Preoperative Impairment Research Articles

CO2 laser subtotal arytenoidectomy and posterior true and false cordotomy in the treatment of post-thyroidectomy bilateral laryngeal fixation in adduction.

A total of 39 patients with bilateral post-thyroidectomy vocal cord paralysis in adduction underwent CO2 laser subtotal arytenoidectomies with removal of the posterior third of the false and true vocal cords. Total airway resistance (Rtot) evaluated before and 4-10 months after surgery showed marked preoperative impairment before and significant improvement after surgery (P < 0.05). In five patients revision surgery was performed due to a progressive impairment of respiratory function. A variable degree of voice breathiness was observed after surgery; the maximum phonation time mean values were lower than normal and peak sound pressure levels 63 +/- 5 dB. In three cases aspiration was present in the first postoperative days, but swallowing dysfunctions disappeared within 1 week. Subtotal arytenoidectomy with removal of the posterior third of the true and false vocal folds was found to be a satisfactory surgical treatment for bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction. However, further research is still needed to define the surgical procedure able to balance respiratory, phonatory and sphincteric functions optimally.

Evaluation and Management of Pituitary-Adrenal Function After Pituitary Surgery

Selective adenomectomy is the preferred treatment option for most pituitary adenomas, other than prolactinomas. Its safety and efficacy in the management of secreting or nonsecreting micro- or macroadenomas are well established. Pre- and postoperative endocrine management include, among other things, evaluation of pituitary function with particular attention to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-A). Published data involving a large number of patients demonstrate that when the HPA-A is normal preoperatively, corticosteroids are not necessary before, during, or after surgery. However, patients should be monitored postoperatively to document adequate adrenal function. In contrast, patients with preoperative impairment of HPA-A function as well as those with pituitary tumor apoplexy are given glucocorticoids before, during, and immediately after surgery. Thereafter, corticosteroids can be discontinued abruptly and patients monitored for possible recovery of HPA-A. The latter is conveniently done by measuring serum cortisol levels twice daily. Alternatively, glucocorticoids can be continued for several weeks when HPA-A can be assessed in detail. We prefer the former option because it provides rapid assessment of HPA-A without jeopardizing the patient's well being. Patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas are not given steroid during or after surgery. Instead, they are closely monitored after adenomectomy for clinical and/or biochemical evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Once the latter is documented, glucocorticoid replacement therapy is initiated and continued until HPA-A returns to normal. The latter approach provides rapid assessment of the completeness of adenomectomy without jeopardizing patient care.

The incidence of diplopia following coronal and translid orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy.

Firstly, to assess the incidence of induced diplopia following orbital decompression in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. Secondly, to assess patient satisfaction after orbital decompression. Thirdly, to determine the factors that contribute to the variable reported incidence of diplopia complicating decompression surgery. We present a retrospective analysis of the alterations of ocular motility in a consecutive series of 81 patients with Graves' orbitopathy who underwent orbital decompression by either a coronal or a translid approach. We assessed patient satisfaction by a telephone survey, and we reviewed the literature. Eleven patients underwent decompressive surgery for dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON); 5 of them had a three-wall coronal decompression, the other 6 had a two-wall translid decompression. One of the 5 (20%) coronal versus 2 of the 6 (33%) traslid patients experienced worsening of their existing diplopia. Seventy patients underwent surgery for disfiguring proptosis; 41 of them had a coronal decompression and 29 had a translid decompression. Eight of the 41 coronal patients (20%) and 4 of the 29 translid patients (14%) experienced aggravation of their motility impairment. There was no statistically significant difference between these percentages (chi-squared, p > 0.05). Three of 26 coronal patients (12%) without pre-operative motility impairment developed diplopia in all directions. Twenty-five per cent needed strabismus surgery (9% multiple times). High satisfaction scores were noted after both types of orbital decompression. Through a review of the literature, several factors that may add to heterogeneous results were identified, including definition of diplopia, inclusion criteria and type of surgery. Induced diplopia is seen after any type of orbital decompression (19% overall), and its incidence is determined by various factors. To facilitate comparative studies between decompression techniques, a standardised protocol for orthoptic evaluation should be developed.

Early and late risk factors in surgical treatment of acute type A aortic dissection

Background. Morbidity and mortality of emergency repair of type A dissecting aneurysms of the aorta are high. This is an attempt to investigate the risk determinants of early and late results. Methods. A series of preoperative and operative variables were retrospectively collected from the clinical records of 291 patients operated on between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1995. Risk factors for surgical death were investigated with univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression. Follow-up was conducted between December 1995 and February 1996. Analysis of late results was conducted by means of actuarial survival curves (life method). After removing the surgical deaths, risk factors for late deaths were analyzed by a Cox model. Results. The in-hospital mortality rate was 36.1%. Significant independent determinants of operative or early death were preoperative shock, preoperative neurologic impairment, operation before 1986, perioperative bleeding, and prolonged clamping time. The 10-year survival rate was 36.9% ± 4.4%. Twenty-six patients required repeat operation. The long-term prognosis was significantly worse in patients who needed reoperation. Conclusions. Growing awareness of this disease and quicker diagnosis have increased the number of patients with acute dissection of the ascending aorta who are taken early to operation. This new challenge must be met by better preoperative support and intraoperative monitoring, and by surgical techniques that focus on lowering the rate of late complications, for which lifelong follow-up must be provided.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Indication for surgical treatment based on electrophysiologic study

A prospective study of 50 hands from 45 consecutive patients surgically treated for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome was conducted to determinate the recovery capacity of the median nerve after open surgical release. Subjects were evaluated by clinical history, physical examination, and electrophysiologic testing. Motor and sensory terminal latencies and motor and sensory conduction velocities were examined before surgery and 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after surgical decompression. All patients showed improvement of postoperative electrophysiologic values; the amount of improvement was dependent on the degree of preoperative impairment. Complete restoration of clinical and electrophysiologic nerve function was observed only in patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hypotension After Pancreatic Reperfusion During Combined Kidney–Pancreas Transplantation

OMBINED kidney‐pancreas transplantation (KPTx) is an accepted and ever-increasing therapeutic option for patients suffering for diabetes mellitus (DM) type I who had developed end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Two of the main goals of this surgical procedure are capable of improving significantly the quality of life of these subjects: (1) recovery of renal function; (2) euglicemic state without insulin supplementation. 1 Correction of the metabolic abnormalities could prevent (or delay) the onset of severe secondary complications. Patients considered for combined KPTx manifest most of the multisystem dysfunctions associated with both diseases; generally, they are in poor medical condition and more prone to develop perioperative complications. Arterial hypertension and preoperative cardiac dysfunction secondary to autonomic neuropathy and microvascular changes are frequent findings in these patients and could be responsible for the cardiovascular complications occurring during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period: silent coronary artery disease has been reported in 20% to 40% of the candidates and hypertensive cardiomyopathy is a frequent echocardiographic finding in individuals affected by ESRF. 2 Because preoperative cardiovascular impairment has been associated with high morbidity and mortality and decreased graft survival, perioperative hemodynamic stability has been considered essential for the early functional recovery of the grafts and for the containment of postoperative complications. 3 Recent advances in invasive hemodynamic monitoring and anesthetic techniques made it possible to preserve or improve cardiovascular homeostasis. However, studies dealing with the hemodynamic profile during KPTx are scarce. In this paper we will describe the cardiovascular changes occurring during the various phases of surgery, specifically addressing the problem of hypotension following pancreatic reperfusion. 3 PATIENTS AND METHODS Our series includes 17 patients (mean age, 32 6 17 years) admitted to combined KPTx for ESRF and severe DM type 1. Eighty percent of the patients were affected by severe hypertension; one had ejection fraction lower than 40%. Heart rate and rhythm, pulse oxymetry, right atrial (RAP), and radial artery pressures were continuously monitored in all the cases. Right heart catheterization with a modified Swan‐Ganz catheter (SG cath Intellicath, Baxter) for complete invasive hemodynamic monitoring (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PWP] and cardiac output [CO] for continuous monitoring) was used in eight patients. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR, dynes sec 21 /cm 25 ) was calculated according to standard formulae. Hemodynamic data reported in this paper were recorded after the induction of the anesthesia (baseline, A), 5 minutes before (pre-pancreas reperfusion, B) and 2 minutes after pancreas reperfusion (post-pancreas reperfusion, C), 2 minutes after renal reperfusion (post-kidney reperfusion, D), and at the end of surgery (end of surgery, E). Severe arterial hypotension following pancreas reperfusion was considered mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 70 mm Hg or less than 70% of the baseline values. General anesthesia and mechanical ventilation were used in all the patients: anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with fentanyl and isoflurane (0.8 to 1.2% in air/O2 mixture 50%); atracurium besylate was used for muscle relaxation. Data are presented as mean 6 SD. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. A P value # .05 was considered statistically significant.

Nutritional support of the cancer patient.

Malnutrition, a common problem in cancer patients, adversely affects survival and quality of life. It results from several factors that alter nutritional intake and cause massive metabolic disturbances. Anticancer therapies may compound the malnutrition. Optimal nutrition improves therapeutic modalities and the clinical course and outcome. Oral nutrition should be used whenever possible; in patients unable to ingest adequate amounts orally, enteral and parenteral feedings are safe and effective.

External vocal cord medialization: functional outcome

Comprehensive evaluation of voice function is the precondition for indication and quality control of every phonosurgical procedure. In 53 patients presenting with glottic insufficiencies of different etiologies an external vocal fold medialisation was performed. Functional voice results obtained with this operation are presented and discussed. The following voice parameters were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, and statistical comparison was performed: mean fundamental frequency and sound pressure level, frequency and intensity range (voice range profile), perceptual evaluation of hoarseness, and maximum phonation time. The impairment of vocal communication skills was rated on a newly developed 7-point scale. A combined parameter called "Voice Dysfunction Index" was introduced for global assessment of vocal abilities in particular for long term observations. Statistically significant improvement of all voice parameters was demonstrated. Interestingly, in nearly all measurements male patients yielded significantly better results than females. Glottic insufficiencies due to scarring produced poorer functional results but without statistical significance. A statistically significant correlation between the preoperative and postoperative Voice Dysfunction Index could be observed. This score was also significantly correlated with the degree of glottal gap. No significant correlation between voice results and preoperative delay or follow-up period were observed. Voice therapy was performed in 81% of the patients. Correlation of duration of voice therapy and voice results was statistically significant and negative. Analysis of this surprising result showed that it was caused by some patients with vocal fold scarring in whom outcome was poor despite a long period of voice therapy. Significant improvement of vocal function can be obtained by external vocal fold medialization in patients with glottic insufficiencies. Glottal gaps caused by vocal fold scarring and/or atrophy can be treated with this method, too. However, results are not as good as in paralysis and require additional long term voice therapy. Satisfying results can be expected in patients with a long history of disturbances, and in older patients. Due to the reversibility of the operation, external vocal fold medialization can be performed even in cases of palsy prior to the spontaneous recovery period. The degree of glottic gap determines the functional disturbance. The degree of the preoperative impairment correlates with the outcome. Results are stable with respect to the follow-up period (mean 66 weeks).

Predictors of postoperative binocularity in adult strabismus

We evaluated postoperative binocularity in a retrospective study of 111 adult strabismus patients in order to identify the factors which influence the success of surgery for horizontal concomitant strabismus in adults. Selection criteria included minimum age of 15 years at time of surgery, and preoperative fusion impairment with both the Bagolini lens test and synoptophore. Logistic regression analysis was used to correlate patient factors and postoperative binocularity. We found that 52 (65%) of 80 patients with exotropia and 23 (74.2%) of 31 patients with esotropia achieved post operative fusion. Significant predictive factors in exotropia were absence of previous surgery; visual acuity of the deviating eye >0.5; an increase in the spherical equivalent of the deviating eye, and normal retinal correspondence. Significant predictive factors in esotropia were fusion during prism adaptation, absence of infantile esotropia, and an increase in vertical deviation. The majority of adults with exotropia or esotropia can achieve binocularity after surgery for horizontal concomitant strabismus.

Contemporaneous bilateral pallidotomy.

To investigate the effects of bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy (PVP) for Parkinson's disease (PD), the authors reviewed the technique and neurological outcome in a number of patients who had undergone bilateral pallidotomy. The authors have previously reported the outcome of PVP in 25 bilateral and 25 unilateral surgeries, rating the patient's postural stability, speech, and total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores. A second, separate group of 23 patients who underwent contemporaneous bilateral PVP were evaluated for early onset idiopathic PD, levodopa failure syndrome, and severe bilateral dyskinesia as well as akinetic "off" states. Cognitive and psychological studies were reviewed in 10 patients who demonstrated preoperative impairments in spatial recognition and memory. Following surgery there were significant improvements in these cognitive deficits and no deficits were incurred by surgery. Published reports regarding bilateral operations for PD have emphasized the risks of speech and cognitive deficits. This study shows bilateral PVP to be effective, particularly in patients with bilateral symptoms, including disabling dyskinesia. Additionally, bilateral PVP does not cause additional cognitive or speech deficits. The techniques and indications as well as outcomes and complications are presented and discussed in this report in light of their controversial nature.

Dynamic cardiomyoplasty in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy: current results and perspectives.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current indications, results, and perspectives of dynamic cardiomyoplasty in the treatment of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Particular emphasis is placed on the clinical experience with 36 patients operated at the São Paulo Heart Institute between 1988 and 1995. Based on several clinical reports, the mechanisms of action of dynamic cardiomyoplasty in these patients include the enhancement of left ventricular systolic function, by the direct action of synchronized skeletal muscle flap contraction and the reversion of chamber remodeling. Moreover, both mechanisms seem to be responsible for improved diastolic function properties and for the decrease of ventricular wall stress. Besides the acceptable hospital mortality observed for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy ranging from 0% to 8% with this surgical procedure, clinical improvement after dynamic cardiomyoplasty has been demonstrated as a prevailing and significant outcome. Nevertheless, the 1-year survival for these patients ranges from 82% to 86% and the 5-year survival on the order of 41% to 49%. In addition, the analysis of factors influencing the outcome showed that cardiomyoplasty long-term survival was significantly affected by the severity of preoperative clinical compromise and cardiac function impairment. On the other hand, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who were operated in functional Class III or intermittent Class IV and with pulmonary vascular resistance below 4 Wood units, present survival rates on the order of 79% at 2 years and of 64% at 5 years of follow-up, which are similar to those reported after cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, technological advances incorporated in the new cardiomyostimulators may ameliorate skeletal muscle flap performance at long term. Other developments are also discussed in this field.

The association of postoperative subjective visual function with acuity, glare, and contrast sensitivity in patients with early cataract.

It has been shown in our previous studies that early cataracts affect vision in ways that can be measured by objective means and that this objective impairment in visual acuity, glare, and contrast sensitivity can be successfully reversed by cataract surgery. To evaluate the association of subjective visual function with objective measures of acuity, glare, and contrast sensitivity in patients who were symptomatic from early cataract. We administered a task-oriented questionnaire prior to and 4 months after cataract surgery to patients who were symptomatic from early cataract (median preoperative ETDRS [Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study] visual acuity of 20/40 [range, 20/20 to 20/80]); ETDRS visual acuity, disability glare, and contrast sensitivity were also measured at those times. Uncomplicated cataract surgery resulted in resolution or improvement of subjective symptoms for the great majority of subjects, and in a few subjects new symptoms developed or current symptoms worsened. We found a positive association between postoperative improvement in subjective visual function (as measured by the questionnaire) and postoperative improvement in objective visual function (as measured by visual acuity and contrast sensitivity). We also found that the greater the degree of preoperative impairment in objective visual function (as measured by visual acuity and contrast sensitivity), the greater the postoperative improvement in subjective visual function (as measured by the questionnaire). No such association was found for our disability glare test. Cataract surgery for symptomatic individuals with mild impairment in visual acuity does relieve visual symptoms, and preoperative measurement of contrast sensitivity can help determine who with early cataract is most likely to report subjective improvement in vision.

Cervical spine surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an appraisal.

To review the outcome of surgery undertaken to stabilise the neck in patients with rheumatoid arthritis performed over a five year period, to compare the results with those of previous reports, and to identify factors that may predict surgical outcome. Outcome was assessed at time of discharge from hospital after surgery by review of patients' notes, and at follow up by patient interview, clinical examination, anonymous questionnaire, and cervical spine radiograph. The Ranawat classification of neurological impairment and Steinbrocker functional classification were used. Thirty nine patients underwent 44 procedures; 28 patients were available for review after a mean period of 29.8 months (range 12-65 months). Fourteen patients had preoperative neurological impairment and were available for follow up; 13 returned the questionnaire. Four (29%) had improved Ranawat class, nine were unchanged, and one had deteriorated. Nine (69%) reported a subjective improvement in neurological symptoms by questionnaire, even though the Ranawat class was unchanged in five. Twenty five of the patients reviewed had pain before operation; 21 returned the questionnaire. Pain relief was reported by direct questioning and questionnaire in 76% and 67% of patients, respectively. Overall, 67% felt that surgery had been successful. Surgery was more successful in producing symptomatic relief in patients with neck or radicular pain than in those with neurological deficit, but did prevent progression of neurological symptoms. Our results are similar to those from other centres. Overall patient satisfaction with surgery was good. Surgery was more likely to produce symptomatic relief in patients with neck or radicular pain before operation than in those with neurological deficit. The greater subjective improvement in neurological symptoms as judged by questionnaire probably reflects the relative insensitivity of the Ranawat classification in detecting change in neurological status; previous reports of poor outcome for patients with neurological symptoms who undergo surgery may in part be a reflection of the insensitivity of this method of assessment. No clear factors emerged which allowed prediction of those patients at greatest risk of operative mortality. In particular, an increased risk of neurological compromise appeared to confer no additional risk of immediate perioperative death. Our data support the suggestion that early surgery to correct symptomatic atlantoaxial subluxation may prevent progression of instability.

Acute renal failure following cardiac surgery: incidence, outcomes and risk factors

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a recognised complication following cardiac surgery, but the incidence varies widely in the published literature and there are no Australian data available to help predict the risks of ARF in patients with pre-existing renal disease. To determine the incidence, outcome and risk factors for ARF following cardiac surgery. A retrospective case control analysis of 903 consecutive patients who had cardiac surgery (795 CABG, 68 valve/septal surgery, 40 combined valve/CABG) in 1992-93. ARF was defined as doubling of serum creatinine concentration (Cr) to > 0.13 mmol/L if serum Cr was < or = 0.13 mmol/L pre-operatively, or else a rise in serum Cr of > or = 0.10 mmol/L after cardiac surgery. For each subject with ARF, two case control subjects were matched for date of surgery, surgeon, age, sex, type of surgery and pre-operative serum Cr to permit analysis of the influence of pre-operative factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular systolic dysfunction) and for the comparison of cardiopulmonary bypass time upon the development of ARF. Subsidiary endpoints were mortality, need for dialysis and length of hospital stay. ARF developed in only 1.1% of patients with 'normal' pre-operative renal function (creatinine < or = 0.13 mmol/L) and none required dialysis. ARF developed in 16% of those with impaired pre-operative renal function, 20% of whom required dialysis. Mortality from ARF was 13%. The risk of ARF rose from 10.4% in those with pre-operative serum Cr 0.14-0.20 mmol/L to 36.8% if the serum Cr was > 0.20 mmol/L (p < 0.01). Mortality was higher (4.2% vs 0.7%, p < 0.01) and length of hospital stay longer (14.5 vs nine days [median], p < 0.001) in those with impaired pre-operative renal function. ARF was more likely in those over 65 years, if valve surgery was included and where there was prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time. These data confirm that ARF following cardiac surgery is uncommon without pre-operative impairment of renal function but currently carries a mortality rate of 13%. Impaired renal function alone is associated with higher mortality and prolonged hospital stay. Studies to prevent ARF in this setting should focus on the high risk subsets described in this study.

Dexmedetomidine Premedication Attenuates Ketamine-induced Cardiostimulatory Effects and Postanesthetic Delirium

Dexmedetomidine is a new potent and highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist with sedative-hypnotic and anesthetic sparing properties. Because of its sympathoinhibitory activity, it may prove useful in balancing the cardiostimulatory effects and attenuating the adverse central nervous system effects of ketamine. A double-blind, randomized and comparative parallel-group study design was employed in 40 volunteers with ASA physical status 1 who were scheduled for elective superficial surgery under ketamine anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (2.5 micrograms/kg, n = 20) or midazolam (0.07 mg/kg, n = 20) was administered intramuscularly 45 min before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg ketamine intravenously, and muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide/oxygen (2:1) and additional 1 mg/kg intravenous ketamine boluses according to clinical and cardiovascular criteria. Hypotension and bradycardia were treated by increasing the intravenous infusion rate of crystalloids and intravenous atropine, respectively. Sedative and anxiolytic properties, intra- and postoperative drug requirements, psychomotor and cognitive impairments, and cardiovascular effects were compared between the two groups. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam proved to have equal sedative and anxiolytic effects after intramuscular administration, but dexmedetomidine induced significantly less preoperative psychomotor impairment and less anterograde amnesia than did midazolam. Compared to midazolam, dexmedetomidine decreased the need for intraoperative ketamine and was more effective in reducing ketamine-induced adverse central nervous system effects. Dexmedetomidine also was superior to midazolam in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to intubation and the cardiostimulatory effects of ketamine in general, but it increased the incidence of intra- and postoperative bradycardia. These results suggest that premedication with 2.5 micrograms/kg dexmedetomidine is effective in attenuating the cardiostimulatory and postanesthetic delirium effects of ketamine. However, because of its propensity to cause bradycardia, routine use of an anticholinergic drug should be considered.

Preoperative and postoperative auditory and facial nerve function in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas

Preoperative and postoperative facial nerve and auditory function were reviewed retrospectively in 13 cases of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. According to their location within the posterior fossa and with special reference to the internal auditory canal, they were classified into a premeatal and a retromeatal group. All the tumors were removed by an otoneurosurgical team by use of a retrosigmoid approach. Postoperative results (1 year after operation) were compared within the two groups with respect to preservation of hearing (normal hearing in 31 and preservation of preoperative hearing in 69% of the cases) and facial nerve function (no or mild postoperative impairment in 69% of the cases). Both preoperative and postoperative impairment of facial nerve and auditory function prevailed in the premeatal group. For preservation of vital vascular and central nervous structures, subtotal resection with consecutive fractionated radiation therapy had to be performed in 30% of the cases. Our results provide substantial evidence that in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas a precise preoperative study of tumor location will assist in improving individual operative strategy and thus postoperative functional results. (OTOLARYNGOL HEAD NECK SURG 1995;112: 228-34.)

Preoperative and postoperative auditory and facial nerve function in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas

Preoperative and postoperative facial nerve and auditory function were reviewed retrospectively in 13 cases of cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. According to their location within the posterior fossa and with special reference to the internal auditory canal, they were classified into a premeatal and a retromeatal group. All the tumors were removed by an otoneurosurgical team by use of a retrosigmoid approach. Postoperative results (1 year after operation) were compared within the two groups with respect to preservation of hearing (normal hearing in 31% and preservation of preoperative hearing in 69% of the cases) and facial nerve function (no or mild postoperative impairment in 69% of the cases). Both preoperative and postoperative impairment of facial nerve and auditory function prevailed in the premeatal group. For preservation of vital vascular and central nervous structures, subtotal resection with consecutive fractionated radiation therapy had to be performed in 30% of the cases. Our results provide substantial evidence that in cerebellopontine angle meningiomas a precise preoperative study of tumor location will assist in improving individual operative strategy and thus postoperative functional results.

Surgery for Gastric Cancer Patients Aged 75 and Over

To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical results in very elderly gastric cancer patients, we reviewed 129 patients aged 75 years and over (group 1) and 708 patients younger than 60 years (group 2) as controls. There were significant differences between group 1 and group 2 with regard to the preoperative impairment of cardiac, respiratory, liver and renal function. The maximum dimension of the tumor in group 1 was greater than that in group 2, and lymph node metastases were more common in group 1. Although reduced lymph node dissection was performed more frequently in group 1 than in group 2, the operative mortality in group 1 (8.5%) was significantly higher than that in group 2 (2.5%, p = 0.002). Among the causes of operative mortality, anastomotic leakage was the most common in the both groups (group 1 36.3%; group 2 44.4%). With regard to the long-term results, although a significant difference in the cumulative 5 -year survival rate was detected in stage I or II patients (group 1 52.2%; group 2 91.1%; p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in survival in stage III or IV patients (group 1 23.3%; group 2 38.7%). In conclusion, diligent preoperative and postoperative care combined with rational surgical procedures are indispensable to prevent postoperative complications in very elderly patients. However, as satisfactory long-term results can be expected, even in very elderly patients, the option of surgery for gastric cancer should not be abandoned solely because of age.

Respiratory dysfunction after uncomplicated cardiopulmonary bypass

Respiratory dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of cardiac operations. To quantify its current incidence and severity after uncomplicated cardiopulmonary bypass, serial measurements of arterial oxygen tension (Pao 2), alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (Aao 2), and percentage pulmonary shunt fraction (%PSF) measured by a noninvasive technique were made in 129 patients (age, 59 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation) with good left ventricular function (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure <15 mm Hg) undergoing isolated coronary artery operations (group 1) and 30 patients undergoing general surgical procedures (group 2). Measurements were made before operation and on the first, second, and sixth postoperative days. Seven patients in group 1 who required prolonged ventilation were excluded from further study. In group 1, between the preoperative and second postoperative days, there was a marked fall in Pao 2 [89 ± 11 versus 57 ± 9 mm Hg; p < 0.001] and a marked increase in the Aao 2 gradient [18 ± 10 versus 50 ± 11 mm Hg; p < 0.001)] and %PSF [3 ± 1% versus 19 ± 6%; p < 0.001)] with only modest improvement by the sixth postoperative day [Pao 2, 67 ± 11 mm Hg; Aao 2, 45 ± 11 mm Hg; %PSF, 15 ± 41. There were similar but lesevere changes in Pao 2 and Aao 2 gradients in group 2 patients, with a return to baseline values by day 6. Regression analysis in group 1 patients showed a weak correlation between postoperative respiratory dysfunction and preoperative impairment of the Aao, gradient, but no correlation with age, sex, smoking status, New York Heart Association status, bypass time, or violation of the pleural sac(s). To determine the duration of respiratory dysfunction after cardiac surgery, serial Pao 2 and Aao 2 gradient measurements were continued until the sixth postoperative week in a further 30 patients (group 3). Group 3 patients demonstrated similar early impairment of respiratory function to group 1 patients but with complete resolution by the sixth postoperative week. This study demonstrates that respiratory dysfunction is both common and frequently severe even after uncomplicated cardiopulmcnary bypass but resolves by the sixth postoperative week. Respiratory dysfunction is also common after a major general operation but is less severe and resolves by the sixth postoperative day.

Outcome following hindbrain decompression of symptomatic Chiari malformations in children previously treated with myelomeningocele closure and shunts.

Between 1975 and 1989, 25 children treated with myelomeningocele closure and shunting for hydrocephalus at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh developed progressive lower brain-stem dysfunction from their Chiari malformation. Retrospective univariate and multivariate analyses of these cases were undertaken to assess the relationship between preoperative clinical factors and postoperative outcome. Since earlier reports have suggested that neonates with symptomatic Chiari malformations show a less favorable response than older children to craniocervical decompression, particular attention was directed at examining the effect of age on preoperative symptoms and postoperative outcome. Patients were subdivided by age into two groups, namely: 13 patients who became symptomatic before 2 months of age (neonatal group) and 12 older infants and children who developed initial symptoms between 6 months and 10 years of age. Once symptoms developed, patients in both groups deteriorated progressively until brain-stem decompression was performed. The mode of presentation and the rate and extent of neurological deterioration differed substantially in the two groups. Whereas the neonates typically showed rapid neurological deterioration and often manifested profound brain-stem dysfunction within a period of several days, the older patients experienced a more insidious symptom progression and rarely demonstrated the severe degree of impairment seen in the neonates. All patients underwent suboccipital craniectomy, cervical laminectomy, and dural decompression. A shunt from the fourth ventricle and/or syrinx to the subarachnoid space was placed in those with significant syringomyelia. Following surgery, 17 patients had complete or nearly complete resolution of all signs of brain-stem compression, three had mild to moderate residual deficits, and five showed no improvement. Outcome correlated closely with the preoperative neurological status. In particular, the presence of bilateral vocal cord paralysis was associated with a poor response to surgery (p < 0.001 on both univariate and multivariate analyses). Of the six patients (all neonates) who progressed to complete bilateral vocal cord paralysis before surgery, only one improved. In contrast, all patients with less profound but nonetheless severe deficits recovered function postoperatively. Although the neonates as a group had a poorer outcome than did the older patients (p = 0.02 on univariate analysis), this in large part reflected their more severe preoperative impairments; neonates who still had some preservation of vocal cord function before surgery subsequently did as well as the older patients. Accordingly, age did not prove to be an independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis. Taken together, these results indicate that, in most patients with symptomatic Chiari II malformations (including neonates), neurological deficits are potentially reversible if hindbrain decompression is performed expeditiously.