A. Mumme

Early postoperative enteral immunonutrition: clinical outcome and cost-comparison analysis in surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine if early postoperative feeding of patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancy, using an enteral diet supplemented with arginine, dietary nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids (IMPACT, Sandoz Nutrition, Bern, Switzerland) results in an improved clinical outcome, i.e., reduced infectious and wound complications and decreased treatment costs when compared with an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control diet. DESIGN A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial of the clinical outcome and a retrospective cost-comparison analysis. SETTING Surgical intensive care units in three different German university hospitals. PATIENTS Of 164 patients enrolled in the study, 154 patients were eligible for analysis. They were admitted to the intensive care unit after upper gastrointestinal surgery for cancer and they received an enteral diet via needle catheter jejunostomy. Infectious complications were defined as sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, central venous catheter sepsis, wound infection, and anastomotic leakage. The complication events were prospectively divided into two groups: early (postoperative days 1 to 5) and late (after the fifth postoperative day) postoperative complications. The treatment costs of each complication were analyzed and compared in both groups. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive either the immunonutritional diet (n = 77) or an isocaloric and isonitrogenous placebo diet (n = 77). Enteral feeding was initiated 12 to 24 hrs after surgery, starting with 20 mL/hr and advanced to a target volume of 80 mL/hr by postoperative day 5. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Clinical examination and adverse gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded on a daily basis. Both groups tolerated early enteral feeding well, and the rate of tube feeding-related complications was low. Postoperative complications occurred in 17 patients in the immunonutrition group vs. 24 patients in the control group (NS). Further, in the early phase (postoperative day 1 to 5), complications occurred to a similar extent in both groups (12 patients in the immunonutritional group vs. 11 patients in the control group). However, in the late phase (after postoperative day 5), considerably fewer patients in the experimental diet group experienced complications compared with the control group (5 vs. 13, p < .05). In addition, the frequency rate of complicating events were recorded in each group. In the experimental diet group, a total of 22 complicating events were recorded vs. a total of 32 events in the placebo diet group (NS). However, the occurrence of late complicating events, i.e., complicating events after the fifth postoperative day, was significantly reduced in the immunonutrition group when compared with the control group (8 vs. 17 events, p < .05). The total costs for the treatment of the complications were 83,563 German marks in the experimental diet group vs. 122,430 German marks in the control group, resulting in a cost-reduction of 38,867 German marks. (At the end of December 1995, the conversion rate from German marks to U.S. dollars was 1.4365 German marks to

Early postoperative enteral nutrition with arginine-omega-3 fatty acids and ribonucleic acid-supplemented diet versus placebo in cancer patients: an immunologic evaluation of Impact.

1.00.) CONCLUSIONS Early enteral feeding with an arginine, dietary nucleotides, and omega-3 fatty acids supplemented diet, as well as an isonitrogenous, isocaloric control diet (placebo) were well tolerated in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal surgery. In patients who received the supplemented diet, a significant reduction in the frequency rate of late postoperative infectious and wound complications was observed. Thereby, the treatment costs were substantially reduced in the immunonutrition group as compared with the control group.

Short-term effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on neurohormonal activation, quality of life and 6-minute walk test in severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of early postoperative feeding with a nutritionally complete enteral diet supplemented with the nutrients arginine, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and omega-3 fatty acids on the immune function in patients undergoing surgery for upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. SETTING Surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a German university hospital. PATIENTS Forty-two consecutive patients receiving an enteral diet via needle catheter jejunostomy after GI surgery for cancer. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive either the arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids supplemented diet or an isocaloric and isonitrogenous placebo diet. Early enteral nutrition was started on postoperative day 1 in the surgical ICU with 20 mL/hr and progressed to the optimal goal of 80 mL/hr by postoperative day 5. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Clinical examination and adverse GI symptoms were recorded on a daily basis. Body weight was determined twice weekly. Immunoglobulin concentrations were determined by laser nephelometry. Interferon-gamma concentrations were measured with a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Fluorescence-activated cell scan flow cytometry was performed to analyze B cells, T lymphocytes and their subsets. Clinical patient characteristics and mean caloric intake were similar between the two groups and both formulas were well tolerated. The number of T lymphocytes and their subsets, helper T cells (CD4) and activated T cells (CD3, HLA-DR), were significantly higher in the supplemented diet group on postoperative days 10 and 16 (p < .05). Mean interferon-gamma concentration after phytohemagglutinin stimulation was higher in the supplemented diet group on postoperative day 16. In the supplemented diet group, mean immunoglobulin M concentrations were significantly higher on postoperative day 10 and mean immunoglobulin G concentrations were higher on postoperative day 16 (p < .05) compared with the results in the placebo group. B-lymphocyte indices were significantly higher in the supplemented vs. the placebo diet group on postoperative days 7 and 10 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of enteral diet with arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids in the early postoperative time period improves postoperative immunologic responses and helps to overcome more rapidly the immunologic depression after surgical trauma.

Operative results and outcome of twenty-four totally laparoscopic vascular procedures for aortoiliac occlusive disease

Objective This prospective study aimed to determine to what extent clinical symptoms and neurohumoral activation are improved in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValve prosthesis. Methods From June 2008 to June 2009 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (area<1 cm2), age≥75 years with a logistic EuroSCORE ≥15% or age>60 years plus additional specified risk factors were evaluated for TAVI. Examinations of study patients were performed before and 30 days after TAVI and comprised assessment of quality of life (Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, [MLHFQ]) 6-minute walk test, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Aortic valve prosthesis was inserted retrograde using a femoral arterial or a subclavian artery approach. Results In 44 consecutive patients (mean age 79.1±7 years, 50% women, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 55.8±8.5%) TAVI was successfully performed. Follow-up 30 days after TAVI showed a significantly improved quality of life (baseline 44±19.1 vs 28±17.5 MLHFQ Score, p<0.001) and an enhanced distance in the 6-minute walk test (baseline 204±103 vs 266±123 m, p<0.001). B-type natriuretic peptide levels were reduced (baseline 725±837 vs 423±320 pg/ml, p=0.005). Conclusions Our preliminary results show a significant clinical benefit and a reduction of neurohormonal activation in patients with severe and symptomatic aortic valve stenosis early after TAVI.

Pelvic Venous Incompetence: Reflux Patterns and Treatment Results

PURPOSE The study objective was to apply laparoscopic techniques to conventional bypass procedures for aortoiliac occlusive disease. METHODS From October 1995 to August 1997, we performed seven iliofemoral (IFB), five unilateral aortofemoral (UAFB), and 11 aortobifemoral (AFB) bypass procedures and one aortic endarterectomy (TEA) totally laparoscopic. A transabdominal approach with pneumoperitoneum was preferred, and only laparoscopic vascular instruments were used. Endoscopic intervention followed principles of vascular surgery. As in open surgery, we used Dacron grafts and polypropylene sutures. RESULTS Twenty procedures were carried out totally laparoscopic; four conversions to open surgery were necessary. Severe complications included one postoperative respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support for four days, and one iliac vein lesion with subsequent open surgery. Mean operating time was 258 +/- 49 minutes for IFB, 218 +/- 54 minutes for UAFB, 279 +/- 69 minutes for AFB, and 290 minutes for aortic TEA. Mean blood loss was 92 +/- 49 ml for IFB, 390 +/- 316 ml for UAFB, 563 +/- 516 ml for AFB, and 100 ml for aortic TEA. Mean postoperative stay was 7.4 days for IFB, 7.8 days for UAFB, and 10.1 days for AFB. After the aortic TEA, the patient was discharged on day 6. At control examination all grafts were patent; two patients had mild claudication because of one progressive disease and one distal suture stenosis. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic vascular surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease is feasible, safe, and effective. At the beginning, a cooperation between experienced laparoscopists and vascular surgeons is needed to overcome procedural challenge, because operating time and conversion rate decrease with growing experience. The advantages observed in the majority of our patients were minimal tissue trauma, decreased blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery when compared with patients who had open aortic surgery at our institution. Further evidence has to be gained by clinical trials to define the role of laparoscopic vascular surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease.

MR Venography in the Detection of Pelvic Venous Congestion

OBJECTIVE To assess reflux patterns and the results of endovascular obliteration of ovarian veins in patients with symptomatic pelvic venous incompetence (PVI). METHODS A total of 71 female patients (mean age 49 years) with signs of PVI on selective phlebography of the pelvic veins were included in the study. In 53 cases (75%), recurrent varicose veins following previous surgery and stripping of the great saphenous vein were present and 51 patients (72%) were multiparous (> or = 2 children). Symptoms were scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) assessing pelvic and lower limb pain. After duplex ultrasonography of the lower limb veins, in cases of suspected PVI, the presence of any reflux in the ovarian and pelvic veins was demonstrated by phlebography. In selected cases, endovascular treatment with embolisation was used. Follow-up assessment of symptoms was carried out at 1, 2 and 3 years. RESULTS The left ovarian vein (OV) and the right internal iliac vein (IIV) were most frequently affected by reflux (n=41, 58% each). In about half the number of patients, reflux was demonstrated in more than one of the main pelvic veins (n=38, 54%). An extension of reflux into varicose veins of the groin or lower limb was demonstrated in 44 patients (62%); 35 patients (49%) received treatment for their PVI by coil embolisation. Fifty-five patients (77%) completed follow-up. Patients with isolated ovarian vein incompetence, who were treated by embolisation, experienced a significant improvement of symptoms (mean symptom score 5.2 standard deviation (SD) 3.5 before and 1.2 SD 0.9 after embolisation treatment; p<0.0001), while patients with untreated incompetence did not show improvement in symptoms (mean score 4.5 SD 1.6 before and 5.1 SD 1.5 after conservative treatment; non-significant (N.S.)). Improved symptoms were detected in patients with isolated IIV incompetence, who underwent embolisation treatment (mean symptom score 5.1 SD 2.5 before and 2.1 SD 1.6 after treatment; N.S.) although this did not reach statistical significance. Conservative treatment of patients with isolated IIV incompetence resulted in no relevant changes (mean score 4.2 SD 2.0 before and 4.5 SD 2.1 after treatment; N.S.). Worsening of symptoms was found in patients with combined reflux who underwent conservative treatment (mean score 5.3 SD 2.0 before and 6.5 SD 2.5 after treatment, N.S.). In case of combined OV and IIV reflux, isolated interventional treatment of incompetent ovarian veins did not improve symptoms at each interval of the follow-up (mean score 5.2 SD 2.1 before and 5.1 SD 2.6 after treatment, N.S.), while coiling of all reflux pathways resulted in symptom reduction; but this did not reach statistical significance due to the small numbers of patients (mean score 5.6 SD 2.2 before and 3.2 SD 2.1 after treatment, N.S.). CONCLUSIONS Combined reflux in more than one pelvic vein is common. In these cases, isolated treatment of ovarian veins or conservative treatment is associated with a poor midterm clinical outcome. A clinical improvement was achieved only in patients with isolated ovarian vein incompetence.

Residual Stumps Associated with Inguinal Varicose Vein Recurrences: A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE To investigate the feasibility of using magnetic resonance venography (MRV) to detect pelvic venous congestion (PVC). METHODS A prospective study of 23 female patients with signs and symptoms of PVC, who underwent duplex sonography, MRV and phlebography (P). Examinations were interpreted in a blinded fashion. Visualization of venous anatomy, presence of venous incompetence and congestion grade were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity of MRV using P as reference were calculated. RESULTS MRV agreed with P in 96% (Cohen-K-value 0.646) and in 70% (K 0.555) of the cases respectively in the venous anatomy and congestion grade. Sensitivity and specificity of MRV were 88% and 67% for ovarian veins, 100% and 38% for hypogastric veins and 91% and 42% for the pelvic plexus. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective study MRV showed high sensitivity in the evaluation of patients with suspected PVC. Routine use of this diagnostic method requires further studies in larger patient cohorts.

Implantation of the CoreValve self-expanding valve prosthesis via a subclavian artery approach: a case report

PURPOSE It is unclear whether a residual sapheno-femoral stump left in place after stripping of the great saphenous vein can contribute to the formation of late inguinal varicose vein recurrence. In order to obtain information about the time course of recurrence development, patients with histologically proven residual stumps were recruited and asked about the interval between the initial operation and the first clinical signs of varicose vein recurrence. METHODS A multi-centre study involving 7 centres was conducted amongst patients undergoing redo-surgery for inguinal varicose vein recurrences. The sapheno-femoral stumps resected during the redo-surgery were classified histologically. Patients with a proven long residual sapheno-femoral stump were asked to describe the first signs of varicose vein recurrence with the help of a standardised questionnaire. From these data the symptom-free interval, consisting of the time frame between the initial operation and the first signs of recurrence, was determined. RESULTS In 279 legs of 251 patients a long residual sapheno-femoral stump was present. Most patients had experienced a symptom-free interval after the initial operation with a mean duration of 7.4 S.D. 5.5 years. Recurrent varicose veins became apparent after a mean time interval of 6.3 S.D. 5.3 years and congestion symptoms occurred after a mean interval of 8.5 S.D. 5.7 years. CONCLUSIONS In patients with symptomatic groin recurrences, a long residual sapheno-femoral stump was found in about two thirds of cases. The first clinical signs of varicose vein recurrence can be expected 7-8 years after the initial treatment at the earliest. Long term follow up is required reliably to asses the outcome of treatment for varicose veins.

Ultrasound elastography for the age determination of venous thrombi: Evaluation in an animal model of venous thrombosis

an alternative technique for treatment of aortic stenosis in patients with an excessive surgical risk [8]. In 2002, Cribier and coworkers [2] performed the first in man implantation of a bovine pericardial prosthesis in a 57-year-old man with calcified aortic stenosis and cardiogenic shock, using an antegrade transseptal approach. Recently, they summarized their experience in a small series of patients [3]. Of the 36 patients taken to the catheterization laboratory, 27 patients underwent successfully aortic valve implantation [3]. In 23 cases, Cribier’s group used an antegrade, transseptal approach, in four patients a retrograde approach. Although not specifically emphasized by the authors, the differences in their methods are relevant. The antegrade approach demands a transseptal puncture, and the stiff guiding wire that loops from the left atrium to the ascending aorta may cause severe intraprocedural mitral regurgitation. Webb and coworkers reported about their experience in 18 patients with this technique, however, they preferred a retrograde approach for delivery of the Cribier–Edwards valve [9]. They advanced 22 F and 24 F sheaths from the femoral artery to the aorta, and successfully delivered the prosthesis in 14 cases. Of note, iliac injury occurred in two patients requiring surgery. In Germany, a first series of patients was reported by a group from Siegburg [5]. They used a CoreValve self-expanding valve prosthesis, delivered by first (24 F) and second (21 F) generation sheaths via a retrograde approach. Device success and procedural success were achieved in 88% and 84%, respectively. Of note, they discussed the advantages of this approach on account of procedural simplicity, but they also addressed the technical problems tracking a relatively long and high-profile stent valve apparatus through small-diameter, tortuous or heavily atherosclerotic aortas. Most recently in this context, Jilaihawi and coworkers illustrated that Waldemar Bojara Achim Mumme Ulrich Gerckens Michael Lindstaedt Michael Gotzmann Alfried Germing Markus Fritz Werner Pennekamp Andreas Mügge Implantation of the CoreValve self-expanding valve prosthesis via a subclavian artery approach: a case report

Safety of early endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis: an international multicenter study

The exact age determination of venous thrombi is important if thrombolytic therapy or surgical thrombectomy is considered. Clinical symptoms as well as duplex-ultrasound and phlebography are unreliable in this respect and do not allow an exact age estimation. Ultrasound elastography can provide information about the elastic properties of thrombi. Since thrombus elasticity decreases with age due to the organisation process, it should be possible to use elastography to stage the degree of organisation and thereby determine the age of venous thrombi. Experimental venous thrombi aging 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days were created in a porcine model by laparoscopic ligation of the infrarenal Vena cava in combination with transfemoral infusion of thrombin. The thrombosed iliac veins were explanted and embedded in gelatine, after that they underwent examination by ultrasound elastography. In addition, histological evaluation of the thrombi was performed. Elastography demonstrated a decline in thrombus elasticity between days 6 and 12 with the 12-day-old thrombi being about 3 times harder then the 6-day-old thrombi. This correlated with the histological findings, which demonstrated a marked increase in fibroblast and collagen production in the clots during this time, with the 12- and 15-day thrombi showing signs of advanced organisation. In conclusion, in an experimental setting, ultrasound elastography was helpful in determining the exact age of venous thrombi. The differences in elasticity were most pronounced between days 6 and 12, which is also the most relevant time frame when considering invasive therapies in human venous thrombosis.