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American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Nov 2022The cisterna chyli is a lymphatic structure found at the caudal end of the thoracic duct that receives lymph draining from the abdominal and pelvic viscera and lower... (Review)
Review
The cisterna chyli is a lymphatic structure found at the caudal end of the thoracic duct that receives lymph draining from the abdominal and pelvic viscera and lower limbs. In addition to being an important landmark in retroperitoneal surgery, it is the key gateway for interventional radiology procedures targeting the thoracic duct. A detailed understanding of its anatomy is required to facilitate more accurate intervention, but an exhaustive summary is lacking. A systematic review was conducted, and 49 published human studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included both healthy volunteers and patients and were not restricted by language or date. The detectability of the cisterna chyli is highly variable, ranging from 1.7 to 98%, depending on the study method and criteria used. Its anatomy is variable in terms of location (vertebral level of T10 to L3), size (ranging 2-32 mm in maximum diameter and 13-80 mm in maximum length), morphology, and tributaries. The size of the cisterna chyli increases in some disease states, though its utility as a marker of disease is uncertain. The anatomy of the cisterna chyli is highly variable, and it appears to increase in size in some disease states. The lack of well-defined criteria for the structure and the wide variation in reported detection rates prevent accurate estimation of its natural prevalence in humans.
Topics: Humans; Thoracic Duct; Prevalence
PubMed: 36206050
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00375.2022 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Sep 2022To assess through literature case analysis how advances in lymphatic imaging, interventional radiology, and lymphatic vascular microsurgery illuminate and improve the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To assess through literature case analysis how advances in lymphatic imaging, interventional radiology, and lymphatic vascular microsurgery illuminate and improve the lymphatic-flow status in select patients with Noonan syndrome (NS) who have undergone surgical intervention as a part of their comprehensive and individualized treatment plan. Also, we sought to illustrate the spectrum of lymphatic complications that can occur in this patient population when lymphatic flow through abnormal vasculature is surgically disrupted.
METHODS
A literature review was performed by searching "Noonan AND Lymphatic AND Imaging" in the PubMed database. Inclusion criteria for this study were (1) diagnosis and clinical description of at least one original patient with NS, (2) imaging figures depicting lymphatic structure and function or a description of lymphatic imaging findings when a figure is not present, and (3) documentation of either lymphatic surgical intervention or lymphatic complications resulting from other procedures. Patient cases were first grouped by documented surgical intervention type, then clinical outcomes and lymphatic imaging results were compared.
RESULTS
A total of 18 patient cases from 10 eligible publications were included in our review. Lymphatic imaging findings across all patients included lymphatic vessel dysplasia along with flow disruption (n = 16), thoracic duct malformations (n = 12), dermal lymphatic reflux (n = 7), and dilated lymphatic vessels (n = 4). Lymphovenous anastomosis (n = 4) resulted in rapid improvement of patient symptoms and signs. New-onset lymphatic manifestations noted over 10 to 20 years for two of these patients were chylothorax (n = 1), erysipelas (n = 1), and gradual-onset nonchylous scrotal lymphorrhea (n = 1). Targeted endovascular lymphatic disruption via sclerosis, embolization, or ablation (n = 8) results were mixed depending on the degree of central lymphatic involvement and included resolution of symptoms (n = 1), postoperative abdominal hemorrhage (n = 1), stable condition or minor improvement (n = 5), and death (n = 2). Large lymphatic vessel ligation or accidental incision (n = 6) occurred during thoracotomy (n = 4), scrotoplasty (n = 1), or inguinal lymph node biopsy (n = 1). These resulted in postoperative onset of new-onset regional lymphatic reflux (n = 5), chylothorax (n = 4), death (n = 3), or persistent or unchanged symptoms (n = 1).
CONCLUSIONS
Imaging of the central lymphatics enabled characterization of lymphatic developmental features and guided operative management of lymphatic vascular defects in patients with NS. This review of the literature suggests that the surgical preservation or enhancement of central lymphatic return in patients with NS may improve interventional outcomes, whereas the disruption of central lymph flow has significant potential to cause severe postoperative complications and worsening of the patient's clinical condition.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic Vessels; Noonan Syndrome; Surgery, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 35561969
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.03.017 -
Cureus Dec 2023We aim to investigate the potential of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) as a replacement for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in the context of laparoscopic... (Review)
Review
We aim to investigate the potential of laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) as a replacement for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy focusing on various aspects related to both techniques. We made our search through PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, with the use of the following search strategy: ("laparoscopic ultrasonography" OR LUS OR "laparoscopic US" OR "laparoscopic ultrasound") AND ("laparoscopic cholecystectomy" OR LC). We incorporated diverse studies that addressed our topic, offering data on the identification of biliary anatomy and variations, the utilization of laparoscopic ultrasound in cholecystitis, the detection of common bile duct stones, and the criteria utilized to assess the accuracy of LUS. A total of 1526 articles were screened and only 20 were finally included. This systematic review assessed LUS and IOC techniques in cholecystectomy. IOC showed higher failure rates due to common duct catheterization challenges, while LUS had lower failure rates, often linked to factors like steatosis. Cost-effectiveness comparisons favored LUS over IOC, potentially saving patients money. LUS procedures were quicker due to real-time imaging, while IOC required more time and personnel. Bile duct injuries were discussed, highlighting LUS limitations in atypical anatomies. LUS aided in diagnosing crucial conditions, emphasizing its relevance post surgery. Surgeon experience significantly impacted outcomes, regardless of the technique. A previous study discussed that LUS's learning curve was steeper than IOC's, with proficient LUS users adjusting practices and using IOC selectively. Highlighting LUS's benefits and limitations in cholecystectomy, we stress its value in complex anatomical situations. LUS confirms no common bile duct stones, avoiding cannulation. LUS and IOC equally detect common bile duct stones and visualize the biliary tree. LUS offers safety, speed, cost-effectiveness, and unlimited use. Despite the associated expenses and learning curve, the enduring benefits of using advanced probes in LUS imaging suggest that it could surpass traditional IOC. The validation of this potential advancement relies heavily on incorporating modern probe studies. Our study could contribute to the medical literature by evaluating their clinical validity, safety, cost-effectiveness, learning curve, patient outcomes, technological advancements, and potential impact on guidelines and recommendations for clinical professionals.
PubMed: 38283459
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51192 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Jul 2022Chyle leak is an uncommon yet potentially fatal complication of oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. The management of chyle leak is a debated, controversial topic and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Chyle leak is an uncommon yet potentially fatal complication of oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. The management of chyle leak is a debated, controversial topic and to date there is no standardised approach or validated algorithm for its management. This review aims to summarise current treatment algorithms for chyle leak post-oesophagectomy and their outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, UpToDate and Cochrane was conducted to identify studies reporting on the management of chyle leak following oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. Data on interventional success rate and mortality are reported.
FINDINGS
Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria including over 23,254 oesophagectomies and identifying 838 chyle leaks (incidence <3.6%). The majority of cases were initially managed conservatively (95.3%), with a failure rate of 50.4%. Immediate surgical or radiological management resolved chylothorax in the majority of cases (97.3%), however the numbers were small. Death occurred in 54 cases (6.6%), all of whom underwent conservative management initially.
CONCLUSIONS
Owing to the heterogeneity of treatment algorithms, timings and indications for interventions, the optimal strategy for managing chyle leak remains unclear. This review has identified an unmet need for prospective multicentre studies assessing the efficacy of predefined algorithms.
Topics: Chyle; Chylothorax; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagectomy; Humans; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 34860128
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0199 -
Physiological Reports Jun 2023Physiological properties and function of the lymphatic system is still somewhat of a mystery. We report the current knowledge about human lymphatic vessel contractility... (Review)
Review
Physiological properties and function of the lymphatic system is still somewhat of a mystery. We report the current knowledge about human lymphatic vessel contractility and capability of adaptation. A literature search in PubMed identified studies published January 2000-September 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies investigating parameters related to contraction frequency, fluid velocity, and lymphatic pressure in vivo and ex vivo in human lymphatic vessels. The search returned 2885 papers of which 28 met the inclusion criteria. In vivo vessels revealed baseline contraction frequencies between 0.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 min , velocities between 0.008 ± 0.002 and 2.3 ± 0.3 cm/s, and pressures between 4.5 (range 0.5-9.2) and 60.3 ± 2.8 mm Hg. Gravitational forces, hyperthermia, and treatment with nifedipine caused increases in contraction frequency. Ex vivo lymphatic vessels displayed contraction frequencies between 1.2 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 1.2 min . Exposure to agents affecting cation and anion channels, adrenoceptors, HCN channels, and changes in diameter-tension properties all resulted in changes in functional parameters as known from the blood vascular system. We find that the lymphatic system is dynamic and adaptable. Different investigative methods yields alternating results. Systematic approaches, consensus on investigative methods, and larger studies are needed to fully understand lymphatic transport and apply this in a clinical context.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic System; Lymphatic Vessels; Adaptation, Physiological; Acclimatization
PubMed: 37269161
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15697 -
The International Journal of Medical... Dec 2021Recently, thymectomy using minimally invasive approaches has been increasing with the development of robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (R-VATS). Although... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recently, thymectomy using minimally invasive approaches has been increasing with the development of robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (R-VATS). Although multimodal approach is effective for robot assisted thymectomy, it is necessary to determine the approach (left, right or subxiphoid) associated with the least complications.
METHODS
An electronic retrieval from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, GreyNet International and The Cochrane Library. The single-arm meta-analysis was performed to compare the rate of complications of right- and left-side approaches by R-VATS.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies including 930 patients were identified. The pooled incidence of total complications was 12.2% (confidence interval: 10.0%-14.8%) for all studies. The overall complication rate was 17.3% for the right-side compared with 7.4% for the left side (P < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.484, 1.601-3.852). The pooled incidence of air leak was significantly higher for the right versus left side (5.1% vs. 1.2%, respectively; p = 0.004). The incidence of atrial fibrillation was higher for the right-side compared with the left-side approach (4% vs. 1.2%, respectively; p = 0.004). The open conversion rate was significantly higher for the right versus the left-side (6.5% vs. 2.9%, respectively; p = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference in the pooled incidence of pleural effusion and thoracic duct fistula when comparing the right- and left-side approaches. In subgroup analysis, in the left approach, the incidence of overall complications (28.6% vs. 5.5%, respectively; p = 0.002) and pleural effusion (14.3% vs. 1%, respectively; p = 0.002) was higher for the 'Old Age' group compared with the 'Youth' group; However, In the subgroup analysis of gender, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications after thymectomy.
CONCLUSION
Robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be performed on the left- and right-sides; however, complications are minimal with the left-side approach. These data demonstrate that the incidence of overall complications, atrial fibrillation, open conversion ratios, and air leak rate of left-side R-VATS thymectomy are lower than those of right-side. Further subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the older group.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Robotics; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Thymectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34533876
DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2333 -
Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular... Oct 2023Chylothorax after thoracic surgery is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality rate of 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06 - 0.02). There is no... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Chylothorax after thoracic surgery is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality rate of 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06 - 0.02). There is no agreement on whether nonoperative treatment or early reoperation should be the initial intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the conservative approach to treat chyle leakage after cardiothoracic surgeries.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in PubMed®, Embase, Cochrane Library Central, and LILACS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) databases; a manual search of references was also done. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery, patients who received any nonoperative treatment (e.g., total parenteral nutrition, low-fat diet, medium chain triglycerides), and studies that evaluated chylothorax resolution, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, infection, morbidity, and mortality.
CENTRAL MESSAGE
Nonoperative treatment for chylothorax after cardiothoracic procedures has significant hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rates.
RESULTS
Twenty-two articles were selected. Pulmonary complications, infections, and arrhythmia were the most common complications after surgical procedures. The incidence of chylothorax in cardiothoracic surgery was 1.8% (95% CI 1.7 - 2%). The mean time of maintenance of the chest tube was 16.08 days (95% CI 12.54 - 19.63), and the length of hospital stay was 23.74 days (95% CI 16.08 - 31.42) in patients with chylothorax receiving nonoperative treatment. Among patients that received conservative treatment, the morbidity event was 0.40 (95% CI 0.23 - 0.59), and reoperation rate was 0.37 (95% CI 0.27 - 0.49). Mortality rate was 0.10 (95% CI 0.06 - 0.02).
CONCLUSION
Nonoperative treatment for chylothorax after cardiothoracic procedures has significant hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and reoperation rates.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Chylothorax; Retrospective Studies; Thoracic Surgical Procedures; Parenteral Nutrition, Total; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37801640
DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2022-0326 -
Archives of Osteoporosis Feb 2022Osteopenia typically presents low bone mineral density (BMD) and has recently been reported as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Osteopenia typically presents low bone mineral density (BMD) and has recently been reported as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of osteopenia in digestive tract cancers remains to be defined. We aimed to review the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in patients with digestive cancers.
METHODS
Cohort studies evaluating the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in digestive cancers (colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic cancer) were searched using electronic databases and trial registries. The exposure was defined as low BMD estimated by computed tomography at 11 thoracic vertebra, while comparator was normal BMD. The primary outcomes were overall survival and recurrence-free survival for osteopenia. Random effect meta-analyses were performed. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies (2230 patients) were included. Osteopenia was an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.47 to 2.78; I = 74%), along with sarcopenia. Osteopenia also predicted poor recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.81; I = 85%). In subgroup analyses, osteopenia predicted prognosis in colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, and bile duct cancers, but not in pancreatic cancer. The certainty of the evidence was low due to inconsistency and publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Osteopenia may be independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with digestive tract cancer. Further studies are needed to establish the relevance of osteopenia in the operative prognosis of these patients.
Topics: Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Prognosis; Sarcopenia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35149903
DOI: 10.1007/s11657-022-01060-6 -
Respiration; International Review of... 2018Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare cause of chylothorax. We describe a case and the results of a systematic review of all reported cases of TB-chylothorax. We identified 37... (Review)
Review
Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare cause of chylothorax. We describe a case and the results of a systematic review of all reported cases of TB-chylothorax. We identified 37 cases of TB-chylothorax. The symptoms at presentation were constitutional (85.7%; 30/35), dyspnea (60.6%; 20/33), and cough (54.5%; 18/33). Chylothorax developed subsequent to the diagnosis of TB in 27.8% (10/36) of the patients, after a median of 6.75 weeks (IQR 4-9). Chylothorax developed during an immune reconstitution syndrome (IRS) in 16.7% (10/36) of the patients, including immunocompetent ones. TB was disseminated in 45.9% (17/37) of the patients at the diagnosis of chylothorax. Chylothorax developed in the absence of any mediastinal lymphadenopathy in 45.9% (17/37) of the patients; 13.5% (5/37) had isolated tubercular empyema alone. The diagnosis of TB was established microbiologically in 72.2% (26/36) and by biopsy alone in 27.8% (9/36) of the patients. Anti-TB treatment (ATT) was administered for a median of 7.57 months (IQR 6-9). Steroids were administered to 22.9% (8/35) of the patients, often for suspected IRS. Thoracic duct ligation and octreotide were required for only 17.1% (6/35) and 8.6% (3/35) of the patients, respectively. In all, 94.4% (34/36) of the patients had resolution of chylothorax and completed treatment successfully; only 5.6% (2/36) died. In conclusion, TB-chylothorax may develop without obvious mediastinal lymphadenopathy and be associated with tubercular empyema alone. TB-chylothorax can develop during treatment of TB due to IRS, even in immunocompetent patients. ATT and dietary manipulation are associated with good resolution and low mortality, and duct ligation is needed for only a small minority of patients.
Topics: Chylothorax; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography, Thoracic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 29316546
DOI: 10.1159/000484694 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Apr 2020Chylous leak is an uncommon complication after head and neck surgery and typically results from a lesion of the thoracic duct (TD). Beside conservative treatment,...
BACKGROUND
Chylous leak is an uncommon complication after head and neck surgery and typically results from a lesion of the thoracic duct (TD). Beside conservative treatment, different minimally invasive and surgical procedures exist, of which almost all lead to a total closure of the TD.
METHODS
We report on a rare case of microsurgical lymphovenous anastomosis to treat a TD lesion. An additional systematic review on surgical procedures to treat TD lesions with special attention to lymphovenous anastomoses was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
A 52-year-old patient with a chylous fistula after modified radical neck dissection was successfully treated by a lymphovenous anastomosis of the TD and external jugular vein with additional coverage by sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. The patient showed a complete resolution of chylous leak with an uneventful postoperative course.The systematic search of literature yielded 684 articles with 4 case reports on lymphovenous anastomosis in chylous leak with a high success rate. Other surgical techniques include transcervical, thoracoscopic, or video-assisted thoracoscopic TD ligation, either alone or combined with a local muscle flap.
CONCLUSIONS
Lymphovenous anastomosis of the TD is a feasible and safe technique allowing for treatment of cervical TD lesions, especially if minimally invasive procedures fail. Compared with other techniques, lymphatic circulation can successfully be maintained.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Anastomosis, Surgical; Fistula; Jugular Veins; Neck Dissection; Thoracic Duct
PubMed: 31800553
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002108