Markus Kleemann

New Insights into the Epidemiology and Etiology of Fournier’s Gangrene: A Review of 33 Patients

AbstractBackground:Fournier’s gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal and genital regions. Even today, this often polymicrobial infection still carries a high mortality rate and continues to be a major challenge to the medical community. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with this condition and to compare it with those reported in published studies. We also introduce our approach to treatment.Methods:We analyzed data from 33 patients with Fournier’s gangrene who were managed in our hospital from 1996 to 2007, focusing on patient gender, age, etiology, predisposing conditions, comorbidities, bacteriology, sepsis, blood results, mortality, and spread of gangrene.Results:18 (54.5%) of the 33 patients had been referred to our department by smaller district hospitals. The patient cohort consisted of 23 men and ten women with a median age of 59 years (range 40–79 years). The median time between the onset of symptoms and progression to gangrene was 6 days (range 2–28 days). An underlying cause was identified in 27 patients (81.8%). The commonest etiological events were perianal and perirectal abscesses (n = 13; 39.4%). Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus in 12 cases (36.4%), chronic alcoholism in ten cases (30.3%), immunosuppression in six cases (18.2%), and prolonged immobilization in five cases (15.2%). 17 patients (51.5%) had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, and 13 patients (39.4%) had a BMI of 30 or higher. Positive cultures were obtained in 30 cases (90.9%). In 26 cases (78.8%), multiple microorganisms were recovered, including nine cases (27.3%) with both aerobes and anaerobes. Sepsis was present in 26 patients (78.8%). The mortality rate was 18.2%.Conclusion:Fournier’s gangrene remains a major challenge with a high mortality. Our results suggest that women are more commonly affected than has generally been assumed. Contrary to published reports, we found that anorectal sources appear to account for more cases of Fournier’s gangrene than urological sources.

Laparoscopic ultrasound navigation in liver surgery: technical aspects and accuracy

The functional–anatomic structure of the liver according to Couinaud classification based on the intrahepatical course of the vascular structures is the basis of all modern liver surgery. Consequently, the use of intraoperative ultrasound is an undisputed requirement for every liver resection. Exact following of the planned resection plane can be realized only with the application of permanent online navigation based on intraoperative ultrasound during the dissection of the hepatical tissue. Now that the authors have established ultrasound navigated resection in open liver surgery using a navigated parenchymal dissecting instrument, they intend to transfer this technique from open to laparoscopic liver surgery. A special adapter was developed to connect an ultrasound-based navigation system to laparoscopic instruments. The authors present the first results in terms of technical aspects and feasibility.

Intraoperative adaptation and visualization of preoperative risk analyses for oncologic liver surgery

Tumor resections from the liver are complex surgical interventions. With recent planning software, risk analyses based on individual liver anatomy can be carried out preoperatively. However, additional tumors within the liver are frequently detected during oncological interventions using intraoperative ultrasound. These tumors are not visible in preoperative data and their existence may require changes to the resection strategy. We propose a novel method that allows an intraoperative risk analysis adaptation by merging newly detected tumors with a preoperative risk analysis. To determine the exact positions and sizes of these tumors we make use of a navigated ultrasound-system. A fast communication protocol enables our application to exchange crucial data with this navigation system during an intervention. A further motivation for our work is to improve the visual presentation of a moving ultrasound plane within a complex 3D planning model including vascular systems, tumors, and organ surfaces. In case the ultrasound plane is located inside the liver, occlusion of the ultrasound plane by the planning model is an inevitable problem for the applied visualization technique. Our system allows the surgeon to focus on the ultrasound image while perceiving context-relevant planning information. To improve orientation ability and distance perception, we include additional depth cues by applying new illustrative visualization algorithms. Preliminary evaluations confirm that in case of intraoperatively detected tumors a risk analysis adaptation is beneficial for precise liver surgery. Our new GPU-based visualization approach provides the surgeon with a simultaneous visualization of planning models and navigated 2D ultrasound data while minimizing occlusion problems.

Metachronous metastasis- and survival-analysis show prognostic importance of lymphadenectomy for colon carcinomas

BackgroundLymphadenectomy is performed to assess patient prognosis and to prevent metastasizing. Recently, it was questioned whether lymph node metastases were capable of metastasizing and therefore, if lymphadenectomy was still adequate. We evaluated whether the nodal status impacts on the occurrence of distant metastases by analyzing a highly selected cohort of colon cancer patients.Methods1,395 patients underwent surgery exclusively for colon cancer at the University of Lübeck between 01/1993 and 12/2008. The following exclusion criteria were applied: synchronous metastasis, R1-resection, prior/synchronous second carcinoma, age < 50 years, positive family history, inflammatory bowel disease, FAP, HNPCC, and follow-up < 5 years. The remaining 421 patients were divided into groups with (TM+, n = 75) or without (TM-, n = 346) the occurrence of metastasis throughout a 5-year follow-up.ResultsFive-year survival rates for TM + and TM- were 21% and 73%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Survival rates differed significantly for N0 vs. N2, grading 2 vs. 3, UICC-I vs. -II and UICC-I vs. -III (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed higher age upon diagnosis, increasing N- and increasing T-category to significantly impact on recurrence free survival while increasing N-and T-category were significant parameters for the risk to develop metastases within 5-years after surgery (HR 1.97 and 1.78; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsBesides a higher T-category, a positive N-stage independently implies a higher probability to develop distant metastases and correlates with poor survival. Our data thus show a prognostic relevance of lymphadenectomy which should therefore be retained until conclusive studies suggest the unimportance of lmyphadenectomy.

Survival of diabetes patients with major amputation is comparable to malignant disease.

Introduction: Almost all studies on diabetic foot syndrome focused on prevention of amputation and did not investigate long-term prognosis and survival of patients as a primary outcome parameter. Methods: We did a retrospective cohort study including 314 patients who had diabetic foot syndrome and underwent amputation between December 1995 and January 2001. Results: A total of 48% of patients received minor amputation (group I), 15% only major amputation (group II) and 36% initially underwent a minor amputation that was followed by a major amputation (group III). Statistically significant differences were observed in comparison of the median survival of group I to group II (51 vs 40 months; p = 0.016) and of group II to group III (40 vs 55 months; p = 0.003). Discussion: The prognosis of patients with major amputation due to diabetic foot syndrome is comparable to patients with malignant diseases. Vascular interventions did not improve the individual prognosis of patients.

[Current state of laparoscopic hepatic surgery: results of a survey of DGAV-members].

BACKGROUND To date laparoscopic hepatic surgery is only common in a few centres for a specific selected patient group. The intention of this survey was to estimate the current state of affairs for laparoscopic hepatic surgery in Germany at 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was prepared and sent out by e-mail in May 2009 to the members of the DGAV (German Society of General and Visceral Surgery). The feedback was evaluated anonymously. RESULTS A total of 181 answers were received by 31st July 2009 (return rate of 15.9%). The return rate of basic and standard care hospitals was 9.2%, specialized hospitals 23.6%, hospitals with maximum care 50% and university hospitals had a return rate of 71.9%. The question whether laparoscopic hepatic surgery had been performed in 2008 was answered with YES by 125 (69.1%) and NO by 54 (29.8%) members. The number of laparoscopic hepatic surgery interventions (laparoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and resection) in 2008 was given as more than 50 by 4 (2.2%) hospitals, between 20 and 50 by 11 (6.1%) hospitals, between 10 and 20 by 23 (12.7%) hospitals, between 5 and 10 by 45 (24.9%) hospitals and between 0 and 5 by 54 (29.8%) hospitals. In 2008 the frequency of laparoscopic ultrasound during intraoperative staging to confirm the diagnosis ranged from 2 to 250, whereby 96.4% of the hospitals had less than 50 and only 2 hospitals (2.7%) had 211 and 250 examinations, respectively. 50 hospitals carried out laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 69 (38.1%) of the interviewed hospitals reported hepatic laparoscopic resections (n=551). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic liver surgery has been done in Germany in patients with benign or malignant liver lesions. Pure laparoscopy is the most common access. Atypical resections are the primarily indication followed by left lateral resections. All further types of resection have been done in a very small number. Laparoscopic liver surgery has been performed in all types of hospitals.ZusammenfassungHintergrundBis dato ist die Technik der laparoskopischen Leberchirurgie lediglich in einzelnen Zentren bei einem hoch selektierten Patientenkreis etabliert. In einer Umfrage wurde der Stand der laparoskopischen Leberchirurgie in Deutschland im Jahr 2008 ermittelt.Material und MethodenUnter den Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV) wurde im Mai 2009 ein Umfragebogen über das E-Mail-Verzeichnis der DGAV versandt. Alle Rückläufe wurden anonymisiert ausgewertet.ErgebnisseBis 31.07.2009 erreichen uns 181 Rückmeldungen (Rücklaufquote 15,7%). Der Rücklauf aus Krankenhäusern der Grund- und Regelversorgung betrug 9,2%, aus Krankenhäusern der Schwerpunktversorgung 23,6%, aus Krankenhäusern der Maximalversorgung 50% und von Universitätsklinika 71,9%. Die Frage, ob laparoskopische Lebereingriffe im Jahr 2008 erfolgten, wurde von 125 (69,1%) Kliniken mit „Ja“ und von 54 (29,8%) Kliniken mit „Nein“ beantwortet. Die Anzahl laparoskopischer Eingriffe an der Leber (laparoskopischer Ultraschall, laparoskopische Radiofrequenzablation und laparoskopische Resektion) wurde von 4 (2,2%) Kliniken mit über 50, von 11 (6,1%) Kliniken mit 20–50, von 23 (12,7%) Kliniken mit 10–20, von 45 (24,9%) Kliniken mit 5–10 und von 54 (29,8%) Kliniken mit 0–5 angegeben. Die Häufigkeit laparoskopischer Ultraschalluntersuchungen im Rahmen des intraoperativen Stagings zur Erkennung der Befundlage reichte von 2 bis 250, wobei 96,4% der Kliniken weniger als 50 Untersuchungen angaben und nur 2 Kliniken (2,7%) Anzahlen von 211, respektive 250 nannten. In 50 Kliniken wurden laparoskopische Radiofrequenzablationen durchgeführt. 69 (38,1%) der angeschriebenen Kliniken gaben an, resezierende Eingriffe (n=551) durchzuführen.FazitLaparoskopische Leberchirurgie wird in Deutschland sowohl bei benignen als auch malignen Indikationen durchgeführt. Der rein laparoskopische Zugangsweg wird allgemein favorisiert. Atypische Resektionen sind die primäre Indikation zum minimal-invasiven Vorgehen, gefolgt von der linkslateralen Resektion. Alle weiteren Resektionen werden nur in sehr kleinen Stückzahlen durchgeführt. Die laparoskopische Leberchirurgie ist in allen Versorgungsstufen vertreten.AbstractBackgroundTo date laparoscopic hepatic surgery is only common in a few centres for a specific selected patient group. The intention of this survey was to estimate the current state of affairs for laparoscopic hepatic surgery in Germany at 2008.Materials and MethodsA questionnaire was prepared and sent out by e-mail in May 2009 to the members of the DGAV (German Society of General and Visceral Surgery). The feedback was evaluated anonymously.ResultsA total of 181 answers were received by 31st July 2009 (return rate of 15.9%). The return rate of basic and standard care hospitals was 9.2%, specialized hospitals 23.6%, hospitals with maximum care 50% and university hospitals had a return rate of 71.9%. The question whether laparoscopic hepatic surgery had been performed in 2008 was answered with YES by 125 (69.1%) and NO by 54 (29.8%) members. The number of laparoscopic hepatic surgery interventions (laparoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and resection) in 2008 was given as more than 50 by 4 (2.2%) hospitals, between 20 and 50 by 11 (6.1%) hospitals, between 10 and 20 by 23 (12.7%) hospitals, between 5 and 10 by 45 (24.9%) hospitals and between 0 and 5 by 54 (29.8%) hospitals. In 2008 the frequency of laparoscopic ultrasound during intraoperative staging to confirm the diagnosis ranged from 2 to 250, whereby 96.4% of the hospitals had less than 50 and only 2 hospitals (2.7%) had 211 and 250 examinations, respectively. 50 hospitals carried out laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 69 (38.1%) of the interviewed hospitals reported hepatic laparoscopic resections (n=551).ConclusionLaparoscopic liver surgery has been done in Germany in patients with benign or malignant liver lesions. Pure laparoscopy is the most common access. Atypical resections are the primarily indication followed by left lateral resections. All further types of resection have been done in a very small number. Laparoscopic liver surgery has been performed in all types of hospitals.

Navigation in der Viszeralchirurgie

Die Integration von Navigationstechniken ist bislang besonders in Fachbereichen gelungen, die die Registrierung auf starre Körperstrukturen ausrichten können (z. B. Orthopädie und Neurochirurgie). In der Viszeralchirurgie steht in erster Linie die Leber im Mittelpunkt der Navigation, da die intrahepatischen Gefäßstrukturen sowohl für die diagnostischen Verfahren als auch für therapeutische Resektionsverfahren eine Leit- und Zielstruktur bieten. Wir beschreiben die Anwendung eines ultraschallbasierten Navigationssystem in der interventionellen, offenen und laparoskopischen Leberchirurgie.

Towards X-ray free endovascular interventions – using HoloLens for on-line holographic visualisation

A major challenge during endovascular interventions is visualising the position and orientation of the catheter being inserted. This is typically achieved by intermittent X-ray imaging. Since the radiation exposure to the surgeon is considerable, it is desirable to reduce X-ray exposure to the bare minimum needed. Additionally, transferring two-dimensional (2D) X-ray images to 3D locations is challenging. The authors present the development of a real-time navigation framework, which allows a 3D holographic view of the vascular system without any need of radiation. They extract the patients surface and vascular tree from pre-operative computed tomography data and register it to the patient using a magnetic tracking system. The system was evaluated on an anthropomorphic full-body phantom by experienced clinicians using a four-point questionnaire. The average score of the system (maximum of 20) was found to be 17.5. The authors’ approach shows great potential to improve the workflow for endovascular procedures, by simultaneously reducing X-ray exposure. It will also improve the learning curve and help novices to more quickly master the required skills.

Complicated jejunal diverticulitis: A challenging diagnosis and difficult therapy

Background/Aim: In contrast to diverticulosis of the colon, jejunal diverticulosis is a rare entity that often becomes clinically relevant only after exacerbations occur. The variety of symptoms and low incidence make this disease a difficult differential diagnosis. Patients and Methods: Data from all patients who were treated in our surgical department for complicated jejunal diverticulitis, that is, gastrointestinal hemorrhage or a diverticula perforation were collected prospectively over a 6-year period (January 2004 to January 2010) and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The median age among the 9 patients was 82 years (range: 54–87). Except for 2 cases (elective operation for a status postjejunal peridiverticulitis and a re-perforation of a diverticula in a patient s/p segment resection with free perforation), the diagnosis could only be confirmed with an exploratory laparotomy. Perforation was observed in 5 patients, one of which was a retroperitoneal perforation. The retroperitoneal perforation was associated with transanal hemorrhage. Hemodynamically relevant transanal hemorrhage requiring transfusion were the reason for an exploratory laparotomy in 2 further cases. In one patient, the hemorrhage was the result of a systemic vasculitis with resultant gastrointestinal involvement. A singular jejunal diverticulum caused an adhesive ileus in one patient. The extent of jejunal diverticulosis varied between a singular diverticulum to complete jejunal involvement. A tangential, transverse excision of the diverticulum was carried out in 3 patients. The indication for segment resection was made in the case of a perforation with associated peritonitis (n=4) as well as the presence of 5 or more diverticula (n=2). Histological analysis revealed chronic pandiverticulitis in all patients. Median operating time amounted to 142 minutes (range: 65–210) and the median in-hospital stay was 12 days (range: 5–45). Lethality was 0%. Major complications included secondary wound closure after s/p repeated lavage and bilateral pleural effusions in one case. Signs of malabsorption as the result of a short bowel syndrome were not observed. Minor complications included protracted intestinal atony in 2 cases and pneumonia in one case. Median follow-up was 6 months (range: 1–18). Conclusion: Complicated jejunal diverticulitis often remains elusive preoperatively due to its unspecific clinical presentation. A definitive diagnosis can often only be made intraoperatively. The resection of all diverticula and/or the complete diverticula-laden segment is the goal in chronic cases. The operative approach chosen (tangential, transverse excision vs segment resection) should be based on the extent of the jejunal diverticulosis as well as the intraoperative findings.

Laparoscopic Navigated Liver Resection: Technical Aspects and Clinical Practice in Benign Liver Tumors

Laparoscopic liver resection has been performed mostly in centers with an extended expertise in both hepatobiliary and laparoscopic surgery and only in highly selected patients. In order to overcome the obstacles of this technique through improved intraoperative visualization we developed a laparoscopic navigation system (LapAssistent) to register pre-operatively reconstructed three-dimensional CT or MRI scans within the intra-operative field. After experimental development of the navigation system, we commenced with the clinical use of navigation-assisted laparoscopic liver surgery in January 2010. In this paper we report the technical aspects of the navigation system and the clinical use in one patient with a large benign adenoma. Preoperative planning data were calculated by Fraunhofer MeVis Bremen, Germany. After calibration of the system including camera, laparoscopic instruments, and the intraoperative ultrasound scanner we registered the surface of the liver. Applying the navigated ultrasound the preoperatively planned resection plane was then overlain with the patients liver. The laparoscopic navigation system could be used under sterile conditions and it was possible to register and visualize the preoperatively planned resection plane. These first results now have to be validated and certified in a larger patient collective. A nationwide prospective multicenter study (ProNavic I) has been conducted and launched.