Stefan Limmer

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.

Cold-plasma coagulation in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: results of a combined approach

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is on a continuous rise throughout the Western countries. It is associated with asbestos fibre exposition in the past. Surgical approaches include extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). We investigated the feasability of the implementation of cold-plasma coagulation (CPC) on the pleura, pericardium and diaphragm into an established therapeutic algorithm consisting of P/D and hyperthermic intrathoracal chemoperfusion (HITHOC) therapy. The underlying rationale was the prevention of cardiotoxic effects during HITHOC as well as accidental translocation of malignant cells to the abdomen. CPC was done as part of a multimodal therapy in stage III mesothelioma patients. Histologic examinations of pleural excisates after CPC were done. The patients were followed up in three-month intervals. Neither parenchymal fistulas, nor cardiotoxic effects were observed. The histologic examination of the pleural excisates showed complete predictable necrosis. Moreover, until now (median time after operation 1 year) no relapse of the disease was observed. CPC proved to be a safe technique when used on the pleura, pericardium and diaphragm. We consider our trial as a pilot-study. To evaluate potential survival benefits using this technique larger trials are mandatory.

Optimal management of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer.

The incidence of colorectal cancers is rising worldwide and pulmonary metastases were seen in approximately 10–15% of all patients. Surgical metastasectomy is a widely accepted procedure in selected patients and is considered as the only curative option in patients with secondary pulmonary malignancy. But surgical resection remains controversial due to the lack of randomized trials, comparing pulmonary metastasectomy to control, either medical therapy, or observation. This article will discuss the differentiated therapeutic strategies for patients with pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancer, focusing on surgical resection, patient evaluation, prognostic factors, interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches and current trials.

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.

Giant thymoma in the anterior-inferior mediastinum

Thymomas are usually found in the superior mediastinum and sternotomy is the standard approach for resection. We report a case of a male patient with a giant left-sided thymoma, nearly fulfilling the whole hemithorax. Due to the sheer size of the tumor and its location in the anterior-inferior mediastinum, we performed a lateral approach for thymectomy. On resection the specimen measured 18 x 16 x 12 cm. Histology revealed a mixed stage I thymoma. The patient is doing well 36 months after resection and has no signs of recurrence. In literature, a significant increase in the risk of recurrence for thymomas >8 cm is reported.

[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.

Outcome and management of invasive candidiasis following oesophageal perforation.

The regular colonisation of the oesophagus with a Candida species can, after oesophageal perforation, result in a contamination of the mediastinum and the pleura with a Candida species. A patient cohort of 80 patients with oesophageal perforation between 1986 and 2010 was analysed retrospectively. The most common sources with positive results for Candida were mediastinal biopsies and broncho‐alveolar secretions. Candida species were detected in 30% of the patients. The mortality rate was 41% in patients with positive microbiology results for Candida, whereas it was 23% in the remaining patient cohort. This difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.124). Mortality associated with oesophageal perforation was attributed mainly to septic complications, such as mediastinitis and severe pneumonia. During the study period we observed a shift towards non‐albicans species that were less susceptible or resistant to fluconazole. In selected patients with risk factors as immunosuppression, granulocytopenia and long‐term intensive‐care treatment together with the finding of Candida, an antimycotic therapy should be started. A surgical approach offers the possibility to obtain deep tissue biopsies. The antimycotic therapy should start with an echinocandin, as the resistance to fluconazole is growing and to cover non‐albicans Candida species, too.

[Three-dimensional reconstruction of central lung tumors based on CT data].

BACKGROUND CT scanning of the lungs is the standard procedure for preoperative evaluation of central lung tumors. The extent of the tumor and infiltration of central lung structures or lung segments are decisive parameters to clarify whether surgery is possible and the extent of resection. With computer-assisted methods for the segmentation of anatomical structures based on CT data (Fraunhofer MeVis, Bremen) an enhanced, three-dimensional selective visualization is now possible. PATIENTS AND METHODS From August 2007 through June 2009, 22 patients with central lung tumors were treated at the department of thoracic surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, campus Lübeck. There were 15 males and 7 females with a mean age of 60.2 years (range 41-74 years), 18 patients had a long history of smoking, while 4 patients had never smoked. Of the patients 20 had a primary lung carcinoma, 1 patient had local recurrent lung cancer after lobectomy and 1 patient had a central lung metastasis from a non-pulmonary primary carcinoma. A multi-slice detector computer tomogram (MSDCT) scan was performed in all cases. All data were three-dimensionally reconstructed and visualized using special computer-aided software (Fraunhofer MeVis, Bremen). Pulmonary lung function tests, computed postoperative lung volume, bronchoscopic findings, general condition of the patients and the three-dimensionally reconstructed CT data were used for an individual risk analysis and surgical planning. RESULTS According to the risk analysis 14 out of the 22 patients were surgically treated, 7 patients were staged as functionally inoperable and 1 as technically inoperable. A pneumonectomy was performed in 5 cases, a lobectomy/bilobectomy in 4 cases, an extended lobectomy in 3 cases and 1 case each of a wedge resection and a sleeve resection. Of the 14 patients 2 were classified as stage Ia/b, 7 patients as stage IIa/b and 5 patients as stage IIIa. The median length of time spent in hospital was 8.5±33 days and the mortality rate was 0%. The three-dimensional visualization of the tumor and its anatomical relationship to central pulmonary vessels and the airway system was feasible in all cases. The three-dimensional reconstruction was confirmed in all cases by surgical exploration. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scan data is a new and promising method for preoperative presentation and risk analysis of central lung tumors. The three-dimensional visualization with anatomical reformatting and color-coded segmentation enables the surgeon to make a more precise strategic approach for central lung tumors.

Dreidimensionale Rekonstruktion von zentralen Lungentumoren basierend auf CT-Daten

BACKGROUND CT scanning of the lungs is the standard procedure for preoperative evaluation of central lung tumors. The extent of the tumor and infiltration of central lung structures or lung segments are decisive parameters to clarify whether surgery is possible and the extent of resection. With computer-assisted methods for the segmentation of anatomical structures based on CT data (Fraunhofer MeVis, Bremen) an enhanced, three-dimensional selective visualization is now possible. PATIENTS AND METHODS From August 2007 through June 2009, 22 patients with central lung tumors were treated at the department of thoracic surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, campus Lübeck. There were 15 males and 7 females with a mean age of 60.2 years (range 41-74 years), 18 patients had a long history of smoking, while 4 patients had never smoked. Of the patients 20 had a primary lung carcinoma, 1 patient had local recurrent lung cancer after lobectomy and 1 patient had a central lung metastasis from a non-pulmonary primary carcinoma. A multi-slice detector computer tomogram (MSDCT) scan was performed in all cases. All data were three-dimensionally reconstructed and visualized using special computer-aided software (Fraunhofer MeVis, Bremen). Pulmonary lung function tests, computed postoperative lung volume, bronchoscopic findings, general condition of the patients and the three-dimensionally reconstructed CT data were used for an individual risk analysis and surgical planning. RESULTS According to the risk analysis 14 out of the 22 patients were surgically treated, 7 patients were staged as functionally inoperable and 1 as technically inoperable. A pneumonectomy was performed in 5 cases, a lobectomy/bilobectomy in 4 cases, an extended lobectomy in 3 cases and 1 case each of a wedge resection and a sleeve resection. Of the 14 patients 2 were classified as stage Ia/b, 7 patients as stage IIa/b and 5 patients as stage IIIa. The median length of time spent in hospital was 8.5±33 days and the mortality rate was 0%. The three-dimensional visualization of the tumor and its anatomical relationship to central pulmonary vessels and the airway system was feasible in all cases. The three-dimensional reconstruction was confirmed in all cases by surgical exploration. CONCLUSION Three-dimensional reconstruction of CT scan data is a new and promising method for preoperative presentation and risk analysis of central lung tumors. The three-dimensional visualization with anatomical reformatting and color-coded segmentation enables the surgeon to make a more precise strategic approach for central lung tumors.

Stand der laparoskopischen Leberchirurgie

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.