No abstract

Age, delayed surgery, presence of shock, ASA risk and definitive surgery are factors significantly associated with fatal outcomes in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated PU. Therefore, proper resuscitation from shock, improving ASA grade, decreasing delay and reserving definitive surgery for selected patients is needed to improve overall results.

An appreciation for the aforementioned predictors of conversion will allow appropriate planning by the patient, the institution, and the surgeon.

Background-The role of percutaneous hepatic vein angioplasty in the management of Budd-Chiari syndrome has not been well defined. Over a 10 year period at our unit, we have often used this technique in cases of short length hepatic vein stenosis or occlusion, reserving surgical mesocaval shunting for cases of diVuse hepatic vein occlusion or failed angioplasty. Aims-To review the outcome of angioplasty and surgical shunting to define their respective roles. Patients-All patients treated by angioplasty or surgical shunting for nonmalignant hepatic vein obstruction over a ten year period from 1987 to 1996. Methods-A case note review of pretreatment features and clinical outcome. Results-Angioplasty was attempted in 21 patients with patent hepatic vein branches and was succesful in 18; in three patients treatment was unsuccessful and these patients had surgical shunts. Fifteen patients were treated by surgical shunting only. Mortality according to definitive treatment was 3/18 following angioplasty and 8/18 following surgery; in most cases this reflected high risk status prior to treatment. Venous or shunt reocclusion rates were similar for both groups and were associated with subtherapeutic warfarin in half of these cases. Most surviving patients in both groups are asymptomatic although one surgical patient has chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion-With appropriate case selection, many patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by short length hepatic vein stenosis or occlusion may be managed successfully by angioplasty alone. Medium term outcome is good following this procedure provided that anticoagulation is maintained. Further follow up is required to assess for definitive benefits but we suggest that this should be included as a valid initial approach in the algorithm for management of Budd-Chiari syndrome. (Gut 1999;44:568-574)

Use of the UHS in thyroid surgery results in decreased operation time, drain usage and amount of bleeding and does not increase postoperative complications. The UHS is an effective, reliable and less expensive technique for thyroid surgery.