Christian Eckmann

Fournier's gangrene: vacuum-assisted closure versus conventional dressings

BACKGROUND Fourniers gangrene is a fulminant and destructive inflammation of the scrotum, penis, and perineum. The objective of this study was to compare 2 different approaches to wound management after aggressive surgical debridement. METHODS Data from 35 patients with Fourniers gangrene were prospectively collected (1996-2007). Once the patients were stabilized following surgery, they were treated with either daily antiseptic (polyhexanide) dressings (group I, n = 16) or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy (group II, n = 19). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 58.2 years in group I and 57.2 years in group II. In both groups, the most common predisposing conditions were diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, and obesity. Escherichia coli, streptococcal species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated organisms. Length of hospital stay was 27.8 days +/- 27.6 days (mortality: 37.5%) in group I and 96.8 days +/- 77.2 days (mortality: 5.3%) in group II. Enterostomies were performed in 43.8% of group I patients and in 89.5% of group II patients. CONCLUSIONS VAC was associated with significantly longer hospitalization and lower mortality. A partial explanation is that some patients with severe sepsis died within the first 3 days after admission and thus could not undergo vacuum therapy. Since our clinical experience has shown that vacuum dressings are particularly effective in the management of large wounds, we use VAC primarily for this indication despite the considerable material requirements involved.

Electrical impedance tomography: changes in distribution of pulmonary ventilation during laparoscopic surgery in a porcine model

BackgroundBecause of the creation of a pneumoperitoneum, impairment of ventilation is a common side-effect during laparoscopic surgery. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a method with the potential for becoming a tool to quantify these alterations during surgery. We have studied the change of regional ventilation during and after laparoscopic surgery with EIT and compared the diagnostic findings with computed tomography (CT) scans in a porcine study.Materials and methodsAfter approval by the local animal ethics committee, six pigs were included in the study. Two laparoscopic operations were performed [colon resection (n=3) and fundoplicatio (n=3)]. The EIT measurements (6th parasternal intercostal space) were continuously recorded by an EIT prototype (EIT Evaluation Kit, Dräger Medical, Lübeck, Germany). To verify ventilatory alterations detected by EIT, a CT scan was performed postoperatively.ResultsVentilation with defined tidal volumes was significantly correlated to EIT measurements (r2=0.99). After creation of the pneumoperitoneum, lung compliance typically decreased, which agreed well with an alteration of the distribution of pulmonary ventilation measured by EIT. Elevation of positive end-inspiratory pressure reopened non-aerated lung areas and showed a recovery of the regional ventilation measured by EIT. Additionally, we could detect pulmonary complications by EIT monitoring as verified by CT scans postoperatively.ConclusionEIT monitoring can be used as a continuous non-invasive intraoperative monitor of ventilation to detect regional changes of ventilation and pulmonary complications during laparoscopic surgery. These EIT findings indicate that surgeons and anesthetists may eventually be able to optimize ventilation directly in the operating theatre.

Organotypic slice cultures of human gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer

Gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers are heterogeneous and aggressive tumors with an unpredictable response to cytotoxic treatment. New methods allowing for the analysis of drug resistance are needed. Here, we describe a novel technique by which human tumor specimens can be cultured ex vivo, preserving parts of the natural cancer microenvironment. Using a tissue chopper, fresh surgical tissue samples were cut in 400 μm slices and cultivated in 6‐well plates for up to 6 days. The slices were processed for routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Cytokeratin stains (CK8, AE1/3) were applied for determining tumor cellularity, Ki‐67 for proliferation, and cleaved caspase‐3 staining for apoptosis. The slices were analyzed under naive conditions and following 2–4 days in vitro exposure to 5‐FU and cisplatin. The slice culture technology allowed for a good preservation of tissue morphology and tumor cell integrity during the culture period. After chemotherapy exposure, a loss of tumor cellularity and an increase in apoptosis were observed. Drug sensitivity of the tumors could be assessed. Organotypic slice cultures of gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers were successfully established. Cytotoxic drug effects could be monitored. They may be used to examine mechanisms of drug resistance in human tissue and may provide a unique and powerful ex vivo platform for the prediction of treatment response.

Thoracic surgery in the elderly – co-morbidity is the limit

A retrospective chart review was performed in 242 consecutive patients aged 65 years or older who were treated in an academic surgical centre between January 2004 and July 2007. A total of 249 thoracic procedures were performed in 242 patients, of whom 143 were men and 99 women with a mean age of 69.9 years (range 65-92). Overall operative mortality was 2.4%, rising to 26.4% in emergency patients. Negative predictors for perioperative mortality were: American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4, pre-existing kidney failure, leucocytosis, low haemoglobin, elevated C-reactive protein, diabetes mellitus and emergency surgery. In addition, the risk of major and minor complications resulting in a prolonged hospital stay was increased in emergency patients, patients with multiple co-morbidities and ASA class 3 or 4. Appropriate thoracic surgery can be offered to the elderly with an acceptable level of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Regardless of age, a high degree of co-morbidity or emergency surgery are the main risk factors for perioperative mortality and/or prolonged hospital stay.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Arterial Reconstructive Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized Dose-Finding Trial:

Periprocedural and postprocedural anticoagulation during arterial reconstructive surgery (ARS) with intravenous heparin is standard of care. The general use and correct dosage of low-molecular-weight heparin, however, are still under debate. A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was performed with a parallel group comparison of four dose regimen of a low-molecular-weight heparin, reviparin sodium, in patients undergoing major ARS. Sixty-five patients were randomly allocated to receive twice-daily subcutaneous injections of reviparin, 3500 (group A, n=17), 4200 (group B, n= 16), 5950 (group C, n= 16), and 7000 (group D, n= 16) anti-Xa IU per day. Patients were eligible for the trial if they had angiographically proven peripheral arterial obstructive disease with a planned arterial reconstruction of the infrarenal aorta, iliaca artery, or femoralis artery. Fifty-nine patients completed the trial. The goal was to determine the optimal dose of the low-molecular-weight heparin to achieve a minimum of early vascular events (less than 12%) with a minimum of major bleeding events (less than 10%) during a shortterm follow-up of up to 8 postoperative days. There was no reocclusion in the entire population. Patients randomized into the two lower dose groups (A and B), however, experienced a relatively high incidence of restenosis, whereas patients enrolled in group D, receiving the highest dose of reviparin, experienced an unacceptably high rate of bleeding events (all bleeds, 43%; major bleeding, 14.3%). Thus, the optimal dose of reviparin sodium to be administered in patients undergoing major ARS is half the therapeutic dose:5950 to 6300 anti Xa IU (75-85 anti Xa IU/kg body weight per day). Patients included in group C had no major bleeding event (95% confidence interval, 0% to 6.6%), a significant improvement of the doppler anklebrachial systolic pressure index (difference of 0.46 ± 0.29, P=.017), and a higher rate of responders with regard to the puls status measured at the tibialis posterior arteries (66.7%) compared to groups A and B (46.7% and 54.5%, respectively, P=.086). The efficacy and safety of this dosage regimen in comparison to standard of care should be further substantiated in larger trials.

„Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome“

Summary. Since the mid-1980s increasing numbers of severe group A streptococcal infections (Streptococcus pyogenes) have been reported worldwide. Younger, healthy patients after minor local trauma are most commonly afflicted. The infection is characterized by a rapid course with shock, sepsis, multiorgan failure, soft-tissue infection and a high mortality rate. This special disease has been termed “streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome”. The M-proteins, especially types 1 and 3, and the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (speA) might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the infection. High dose therapy with antibiotics, monitoring in the intensive care unit and early, aggressive and often multiple debridement of necrotic soft tissue are necessary to save the patients life.Zusammenfassung. Seit Mitte der 80 er Jahre wird weltweit über eine zunehmende Anzahl schwerster Infektionen durch Streptokokken der Gruppe A (Streptococcus pyogenes) berichtet. Betroffen sind häufig jüngere, gesunde Patienten nach Bagatellverletzungen. Gekennzeichnet ist die Erkrankung durch einen raschen Verlauf mit Schock, Sepsis, Multiorganversagen, Weichgewebsnekrosen und eine hohe Letalität. Für dieses spezielle Krankheitsbild wurde der Name „streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome“ geprägt. Pathogenetisch scheinen die sog. M-Proteine, insbesondere die Typen 1 und 3, sowie das „streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A“ (speA) eine wichtige Rolle zu spielen. Therapeutisch stehen eine hochdosierte antibiotische Therapie, intensivmedizinische Überwachung sowie das frühzeitige, aggressive und meist mehrfache Débridement der Weichgewebsnekrosen ganz im Vordergrund, um das Leben der Patienten zu retten.

Antikoagulation in der Sepsistherapie

ZusammenfassungDie Beeinflussung der Gerinnung ist mit Sicherheit nicht der alleinige Weg aus der Sepsis. Bei der Komplexität der septisch bedingten metabolischen Veränderungen ist es sicherlich notwendig, sich über die Vielfalt an Interaktionen hunderter aktiver Plasmaproteine im Klaren zu sein. Im ausgewogenen Konzept von Agonisten und Inhibitoren in Regelkreisen lässt sich derzeit eine Hierarchie einzelner Substanzen nicht erkennen. Zukünftige Forschungsschwerpunkte zur Therapie der Sepsis werden sich der Beeinflussung der Endothelzellfunktion zuwenden. Die Endothelzellen sind als tragendes Gerüst für die vielfältigen Abwehrfunktionen in der Sepsis anzusehen.AbstractThe correction of coagulation disorders is only one aspect in the treatment of severe sepsis. The metabolic changes caused by sepsis are complex. They include the interactions of hundreds of plasma proteins. The system works in balanced patterns of agonists and antagonists, not allowing a preference for single substances. The endothelial cell plays a key role in multiple defence functions in sepsis. Thus, future research in sepsis has to focus on the manipulation of endothelial cell function.

[Anticoagulation in the treatment of sepsis. Correction of microcirculation: a new approach manipulating endothelial cell function].

ZusammenfassungDie Beeinflussung der Gerinnung ist mit Sicherheit nicht der alleinige Weg aus der Sepsis. Bei der Komplexität der septisch bedingten metabolischen Veränderungen ist es sicherlich notwendig, sich über die Vielfalt an Interaktionen hunderter aktiver Plasmaproteine im Klaren zu sein. Im ausgewogenen Konzept von Agonisten und Inhibitoren in Regelkreisen lässt sich derzeit eine Hierarchie einzelner Substanzen nicht erkennen. Zukünftige Forschungsschwerpunkte zur Therapie der Sepsis werden sich der Beeinflussung der Endothelzellfunktion zuwenden. Die Endothelzellen sind als tragendes Gerüst für die vielfältigen Abwehrfunktionen in der Sepsis anzusehen.AbstractThe correction of coagulation disorders is only one aspect in the treatment of severe sepsis. The metabolic changes caused by sepsis are complex. They include the interactions of hundreds of plasma proteins. The system works in balanced patterns of agonists and antagonists, not allowing a preference for single substances. The endothelial cell plays a key role in multiple defence functions in sepsis. Thus, future research in sepsis has to focus on the manipulation of endothelial cell function.

Spectrum of Bacteria in Infections in Abdominal Surgery

Considering the initial antibiotic therapy of an affected organ, the surgeon must take into account the bacterial spectrum. In peritonitis, bacterial virulence, quantitative bacteriology (bacterial co

Multiresistente gramnegative Bakterien: Klinischer Managementpfad für Patienten mit elektiven Eingriffen in der Viszeralchirurgie

ZusammenfassungHintergrundFür die Therapie von Infektionen mit multiresistenten gramnegativen Bakterien (MRGN) stehen nur wenige Antibiotika zur Verfügung. Dem Management von Patienten mit MRGN-Kolonisation bzw. -Infektion kommt daher eine herausragende Bedeutung bezüglich postoperativer Morbidität und Mortalität zu.ZielsetzungBeschreibung eines Managementpfades für Patienten mit MRGN-Besiedelung.ErgebnisseDie Prävalenz der MRGN-Besiedelung nimmt vor allem bei Personen mit Kontakt zum Gesundheitssystem in Endemieregionen zu. Das Robert-Koch-Institut fordert ein verpflichtendes MRGN-Screening und die Isolierung von Patienten mit geographischem oder kontaktbedingtem Expositionsrisiko für die Kolonisation mit 4MRGN (Carbapenemase-Bildnern). Für Patienten mit elektiven viszeralen Eingriffen ist ein rechtzeitiges sensitives Screening vor der stationären Aufnahme sinnvoll. Strikte Basishygiene ist essenziell zur Übertragungsprävention. Einzelisolierung ist für Patienten mit 4MRGN angezeigt, in Risikobereichen auch für Patienten mit 3MRGN. Risikopatienten mit unbekanntem Status werden präemptiv isoliert. Perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe ist als Einzeldosis zu applizieren, bei MRGN-Kolonisation ggf. mit MRGN-wirksamen Substanzen. Zur Therapie der sekundären/tertiären Peritonitis mit dem Risiko einer MRGN-Beteiligung und bei hämodynamisch instabilen Patienten sollten primär ESBL-wirksame Substanzen (Tigecyclin, Carbapeneme, Ceftolozan-Tazobactam, Ceftazidim-Avibactam) zum Einsatz kommen. Ceftazidim-Avibactam ist auch bei Infektionen mit Carbapenemase-bildenden Enterobakterien eine neue Therapieoption.FazitDie strukturierte Implementation des MRGN-Screenings bei Risikopatienten, strikte Basishygiene, gezielte Isolation und adäquate kalkulierte Antibiotikatherapie sind essenzielle Maßnahmen im Management der MRGN-Problematik in der Viszeralchirurgie.AbstractBackgroundOnly a few antibiotics are available for treatment of infections with multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria (MRGN). The management of patients with MRGN colonization or infection is therefore of great importance with respect to postoperative morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveThis article presents a description of the management pathway for patients with MRGN colonization.ResultsThe prevalence of MRGN colonization is increasing, particularly for persons with contact to the healthcare system in endemic regions. The Robert Koch Institute demands an obligatory MRGN screening and isolation of patients with geographic or contact-related exposure risk for colonization with 4MRGN (carbapenemase producers). For patients with elective visceral interventions a prompt sensitive screening before inpatient admission is wise. Strict basic hygiene measures are essential to prevent transmission. Isolation is indicated for patients with 4MRGN and also for patients with 3MRGN in risk areas. Risk patients with unknown status are preemptively isolated. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered as a single dose and in cases of MRGN colonization substances effective against MRGN should be given if necessary. For treatment of secondary/tertiary peritonitis with a risk of MRGN involvement and in hemodynamically instable patients, effective extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) substances should primarily be used (e.g. tigecycline, carbapenems, ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidim/avibactam). Ceftazidim/avibactam is also a novel therapy option for infections with carbapenamase-producing enterobacteria.ConclusionThe structured implementation of MRGN screening in patients at risk, stringent basic hygiene, targeted isolation and adequate calculated antibiotic therapy are essential measures in the management of the problem of MRGN in visceral surgery.