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Shanbhogue, L K R; Molenaar, J C
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810404pmid: 8205419
The management of short bowel syndrome requires long-term nutritional support and monitoring, medication, and occasionally additional surgical procedures. Constant attention is required to ensure adequate adaptation of the gut. This article reviews the normal function of the small bowel, adaptation following resection, total parenteral and enteral nutrition, and the role of adjunctive surgical procedures in the management of short bowel syndrome.
Deans, G T; McAleer, J J A; Spence, R A J
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810405pmid: 8205420
Anal tumours represent 5 per cent of anorectal cancers and exist as two clinical entities: tumours of the anal canal and those of the anal margin. Smoking and sexual behaviour, particularly homosexual anal intercourse, are important aetiological factors. This association is related to anal warts and human papillomavirus infection, notably type 16, which is found in around 70 per cent of warts. Symptoms are non-specific and are frequently attributed to benign conditions. Rectal examination reveals a characteristically infiltrating lesion and any suspicious anal area should be biopsied. There are two histological types. Squamous carcinoma comprises approximately 95 per cent of anal tumours and includes the 35 per cent of tumours derived from the anal transition zone (cloacogenic tumours), containing a mixture of squamous and mucinous elements. The remaining 5 per cent of anal tumours are adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell tumours of the anal canal are probably best treated using radiotherapy (with chemotherapy) as complete response rates, 5-year survival rates, and incidences of normal sphincter function and significant toxicity are around 80, 70, 75 and 20 per cent respectively. Treatment failures may be salvaged by surgery. The 5-year survival and local recurrence rates for radical surgery are around 60 and 25 per cent respectively; there are few indications for local excision. In contrast, 60 per cent of anal margin tumours are suitable for local excision, the 5-year survival rate being in excess of 80 per cent. Combining radiotherapy with surgery may give additional benefit. Current randomized controlled trials should further clarify the relative merits and demerits of the treatment options.
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810406pmid: N/A
This month's selection from the October to December 1993 issues of Der Chirurg is written by Professor Christian Herfarth and Dr Thomas Lehnert. A digest of the BJS for the same period, written by Professor John Farndon, appears in the April 1994 issue of the German journal.
Meesters, R C Tromp; Van Der Graaf, Y; Vos, A; Eikelboom, B C
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810408pmid: 8205421
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a personal and public health catastrophe because of the high and unimproving mortality rate, increasingly long intensive care unit (ICU) stay and rising hospital costs. Criteria are needed to identify patients with a poor prognosis so that treatment and resources may be directed to those with a better outlook. This retrospective study reviews perioperative variables, outcome and length of ICU stay for 99 consecutive patients with operated ruptured infrarenal AAA between 1985 and 1992 who reached the ICU alive. Early death (within 48 h) occurred in 20 per cent using 24 ICU days and late death (after 48 h) occurred in 29 per cent using 420 ICU days; neither type of death could be predicted before operation. Multiple organ failure, the cause of 93 per cent of late deaths, was assessed for each patient 48 h after operation using an organ system failure score. There was a strong positive correlation between organ system failure score and mortality rate (P<0.00001); all 20 patients with more than two failing organ systems died. If used in decision making the score would have saved 43 per cent of the ICU days associated with late mortality. Withdrawing postoperative treatment at an early stage in accordance with an organ system failure score may be a defensible and cost-effective option.
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810410pmid: 8205423
The feasibility of vein bypass surgery to the arteries of the foot was studied in a diabetic population with critical ischaemia; whether or not such reconstruction leads to an independent lifestyle was assessed 1 year later. Thirty-three reconstructions were performed on 32 limbs in 31 patients. The mortality and reoperation rates within 1 month were both 6 per cent. Primary and secondary patency, limb salvage and survival rates at 1 year were 76, 89, 89 and 82 per cent respectively. Good results in the form of combined survival, patency, limb salvage, walking ability, relief of pain and residence at home were achieved in 64 per cent of patients after 1 year. Reconstructive vascular surgery to the foot in diabetics is feasible and affords two-thirds of patients an independent lifestyle 1 year after surgery.
Sayers, R D; Thompson, M M; Hartshorne, T; Budd, J S; Bell, P R F
doi: 10.1002/bjs.1800810411pmid: 8205424
The overall outcome of severe lower limb ischaemia in terms of limb salvage and mortality is poorly documented. A consecutive series of 232 severely ischaemic legs in 209 patients was therefore studied. An aggressive policy of revascularizaon has been pursued; this was attempted in 89 per cent of legs, with a primary amputation rate of 8 per cent. The perioperative 30-day limb salvage rate was 79 per cent with a patient mortality rate of 20 per cent. At 12 and 24 months the limb salvage rates were 74 and 71 per cent and patient survival rates 75 and 73 per cent respectively. To identify high-risk groups the effects on limb salvage and mortality of age, sex, presentation, diabetes and ankle systolic pressure of 50 mmHg or less were studied. Using life-table analysis, none of the preoperative risk factors had an effect on limb salvage and mortality. An aggressive policy of revascularization provides excellent results in the treatment of patients with severe leg ischaemia.
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