors for HBL. Therefore, HBL should not be neglected in the patients with OVCFs undergoing PVP surgery, especially in those with poor preoperative physical condition and presence of anemia.

Aspiration Prevention Surgery: Clinical Factors Associated With Improvements in Oral Status Intake and Suction Frequency.

In recent years, the use of aspiration prevention surgery (APS) for the treatment of severe dysphagia has been on the rise. However, relevant clinical studies have included small samples, and the frequency of, and risk factors for postoperative complications have not been clarified. We investigated the clinical features of patients undergoing APS and whether oral-intake status and suction frequency could be reduced. A case series. Single-institution academic center. We retrospectively evaluated medical charts generated from 2010 to 2021. The clinical characteristics of patients undergoing APS, changes in the oral-intake status (Functional Oral Intake Scale, FOIS), suction frequency before and after surgery, risk factors for postoperative complications, and factors contributing to improvements in postoperative oral-intake status were retrieved. We included the data of 100 patients (median age: 65 years, 72 men). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was the most common primary disease (28%), and glottis closure was the most common APS (69%). Postoperatively, 78% of patients showed improvements in the FOIS score, and suction frequency decreased in 85% of cases. Postoperative complications were observed in 10 patients (10%), wound infection in 6, and bleeding in 4; all improved. Higher preoperative FOIS scores were significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.02). APS contributed to improving the FOIS score and helped reduce the suction frequency in most cases. APS can be performed safely with proper perioperative management, even in patients with poor preoperative general conditions and nutritional status.

A Novel Brain Retractor for Endoscopic Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Endoscopic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation is a safe and effective alternative to the conventional burr hole technique. Although a rigid endoscope has the advantage of good visualization, there are risks of brain damage due to limited space to accommodate the scope and frequent lens soiling. This technical note describes a novel brain retractor to overcome the limitations of rigid endoscopy. The novel brain retractor (by senior author) was made by dividing a silicon tube longitudinally into two halves, and tapered for easy introduction in the operative cavity. Sutures were placed at the outer end of the retractor to prevent migration and to assist in angulation. The novel retractor along with endoscopic assistance was used in 362 CSDH procedures. Endoscopy combined with this retractor provided additional help in complete removal of hematoma in organized/solid clots, septa, bridging vessels, and rapid expansion of brain in 83, 23, 21, and 24 patients, respectively (n = 151, 44%). Although there were three deaths (due to poor preoperative status), and two recurrences, there were no retractor-induced complications. The novel brain retractor assists endoscope in proper visualization of complete hematoma cavity by gentle and dynamic brain retraction, helps in thorough irrigation of hematoma cavity, protects the brain, and prevents lens soiling. It allows easy insertion of the endoscope and instruments using bimanual technique even in patients with a small width of hematoma cavity.

Current Knowledge on Spinal Meningiomas-Surgical Treatment, Complications, and Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Part 2).

Most of the knowledge on spinal meningiomas is extrapolated from their intracranial counterparts, even though they are considered separate entities. This review aimed to systematically summarize studies covering different aspects of spinal meningiomas and their management. Databases were searched for all studies concerning spinal meningiomas dating from 2000 and onwards. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Neurological outcomes of surgery were consistently favorable across studies, with a complication rate of 7.9% and 78.9% of the patients demonstrating good postoperative neurological function (McCormick score 1-2). The most relevant predictors of unfavorable outcomes were poor preoperative status, longer time from diagnosis to surgery, and surgery of recurrent tumors. The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated at 6%. Meta-analysis and/or survival analysis revealed that higher WHO grade (p &lt; 0.001), higher Simpson grade (p &lt; 0.001), ventral tumor location (p = 0.02), and male sex (p = 0.014) were all associated with higher odds of recurrence. However, the meta-analysis did not show any difference between Simpson grade 1 and grade 2 with respect to the odds of recurrence (p = 0.94). Surgery provided immediate and durable health-related quality-of-life improvement, as well as a high frequency of return to work. Spinal meningioma surgery is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of tumor recurrence and high likelihood of favorable postoperative outcomes.

Spinal Meningioma Surgery in Octogenarians: Functional Outcomes and Complications over a 2-Year Follow-Up Period.

Background and Objectives: Population aging in industrial nations has led to an increased prevalence of benign spinal tumors, such as spinal meningiomas (SMs), in the elderly. The leading symptom of SM is local pain, and the diagnosis is confirmed after acute neurological decline. However, little is known about the optimal treatment for this frail patient group. Therefore, this study sought to assess the clinical outcome, morbidity, and mortality of octogenarians with SMs and progressive neurological decline undergoing surgery and to determine potential risk factors for complications. Materials and Methods: Electronic medical records dated between September 2005 and December 2020 from a single institution were retrieved. Data on patient demographics, neurological conditions, functional status, degree of disability, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, and 90-day mortality were collected. Results: Thirty patients aged ≥80 years who were diagnosed with SMs underwent posterior decompression via laminectomy and microsurgical tumor resection. The patients presented with a poor baseline history (mean CCI 8.9 ± 1.6 points). Almost all SMs were located in the thoracic spine (n = 25; 83.3%). Progressive preoperative neurological decline was observed in 21/30 (n = 21; 70%) patients with McCormick Scores (mMCS) ≥3, and their mean motor score (MS) was 85.9 ± 12.3. in the in-hospital and 90-day mortality rates were 6.7% and 10.0%, respectively. The MS (93.6 ± 8.3) and mMCS (1.8 ± 0.9) improved significantly postoperatively (p < 0.05). The unique risk factor for complications was the severity of comorbidities. Conclusions: Decompressive laminectomy and tumor removal in octogenarians with progressive neurological decline improved patient functional outcomes at discharge. Surgery seems to be the “state of the art” treatment for symptomatic SMs in elderly patients, even those with poor preoperative clinical and neurologic conditions, whenever there is an acceptable risk from an anesthesiological point of view.

Transoral ventral tympanic bulla osteotomy in cats: 13 cases (2016–2019)

To analyze the results of transoral ventral bulla osteotomy (TOVBO) in cats. 13 client-owned cats treated by TOVBO between February 2016 and February 2019. Medical records of cats with a diagnosis of middle ear disease (MED) that underwent TOVBO were reviewed. The procedure was similar to the one described for dogs. Short-term follow-up was obtained via clinical examination before discharge and at day 15 postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was performed via telephone interview. 13 cats (age range, 8 months to 12 years) underwent unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (3) TOVBO (16) for the treatment of tympanic bulla (TB) infection (10), nasopharyngeal inflammatory polyps (5), or bullet retrieval from the TB (1). There were no intraoperative complications. One cat with a poor preoperative status died at postoperative day 3 from pneumonia. Eight cats experienced postoperative complications including head tilt (n = 2), Horner syndrome (3), loss of appetite (2), and temporary blindness (1). Collected samples confirmed the presence of nasopharyngeal inflammatory polyps (5), or otitis media (8). Six months after surgical intervention, 9 cats were free of MED signs. This oral approach provided a good access to the TB in all cases. The complications observed after TOVBO were similar to those for VBO. In cats, TOVBO seems to be an acceptable and safe minimally invasive alternative to the other approaches of the TB to address MED.

Prevention and Management of Small-for-Size Syndrome of Liver Transplantation

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is a critical complication of partial liver transplantation, particularly in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT) using a small graft. Minimally required liver graft size for a successful ALDLT is classically 40% of a standard recipient’s liver volume or 0.8% of recipient body weight. Recent progress in perioperative care and technical improvement push the lower limit of safe graft size to 25% of the recipient’s standard liver volume or 0.6% of the graft versus recipient weight ratio although this is an ongoing debate. The clinical manifestations of SFSS include various symptoms and signs related to graft dysfunction and portal hypertension in patients with small grafts. The risk factors for SFSS include poor preoperative patient condition, including portal pressure, surgical techniques to reduce portal pressure, and graft quality and size. Hence, various approaches have been explored to modulate inflow and pressure to a small graft and to decrease the outflow block to alleviate this SFSS as well as the selection of a patient and graft. Additionally, recent research and efforts to prevent and treat SFSS are reviewed. (Ewha Med J 2022;45(2):29-34)

COVID-19 in Recent Lung Transplant Recipients: Clinical Outcomes and Management Strategies

BackgroundCOVID-19 causes a wide range of symptoms, with particularly high risk of severe respiratory failure and death in patients with predisposing risk factors such as advanced age or obesity. Recipients of solid organ transplants, and in particular lung transplantation, are more susceptible to viral infection owing to immune suppressive medication. As little is known about the SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patients, this study was undertaken to describe outcomes and potential management strategies in early COVID-19 infection early after lung transplantation.MethodsWe describe the incidence and outcome of COVID-19 in a cohort of recent lung transplant recipients in Munich. Six of 186 patients who underwent lung transplantation in the period between March 2019 and March 2021 developed COVID-19 within the first year after transplantation. We documented the clinical course and laboratory changes for all patients showing differences in the severity of the infection with COVID-19 and their outcomes.ResultsThree of 6 SARS-CoV-2 infections were hospital-acquired and the patients were still in inpatient treatment after lung transplantation. All patients suffered from symptoms. One patient did not receive antiviral therapy. Remdesivir was prescribed in 4 patients and the remaining patient received remdesivir, bamlanivimab and convalescent plasma.ConclusionsCOVID-19 does not appear to cause milder disease in lung transplant recipients compared with the general population. Immunosuppression is potentially responsible for the delayed formation of antibodies and their premature loss. Several comorbidities and a general poor preoperative condition showed an extended hospital stay.

Repair of common arterial trunk: palliation and delayed correction as a viable alternative strategy in selected patients.

OBJECTIVESPrimary repair of common arterial trunk (CAT) is burdened by high mortality rates, especially in the presence of multiple risk factors. Timing, possible palliative methods, optimal management of associated cardiac lesions and handling of a poor preoperative state are still under discussion.METHODSWe retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent surgery for CAT in our institution between 2008 and November 2020. We included 22 patients, 11 of whom received primary correction (PC) and 11 of whom underwent initial palliation by partial repair, leaving the ventricular septal defect open and connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries with a small valveless right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit. A delayed correction (DC) was performed after 11.5 ± 3.6 months.RESULTSThe overall operative mortality was 4.5%; 1 patient (affected by severe truncal valve stenosis and presenting in a poor state preoperatively) in the DC group died after palliation. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis was significantly higher in the PC group (P = 0.027). No patient from either group required postoperative extracorporeal support. Survival rates after 6 years differed slightly (PC group, 90%; DC group, 70%; log-rank = 0.270).CONCLUSIONSPC of CAT remains an optimal surgical approach for patients with an expected low mortality. However, our data support palliation and DC as a suitable alternative strategy, especially in the presence of significant risk factors like interrupted aortic arch, poor preoperative condition or complex surgical anatomy.

Giant Renal Cell Carcinoma Surgical Challenges and Life Expectancy: A Real-World Analysis of Serial Cases

Giant renal cell carcinoma is a rare case. We reported six cases of giant renal cell carcinoma, which required surgical resection of the tumor, including a 9.900 cm3 of encapsulated neoplasm removal. To our knowledge, this is the largest giant clear cell RCC ever reported in Asia. Cytoreductive nephrectomy without targeted therapy was performed in all cases. The most common type in all cases was clear cell carcinoma. From six cases, four patients died during follow-up of more than 6 months. The number of cases that died in our case was related to poor preoperative status performance, while one of the patients had a histopathological sarcomatoid cell result with a poor prognosis. We should consider performing cytoreductive nephrectomy in younger patients, clear-cell histology, good performance status, limited metastatic burden, 3 or less International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors, responding to presurgical therapy, preferably in high-volume centers. Cytoreductive nephrectomy is not for every patient, and it’s associated with longer survival in well-selected patients.

Outcomes of Proximal Femoral Locking-plate Fixation for Pathological Fractures of the Proximal Femur

Objective: To study the treatment outcomes of proximal femoral locking-plate fixation of pathological fractures ofthe proximal femur relative to clinical results, implant failure, and surgical complications.Materials and Methods: From 2007 to 2018, 17 patients (18 femurs) with a diagnosis of impending or existingpathological fracture of the proximal femur were treated with proximal femoral locking-plate fixation. Data collectedincluded operative duration, estimated blood loss, ambulatory status, hardware failure events, and postoperativecomplications.Results: Of the 18 femurs that were included, 13 were existing pathological fractures and 5 were impending fractures.The mean age of patients was 53.7 years (range: 28-89), and 12 of them were female. The mean follow-up was 11.3months (range: 1-67). Ten of 17 patients (62.5%) had progressive lung disease from pulmonary metastasis or fromlung primary. No patient developed oxygen desaturation or cardiac arrest during the intraoperative or postoperativeperiod. Thirteen of 17 patients (76.5%) could walk with or without an assistive device at the time of final follow-up.Two patients required close postoperative monitoring in the intensive care unit due to poor preoperative status,and both of those patients died within one month after surgery from other medical problems. No hardware failureoccurred.Conclusion: For pathological fracture of the proximal femur, proximal femoral locking-plate fixation is a treatmentoption that results in fewer perioperative and postoperative cardiopulmonary events and surgical complications.Most patients can ambulate with or without an assistive device at the final follow-up.

FÍSTULA VESICOSIGMOIDEA EN ENFERMEDAD DIVERTICULAR, REPORTE DE CASO Y REVISIÓN DE LITERATURA.

Introduction Colovesical fistulas (CVF) are pathologic communications between bowel and bladder. They represent 1 in 3000 surgical hospital admissions per year. Imaging studies play a crucial role establishing the site, course and complexity of the fistulas, and in identifying their etiology. The management of CVF depends on the underlying pathology, the site of the intestinal injury, and the preoperative state of the patient. A surgical and non-surgical approach can be performed. Case description A clinical case of an 82-year-old patient with multiple comorbidities is reported, who suddenly presented dysuria, stranguria and fecaluria. The abdominal and pelvic tomography revealed diverticulitis with the presence of a fistulous tract from the colon to the bladder. During his hospitalization, the patient presented septic shock of urinary focus due to colovesical fistula, which required management by intensive therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was started. Once stable, we opted for surgical resolution with partial cystectomy plus fistulectomy and Hartmann-type colostomy. After the procedure, the patient evolved favorably with resolution of the condition. Conclusion The nonsurgical approach may be a viable option in patients with poor preoperative condition, an inability to tolerate general anesthesia, or in cancer patients with a short life expectancy. Spontaneous closure of fistulas occurs in approximately 2% of patients and, since up to 75% may have septic complications, the presence of a FCV is an indication for surgery in all patients without contraindications for it. The most widely used surgical approach consists of resection of the compromised intestinal segment with primary anastomosis, without a protective stoma, and closure of the bladder defect. At present, there is no consensus on which is the best surgical strategy due to the lack of clinical trials. An updated review of the subject and its therapeutic management is carried out.