Cortney Y. Lee

Sciatic hernia: laparoscopic transabdominal extraperitoneal repair with plug and patch

Sciatic hernia is a rare pelvic floor hernia that occurs through the greater or lesser sciatic foramen. Sciatic hernias often present as pelvic pain, particularly in women, and diagnosis can be difficult. Transabdominal and transgluteal operative approaches, including laparoscopic repair, have been reported. We show a laparoscopic technique using a plug of human allogeneic dermal matrix and lightweight polypropylene extraperitoneal patch avoiding fixation. The patient had significant improvement of her symptoms and no complications at 12 months follow-up.

A randomized, prospective trial of operative treatments for hyperparathyroidism in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

BACKGROUND Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 is associated with multiglandular parathyroid disease. Previous retrospective studies comparing subtotal parathyroidectomy (SP) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TP/AT) have not established clearly better outcomes with either procedure. METHODS Patients were assigned randomly to either SP or TP/AT and data were collected prospectively. The rates of persistent HPT, recurrent HPT, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism were compared. RESULTS The study cohort included 32 patients randomized to receive either SP or TP/AT (mean follow-up, 7.5 ± 5.7 years). The overall rate of recurrent HPT was 19% (6/32). Recurrent HPT occurred in 4 of 17 patients (24%) treated with SP and 2 of 15 patients (13%) treated with TP/AT (P = .66). Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3 of 32 patients (9%) overall. The rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 12% in the SP group (2/17) and 7% in the TP/AT group (1/15). A second operation was performed in 4 of 17 patients initially treated with SP (24%), compared with 1 of 15 patients undergoing TP/AT (7%; P = .34). CONCLUSION This randomized trial of SP and TP/AT in patients with MEN 1 failed to show any difference in outcomes when comparing results of SP versus TP/AT. Both procedures are associated with acceptable results, but SP may have advantages in that is involves only 1 surgical incision and avoids an obligate period of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Utility of Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound Assessment of the Lateral Neck for Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Ultrasound is the recommended staging modality for papillary thyroid cancer. Surgeons proficient in US assessment of the neck and experienced in the management of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) appear uniquely qualified to assess the lateral cervical lymph nodes for metastatic disease. Of 310 patients treated for PTC between 2000 and 2008, 109 underwent surgeon-performed ultrasound (SUS) of the lateral neck preoperatively. Fine needle aspiration was performed on suspicious lateral lymph nodes. SUS findings were compared with FNA cytology and results of postoperative imaging studies. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of SUS were 88% and 97%, respectively. Four patients were found to have missed metastatic disease within 6 months. No patient underwent a nontherapeutic neck dissection. SUS combined with US-guided FNA of suspicious lymph nodes can accurately stage PTC to reliably direct surgical management.

Esophageal fistula complicating thyroid lobectomy

Thyroidectomy is associated with low morbidity and mortality. Esophageal perforation following thyroidectomy has been reported only three times previously, with subsequent fistulization occurring in two of these cases. The authors present the first such case report in the English-speaking literature.

Cystic multiglandular maternal hyperparathyroidism diagnosed by neonatal hypocalcemic seizures.

A 7-day-old male infant born to a healthy 33-year-old female at 37 weeks of gestation was brought to the local emergency department (ED) with sudden-onset tonic–clonic seizures. Laboratory testing revealed extreme hypocalcemia (ionized calcium of 3.2 mg/dl) and undetectable parathyroid hormone (PTH <10 pg/ml). Concomitant evaluation of the mother revealed both elevated ionized calcium (5.9 mg/dl) and PTH (116 pg/ml). The mother underwent preoperative ultrasound localization and sestamibi scan, followed promptly by parathyroidectomy. Given the cystic appearance and presence of multiglandular disease, evaluation for familial cystic parathyroid adenomatosis (hyperparathyroidism-jaw bone-tumor syndrome) and MEN 1 were undertaken. The infant was stabilized and discharged home. He returned to the ED with seizures at 1 month of age. After increasing calcium supplementation appropriately, he was monitored with weekly office visits. This represents a unique case of undiagnosed maternal primary hyperparathyroidism manifesting with intrauterine parathyroid suppression and hypocalcemic seizures in the newborn.

Classic Cushing's syndrome in a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma.

Adrenocortical carcinoma is an aggressive but rare neoplasm of the adrenal cortex, with an estimated incidence of approximately 2.5 per one million patients. The prognosis for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma is often very poor. Patients often present with symptoms of hormone hypersecretion but may also present with pain or a palpable mass. Imaging plays an important role in preoperative planning when clinical and biochemical findings are compatible with adrenal cortical carcinoma. We report a case of adrenocortical carcinoma in a young woman who presented with classical Cushing syndrome, but who had an atypical hormonal profile.

Intrapericardial parathyroid adenoma

Primary hyperparathyroidism from a parathyroid adenoma is common. Ectopic parathyroid glands have been reported in numerous locations, including the chest. We present a single case report of an intrapericardial parathyroid gland found after failed bilateral neck exploration. The patient presented with severe, recurrent nephrolithiasis and acute renal failure prior to his surgical intervention. Repeat imaging identified a parathyroid adenoma in the mediastinum that was localized to the aortopulmonary window. After attempts at minimally invasive thoracotomy and posterolateral thoracotomy, a median sternotomy was ultimately required to identify the adenoma.