Hernias, aortic surgery and review of the literature of incisional hernias

Ciljevi: Ispitivanje veze između incizijske hernije i operacije abdominalne aorte te općenito proučiti preporuke za prevenciju incizijske hernije. Metode: Provedena je opsežna potraga u Pub-Medu. Koristili smo sljedeće MeSH uvjete; aneurizma abdominalne aorte; incizijska hernija; ingvinalna hernija; incizijska hernija i radiologija, zatvaranje abdominalnih rana, također je korištena „snow-falling“ potraga s navedenim ključnim riječima. Rezultati: Do danas ne postoji jednoglasnost u pogledu odnosa aorte i aortoilijačne patologije te incizijske ili ingvinalne hernije, iako većina studija ukazuje na to da je moguće povećanje učestalosti incizijske hernije nakon operacije na aorti. Zaključak: Kako bismo smanjili mogućnost pojave incizijske hernije, dužina šava u odnosu da dužinu rane morala bi biti više od 4:1. Šavove treba vezati bez pretjeranog zatezivanja te za šivanje treba koristiti materijal koji upija sporo ili ne upija uopće. Koristite šav USP 2/0 na maloj igli. Kao mjesto uboda odaberite aponeurozu samo 5 do 8 mm od ruba rane, u razmaku 4 do 5 mm.Objectives: To study the relation of incisional hernias after abdominal aortic surgery and to study the recommendations for prevention of incisional hernias in general. Methods: An extensive search in Pub-Med was conducted. We used the following MeSH terms; abdominal aortic aneurysm; incisional hernia; inguinal hernia; incisional hernia and radiology, abdominal wound closure, we also did a “snow-falling” search with the above terms. Results: Still today there is not unanimity concerning the relation of aortic or aortoiliac pathology and incisional or inguinal hernias although the majority of studies suggest that there is a possible increase in the prevalence of incisional hernias after aortic surgery. Conclusions: In order to lessen the possibilities of incisional hernias suture length to wound length ration should be more that 4:1. Sutures should be tied without excessive tension and to use either a slowly absorbable or nonabsorbable suture material. Use a suture USP 2/0 mounted on a small needle. Place stitches in the aponeurosis only and 5 to 8mm from the wound edge and 4 to 5 mm apart

A step by step approach in differential diagnosing of adrenal incidentaloma (epinephroma), (with comments on the new Clinical Practice Guidelines of the European Society of Endocrinology)

Objectives. To present a step by step approach for the diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma (AI)

A short review of primary aldosteronism in a question and answer fashion

Objectives. The aim of this study was to present up to date information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). PA is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension. It has been reported up to 24% of selective referred hypertensive patients. Methods. We did a search in Pub-Med and Google Scholar using the terms: PA, hyperaldosteronism, idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia, diagnosis of PA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adrenalectomy, and surgery. We also did cross-referencing search with the above terms. We had divided our study into five sections: Introduction, Diagnosis, Genetics, Treatment, and Conclusions. We present our results in a question and answer fashion in order to make reading more interesting. Results. PA should be searched in all high-risk populations. The gold standard for diagnosis PA is the plasma aldosterone/plasma renin ratio (ARR). If this test is positive, then we proceed with one of the four confirmatory tests. If positive, then we proceed with a localizing technique like adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and CT scan. If the lesion is unilateral, after proper preoperative preparation, we proceed, in adrenalectomy. If the lesion is bilateral or the patient refuses or is not fit for surgery, we treat them with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, usually spironolactone. Conclusions. Primary aldosteronism is the most common and a treatable case of secondary hypertension. Only patients with unilateral adrenal diseases are eligible for surgery, while patients with bilateral and non-surgically correctable PA are usually treated by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Thus, the distinction between unilateral and bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion is crucial

Surgical treatment of perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano in childhood, with emphasis in children older than 2 years

Background: Anal sepsis in children ranges from perianal abscess to fistula-in-ano. It is mostly observed in boys younger than 2 years. Most are treated conservatively. In contrast, anal sepsis in older children presents significant similarities to that of adults and is predominantly treated surgically. We report our outcomes after surgical treatment of anal abscess and fistula-in-ano in children older than 2 years. Patients and Methods: Ninety-eight (98) children were operated on for anal abscess (46 patients; 47%) and/or fistula-in-ano (52 patients; 53%). Incision and drainage of the abscess was performed as outpatients. In patients with fistulas, fistulotomy was the main treatment approach. All patients were healthy without risk factors for anal sepsis. Results: In patients with anal abscess treated with incision and drainage, low recurrence (13%) or fistula formation rates were observed. Most anal fistulas were simple entities. Significant involvement of the anal sphincter was found in 3 (6%) of 52 patients. An abscess cavity between the anal canal and the perianal skin was found in 4 (8%) of 52 patients, and an enlarged cryptic gland was found in 5 (10%) of 52 cases. Fistulotomy was performed in all patients with additional seton placement in 3 (6%) of 52 and a cryptotomy in 5 (10%) of 52 patients. Conclusions: Anal abscesses in children are easily treated by incision and drainage with low recurrence of perianal sepsis. Fistulas can be treated successfully in most patients with a fistulotomy, whereas complex fistulas are uncommon. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

A step by step approach in differential diagnosing of adrenal incidentaloma (epinephroma), (with comments on the new Clinical Practice Guidelines of the European Society of Endocrinology)

Objectives. To present a step by step approach for the diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma (AI). Method. An extensive review of the literature was conducted, searching the Pub-Med and Google Scholar using the Mesh terms; Adrenal; Incidentaloma; Adrenal tumours; Radiology; Diagnosis. We also did a cross-referencing search of the literature. Comments on the new European guidelines are presented. Results. The majority of the tumours are non-functioning benign adenomas. The most important radiological characteristic of an adrenal incidentaloma is the radiation attenuation coefficient. Wash out percentage and the imaging characteristics of the tumour may help in diagnosis. Conclusion. Density less than 10 HU is in most cases characteristic of a lipid rich benign adenoma. More than 10 HU or/and history of malignancy raise the possibility for cancer. 1 mg dexamethasone test and plasma metanephrines should be done in all patients. If there is history of hypokalemia and/or resistant hypertension we test the plasma aldosterone to plasma renin ratio (ARR). Newer studies have shown that tumours even nonfunctioning and less than 4 cm may increase the metabolic risks so we may consider surgery at an earlier stage

Thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the treatment of severe pediatric deformities

The traditional surgical treatment of severe spinal deformities, both in adult and pediatric patients, consisted of a 360° approach. Posterior-based spinal osteotomy has recently been reported as a useful and safe technique in maximizing kyphosis and/or kyphoscoliosis correction. It obviates the deleterious effects of an anterior approach and can increase the magnitude of correction both in the coronal and sagittal plane. There are few reports in the literature focusing on the surgical treatment of severe spinal deformities in large pediatric-only series (age <16 years old) by means of a posterior-based spinal osteotomy, with no consistent results on the use of a single posterior-based thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the treatment of such challenging group of patients. The purpose of the present study was to review our operative experience with pediatric patients undergoing a single level PSO for the correction of thoracic kyphosis/kyphoscoliosis in the region of the spinal cord (T12 and cephalad), and determine the safety and efficacy of posterior thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) in the treatment of severe pediatric deformities. A retrospective review was performed on 12 consecutive pediatric patients (6 F, 6 M) treated by means of a posterior thoracic PSO between 2002 and 2006 in a single Institution. Average age at surgery was 12.6 years (range, 9–16), whereas the deformity was due to a severe juvenile idiopathic scoliosis in seven cases (average preoperative main thoracic 113°; 90–135); an infantile idiopathic scoliosis in two cases (preoperative main thoracic of 95° and 105°, respectively); a post-laminectomy kypho-scoliosis of 95° (for a intra-medullar ependimoma); an angular kypho-scoliosis due to a spondylo-epiphisary dysplasia (already operated on four times); and a sharp congenital kypho-scoliosis (already operated on by means of a anterior–posterior in situ fusion). In all patients a pedicle screws instrumentation was used, under continuous intra-operative neuromonitoring (SSEP, NMEP, EMG). At an average follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 2–6) the main thoracic curve showed a mean correction of 61°, or a 62.3% (range, 55–70%), with an average thoracic kyphosis of 38.5° (range, 30°–45°), for an overall correction of 65% (range, 60–72%). Mean estimated intra-operative blood loss accounted 19.3 cc/kg (range, 7.7–27.27). In a single case (a post-laminectomy kypho-scoliosis) a complete loss of NMEP occurred, promptly assessed by loosening of the initial correction, with a final negative wake-up test. No permanent neurologic damage, or instrumentation related complications, were observed. According to our experience, posterior-based thoracic pedicle subtraction osteotomies represent a valuable tool in the surgical treatment of severe pediatric spinal deformities, even in revision cases. A dramatic correction of both the coronal and sagittal profile may be achieved. Mandatory the use of a pedicle screws-only instrumentation and a continuous intra-operative neuromonitoring to obviate catastrophic neurologic complications