Ireneusz Nawrot

The current status of intraoperative iPTH assay in surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism

Intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) monitoring has been accepted by many centers specializing in parathyroid surgery as a useful adjunct during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. This method can be utilized in three discreet modes of application: (I) to guide surgical decisions during parathyroidectomy in one of the following clinical contexts: (i) to confirm complete removal of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue, which allows for termination of surgery with confidence that the hyperparathyroid state has been successfully corrected; (ii) to identify patients with additional hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue following the incomplete removal of diseased parathyroid/s, which necessitates extended neck exploration in order to minimize the risk of operative failure; (II) to differentiate parathyroid from non-parathyroid tissue by iPTH measurement in the fine-needle aspiration washout; (III) to lateralize the side of the neck harboring hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue by determination of jugular venous gradient in patients with negative or discordant preoperative imaging studies, in order to increase the number of patients eligible for unilateral neck exploration. There are many advantages of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative iPTH monitoring, including focused dissection in order to remove the image-indexed parathyroid adenoma with a similar or even higher operative success rate, lower prevalence of complications and shorter operative time when compared to conventional bilateral neck exploration. However, to achieve such excellent results, the surgeon needs to be aware of hormone dynamics during parathyroidectomy and carefully choose the protocol and interpretation criteria that best fit the individual practice. Understanding the nuances of intraoperative iPTH monitoring allows the surgeon for achieving intraoperative confidence in predicting operative success and preventing failure in cases of unsuspected multiglandular disease, while safely limiting neck exploration in the majority of patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. Thus, parathyroidectomy guided by intraoperative iPTH monitoring for the management of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism is an ideal option for the treatment of this disease entity. However, the cost-benefit aspects of the standard application of this method still remain a matter of controversy.

Total Thyroidectomy is Associated with Increased Prevalence of Permanent Hypoparathyroidism

Background Thyroid disorders are very common in adults. Despite advances in conservative management, surgery remains a treatment modality of choice in many cases. The mortality and morbidity of thyroidectomy are low, but long-term postoperative hypoparathyroidism (HPT) remains a prominent complication of the procedure. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of permanent HPT and identify the risk factors for this complication in a cohort of post-thyroidectomy patients followed at a District Endocrine Clinic. Material/Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 401 patients followed up at a Regional/District Endocrine Clinic, who had undergone thyroid surgery in the years 1993–2011. The percentage of patients with permanent (>12 months) HPT was the primary endpoint of the study. The statistically analyzed data of patients with permanent HPT versus the remaining patients free from postoperative complications included their demographic data, indications for surgical treatment of their thyroid disorder, and extent of the thyroid resection. The risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results Permanent HPT following surgery on the thyroid gland occurred in 8.5% of the patients. It was more frequent following total thyroidectomy (20.2%) than near-total thyroidectomy (6.7%) or subtotal thyroidectomy (4.2%); p<0.0001. A multivariate statistical regression analysis demonstrated that primary total thyroidectomy was a significant risk factor for permanent HPT (OR 6.5; 95% CI: 2.9–14.4; p<0.0001). Conclusions Total thyroidectomy was associated with increased prevalence of permanent hypoparathyroidism when compared to less extensive thyroid resection modes in patients with benign thyroid diseases.

Reoperations for persistent or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism: results of a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary referral center.

Background Parathyroid reoperations are challenging and achieving a cure requires multidisciplinary treatment team cooperation. The aims of this study were to summarize our experience in revision surgery for persistent (pHPT) or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism (rHPT) and to explore factors underlying failure to cure at initial surgery. Material/Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent reoperations for pHPT or rHPT at a tertiary referral center. The database of parathyroid surgery was searched for eligible patients (treated in the years 2000–2012). The primary outcome was the cure rate. All the patients were followed-up for at least 12 months postoperatively. Factors underlying failure to cure at initial surgery were reviewed based on hospital records. Results The study group comprised 88 patients (69 women, 19 men) operated on for persistent (n=57) or recurrent disease (n=31), who underwent 98 reoperations, including 26 (2.4%) patients first operated on at our institution, and 72 (81.8%) patients operated on elsewhere, but referred for revision surgery. A long-term cure was achieved in 83/88 patients (94.3%). The mean post-reoperation follow-up was 91.7 (12–176) months. Missed hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland was found on reoperation in eutopic position in 49 (55.5%) patients, and in ectopic position in 39 (44.3%) patients, including 20 (22.7%) cases of cervical ectopy and 19 (21.6%) cases of mediastinal ectopy. Conclusions Multidisciplinary treatment team cooperation at a tertiary referral center, consisting of an accurate preoperative localization, expertise in parathyroid re-explorations, and correct use of intraoperative adjuncts, contribute to the high success rate of parathyroid reoperations.

Parathyroid transplantation in thyroid surgery

Permanent hypoparathyroidism following thyroid surgery is rare. Its prevalence is reported to be below 1-2% if surgery is performed by experienced thyroid surgeons. Parathyroid identification and preservation in situ with good vascular supply is the mainstay of safe thyroid surgery. However, if the parathyroid glands are damaged, autotransplantation should be undertaken to preserve their function. Parathyroid transplantation can be considered in three distinct modes of application: (I) fresh parathyroid tissue autotransplantation during thyroidectomy in order to reduce the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism; (II) cryopreserved parathyroid tissue autotransplantation in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism; (III) parathyroid allotransplantation in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism when cryopreserved parathyroid tissue is not available for grafting. Nowadays, allotransplantation of cultured parathyroid cells without immunosuppression should be taken into consideration in selected patients as an alternative to calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation in management of permanent hypoparathyroidism. This paper is aimed to provide a review of current status of various parathyroid transplantation techniques in thyroid surgery.

A retrospective case-controlled study of video-assisted versus open minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Introduction Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) with intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay (IOPTH) has successfully replaced conventional neck exploration in most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and preoperatively localized parathyroid adenoma. Aim To compare outcomes of video-assisted MIP (MIVAP) to open MIP (OMIP). Material and methods A retrospective case-controlled study of 455 patients with sporadic pHPT undergoing MIP with IOPTH at our institution in 2003–2012 was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain. Secondary outcome measures were: duration of surgery, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification rate, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, cure rate, patients’ satisfaction with cosmetic outcome, morbidity, costs, and diagnostic accuracy of IOPTH. Results Of 455 patients with pHPT and a solitary parathyroid adenoma on preoperative imaging, 151 underwent MIVAP and 304 had OMIP. The following outcomes were favourable for MIVAP vs. OMIP: lower pain intensity during 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.001), lower analgesia request rate (p < 0.001), lower analgesics consumption (p < 0.001), higher recurrent laryngeal nerve identification rate (p < 0.001), shorter scar length (p < 0.001), and better cosmetic satisfaction at 1 month (p = 0.013) and at 6 months (p = 0.024) after surgery. However, MIVAP vs. OMIP had longer duration of surgery (p < 0.001), and was more expensive (p < 0.001). No differences were noted in the conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and morbidity. Conclusions Both MIVAP and OMIP approaches were equally safe and effective. However, the outcomes of MIVAP operations were superior to OMIP in terms of lesser postoperative pain, lower analgesics consumption, and better cosmetic satisfaction resulting from a smaller scar.

Generation and Identification of Thymic Epithelial Progenitor Cells pTEC by In-Vitro Processing of Human Thymic Fragments for Allotransplantation

The procedure of generation and identification of stromal progenitor cells derived from human thymic fragments (PL patent 378431) has been described in this article. Our aim was to prepare material for transplantation in elderly people. The method is based on in-vitro processing of thymic fragments to get rid of all immunogenic elements of lymphocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. In the thymic culture process, this organ dies out in the incubation medium and epithelial cells emerge out of the organ. After about 4 weeks from the start of the culture, the population of various developmental forms of epithelial cells was generated, namely CK AE1/AE3+, SDF-1 alpha+ and a weak expression of FGF+ S-100+. Finally, we obtained approximately 3 million cells as a monolayer. The progenitor cells were experimentally transplanted into a 72-year-old volunteer in order to prove that they do not induce neither a local nor a systemic rejection response.

Treatment Algorithm of Peripancreatic Arteries Aneurysm Coexisting with Coeliac Artery Lesion: Single Institution Experience

Introduction True aneurysms of peripancreatic arterial arcades (PAAAs) coexisting with celiac axis lesion are often asymptomatic. However, they may rupture regardless of their size and cause life-threatening hypovolemia. No treatment guidelines exist to date. We present a series of 21 patients and our management algorithm. Material and Methods For ruptured aneurysms we preformed endovascular embolization. Further treatment was dependent on patients condition and control studies. In case of unruptured aneurysms, we assessed collateral circulation between superior mesenteric artery and celiac axis in angio-CT. If there was a pathway free from aneurysms, endovascular approach was chosen. Otherwise, surgical or combined treatment was favored. Results Endovascular treatment was performed in 14 patients with no complications. Follow-up studies revealed incomplete occlusion of the aneurysms in two cases. Surgical or combined treatment was performed in 7 patients with three serious perioperative complications. They were managed conservatively in two cases and surgically in one. Follow-up studies showed aneurismal dilatation and stenosis of a renohepatic by-pass in one case. Conclusion We present our management algorithm of PAAAs. Our results support the leading role of endovascular treatment. We present its limitations favoring surgical or combined treatment. All patients should be carefully followed.

Aneurysms of Peripancreatic Arterial Arcades Coexisting with Celiac Trunk Stenosis or Occlusion: Single Institution Experience

Introduction. True aneurysms of peripancreatic arterial arcades (PAAAs) are rare. Most of them coexist with celiac axis stenosis/occlusion due to median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression or atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause of celiac axis lesion and characterize the anatomy of the aneurysms. These findings may have important management implications. Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with true PAAAs was performed. The diagnosis was established by contrast-enhanced CT, using a 64-MDCT scanner. We evaluated the most probable cause of celiac axis lesion. Aneurysms were characterized by their number, location, size, and morphology. Location of the aneurysms was classified either as pancreaticoduodenal arteries (PDA) or as dorsal pancreatic arteries (DPA) as they may represent different collateral pathways between superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk. Results. A total of 32 true PAAAs were identified. Celiac trunk was occluded in 12 patients and critically narrowed in 3 patients. Celiac axis lesion was categorized as secondary to MAL compression in 14 cases and due to atherosclerosis in 1 case. The most common location of the aneurysms was inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Only in 1 case aneurysms involved both PDA and DPA. Conclusions. Coexistence of PAAAs with celiac axis compression as well as involvement of either PDAs or DPAs has important therapeutic implications. The uninvolved collateral pathway may be sufficient to preserve effective circulation in celiac trunk branches in case of resection or embolization of the aneurysms. However, further studies are crucial to confirm our findings.

Radial artery pseudoaneurysms: a complication of transradial coronary procedures in patients on chronic antithrombotic therapy (rivaroxaban, VKA).

Address for correspondence: Bogdan Januś, MD, PhD, Department of General, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital, ul. Banacha 1a, 02–097 Warszawa, Poland, e-mail: bogdanjanus@gmail.com Conflict of interest: none declared Kardiologia Polska Copyright

Bridging therapy: coil and polymer embolisation of a ruptured penetrating aortic ulceration of the visceral aorta.

A 74-year-old woman complaining of fatigue and abdominal pain that increased during physical examination was referred to our hospital. She was conscious but hypotensive with a haemoglobin level of 8.8 g/dL. Creatinine level of 2.2 mg/dL suggested concomitant acute renal insufficiency. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CECT) revealed a large haematoma (132 × 118 × 80 mm) with active extravasation of contrast medium at the level between the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, filling the retroperitoneal space directly adjacent to the right kidney (Fig. 1). A penetrating aortic ulceration was considered the most probable underlying cause of rupture. Comorbidities disqualified the patient from surgical open repair and she was referred to the radiology suite for a non-standard emergency endovascular procedure. The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia using bilateral femoral access (10 F and 6 F sheaths). Aortography confirmed CECT findings (Fig. 2). Through the perforation, the retroperitoneal space was catheterised using a 5 F Cobra 1 catheter (Cook Medical Europe) and “jailed” with a SINUS XL 30 × 62 mm self-expandable stent (OptiMed) at the rupture level. This enabled safe filling of the retroperitoneal space with 18 pushable Nester coils (Cook Medical Europe) and 13 detachable Concerto coils (Covidien) of various sizes. Coil embolisation was followed by a 3-ampule injection of the liquid embolic agent Onyx 34 (Covidien) while protecting the potential polymer reflux with a 33-mm occlusion balloon (Equalizer, Boston Scientific). Control angiography revealed no sign of extravasation and preserved blood flow to the visceral arteries (Fig. 3). The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for 4 days of observation. During her stay she regained kidney function and was transferred for further observation to an internal medicine ward to leave the hospital 12 days after the initial procedure. Bearing in mind that the performed procedure was only a bridging therapy, a branched endoprosthesis was ordered and a secondary aortic intervention was scheduled. Unfortunately, the patient was never readmitted for the procedure because she died 5 weeks after the primary procedure and just 1 week before the scheduled reintervention, with symptoms strongly suggesting another rupture at the sealing level. In conclusion, for patients with a ruptured aorta and with no means of traditional open or endovascular repair, sealing of the rupture site with embolisation polymers and coils can provide a bridging therapy before a prompt and definitive treatment can be established.