Acta Chir Belg
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Influence of postoperative fluid management on pulmonary function after esophagectomy.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a restrictive vs. a liberal postoperative fluid therapy guided by intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) on hemodynamic and pulmonary function in patients undergoing elective esophagectomy. Perioperative fluid therapy may influence postoperative physiology and morbidity after esophageal surgery. Definitions of adequate infusion amounts and evident rules for a fluid therapy are missing. ⋯ ITBVI guided restrictive infusion therapy yields a lower fluid uptake, but may not result in a difference of clinical relevant parameters. A fluid restriction after esophagectomy should always be combined with hemodynamic monitoring because additional infusions may be required.
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Several researchers have investigated how wound healing is effected by supplementation with each of the following amino acids : arginine (Arg), glutamine (Glu), and beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB). This research investigates how a combination of these amino acids improves the wound healing associated with anastomoses. ⋯ In an animal model of colon surgery, supplementation with a combination of three amino acids seemingly benefits anastomosis healing.
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We present the case of a 17-year old male patient with a symptomatic congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia with acute onset of symptoms. He was admitted to our emergency department a few days after the onset of symptoms. A large thoracic herniation on the left side was seen on chest X-ray. ⋯ Semi-urgent surgery was performed by a laparoscopic approach. The diaphragmatic defect was closed with interrupted sutures. The operation and postoperative recovery were uneventful.
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Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign, well-differentiated, slowgrowing tumors of the sympathetic nervous system, composed of large, mature neurons in a stroma composed of Schwann cells. Ganglioneuromas are derived from the neural crest cells and can arise anywhere from the base of the skull to the pelvis. The pre-sacral area is a very rare location for ganglioneuromas to develop. ⋯ The following work-up, revealed the mass to be growing on imagery (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imagery) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxiglucose avid. The mass was removed by assisted laparoscopy and was found to be a benign ganglioneuroma. This is the first described case of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxiglucose avid, pre-sacral, benign ganglioneuroma.
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A traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an uncommon complication of abdominal trauma. Handlebar hernia is an even rarer type of traumatic abdominal wall hernia, with only 33 previously reported cases in literature. It is caused by a local trauma with a handlebar-like object which is not sharp enough to penetrate the elastic skin, but has sufficient focused force to breach the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. ⋯ Early repair is mandatory to avoid complications. The choice for primary repair versus mesh repair will be discussed according to the size of the hernia and the amount of tissue destruction by the trauma. The type of mesh used for the repair will be determined by presence or absence of contamination in the abdomen.