Postoperative Doppler Ultrasonography Research Articles

Bilateral spontaneous thrombosis of the pampiniform plexus mimicking incarcerated inguinal hernia: case report of a rare condition and literature review

BackgroundPampiniform plexus thrombosis is a very rare disease (only less than 25 published cases are available till date), and it is a diagnostic dilemma. The present case is an unusual condition of an elderly gentleman who was finally diagnosed as a case of spontaneous thrombosis of bilateral pampiniform plexus and was managed conservatively. Literature was reviewed to explore potential etiologies and therapeutic strategies.Case presentationA 65-year-old afebrile gentleman, laborer (in brick industry), and non-smoker with no previous major health problems was admitted with swelling in the bilateral inguinal region. The swelling had started one and half months ago. He had developed severe pain over the swelling for last 1 day with tenderness and indurations. Neither he had history of previous surgeries, chronic cough, dysuria, prostatism, and trauma nor he presented any thrombogenic factors. There was no history of vomiting, abdominal pain, and obstipation. Physical examination revealed normotensive person with BMI of 22.5, was significant only for one tender, movable, and firm to hard 10 cm × 3 cm mass extending from the left deep inguinal ring up to the upper pole of the testis in the scrotum. Another 5 cm × 3 cm mass of similar characteristics was found extending from deep inguinal ring up to the root of the scrotum on right side. The testes and prostate were normal on palpation.On the contrary to preoperative USG, which clinched suspicion of incarcerated inguinal hernia, a thrombosed pampiniform plexus without any evidence of hernia sac was found on the left side during inguino-scrotal exploration. Wound was closed without doing any further procedure. Contralateral inguino-scrotal exploration was spared considering same nature of disease. Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral thrombosed pampiniform plexus. MDCT of whole abdomen revealed no abnormality other than bilateral spermatic cord thrombosis. Blood thrombophilia screening came normal. The subject had an uneventful postoperative hospital course. With 2 years of follow-up, the gentleman is doing well, remaining asymptomatic and had returned to his usual life.ConclusionsDue to extreme rarity, spontaneous thrombosis of the pampiniform plexus may be a diagnostic dilemma and requires a high index of suspicion. Doppler ultrasound is the initial investigation of choice. In the absence of other concomitant disease, beginning the treatment conservatively instead of excising the thrombosed segment is more suitable.

Surgical approach for venous malformation in the head and neck.

BackgroundTreatment for venous malformations of the head and neck includes sclerotherapy, surgical resection, or a combination of both. Surgical resection can remove or reduce the volume of vascular lesions; however, surgery can cause postoperative scarring and potential surgical complications. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of surgery for the treatment of venous malformations of the head and neck.MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of patients who received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck from January 2011 to July 2019 was performed. Using clinical photographs, preoperative and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography, outpatient clinic records, and operation records, the postoperative result and complications were evaluated for each case.ResultsAmong patients who visited our vascular anomalies clinic, 43 patients (ratio of male to female= 24:19) received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck. Twenty-nine patients had undergone surgery only, five patients received sclerotherapy after surgery, and nine patients received surgery after preoperative sclerotherapy. In postoperative evaluations, the result was excellent in 24 patients, good in 18 patients, and poor in one patient. Four patients experienced a recurrence of lesions with lagophthalmos, drooping of the corner of the mouth, partial wound necrosis, and scar widening found in one patient each.ConclusionBecause the head and neck region is the most exposed area in the body, more active implementation of surgical treatments with or without sclerotherapy is essential to reduce the functional and cosmetic impairments associated with venous malformations.

A Silent and Very Early Post-Liver Transplant Death by Candida Arteritis

Background: Graft site candidiasis is a serious complication after solid organ transplantation, often presenting as invasive arteritis leading to graft loss or even death. Case Report: We report a case of anastomotic site candidiasis leading to arterial rupture and death at postoperative day 10 with no clinical warning signs. Preservation fluid cultures were negative and postoperative doppler ultrasonography did not show vascular compromise. Postmortem examination revealed microscopic arterial wall abscesses harbouring hyphae and yeast consistent with Candida species. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates a particularly early and silent death post-liver transplant due to candida arteritis and highlights the limitations of current preventive and screening measures.

Is postoperative Doppler ultrasonography useful for the early detection of asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm and prevention of haemorrhagic complications after partial nephrectomy?

To assess the clinical utility of systematic Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (PN) for the detection of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (PA) and to allow pre-emptive arterial embolization to reduce the postoperative bleeding risk. A retrospective study was conducted including all consecutive patients treated with robot-assisted PN for renal tumours between 2015 and 2017. Every patient underwent renal DUS in the early postoperative period. The presence of PA, arteriovenous malformation or collection on the DUS, as well as the incidence of haemorrhagic complications and need for transfusion/embolization were assessed. Eighty-three patients were included, with a median (range) age of 58 (19-80)years. The median (range) follow-up was 5 (1-30)months. The mean (±sd) tumour size was 31 (±13.1) mm, the median (range) RENAL nephrometry score was 6 (4-11), and the mean (±sd) warm ischaemia time was 22 (±7) min. A haemostatic agent was used in 12 patients (14.5%). No patient encountered haemorrhagic complications postoperatively, and no patient required transfusion. The median (interquartile range) time to DUS postoperatively was 7 (6-8)days. DUS revealed one asymptomatic PA (1.2%), which was treated with pre-emptive embolization. This was the only patient who encountered a Clavien grade III complication, while 20 patients (24%) had a complication grade I/II. No haemorrhagic complications occurred in the present study population, although one asymptomatic PA was found. It was diagnosed early with DUS, allowing pre-emptive management with embolization. These results suggest the potential clinical utility of early postoperative DUS in order to screen for PA to reduce the risk of post-PN haemorrhagic complications.

Postoperative Doppler Ultrasonography in Liver Transplantation

BackgroundDoppler ultrasonography plays an important role in the postoperative management of liver transplantation. We present our initial experiences evaluating liver transplants with the use of postoperative Doppler sonography. MethodsIn our hospital, we performed 20 liver transplantations from July 2014 to October 2016. Among 20 patients, we performed 15 deceased-donor liver transplantations (DDLTs) and 5 living-donor liver transplantations (LDLTs). For deceased donors, inferior vena cava anastomoses were performed with the use of the piggyback technique, and for living donors, modified right grafts were used with middle hepatic vein reconstruction by Dacron graft. In the intensive care unit, we performed Doppler ultrasound at least once a day and at every clinical need. We checked hepatic blood flow by means of Doppler ultrasound. ResultsEighteen patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography once a day up to postoperative day 6. Of the patients who received LDLT, 2 patients underwent Doppler ultrasonography twice a day because the operator was concerned about the hepatic artery anastomosis. Findings on Doppler ultrasound showed no abnormal wave form in hepatic artery, portal vein and hepatic veins. No patient had abnormal findings on angiographic computerized tomography. There was 1 graft failure in 20 recipients. The graft failure was primary nonfunction, and retransplantation was done. During the hospitalizations, there were no vascular complications. ConclusionsDoppler ultrasonography can be used to evaluate postoperative vascular complications in liver transplant patients. When the operator checks postoperative Doppler ultrasonography, it is possible to differentiate between patients, and it may help to detect the vascular complications earlier.

Hemispheric Outflow Reconstruction With Autologous Umbilical Vein in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

A 44-year-old man with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The donor was his identical twin elder brother. On computed tomography, the markedly dilated umbilical vein was observed as a hepatofugal collateral. An extended left liver graft with the caudate lobe was harvested in a conventional manner. One orifice outflow reconstruction was performed by using an umbilical vein, which was extracted from the recipient. This vein-flap sheet was sutured to the outflow orifice of the liver graft in a two-thirds circle on the ventral side. One wide outflow orifice with a 90-mm vein umbilical-vein flap on the ventral wall of outflow was created. Excellent triphasic waveforms and velocities were demonstrated on postoperative Doppler ultrasonography. The post-transplant course was uneventful, with no need for immunosuppressants, and the patient was discharged without any complications on postoperative day 27. The volume of left liver increased from 406 cm3 to 1372 cm3 during the first 6 weeks after transplantation.

Outcome of 1470nm laser diode ablation for superficial venous insufficiency

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat superficial venous insufficiency. We believe that using a longer wavelength will reduce the frequency of the most common adverse effects associated with the use of shorter wavelengths.OBJECTIVES: To report the results of an initial series of patients with chronic superficial venous insufficiency treated using a 1470 nanometer diode laser and to compare results using linear and radial laser fibers.METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study. Seventy-four patients, for whom at least two postoperative Doppler ultrasonography scans were available, were recruited with a total of 121 saphenous veins treated (92 great and 29 small saphenous veins). There were 57 patients in Group A (treated with the linear fiber) and 17 in Group B (radial fiber). Follow-up ideally comprised clinical consultation and Doppler ultrasonography at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after the procedure. Success was defined as total occlusion of the venous segment that had been treated.RESULTS: Success rates at mean follow-up of 13.4 months (range 7 - 27) were 83% for great saphenous veins and 89% for small saphenous veins. Patients treated with the radial fiber required less energy to achieve occlusion of the small saphenous vein and exhibited fewer adverse reactions, with statistical significance.CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of great and small saphenous vein insufficiency using the 1470 nm diode laser is safe and effective. The radial fiber was associated with fewer intercurrent conditions than the linear fiber, although success rates were similar.

Autologous surgical reconstruction for true venous hemodialysis access aneurysms--techniques and results.

Due to their relatively low complication rates autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred access for hemodialysis. In long-standing AVF, however, aneurysmatic degeneration of the fistula vein can develop. Several treatment options have been published. We evaluated our experience with autologous surgical reconstruction in patients with AVF aneurysms in order to assess complication and patency rates. Demographics and comorbidities of all patients operated on for true AVF aneurysms in our institution, during a 7-year period, were reviewed. Access function and surgical outcomes were evaluated with pre- and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography. Patient survival, primary and secondary access patency rates are presented. From April 2006 through March 2013, 31 patients presented with access-associated upper extremity venous aneurysms. The mean time from AVF creation to aneurysm formation was 4.9±3.6 years. The most frequent indication for surgery was aneurysm-associated stenosis (n=16) followed by high flow (n=9), complete thrombosis (n=3) and uncontrolled bleeding (n=3). All patients had autologous reconstructions: 5 resections with end-to-end anastomosis and 26 aneurysmorrhaphies. Overall patient survival at 1 and 2 years was 89% and 84%, respectively. The primary (secondary) patency rates at 6 mo, 1 and 2 years were 87%, 81% and 81% (96%, 96% and 90%), respectively. Autologous surgical reconstruction is feasible in the majority of AVF aneurysms. It preserves fistula function and--in contrast to graft interposition and endovascular repair--keeps the advantages of an autogenous access: low complication and high patency rates.

Routine Postoperative Doppler Ultrasonography Is Usful and May Predict Graft Outcomes in Kidney Transplantations.

Routine Postoperative Doppler Ultrasonography Is Usful and May Predict Graft Outcomes in Kidney Transplantations.

The role of Doppler ultrasonography in monitoring the hepatic graft in the early post transplantation period

Purpose: To distinguish the alarming from the non-alarming signs during immediate postoperative Doppler ultrasonography (US) follow up for liver transplantation cases. Patients and methods: From March 2012 to June 2013, 36 patients of post living related donor liver transplantation where followed up in the first month after liver transplantation and the US and Doppler US changes were recorded together with their laboratory data. When there were alarming Doppler US signs CT angiography was done to confirm vascular complications. Results: 5 cases (13.8%) presented with hyperechoic segments due to segmental venous congestion, 12 cases {33.3%) showed raw surface collection, 15 cases (41.6%) presented with free peritoneal fluid and 18 cases (50%) had right pleural effusion. One patient (2.7%) presented with occluded hepatic artery and thrombectomy was done. 30 cases {83.3%) showed increased portal vein velocity The mortality was 8.3% seen in 3 cases, two of them (5.5%) suffered from 7th day syndrome presented with abrupt sharp decrease in portal flow and one case (2.7%) had a small graft size and presented with marked slowliness of the portal flow on Doppler study and a venous infarct on CT Conclusion: The early monitoring of graft hemodynamic changes by Doppler sonography is of great importance as most of these changes revert to normal in the first postoperative week, however sharp decrease in arterial or portal flow indicates underlying grave vascular complications, some of them are correctable.

Antegrade balloon occlusion of inferior vena cava during thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a challenging and morbid surgical case. We describe the use of a simple endoluminal technique to occlude the suprahepatic IVC during thrombectomy. A 60-year-old male presented with a large right-sided RCC and IVC tumour thrombus. The tip of the thrombus, which was non-adherent to the caval wall, extended to the level of the hepatic veins. After complete dissection of the kidney, we obtained suprahepatic control of the IVC by a large compliant balloon, introduced through the right internal jugular vein and inflated just below the level of the diaphragm. The IVC thrombectomy was performed in a bloodless field. Mean blood pressure remained stable during IVC balloon inflation with a total occlusion time of 10 minutes. Intraprocedural completion cavogram and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography showed no residual IVC clot. Blood loss during the thrombectomy portion of the case was scant. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated and, at the last follow-up, he had stable metastatic disease on sunitinib therapy. For the surgical treatment of RCC with retrohepatic IVC tumour extension, transjugular balloon occlusion of the suprahepatic IVC offers an alternative to extensive hepatic mobilization to obtain suprahepatic thrombus control. Advantages over traditional surgical methods may include decreased surgical time, lower risk of liver injury and tumour embolism. We suggest this method for further evaluation.

An Alternative for Short Renal Vein During Kidney Transplantation: Long-term Experience With Polyethylene Terephthalate (Dacron) Vascular Graft

To describe the first long-term experience with the polyethylene perephthalate vascular graft to lengthen a short renal vein during kidney transplantation. The polyethylene terephthalate vascular graft was interposed between the short renal vein of the donor kidney and the recipient's external iliac vein using 6-0 Prolene suture on a 13-mm needle. The postoperative follow-up protocol of the patients included regular serum creatinine levels and Doppler ultrasound scans. The median follow-up period was 74.5 months (range 51-128). Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography showed no complications in any of the patients. None of our patients experienced anykind of rejection. The median creatinine level at the last follow-up visit was 0.99 mg/dL (range 0.73-1.56). In our experience, the use of polyethylene terephthalate vascular grafts as a venous graft for the short renal vein in kidney transplantation provides an alternative option with long-term success.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Portal Vein Thrombosis After Laparoscopic-Assisted Splenectomy in β-Thalassemia Patients: A Prospective Exploratory Study

Portal vein system thrombosis (PVT) is an infrequent but potentially serious complication after laparoscopic splenectomy. Patients with β-thalassemia are at higher risk as they have splenomegaly and hypercoagulability. Forty-eight β-thalassemia patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy or laparoscopic splenectomy were studied prospectively with pre- and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography scanning. The incidence of PVT was 8.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2%-16.4%) (4 of 48 patients). Spleen weight was the only independent factor associated with the presence of PVT. The odds ratio for spleen weight (100 g increase) was 1.46 (95% CI 1.10-1.94, P=.010). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff of spleen weight to the prediction of PVT was 1543 g. Thrombosis resolution was observed after a median of 165 days. Patients with β-thalassemia who undergo laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy are at high risk of postoperative PVT. Close postoperative surveillance and aggressive coagulation prophylaxis are needed in these patients. Larger studies are required to confirm the present findings.

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Reversible Doppler US Findings in the Immediate Postoperative Period

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only definitive treatment for irreversible acute liver failure and chronic liver disease. In the immediate postoperative period after OLT, patients are closely monitored with Doppler ultrasonography (US) to detect treatable vascular complications and ensure graft survival. The first postoperative Doppler US examination is performed fairly early on the first postoperative day, before surgical wound closure has been performed. The immediate postoperative images, obtained when the effects of surgery are very recent, often reveal an array of findings that may appear alarming but that tend to normalize within a few days and are compatible with changes related to the surgery itself. These findings include a starry-sky appearance of reperfusion hepatic edema, transient foci of increased echogenicity, pneumobilia, small fluid collections, perihepatic hematomas, pleural effusion, temporary elevation of hepatic arterial velocity, transient elevation of resistive index (RI), decreased RI with tardus parvus waveform, increased portal venous flow and mono- or biphasic waveforms of the hepatic veins. Most of these changes revert to normal in the first postoperative week; deterioration atypical of transient changes requires further evaluation.

Versatility of Right Gastroepiploic and Gastroduodenal Arteries for Arterial Reconstruction in Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background In cases where there is severe intimal dissection in the recipient hepatic artery (HA), or if the HA has been used already and additional operations are needed due to graft rejection or arterial occlusion, an alternative is necessary. In the present study, we have reported the feasibility of using the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) and gastroduodenal artery (GDA) in various situations where the HA is not a feasible option. Methods Among 463 patients who underwent primary adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation from January 2002 to July 2010, eight subjects required alternative vessels. Four recipients displayed severe intimal injury associated with previous transarterial chemoembolization (TACE); two, required a salvage operation due to hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT); and two, retransplantations due to chronic rejection. The RGEA was used in five and the GDA in three patients. Results Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography and three-dimensional computed tomography showed patent arterial flow in all patients. However, HAT recurred in one patient who underwent a salvage operation with the RGEA; she died 2 months later. Two other patients died due to wound infection and respiratory failure within 3 months despite intact hepatic arterial flow. Four patients had no further complications during follow-up (mean = 33 months). Conclusion Although there was a discrepancy in the diameter of the HA and the RGEA (or GDA), there was no problem with mobilization and microanastomosis. We therefore believe that these vessels can be good alternatives when the hepatic artery is unavailable.

Effects of Lower Extremity Revascularization on the Endothelial Functions Measured With Noninvasive Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilatation

Endothelial function is best measured with the noninvasive brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) method. Peripheral arterial diseases and systemic cardiovascular diseases have FMD-lowering effect. The effects of lower extremity ischemia are associated with muscle inflammation and claudication, which may further lead to arterial stress. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of peripheral arterial revascularization on the endothelial functions through noninvasive brachial artery FMD. Between January 2007 and February 2008, 54 patients diagnosed with lower extremity arterial disease undergoing revascularization were included in the study. Endothelial function is measured preoperatively and at the fourth week postoperatively using the brachial artery FMD method. Blood samples were collected at the same intervals for the measurement of interleukin-6, leukocyte count, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide values. Femoropopliteal bypass grafting was performed in all patients with a synthetic graft. The mean ankle-brachial index in the preoperative period was 0.29 ± 0.083, and after the operation, dorsalis pedis and/or posterior tibial artery became palpable in all patients. The nitric oxide, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels decreased significantly after 4 weeks postoperatively as compared with the preoperative levels (p < 0.05). Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography FMD of brachial artery increased from preoperative value of 9.2 ± 2.1 to 16.2 ± 4.5 (p < 0.01) at postoperative week 4. Systemic inflammation and muscle ischemia lead to reduced endothelial functions. After successful lower extremity revascularization, endothelial functions improve dramatically, which may be easily detected with the noninvasive brachial artery FMD method.

Benefit of Partial Right-Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting in Patients at Risk of Sternal Wound Complications

Excellent long-term patency of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft promotes use of bilateral ITA bypass grafting; sternal devascularization, however, increases the risk of wound complications. We hypothesized that restricting right ITA (RITA) harvesting to a short proximal skeletonized segment (3 to 5 cm) would result in adequate residual blood supply to reduce that risk. Seventy-eight patients with numerous risk factors for wound complications underwent composite double ITA grafting, utilizing the RITA segment anastomosed to the left skeletonized ITA and to the obtuse marginal branch in Y fashion. Blood flow in the distal RITA was assessed by parasternal transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography. Comparisons were made with prospectively collected data of patients undergoing pedicled single (n = 160) or skeletonized bilateral ITA grafting (n = 143) during the same period. Incidence of obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease was higher in study patients. Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography detected reversed systolic dominant flow pattern. Wound complications occurred in 2 of 78 (2.6%) patients, compared with 14 of 143 (9.8%) after bilateral ITA (p = 0.04) and 8 of 160 (5%) after single ITA grafting (p = ns). Technique of bilateral ITA harvesting (partial right versus full length; odds ratio, 0.2; confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.9) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 6.3) were independent predictors of wound complications in the entire series. Substantial residual blood supply is detectable after partial RITA harvesting and may prevent wound complications in high-risk patients.

Microvascular reconstruction of the hepatic artery in live donor liver transplantation: experience across a decade.

Hepatic arterial anastomosis by means of a microvascular technique can be performed with a high success rate in live donor liver transplantation in adult recipients. Retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively. Tertiary referral center. From September 28, 1993, through December 23, 2002, 28 children received left lateral segment grafts (n = 23) or left lobe grafts (n = 5), and 124 adults received left lobe (n = 6) or right lobe (n = 118) grafts. Microvascular technique was used for hepatic arterial anastomosis. Attention was paid to exposure, orientation of the axis of arterial ends, and matching of size. Long microinstruments were used for arterial ends deeply located inside an adult's abdominal cavity. An average of 16 stitches was used for a vessel anastomosis 3 mm in diameter. Intraoperative and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography were performed. Hepatic artery thrombosis rate. All hepatic arterial anastomoses were patent after reconstruction. Complications occurred in 3 patients. They had hepatic arterial thrombosis at 19 days, 25 days, and 3 months after liver transplantation. The overall complication rate was 2%. With attention to exposure, appropriate instruments, and experience, a low complication rate of 2% can be achieved in hepatic arterial anastomosis by using a microvascular technique, even in adult patients with the liver graft situated deeply in the abdominal cavity.

SUCCESSFUL VASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION AFTER RESECTION OF PROPER HEPATIC ARTERIAL ANEURYSM IN ONE PATIENT

A 72-year-old woman was found to have a proper hepatic arterial aneurysm on CT scan for preoperative evaluation of ascending colon cancer. Follow-up CT scan confirmed the aneurysm's enlargement. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for the aneurysm was not performed because of risk of rupture. Resection of the aneurysm was completed with right and left hepatic arteries on the distal side, and common hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries on the proximal side. After ligation of the left and common hepatic arteries, the right hepatic artery was anastomosed to the gastroduodenal artery for hepatic arterial reconstruction. Postoperative doppler ultrasonography showed adequate blood flow to the right hepatic artery. The postoperative hematological examination demonstrated no severe hepatic injury. Three months later, angiography showed patency of the anastomotic site with no stenosis. Although the incidence of performing TAE for hepatic arterial aneurysm has been increasing, there was significant risk of rupture during this procedure. Resection of the aneurysm is thought to be the optional treatment for this disease.