Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound as Preoperative Localization Study in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice for single-gland primary hyperparathyroidism. However, the exact location of the abnormal gland has to be established. Sestamibi scintigraphy, computed tomography and ultrasound (US) are commonly used modalities. We describe our experience in a non-academic center with surgeon-performed US (S-US) of the neck as preoperative localization study in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Methods: Patients with a biochemically proven diagnosis of PHPT and preoperative S-US were included. Data were recorded prospectively. Perioperative gland location was compared to the preoperative S-US to determine sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates. Results: Two of the 50 patients who underwent S-US were not subjected to surgery. In 85% of the patients analyzed by S-US, the appropriate abnormal gland(s) were identified. In 11%, no gland was identified, but abnormal glands were found during surgery. Sensitivity of S-US in our hospital is 85%, with a positive predictive value of 97%. Conclusions: We achieved a satisfactory sensitivity rate. S-US provides anatomic information to the surgeon which enables a more detailed operation planning, and it is a valuable diagnostic modality for patients with PHPT in our opinion. We hope that our data encourage other centers to implement this technique as well. Copyrigh

Can intraluminal devices prevent or reduce colorectal anastomotic leakage: a review.

Colorectal anastomotic leakage is a serious complication of colorectal surgery, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. In recent decades, many strategies aimed at lowering the incidence of anastomotic leakage have been examined. The focus of this review will be on mechanical aids protecting the colonic anastomosis against leakage. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Collaborative library for all papers related to prevention of anastomotic leakage by placement of a device in the colon. Devices were categorised as decompression devices, intracolonic devices, and biodegradable devices. A decompression device functions by keeping the anal sphincter open, thereby lowering the intraluminal pressure and lowering the pressure on the anastomosis. Intracolonic devices do not prevent the formation of dehiscence. However, they prevent the faecal load from contacting the anastomotic site, thereby preventing leakage of faeces into the peritoneal cavity. Many attempts have been made to find a device that decreases the incidence of AL; however, to date, none of the devices have been widely accepted

The C-seal: a biofragmentable drain protecting the stapled colorectal anastomosis from leakage.

Colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication in colorectal surgery leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. The incidence of AL varies between 2.5 and 20%. Over the years, many strategies aimed at lowering the incidence of anastomotic leakage have been examined. The cause of AL is probably multifactorial. Etiological factors include insufficient arterial blood supply, tension on the anastomosis, hematoma and/or infection at the anastomotic site, and co-morbid factors of the patient as diabetes and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, some anastomoses may be insufficient from the start due to technical failure. Currently a new device is developed in our institute aimed at protecting the colorectal anastomosis and lowering the incidence of AL. This so called C-seal is a biofragmentable drain, which is stapled to the anastomosis with the circular stapler. It covers the luminal side of the colorectal anastomosis thereby preventing leakage. The C-seal is a thin-walled tube-like drain, with an approximate diameter of 4 cm and an approximate length of 25 cm. It is a tubular device composed of biodegradable polyurethane. Two flaps with adhesive tape are found at one end of the tube. These flaps are used to attach the C-seal to the anvil of the circular stapler, so that after the anastomosis is made the C-seal can be pulled through the anus. The C-seal remains in situ for at least 10 days. Thereafter it will lose strength and will degrade to be secreted from the body together with the gastrointestinal natural contents. The C-seal does not prevent the formation of dehiscences. However, it prevents extravasation of faeces into the peritoneal cavity. This means that a gap at the anastomotic site does not lead to leakage. Currently, a phase II study testing the C-seal in 35 patients undergoing (colo-)rectal resection with stapled anastomosis is recruiting. The C-seal can be used in both open procedures as well as laparoscopic procedures. The C-seal is only applied in stapled anastomoses within 15 cm from the anal verge. In the video, application of the C-seal is shown in an open extended sigmoid resection in a patient suffering from diverticular disease with a stenotic colon

Late anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery:a significant problem

Aim Reported incidence rates of colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) vary between 2.5 and 20%. There is little information on late anastomotic leakage (LAL). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of LAL after colorectal resection. Method All patients undergoing colorectal resection with primary anastomosis between January 2004 and October 2009 at the University Medical Center Groningen were included. LAL was defined as anastomotic leakage diagnosed more than 30days after surgery. Results One hundred and forty-one patients were analysed. Indications for surgery included both benign and malignant conditions. The incidence of early anastomotic leakage (EAL) within 30days after surgery was 13%. The LAL rate was 6%. Eighty-nine per cent of patients with EAL underwent relaparotomy compared with 44% for LAL (P=0.02). Conclusion One-third of all anastomotic leakages were diagnosed more than 30days after surgery. Of these, 44% underwent relaparotomy. Patients with leakage diagnosed within 30days after surgery were more likely to undergo relaparotomy. LAL is a significant problem after colorectal surgery

Current surgical treatment of diverticular disease in the Netherlands

AIM: To evaluate the development of diagnostic tools, indications for surgery and treatment modalities concerning diverticular disease (DD) in the Netherlands