Antanas Mickevičius

Prognostic factors for positive immune thrombocytopenic purpura outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy

Laparoscopic splenectomy is considered as a second step treatment for ITP patients. The purpose of this study was to determine efficiency of laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP patients and to identify the independent prognostic factors that may predict the positive outcome. Two hundred and thirty nine patient medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The special questionnaire, which included present platelet count, the steroid usage and its dosage, was sent to all patients. The complete response (CR) was defined, when the platelet count was above 130 × 109 /L. The 239 adult patients with a median age of 51.3 (16–93 years) were included in this cohort. The median follow up period was 75 months. 49 patients, who relapsed after steroid treatment, underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The short term postoperative CR was 71.4% after laparoscopic splenectomy compared to 38.1% in non-splenectomized patients (p < 0.000). The long term CR was 79.5 % in patients after splenectomy compared to 47.4% in non-splenectomized patients (p < 0.018). After univaried analysis three clinical variables were found to be significantly related to splenectomy outcome: disease duration (p<0.007), preoperative platelet count (p<0.049) and platelet count on the third postoperative day (p<0.000). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated, that only platelet count on the 3rd postoperative day > 129 × 109 /L; RR=53.3 95% (CI, 1.888–1517.98) was significant predictor for long-term positive ITP outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy. Splenectomy is effective treatment for ITP. Platelet count > 129 × 109/L on the third postoperative day is the significant predictor of positive long-term outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy.

The choice of optimal antireflux procedure after laparoscopic cardiomyotomy: two decades of clinical experience in one center

Introduction Two types of partial wrap are commonly performed in achalasia patients after Heller myotomy: the posterior 270° fundoplication (Toupet) and the anterior 180° fundoplication (Dor). The optimal type of fundoplication (posterior vs. anterior) is still debated. Aim To compare the long-term rates of dysphagia, reflux symptoms and patient satisfaction with current postoperative condition between two fundoplication groups in achalasia treatment. Material and methods Our retrospective study included 97 consecutive patients with achalasia: 37 patients underwent laparoscopic posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication followed by Heller myotomy (group I); 60 patients underwent laparoscopic anterior partial Dor fundoplication followed by Heller myotomy (group II). Long-term follow-up results included evaluation of dysphagia symptoms, intensity of heartburn and patient satisfaction with current condition. Results Patients in these two groups did not differ according to age, weight, height, postoperative stay or follow-up period. Laparoscopic myotomy with posterior Toupet fundoplication was effective in 89% of patients, while laparoscopic myotomy with anterior Dor was effective in 93% of patients (p > 0.05). 11% of patients after posterior Toupet fundoplication had clinically significant heartburn vs. 35% of patients after anterior Dor fundoplication (p < 0.05). Overall patient satisfaction with current condition was 88%, with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions According to our study results, the two laparoscopic techniques were similarly effective in reducing achalasia symptoms, but postoperative clinical manifestation of heartburn is significantly more frequent after anterior Dor fundoplication (35% vs. 11%). The majority of patients (88%) were satisfied with operation outcomes.

Thromboelastographic changes during laparoscopic fundoplication

Introduction Thromboelastography (TEG) is a technique that measures coagulation processes and surveys the properties of a viscoelastic blood clot, from its formation to lysis. Aim To determine the possible hypercoagulability state and the effect of antithrombotic prophylaxis on thromboelastogram results and development of venous thrombosis during laparoscopic fundoplication. Material and methods The study was performed on 106 patients who were randomized into two groups. The first group received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) 12 h before the operation, and 6 and 30 h after it. The second group received LMWH only 1 h before the laparoscopic fundoplication. The TEG profile was collected before LMWH injection, 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope and 15 min after the surgery was completed. Results There was no significant difference in thromboelastography R-time between the groups before low-molecular-weight heparin injection. In group I preoperative R-values significantly decreased 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope, after the end of surgery and on the third postoperative day. K-time values decreased significantly on the third postoperative day compared with the results before low-molecular-weight heparin injection, and after the operation. In group II, preoperative R-values significantly decreased 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope, and after surgery. K-time values did not change significantly during or after the laparoscopic operation. Conclusions Our study results demonstrated that the hypercoagulation state (according to the TEG results) was observed during and after laparoscopic fundoplication in patients when LMWH was administered 12 h before the operation together with intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression. The optimal anticoagulation was obtained when LMWH was administered 1 h before fundoplication.

Laparoscopic myotomy or pneumatic dilatation for achalasia treatment

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the long-term results between laparoscopic myotomy and pneumatic dilatation in achalasia treatment.MethodA retrospective study was conducted involving 46 achalasia patients. Twenty-three patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial (Toupet) fundoplication (I group), other 23 — endoscopic pneumatic dilatation (II group). Long-term results included evaluation of dysphagia according Vantrappen and Hellemans and intensity of heartburn.ResultsThe patients in these two groups were similar in terms of age, weight and height. The median follow up was 44 months in I group, 47 months in II group. Laparoscopic myotomy was effective in 82.6% of patients (excellent and good results), while pneumatic dilatation was effective in 52.2% of patients (p<0.05). 39% of patients had postoperative heartburn in I group and 43% in II group.ConclusionsAccording our study results, laparoscopic Heller myotomy was more effective than endoscopic pneumatic dilatation in achalasia treatment. Heartburn is a common complaint after these two procedures.