Panuwat Lertsithichai

Temporary ileostomy versus temporary colostomy: a meta-analysis of complications.

OBJECTIVE To compare the complications of temporary diverting ileostomy with those of temporary colostomy for patients with colorectal diseases. METHODS Two independent researchers conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing temporary ileostomy with temporary colostomy in MEDLINE, the Cochrane database, evidence-based medicine reviews and the American College of Physicians journal club, as well as relevant reference lists in journal articles. Five RCTs were found and included in this meta-analysis. All complications were abstracted and compared between groups. All complications were also assessed using tests of statistical heterogeneity, pooling of risk ratios using Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects and DerSimonian and Laird random effects. Clinical heterogeneity was investigated by examining the methodology and selection of patients described in each trial. RESULTS Temporary colostomy was significantly more likely to cause stoma complications in colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective resections, and also more likely to cause infectious and wound complications. Temporary ileostomy tended to cause more post-closure surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS There is not yet a strong case for the superiority of one temporary diverting stoma over another for all colorectal patients. In this regard, a large, well-conducted RCT is still needed.

Winter excess mortality in intensive care in the UK: an analysis of outcome adjusted for patient case mix and unit workload

ObjectiveTo investigate whether mortality in UK intensive care units is higher in winter than in non-winter and to explore the importance of variations in case mix and increased pressure on ICUs.Design and settingCohort study in 115 adult, general ICUs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Patients and participants113,389 admissions from 1995 to 2000.Measurements and resultsHospital mortality following admission to ICU was compared between winter (December–February) and non-winter (March–November). The causes of any observed differences were explored by adjusting for the case mix of admissions and the workload of the ICUs. Crude hospital mortality was higher in winter. After adjusting for case mix using the APACHE II mortality probability this effect was reduced but still significant. When additional factors reflecting case mix and workload were introduced into the model, the overall effect of winter admission was no longer significant. Factors reflecting both the case mix of the individual patient and of the patients in surrounding beds were found to be significantly associated with outcome. After adjustment for other factors, the occupancy of the unit (proportion of beds occupied) was not significantly associated with mortality.ConclusionsThe excess winter mortality observed in UK ICUs can be explained by variation in the case mix of admissions. Unit occupancy was not associated with mortality.

Follow-up of Long-term Treatment with Clean Intermittent Catheterization for Neurogenic Bladder in Children

OBJECTIVES To assess the results of long-term clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) treatment for neurogenic bladder in children born with myelomeningocele, and to compare the long-term results between the early treatment group (< 1 year old) and late treatment group (> 3 years old). METHODS Thirty-six paediatric patients with myelomeningocele who were treated in the first year of life (Group 1) and 31 cases who were treated after the age of 3 years (Group 2) were followed regularly for at least 11 years. All medical records were reviewed and long-term results of treatment, including increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, development of hydronephrosis, recurrent upper urinary tract infection, and the number of augmentation cystoplasties needed, were noted. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to analyse time-to-event data. RESULTS Mean age at start of treatment was 6.88 months (range, 3-1 months) in Group 1 and 44.97 months (range, 37-60 months) in Group 2. Increases in BUN and serum creatinine were found in 12 cases (33.3%) in Group 1 and 19 cases (61.3%) in Group 2. Patients in Group 2 showed earlier renal deterioration and worse renal function at the last follow-up. Hydronephrosis was found in 10 cases (27.8%) in Group 1 and 18 cases (58.1%) in Group 2. Patients in Group 2 also had earlier and more severe hydronephrosis. Augmentation cystoplasty was needed in five cases (13.9%) in Group 1 and 10 cases (32.3%) in Group 2. The results of surgery were better in Group 1 than in Group 2, and surgery was needed earlier in Group 2 compared with Group 1. There was no significant difference regarding upper urinary tract infection between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS For most patients and with close long-term follow-up, early treatment of neurogenic bladder using CIC in children born with myelomeningocele yields better results than late treatment. In our experience, treatment is recommended as soon as possible, especially during the first year of life.

Bladder substitution by ileal neobladder for women with interstitial cystitis

OBJECTIVE To report our experience with cystectomy and ileal neobladder for women with interstitial cystitis (IC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-five female patients treated during 2000-2005 with the mean age of 45.9 +/- 4.4 years were included in this study. All of them had experience suprapubic pain with irritative voiding symptoms and were diagnosed as having IC based on NIDDK criteria for at least 2 years. Conservative treatments had failed to relieve their symptoms; and therefore all of them agreed to undergo a bladder removal. For cystectomy, the urethra was cut 0.5 cm below the bladder neck, proximal to the pubourethral ligament, leaving the endopelvic fascia intact. An ileal segment of 65 cm was used to create the neobladder with the Studers technique. RESULTS All patients presented good treatment outcome with regard to both diurnal and nocturnal urinary control without any pain. Quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvement of both physical health and mental health. Spontaneous voiding with minimal residual urine was found in 33 cases (94.3%), and the remaining 2 cases (5.7%) had spontaneous voiding with residual urine and were placed on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Twelve out of 30 cases with sexually active ability had a mild degree of dyspareunia but without disturbance to sexual life. CONCLUSION Bladder substitution by ileal neobladder for women who suffer from IC can be a satisfactory option after failure of conservative treatment. Resection of the urethra distal to the bladder neck can preserve continence and allow spontaneous voiding in almost all patients.

Prognostic significance of peritoneal washing cytology in Thai patients with gastric adenocarcinoma undergoing curative D2 gastrectomy.

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic significance of peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) among Thai patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.MethodsMedical charts of 97 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent curative D2 gastrectomy between October 1995 and September 2005 were reviewed.ResultsA total of 22 patients (23%) had positive PWC. Factors significantly associated with positive PWC included tumor location, macroscopic findings, histology, depth of tumor invasion, nodal involvement, TNM stage, and angiolymphatic invasion. Positive PWC was found only in tumors invading the serosa. All patients with positive PWC developed peritoneal recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of positive PWC in predicting peritoneal recurrence were 61% and 100%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rates for patients with positive and negative PWC were 0% and 75%, respectively.ConclusionGastric adenocarcinoma with positive PWC should be considered stage IV disease. PWC should be included in the staging of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Deep Venous Thrombosis in Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND Critically ill patients are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among critically ill surgical patients in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients older than 15 years who were admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital were enrolled. Bilateral lower extremity compression Doppler ultrasonographic examination was performed to detect DVT within 14 days of ICU admission. Demographic data, primary disease, operative intervention, co-morbidities, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and the length of ICU stay were tested for association with the presence of DVT. RESULTS Among the 190 first-time admitted ICU patients with a mean APACHE II score of 9.2 +/- 6.0 (range, 0-29), 20 patients had DVT (prevalence of 10.5%). Thromboprophylaxis was not given to any patient. The only independent and significant risk factor for DVT was a longer ICU stay. Age, sex, APACHE II score, presence of comorbidities and operative intervention were not associated with the presence of DVT. CONCLUSION The prevalence of DVT in critically ill patients in a Thai surgical ICU was approximately 10.5%. Further research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of venous thromboprophylaxis in Thai patients.

Predictors of Sinus Rhythm after Radiofrequency Maze and Mitral Valve Surgery

The prevalence and predictors of postoperative sinus rhythm in patients undergoing a radiofrequency ablation maze operation and mitral valve surgery were assessed in 63 patients of whom 54 (86%) were in permanent atrial fibrillation. Operative mortality was 3.17%. At a median follow-up of 18 months, 54 (88.5%) patients were in sinus rhythm and 7 (11.5%) were in atrial fibrillation. The probability of sinus rhythm at 30 months was 92%. Left atrial diameter was the most significant prognostic factor for sinus rhythm on multivariate proportional-hazard regression analysis. The cutoff value of preoperative left atrial diameter for predicting persistent atrial fibrillation at 6 months was 6 cm (100% sensitivity and 73.6% specificity). The radiofrequency ablation maze operation can be performed in addition to mitral surgery with a high rate of successful conversion to sinus rhythm. Preoperative left atrial diameter < 6 cm is an important prognostic factor for sinus rhythm conversion.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Bisacodyl Suppository Versus Placebo for Postoperative Ileus After Elective Colectomy for Colon Cancer

OBJECTIVE To compare the use of bisacodyl suppository with placebo in resolving postoperative ileus after elective colectomy in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS Twenty elective colectomy patients were randomized to receive either bisacodyl or placebo suppository on the third postoperative day. Outcomes included time to first defaecation, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Participants and the primary investigator were unaware of the treatment assignment. RESULTS All 10 participants in the bisacodyl group defaecated on the third postoperative day, while participants in the placebo group defaecated on days 3 (2/10), 4 (5/10) and 5 (3/10) (p < 0.001). The average lengths of hospital stay for the bisacodyl and placebo groups were 8.5 +/- 2.7 days and 10.4 +/- 5.3 days, respectively (p = 0.325). No significant complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION Bisacodyl suppository seems to be effective and safe in resolving postoperative ileus after elective colectomy in colon cancer patients.

Upgrading rate of papillary breast lesions diagnosed by core-needle biopsy

PURPOSE We aimed to estimate the upgrading rate of core-needle biopsy (CNB)-diagnosed papillary breast lesions to atypical or malignant papillary lesions on subsequent surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of medical records and imaging findings of patients diagnosed by CNB as having papillary lesions from January 1, 2005 to May 31, 2011. Outcomes were determined by pathology findings from surgical excision or by imaging findings at 12 months follow-up. RESULTS Of 130 papillary lesions in 127 patients, the upgrading rates were 0% for benign papillary lesion to malignancy, 19% for benign papillary lesion to atypical papillary lesion, and 31% for atypical lesion to malignancy. Most of the malignancies were ductal carcinoma in situ. The presence of malignant lesions was related to specific symptoms (palpable mass or nipple discharge; P = 0.020) and to a higher Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) category (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION CNB is accurate in the diagnosis of benign papillary lesions. If no atypical cells are present, no malignancy is found. The presence of atypia on CNB strongly indicates a need for surgical excision.

Fibroadenoma versus phyllodes tumor: distinguishing factors in patients diagnosed with fibroepithelial lesions after a core needle biopsy

PURPOSE We aimed to identify factors that might help differentiate phyllodes tumors from fibroadenomas among cases in which a fibroepithelial breast lesion was diagnosed from core needle biopsy (CNB) under imaging guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed on 213 lesions in 200 patients who had undergone both CNB and excisional biopsy during a four-year period between 2008 and 2011. The final pathology revealed 173 fibroadenomas and 40 phyllodes tumors. The data, including patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and mammography, ultrasonography (US), and pathology findings were analyzed. RESULTS Upon univariable analysis, the factors that significantly helped to identify phyllodes tumors consisted of the presenting symptoms (palpable mass or breast pain), increased size on clinical examination, hyperdense mass on mammogram, and the following three US features: heterogeneous echo, presence of round cysts within the mass, and presence of clefts within the mass. The pathologists suggestion of a phyllodes tumor was also helpful. The factors that remained statistically significant upon multivariable analysis consisted of symptoms of breast pain, the presence of clefts on US, the presence of round cysts on US and the pathologists favoring of phyllodes tumors from a CNB specimen. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary approach was needed to distinguish phyllodes tumors from fibroadenomas in patients who had undergone CNB. US findings (clefts and round cysts), suggestive pathological diagnoses, and clinical symptoms were all useful for the decision to surgically remove the fibroepithelial lesions diagnosed from CNB.