Carcinoid tumor of the appendix: A consecutive series from 1237 appendectomies

in World Journal of Gastroenterology (2006), 12(41), 6699-6701

AIM: To report the experience of the CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Belgium, in the management of appendiceal carinoid tumor. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1237 appendectomies performed in one ... [more ▼]

AIM: To report the experience of the CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Belgium, in the management of appendiceal carinoid tumor. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1237 appendectomies performed in one single centre from January 2000 to May 2004, was undertaken. Analysis of demographic data, clinical presentation, histopathology, operative reports and outcome was presented. RESULTS: Among the 1237 appendectomies, 5 appendiceal carcinoid tumors were identified (0.4%) in 4 male and 1 female patients, with a mean age of 29.2 years (range: 6-82 years). Acute appendicitis was the clinical presentation for all patients. Four patients underwent open appendectomy and one a laparoscopic procedure. One patient was reoperated to complete the excision of mesoappendix. All tumors were located at the tip of the appendix with a mean diameter of 0.6 cm (range: 0.3-1.0 cm). No adjuvant therapy was performed. All patients were alive and disease-free during a mean follow-up of 33 mo. CONCLUSION: Appendiceal carcinoid tumor most often presents as appendicitis. In most cases, it is found incidentally during appendectomies and its diagnosis is rarely suspected before histological examination. Appendiceal carcinoid tumor can be managed by simple appendectomy and resection of the mesoappendix, if its size is <= 1 cm. (C) 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Surgical management of adrenal tumours lessons from a 10 years personal experience

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (2005), 105

Objective : To review our personal experience of the last 10 years with adrenal surgery in order to define the indications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and open adrenalectomy (OA), respectively ... [more ▼]

Objective : To review our personal experience of the last 10 years with adrenal surgery in order to define the indications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) and open adrenalectomy (OA), respectively. Patients and methods : From November 1993 to June 2003, we performed 105 adrenalectomies on 97 patients (29 males and 68 females). The lesions resected were preoperatively considered non-secreting in 47 cases (45%) and hormonally active in 58 cases (55%). In 78 patients (80%), LA was performed and 84 adrenal glands were resected. In 19 patients (20%), OA was considered the best modality of resection and 21 adrenal glands were resected. The average tumour size was 37.2 mm (range 25-90) in LA group and 82.6 mm (30-260) in the OA group. All the LA were performed using a trans-peritoneal approach. Depending on the particularities of the lesions and of the patients, the OA were performed by anterior or lumbar incisions. Results : There was no mortality. Conversion from LA to open surgery was necessary in two patients. Mean operating time was 110 minutes for LA and 135 minutes for OA. Two (2.6%) patients suffered complications after LA and 4 (19%) after OA. Conclusions : In our experience, trans-peritoneal LA proved to be a safe and reliable procedure for benign adrenal disease. In our institution, it has become the gold standard technique for the resection of adrenal tumours, except for those suspected or proven malignant. [less ▲]

L'hypnosédation: une technique nouvelle d'anesthésie en chirurgie endocrine cervicale

in Michaux, Didier (Ed.) Douleur et Hypnose. Deuxième partie: Le traitement des douleurs organiques et psychogènes (2004)

Le cancer medullaire de la thyroide ou, comment des marqueurs tumoraux et les outils de la genetique autorisent le deploiement de mesures preventives.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2003), 58(5), 346-350

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) arises from parafollicular C cells secreting calcitonin. MTC occurs both as sporadic tumors and as part of specific inherited autosomal dominant syndromes in which point ... [more ▼]

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) arises from parafollicular C cells secreting calcitonin. MTC occurs both as sporadic tumors and as part of specific inherited autosomal dominant syndromes in which point mutations within a discrete set of RET codons were described. Total thyroidectomy and aggressive neck dissection represents the only chance for cure in the affected patients. Therefore, all patients with thyroid nodular disease should undergo measurement of calcitonin plasma levels to allow preclinical diagnosis of the disease and early appropriate surgery ("secondary prevention"). In case of proband patient for inherited disease, all the family members should be genetically screened to detect the disease gene carriers. Patients with germline mutation would benefit either from earlier surgery at the stage of C-cell hyperplasia or microcarcinoma or prophylactic surgery (total thyroidectomy without neck dissection) (primary prevention) before the onset of any C-cells pathology. The ideal age for performance of such prophylactic surgery is determined by the genotypic features of the disease. [less ▲]

Right Hepatic Lobectomy as a Liver Graft-Saving Procedure

in Liver Transplantation (2001), 7(3), 269-73

Retransplantation is common after liver transplantation (LT). However, in the present era of organ shortages, every attempt to save the liver graft should be performed before considering retransplantation ... [more ▼]

Retransplantation is common after liver transplantation (LT). However, in the present era of organ shortages, every attempt to save the liver graft should be performed before considering retransplantation. We report our experience with right hepatic lobectomy (RHL) for liver graft salvage. In a retrospective series of 180 adult LTs, 4 patients underwent RHL (Couinaud's segments V, VI, VII, VIII) in the post-LT period. In all cases, the procedure was performed without Pringle's maneuver or mobilization of the left liver lobe to preserve its vascularization. Three liver graft recipients developed intrahepatic biliary strictures, mainly localized to the right lobe of the graft, and RHL was performed 14, 75, and 78 months after LT. These patients were alive at last follow-up without further episodes of cholangitis or retransplantation (mean follow-up, 38 months). The fourth patient developed early post-LT right liver necrosis with a functioning hepatic artery and underwent right lobectomy 48 hours after LT. He later developed cholangitis secondary to late hepatic artery thrombosis, requiring retransplantation after 18 months. We conclude that RHL can be considered a graft-saving option in selected liver transplant recipients with localized biliary strictures, with excellent patient and graft survival. [less ▲]

Le point sur la transplantation pancreatique.

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2001), 56(8), 557-62

Pancreas transplantation significantly improves the quality of life as well as the survival of the diabetic patient. It is also associated with stabilization and reversal of secondary diabetic ... [more ▼]

Pancreas transplantation significantly improves the quality of life as well as the survival of the diabetic patient. It is also associated with stabilization and reversal of secondary diabetic complications. Improvements in organ preservation, surgical techniques and immunosuppression have achieved one-year graft survival of more than 90% for combined kidney-pancreas transplant and 80% for isolated pancreas transplantation. Recipient evaluation must weigh the benefits of the procedure with the risk associated with surgery and chronic immunosuppression. Combined kidney-pancreas transplantation appears today as the best treatment for the diabetic patient with end stage renal disease. Isolated pancreas transplantation is reserved to non-uremic patients with severe diabetic complications or with brittle glycaemic control and severe impairment of quality of life. [less ▲]

L'hypnosedation, un nouveau mode d'anesthesie pour la chirurgie endocrinienne cervicale. Etude prospective randomisee.

in Annales de Chirurgie (2000), 125(6), 539-46

Retrospective studies have confirmed the feasibility and safety of thyroid and parathyroid procedures performed under hypnoanesthesia (hypnosis, local anesthesia and minimal conscious sedation) as sole ... [more ▼]

Retrospective studies have confirmed the feasibility and safety of thyroid and parathyroid procedures performed under hypnoanesthesia (hypnosis, local anesthesia and minimal conscious sedation) as sole method of anesthesia. This very effective technique seems to provide physiological, psychological and economic benefits for the patient. STUDY AIM: To assess, by means of a prospective randomized study, the advantages of hypnosedation as an alternative to general anesthesia in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients operated under hypnoanesthesia were compared to 20 patients operated under conventional anesthesia. The two groups were compared in terms of inflammatory, neuroendocrine, hemodynamic and immunologic parameters and postoperative course (pain, fatigue, muscle strength and stress). RESULTS: No clinical or demographic differences were observed between the two groups. Operative times, bleeding, weight of specimens, and surgical comfort were similar. Significant differences in terms of inflammatory response and hemodynamic parameters were observed in favor of hypnoanesthesia. Neuroendocrine and immunological parameters were similar. Patients of the hypnoanesthesia group had significantly less postoperative pain. Postoperative fatigue syndrome and convalescence were significantly improved in these patients. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that, in our hands, hypnosedation presents real advantages over general anesthesia, in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. [less ▲]

Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Initial Experience

in Acta Chirurgica Belgica (1999), 99(4), 179-81

Transplanting a kidney graft harvested from a live donor has been proposed and used to shorten the waiting time of kidney transplant candidates and to increase the graft pool. Live donor renal transplants ... [more ▼]

Transplanting a kidney graft harvested from a live donor has been proposed and used to shorten the waiting time of kidney transplant candidates and to increase the graft pool. Live donor renal transplants have demonstrated better results in term of graft survival rates, compared to renal transplants harvested from brain dead donor. Recently, laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy has been introduced to reduce the live procurement morbidity. This lower morbidity may result in increased acceptance of the donor operation. We initiated a program of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy in January 1997 and up until June 1998, three cases were successfully performed in our department. The purpose of this paper was to report the first case of this program and its first year of follow-up. [less ▲]

Hypnoanesthesia for endocrine cervical surgery: a statement of practice.

in Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine : Research on Paradigm, Practice, & Policy (1999), 5(6), 509-20

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of endocrine cervical surgery under hypnoanesthesia as a valuable, safe, efficient, and economic alternative to general anesthesia. METHODS: Between April 1994 and ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of endocrine cervical surgery under hypnoanesthesia as a valuable, safe, efficient, and economic alternative to general anesthesia. METHODS: Between April 1994 and June 1997, 197 thyroidectomies and 21 cervical explorations for hyperparathyroidism were performed under hypnoanesthesia (HYP) using Erikson's method. Operative data and postoperative course of this initial series were compared to a contemporary population of patients (n = 119) clinically similar except that they declined HYP or were judged unsuitable for it, and who were therefore operated on under general anesthesia (GA). RESULTS: The surgeons all reported better operating conditions for cervicotomy using HYP. Conversion from hypnosis to GA was needed in two cases (1%). All patients having HYP reported a pleasant experience and, keeping in mind that the GA group is not a randomly assigned control group, both had significantly less postoperative pain and analgesic use. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter, providing a substantial reduction in the costs of medical care. The postoperative convalescence was significantly improved after HYP and a full return to social or professional activity was significantly quicker. CONCLUSION: From this study, we conclude that HYP is an effective technique for providing relief of intraoperative and postoperative pain in endocrine cervical surgery. The technique results in high patient satisfaction and better surgical convalescence. This technique can therefore be used in most well-chosen patients and reduces the socioeconomic impact of hospitalization. [less ▲]

Transplantation combinée du foie et du coeur chez un patient souffrant de thalassémie majeure

in Médecine & Chirurgie Digestives (1999), 28(3), 109-110