Careful Patient Selection (careful + patient_selection)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Early and late outcome of cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2007
Farzan Filsoufi
Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor in general surgery. Few studies have reported on the outcome of cardiac surgery in these patients. Herein we report our recent experience in this high-risk patient population according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Between January 1998 and December 2004, 27 patients (mean age 58 ± 10 yr, 20 male) with cirrhosis who underwent cardiac surgery were identified. Patients were in Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A (n = 10), B (n = 11), and C (n = 6) and mean MELD score was 14.2 ± 4.2. Operative mortality was 26% (n = 7). Stratified mortality according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh class was 11%, 18%, and 67% for class A, B, and C, respectively. No mortality occurred in patients who had revascularization without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 5). The 1-yr survival was 80%, 45%, and 16% for Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively (P = 0.02). Major postoperative complications occurred in 22%, 56%, and 100% for Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively. Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification was a better predictor of hospital mortality (P = 0.02) compared to MELD score (P = 0.065). In conclusion, our results suggest that cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A and selected patients with class B. Operative mortality remains high in class C patients. Careful patient selection is critical in order to improve surgical outcome in patients with cirrhosis. Liver Transpl, 2007. © 2007 AASLD. [source]


Retransplantation for late liver graft failure: Predictors of mortality

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2000
Marcelo Facciuto
As patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) improves, late complications, including late graft failure, more commonly occur and retransplantation (re-OLT) is required more often. Survival after re-OLT is poorer than after primary OLT, and given the organ shortage, it is essential that we optimize our use of scarce donor livers. We sought to identify variables that predict poor outcome after late re-OLT. Among adults who underwent OLT between September 1989 and October 1997, we identified transplant recipients who survived greater than 6 months (n = 964) and analyzed those who required late re-OLT (,6 months after primary OLT). We recorded the indication for the initial OLT and interval from OLT to re-OLT. We also analyzed data collected at the time of re-OLT, including age, sex, indications for primary OLT and re-OLT, United Network for Organ Sharing status, preoperative laboratory values (white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and prothrombin time), Child-Pugh-Turcotte score, number of rejection episodes before re-OLT, and interval between OLT and re-OLT. In addition, we analyzed surgical factors (including procedure performed and use of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets), postoperative immunosuppression, and donor factors (age, ischemic time). Forty-eight patients (5%) underwent late re-OLT at a median of 557 days (range, 195 to 2,559 days) post-OLT. Survival rates after re-OLT at 90 days, 1 year, and 5 years were 71%, 60%, and 42%, respectively. Patients surviving 90 days or greater after re-OLT had an 85% chance of surviving to 1 year. Sepsis was the leading cause of death (15 of 25 deaths; 60%). Recipient age older than 50 years (P = .04), preoperative creatinine level greater than 2 mg/dL (P = .004), and use of intraoperative blood products (packed red blood cells, P = .001; fresh frozen plasma, P = .002; platelets, P = .004) had significant impacts on survival. Late re-OLT was associated with increased mortality. Careful patient selection, with particular attention to recipient age and renal function, may help improve results and optimize our use of scarce donor livers. [source]


Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy: Basic and Advanced Techniques

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2006
David J. Terris MD
Abstract Objective: Minimal access surgery in the thyroid compartment has evolved considerably over the past 10 years and now takes many forms. We advocate at least two distinct approaches, depending on the disease process and multiple patient factors. The technical aspects are explored in depth with liberal use of videographic demonstration. Methods: The authors conducted a comparison of two distinct surgical techniques with photographic and videographic documentation of two distinct minimal access approaches to the thyroid compartment termed minimally invasive thyroidectomy (MITh) and minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT). Both historic and previously unpublished data (age, gender, pathology, incision length, and complications) are systematically analyzed. Results: Patients who underwent minimally invasive thyroidectomy (n = 31) had a mean age of 39.4 ± 10.7 years; seven were male and 24 were female. The most common diagnosis was follicular or Hürthle cell adenoma (29%), followed by papillary or follicular cancer (26%). The mean incision length was 4.9 ± 1.0 cm. One patient developed a hypertrophic scar and one patient developed thrombophlebitis of the anterior jugular vein. There were 14 patients in the MIVAT group with a mean age of 43.7 ± 11.4 years; one was male and 13 were female. The majority of patients had follicular adenoma (42.9%) or papillary carcinoma (21.4%) as their primary diagnosis. The mean incision length was 25 ± 4.3 mm (range, 20,30 mm), and there were no complications. Conclusions: Two distinct approaches to minimal access thyroid surgery are now available. The choice of approach depends on a number of patient and disease factors. Careful patient selection will result in continued safe and satisfactory performance of minimally invasive thyroid surgery. [source]


Liver transplantation for sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (veno-occlusive disease): case report with review of the literature and the UNOS database

CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2008
Fernando E. Membreno
Abstract:,Background:, Severe sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) is a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplantation. We report the case of a young man transplanted for SOS. Method:, A single chart review with query of the United Network of Organ Sharing database and review of the medical literature. Case:, A 23-yr-old male diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia underwent a matched unrelated stem cell transplant. The conditioning regimen included high-dose cyclophosphamide and busulfan. Within one month, he developed painful hepatomegaly, jaundice, ascites, and weight gain, and was diagnosed with biopsy-proven SOS. Despite therapy with defibrotide, he continued to deteriorate with the development of progressive renal failure and encephalopathy. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. After surgery, he developed cytomegalovirus infection and six wk later presented with a bile leak, hepatic artery thrombosis, and a liver abscess. A repeat bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of recurrent disease. Although the patient was listed for re-transplantation, he succumbed prior to an organ becoming available. Conclusion:, Severe SOS in the setting of bone marrow transplantation portends a poor prognosis. Careful patient selection, timing, and perhaps less immunosuppression should be considered when performing a liver transplantation in the setting of severe SOS. [source]


Complications of Nail Surgery: A Review of the Literature

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2001
Meena Moossavi MD
Background. The realm of nail unit surgery encompasses the dermatologist as well as the hand surgeon. Nail surgery complications may include allergy to anesthetic, infection, hematoma, nail deformity, and persistent pain and swelling. Objective. To review the pertinent literature regarding nail unit surgery complications. Methods. A Medline literature search was performed for relevant publications. Results. Nail unit surgery complications appear to be relatively infrequent. The majority of postoperative nail deformity complications result from nail matrix damage. Conclusion. Complications may be reduced to a minimum by preventive measures, such as careful patient selection, sterile technique, and gentle treatment of the nail matrix. [source]


Surgical therapies for vitiligo and other leukodermas, part 1: minigrafting and suction epidermal grafting

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2001
Rafael Falabella
ABSTRACT: Vitiligo and other disorders of hypopigmentation are common cutaneous dermatoses that can give rise to considerable aesthetic concerns. In some patients these leukodermas are treated successfully with medical therapies such as topical corticosteroids and PUVA therapy. However, not all patients and not all lesions respond and as a result, surgical therapies are often required to restore normal pigmentation. The two most common and simple procedures, minigrafting (implantation of 1.0,1.2 mm grafts) and suction epidermal grafting (transfer of only epidermis harvested via negative pressures), are described in detail. Repigmentation with these two techniques, if carried out properly, yields good to excellent results with minor or no side effects. The most important factors for success are stability of the depigmenting process, an appropriate technique, and careful patient selection. Surgical interventions for stable vitiligo and other types of stable leukoderma are usually not first-line options, but when medical treatments fail, they represent the best available therapies. [source]


Medical therapy for Crohn's disease strictures

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2004
Gert Van Assche MD
Abstract Intestinal fibrostenosis is a frequent and debilitating complication of Crohn's disease (CD), not only resulting in small bowel obstruction, but eventually in repeated bowel resection and short bowel syndrome. Over one third of patients with CD have a clear stenosing disease phenotype, often in the absence of luminal inflammatory symptoms. Intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of chronic transmural inflammation in CD. As in other organs and tissues, phenotypic transformation and activation of resident mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, underlie fibrogenesis in the gut. The molecular mechanisms and growth factors involved in this process have not been identified. However, it is clear that inflammatory mediators may have effects on mesenchymal cells in the submucosa and the muscle layers that are profoundly different from their action on leukocytes or epithelial cells. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-,), for instance, has profound anti-inflammatory activity in the mucosa and probably serves to keep physiologic inflammation at bay, but at the same time it appears to be driving the process of fibrosis in the deeper layers of the gut. Tumor necrosis factor, on the other hand, has antifibrotic bioactivity and pharmacologic inhibition of this cytokine carries a theoretical risk of enhanced stricture formation. Endoscopic management of intestinal strictures with balloon dilation is an accepted strategy to prevent or postpone repeated surgery, but careful patient selection is of paramount importance to ensure favorable long-term outcomes. Specific medical therapy aimed at preventing or reversing intestinal fibrosis is not yet available, but candidate molecules are emerging from research in the liver and in other organs. [source]


Tako-tsubo-like cardiomyopathy after EpiPen administration

INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 11 2008
C. M. Zubrinich
Abstract Tako-tsubo-like cardiomyopathy is characterized by acute chest pain, electrocardiographic changes and increased cardiac enzymes in the absence of obstructive coronary vessel disease. We describe the development of tako-tsubo-like cardiomyopathy in an elderly woman after the use of an EpiPen for generalized urticaria and angioedema. As adrenaline may participate in the pathogenesis of this condition, the need for careful patient selection and education in the use of adrenaline self-injectors remains imperative. [source]


Preoperative risk assessment and prevention of complications in patients with esophageal cancer

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Brechtje A. Grotenhuis MD
Abstract In this review the preoperative risk assessment and prevention of complications in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer is discussed. Age, pulmonary and cardiovascular condition, nutritional status, and neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy are known predictive factors. None of these factors is a valid exclusion criterion for esophagectomy, but may help in careful patient selection. Both anesthetists and surgeons play an important role in intraoperative risk reduction by means of appropriate fluid management and application of optimal surgical techniques. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:270,278. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Ileovesicostomy for adults with neurogenic bladders: Complications and potential risk factors for adverse outcomes,,

NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 3 2008
Hung-Jui Tan
Abstract Aims Risk factors for complications following ileovesicostomy have not been well defined. This study's purpose was to examine outcomes following ileovesicostomy in adults and identify possible risk factors that may contribute to post-operative complications. Methods Retrospective database review identified ileovesicostomy procedures from August 1999 to September 2003. Demographic, pre-operative, and post-operative data were extracted. Statistical analysis determined whether risk factors influenced outcomes of urethral continence, re-operation, and post-operative complications. Factors included age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, body mass index, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or simultaneous procedures including pubovaginal sling/urethral closure. Results 50 adults status-post ileovesicostomy were identified. At last follow-up, 36 patients (72%) were continent per urethra. The incidence of complications decreased significantly from 3.38 per patient to 1.16 post-operatively (P,<,0.0001). Twenty-seven averaged 1.52 inflammatory or infectious post-operative complications per patient, 19 averaged 1.47 stomal complications, and 11 averaged 2.09 ileovesicostomy mechanical obstructions. Overall, 27 required 2.85 re-operations or additional procedures following ileovesicostomy. Sub-group analysis identified BMI (P,=,0.0569) as a possible risk factor. Differences in outcomes based on age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or urethral closure were not significant. Conclusions Ileovesicostomy is a valuable management option for adults with neurogenic bladder unable to perform intermittent catheterization. The incidence of urinary tract comorbid events significantly decreased following ileovesicostomy though the onset of other complications should be considered. The morbidity associated with ileovesicostomy requires careful patient selection, close long-term follow-up, and potential subsequent interventions to address post-operative complications. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:238,243, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Selective Retransplant After Graft Loss to Nonadherence: Success with a Second Chance

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009
T. B. Dunn
Nonadherence (NA) is a difficult posttransplant problem that can lead to graft loss. A retransplant is controversial because of a fear of recurrent NA. We reviewed our center's data base and identified 114 kidney recipients who lost their graft to overt NA; of this group, 35 (31%) underwent a retransplant after a thorough reevaluation. We compared this NA retransplant group to a control group of second transplant recipients who did not lose their first graft to overt NA (non-NA) (n = 552). After 8 years of follow-up, we found no significant differences between the groups in actuarial graft or patient survival rates, renal function, or the incidence of biopsy-proven chronic rejection. However, 5 of 35 (14%) NA recipients versus 10 of 552 (2%) non-NA recipients lost their retransplant to NA (p = 0.0001). Twenty of 35 (57%) of the NA group exhibited repeat NA behavior after retransplant. We conclude that prior graft loss to NA is associated with increased graft loss to NA after retransplant. However, the majority of NA retransplant recipients did well,with overall long-term outcomes similar to those of the non-NA group. With careful patient selection and aggressive intervention, prior overt NA should not be an absolute contraindication to retransplantation. [source]


A case series of the use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in emergency lower abdominal surgery

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 9 2008
J. Fabregat-López
Summary The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) has been used routinely for anaesthesia and for difficult airway management including airway rescue in non-fasted patients. Compared with the classic laryngeal mask airway the PLMA increases protection against gastric inflation and pulmonary aspiration, by separating the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts. The PLMA has potential advantages over use of the tracheal tube including smoother recovery, reduced pharyngolaryngeal morbidity and even reduced postoperative pain. We report a series of patients scheduled for emergency appendicectomy, without other risk factors for regurgitation, managed with the PLMA. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with remifentanil, target controlled propofol and rocuronium. A series of 102 cases were managed without complications and high rates of first time placement of the PLMA (inserted over a suction tube placed in the oesophagus). With careful patient selection the PLMA may offer an alternative airway for use by experienced anaesthetists in patients undergoing minor lower abdominal surgery. [source]


Evaluation of the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers by surgical excision

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Vernon SC Pua
ABSTRACT A retrospective study of all non-melanoma skin cancers excised by two dermatologists at a private practice in 2004 (excluding Mohs microscopic surgery cases) was conducted. Two hundred and forty-one patients were treated, with a total of 453 tumours excised. The overall incomplete excision rate was 2.2% (10/453). For basal cell cancers, the incomplete excision rate was 1.54% (5/324) and for squamous cell cancers including Bowen's disease the incomplete excision rate was 3.9% (5/129). The majority of repairs were primary closures (82.6%). Although a significant proportion of the tumours were from the head and neck region (45.9%), this study demonstrated that careful patient selection, experience of the surgeon and adherence to recommended excision margins can achieve a favourable incomplete excision rate. [source]


Inhibition of angiogenesis in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007
Vicki L. Keedy
Angiogenesis and its role in the growth and development of metastases has become a topic of increasing importance. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis, growth of the primary tumor, and development of metastases. In addition, elevated expression in tissue samples is a negative prognostic feature. For these reasons, VEGF is a worthy target for novel therapies. Recent clinical trials have shown that the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab adds to the effect of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Hypertension and proteinuria are, as expected, commonly seen in this patient population, but the unexpected toxicity of life-threatening hemoptysis has also been observed. This makes careful patient selection especially important for this class of drugs. Our understanding of the VEGF pathway is increasing, as are the number of available targeted agents. In addition to the monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, multitargeted kinase inhibitors, and combination VEGF and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, are all being evaluated in NSCLC. Small phase I and II trials have suggested modest benefit when used alone; however, we now know that the anti-angiogenic therapies work best in combination with chemotherapy. The results of ongoing trials using these agents in combination with standard therapy will provide more insight into their potential benefit. As it is known that small tumors require angiogenesis to grow and metastasize, the use of anti-angiogenic therapies in the adjuvant setting may provide even greater benefit, and increase the potential cure rate in this population of patients. The results of well-designed phase III trials will be required to truly understand how to best use this class of targeted therapies in resectable and metastatic NSCLC. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1825,1830) [source]