Vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery for rectal cancer

AIM To investigate the vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery(IMA) in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery(LCA) for rectal cancer. METHODS A total of 110 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgical resection with preservation of the LCA were retrospectively reviewed. A 3 D vascular reconstruction was performed before each surgical procedure to assess the branches of the IMA. During surgery, the relationship among the IMA, LCA, sigmoid artery(SA) andsuperior rectal artery(SRA) was evaluated, and the length from the origin of the IMA to the point of branching into the LCA or common trunk of LCA and SA was measured. The relationship between inferior mesenteric vein(IMV) and LCA was also evaluated.RESULTS Three vascular types were identified in this study. In type A, LCA arose independently from IMA(46.4%, n = 51); in type B, LCA and SA branched from a common trunk of the IMA(23.6%, n = 26); and in type C, LCA, SA, and SRA branched at the same location(30.0%, n = 33). The difference in the length from the origin of IMA to LCA was not statistically significant among the three types. LCA was located under the IMV in 61 cases and above the IMV in 49 cases. CONCLUSION The vascular anatomy of the IMA and IMV is essential for laparoscopic radical resection with preservation of the LCA for rectal cancer. To recognize different branches of the IMA is necessary for the resection of lymph nodes and dissection of vessels.

Preoperative assessment of vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery by volume-rendered 3D-CT for laparoscopic lymph node dissection with left colic artery preservation in lower sigmoid and rectal cancer

AIM： To determine the distance between the branching point of the left colic artery （LCA） and the inferior mesenteric artery （IMA） by computed tomography （CT） scanning, for preoperative evaluation before laparoscopic colorectal operation. METHODS： From February 2004 to May 2005, 100 patients （63 men, 37 women） underwent angiography performed with a 16-scanner multi-detector row CT unit （Toshiba, Aquilion 16）. All images were analyzed on a workstation （AZE Ltd, Virtual Place Advance 300）. The distance from the root of the IMA to the bifurcation of the LCA was measured by curved multi-planar reconstruction on a workstation. RESULTS： The IMA could be visualized in all the cases, but the LCA was missing in two patients. The mean distance from the root of the IMA to the root of the LCA was 42.0 mm （range, 23.2-75.0 mm）. There were no differences in gender, arterial branching types, body weight, height, and body mass index. CONCLUSION： Volume-rendered 3D-CT is helpful to assess the vascular branching anatomy for laparoscopic surgery.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Patient with Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion with Transient Intraoperative Infusion of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery: A Surgical Case Report

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with mesenteric artery stenosis or obstructive lesions are occasionally recognized. While performing the graft replacement operation in such cases, if the collateral circulation supplying the gastrointestinal tract is well developed, it is necessary that this collateral circulation should be well perfused during aortic cross-clamping. A 72-year-old woman was admitted because of expansion of AAA. Computed tomography (CT) scan examination revealed occlusion at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the development of a collateral circulatory pathway via the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). During this operation, a vein cannula was placed in the IMA, through which blood was supplied with an extension tube for the protection of the intra-abdominal organs. The IMA was reimplanted after the graft replacement. Previous reports indicate that intestinal ischemia may be successfully prevented by supplying blood to the collateral circulation using various techniques. We report the surgical approach for treatment of AAA using a simple and convenient method to maintain intra-operative blood supply to vital organs.

Emergency rescue of a patient with hemorrhagic shock caused by superior mesenteric artery rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)injuries rarely occur during blunt abdominal injuries,with an incidence of<1%.The clinical manifestations mainly include abdominal hemorrhage and peritoneal irritation,which progress rapidly and are easily misdiagnosed.Quick and accurate diagnosis and timely effective treatment are greatly significant in managing emergent cases.This report describes emergency rescue by a multidisciplinary team of a patient with hemorrhagic shock caused by SMA rupture.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old man with hemorrhagic shock presented with SMA rupture.On admission,he showed extremely unstable vital signs and was unconscious with a laceration on his head,heart rate of 143 beats/min,shallow and fast breathing(frequency>35 beats/min),and blood pressure as low as 20/10 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa).Computed tomography revealed abdominal and pelvic hematocele effusion,suggesting active bleeding.The patient was suspected of partial rupture of the distal SMA branch.The patient underwent emergency mesenteric artery ligation,scalp suture,and liver laceration closure.In view of conditions with acute onset,rapid progression,and high bleeding volume,key points of nursing were conducted,including activating emergency protocol,opening of the green channel,and arranging relevant examinations with various medical staff for quick diagnosis.The seamless collaboration of the multidisciplinary team helped shorten the preoperative preparation time.Emergency laparotomy exploration and mesenteric artery ligation were performed to mitigate hemorrhagic shock while establishing efficient venous accesses and closely monitoring the patient’s condition to ensure hemodynamic stability.Strict measures were taken to avoid intraoperative hypothermia and infection.CONCLUSION After 3.5 h of emergency rescue and medical care,bleeding was successfully controlled,and the patient’s condition was stabilized.Subsequently,the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for continuous monitoring and treatment.On the sixth day,the patient was weaned off the ventilator,extubated,and relocated to a specialized ward.Through diligent medical intervention and attentive nursing,the patient made a full recovery and was discharged on day 22.The follow-up visit confirmed the patient’s successful recovery.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta(SMA-Ao).Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome,individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted.In this report,we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting.Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography(CT),ultrasonography(US)revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position(4 mm),which slightly improved in the lateral position(5.7–7.0 mm)without the passage of duodenal contents.However,in the sitting position,the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage.Additionally,US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side.By day 2,the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage.Case 2:An 87-year-old woman with vomiting.After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT,dynamic US confirmed the optimal position(SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position,whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position).By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered,she could eat with the optimal position.CONCLUSION The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals.Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Pedicled abdominal flap using deep inferior epigastric artery perforators for forearm reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND Pedicled abdominal flaps are a widely used surgical technique for forearm reconstruction in patients with soft tissue defects.However,some drawbacks include restricted flap size,partial flap loss,and donor-site morbidity.To address these concerns,we present a case of a pedicled abdominal flap using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforators(DIEP)for forearm reconstruction in a patient with a large soft tissue defect.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with forearm injury caused by a pressing machine.A 15 cm×10 cm soft tissue defect with complete rupture of the ulnar side structures of the forearm was found.One week after orthopedic management of the neurovascular injury and fractures using the first stage of Masquelet technique,the patient was referred to the plastic and recon-structive surgery department for wound coverage.Surgical debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy revealed a 20 cm×15 cm soft tissue defect.A pedicle abdominal flap with the DIEP was used to cover the defect.Three weeks later,the flap was detached from the abdomen,and the abdominal defect was directly closed.Subsequently,the second stage of Masquelet technique was performed at the fracture site at week 10.Finally,all donor and recipient sites healed without complications,such as flap dehiscence,infection,hematoma,or necrosis.Fracture site osteosynthesis was achieved without complications.CONCLUSION Pedicled abdominal flap using the DIEP provides a reliable option for forearm reconstruction in patients with large soft tissue defects.

Comprehensive interventions for adult cyclic vomiting syndrome complicated by superior mesenteric artery syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Cyclic vomiting syndrome(CVS)is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder involving the gut–brain interaction that is characterized by recurring episodes of nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain,and interspersed complete normal periods.Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome(SMAS)is a vascular condition in which the horizontal portion of the duodenum is compressed due to a reduced angle between the aorta and the SMA.This condition presents with symptoms similar to CVS,posing challenges in distinguishing between the two and often resulting in misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 20-year-old female patient presented with recurrent episodes of vomiting and experienced a persistent fear of vomiting for the past 2 years.She adopted conscious dietary restrictions,which led to severe malnutrition.Initially,she was diagnosed with SMAS,as revealed by computed tomography angiography.Despite efforts to increase the angle between the aorta and the SMA through weight gain,her vomiting did not improve.Finally,she was diagnosed with comorbidities including CVS,SMAS and anxiety disorder.She underwent comprehensive interventions,including enteral and parenteral nutritional supplementation,administration of antiemetic and anti-anxiety agents,and participation in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.The patient eventually experienced a notable improvement in both body weight and clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION We present a rare case of CVS in an adult complicated with SMAS and propose additional treatment with nutritional support,pharmacological intervention,and psychotherapy.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, a Rare Complication of Severe Malnutrition: Two Cases from a Subsaharian Endocrinology Department

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), a rare diagnosis due to compression of the third duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta resulting in bowel obstruction, may lead to severe malnutrition. We report two cases of patients hospitalised in the Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition Department of the National Hospital Center (NHC) of Pikine. Observations: Patient 1: A 35-year-old female was referred for an aetiological diagnosis due to a rapid weight loss of 15 kilograms in one month, accompanied by persistent vomiting, following an appendectomy performed a month before admission. Upon clinical examination, she presented severe malnutrition (Buzby index of 76%), early post-prandial chronic vomiting, and a poor general condition. An abdominal CT scan revealed aortomesenteric clamp syndrome (AMCS) with an angulation between the aorta and the SMA of 13˚. The underlying cause in this patient was severe malnutrition. Fortunately, her condition improved with medical treatment. Patient 2: We report the case of a 30-year-old female hospitalized due to unusual weight-bearing post-prandial epigastric pain and intermittent vomiting over the past six months. Upon physical examination at admission, she exhibited severe malnutrition with a body mass index (BMI) of 14 kg/m2, a Buzby index of 71%, trophic disorders, and a stage IV general condition assessment according to the World Health Organization (WHO). An abdominal CT scan revealed AMCS with an angle between the aorta and the SMA of 22˚ and an aortomesenteric space of 4 mm. The outcome was poor with medical treatment failure and, unfortunately, the patient died before surgery. Conclusion: SMAS is rarely evoked in clinical practice despite the presence of contributing factors and suggestive clinical signs. The prognosis depends on management time.

Simultaneous Compression of the Celiac Trunk, Superior Mesenteric Artery, and Renal Arteries by the Median Arcuate Ligament: About One Case

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), is a rare abdominal vascular compression syndrome caused by the compression of the proximal celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament. According to many authors, a low insertion of the diaphragmatic crura or an abnormally high origin of the celiac trunk from the aorta can cause compression of the celiac artery. Usually, patients with MALS are asymptomatic. Computed tomography (CT) angiography of the abdomen is the main imaging modality to confirm the diagnosis. The coexistence of celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery compression by the median arcuate ligament is rarely described in the literature. To our knowledge, until now, a simultaneous combination of three abdominal vascular compressions by the median arcuate ligament has never been described. From this case, we report a simultaneous compression of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries by the median arcuate ligament.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter selective superior mesenteric artery urokinase infusion therapy vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and acute portal vein thrombosis

AIM To compare the outcomes of transcatheter superior mesenteric artery(SMA) urokinase infusion and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) for acute portal vein thrombosis(PVT) in cirrhosis.METHODS From January 2013 to December 2014, patients with liver cirrhosis and acute symptomatic PVT who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either an SMA group or a TIPS group. The two groups accepted transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion therapyand TIPS, respectively. The total follow-up time was24 mo. The primary outcome measure was the change in portal vein patency status which was evaluated by angio-computed tomography or Doppler ultrasound.Secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled, with 20 assigned to the SMA group and 20 to the TIPS group. The symptoms of all patients in the two groups improved within 48 h. PVT was improved in 17(85%) patients in the SMA group and 14(70%) patients in the TIPS group. The main portal vein(MPV) thrombosis was significantly reduced in both groups(P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between them(P= 0.304). In the SMA group, superior mesenteric vein(SMV) thrombosis and splenic vein(SV) thrombosis were significantly reduced(P = 0.048 and P = 0.02),which did not occur in the TIPS group. At 6-, 12-,and 24-mo follow-up, in the SMA group and the TIPS group, the cumulative rates free of the first episode of rebleeding were 80%, 65%, and 45% vs 90%, 80%,and 60%, respectively(P = 0.320); the cumulative rates free of the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy were 85%, 80%, and 65% vs 50%, 40%, and 35%,respectively(P = 0.022).CONCLUSION Transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion and TIPS are safe and effective for acute symptomatic PVT in cirrhosis.

Superior mesenteric artery first approach versus standard pancreaticoduodenectomy： a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND： The superior mesenteric artery（SMA） first approach was proposed recently as a new modification of the standard pancreaticoduodenectomy. Increasing evidence showed that a periadventiceal dissection of the SMA with early transection of the inflow during pancreaticoduodenectomy associates better early perioperative results, and setup the scene for long-term oncological benefits. The objectives of the current study are to compare the operative results and long-term oncological outcomes of SMA first approach pancreaticoduodenectomy（SMA-PD） with standard pancreaticoduodenectomy（S-PD）.DATA SOURCES： Electronic search of the PubM ed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed until July 2015. We considered randomized controlled trials（RCTs） and non-randomized comparative studies（NRCSs） comparing SMA-PD with S-PD to be eligible if they included patients with periampullary cancers.RESULTS： A total of one RCT and thirteen NRCSs met the inclusion criteria, involving 640 patients with SMA-PD and 514 patients with S-PD. The SMA-PD was associated with less intraoperative bleeding, less blood transfusions and higher rate of associated venous resections. The pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying had a significantly lower rate in the SMA-PD group. There were no differences between the two approaches regarding overall complications, major complication rates and in-hospital mortality. There was no difference regarding R0 resection rate, and one-, two-or three-year over-all survival. The SMA-PD was associated with a lower local, hepatic and extrahepatic metastatic rate.CONCLUSIONS： The SMA-PD is associated with better perioperative outcomes, such as blood loss, transfusion requirements, pancreatic fistula, and delayed gastric emptying. Although the one-, two-or three-year overall survival rate is not superior, the SMA-PD has a lower local and metastatic recurrence rate.

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion may exacerbate brain injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock

BACKGROUND：The intestinal lymphatic pathway and intestinal ischemia/reperfusion are mainly involved in mesenteric lymph duct ligation or drainage; moreover,intervention by reducing the lymph liquid reflux might relieve lung and other organ dysfunction induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion; however,research addressing mesenteric lymph reperfusion （MLR） and brain injury has not yet to be reported.OBJECTIVE：To observe the effect of MLR on brain tissue in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion （SMAO） shock,and to explore the molecular mechanism of MLR.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled,animal experiment at a neuro-pathophysiology level was performed at the Institute of Microcirculation,Hebei North University; Department of Pathophysiology,Basic Medical College; Department of Pathology,the First Hospital of Hebei North University between December 2007 and March 2009.MATERIALS：Adenosine triphosphate （ATP） standard was provided by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products; lactic acid （LA）,superoxide dismutase （SOD）,malonaldehyde （MDA）,nitrogen monoxidum （NO）,nitric oxide synthase （NOS）,myeloperoxidase （MPO） and ATPase assay kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute,China.METHODS：A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups.In the sham-surgery group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and the superior mesenteric artery were not blocked; in the MLR group （n = 6）,the mesenteric lymph duct was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the SMAO group （n = 6）,the superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion; in the MLR ＋ SMAO group （n = 6）,both the mesenteric lymph duct and superior mesenteric artery were occluded for 1 hour followed by 2-hour reperfusion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Mean arterial blood pressure prior to and following ischemia/reperfusion; brain tissue morphology levels of LA,MDA,SOD,NO,NOS,MPO,ATPase and ATP following reperfusion.RESULTS：MLR did not cause changes in mean arterial blood pressure,brain tissue morphology,LA,MDA,NO,ATP,SOD,NOS,MPO and ATPase.However,SMAO caused a rapid decrease and gradual increase of mean arterial blood pressure.Neuronal necrosis,degeneration and swelling were observed in brain tissue.Contents of MDA,NO,LA and ATP as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P〈 0.05）,but activities of SOD and Na＋-K＋-ATPase were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）.MLR aggravated neuronal damage in a rat model of SMAO shock.Following MLR,mean arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）,contents of MDA and NO as well as activities of NOS and MPO were significantly increased （P 〈0.05）,but activities of Ca2＋-ATPase,Mg2＋-ATPase and Ca2＋-Mg2＋-ATPase as well as ATP content were significantly decreased （P〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION：MLR aggravates brain injury in a rat model of SMAO shock,which correlates with oxygen-derived free radical injury,NO synthesis and release,sequestration of neutrophilic granulocytes,decreasing activity of cell membrane pumps and energy metabolism dysfunction.Pathogenesis of the intestinal lymphatic pathway should be thoroughly investigated to prevent ischemia/reperfusion injury.

ALTERATION IN CONTRACTILE RESPONSE TO NORADRENALINE, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, S ARAFOTOXIN 6c, AND ANGIOTENSINⅡ IN RAT MESENTERIC ARTERY DURING ORGAN CULTURE

Objective To compare the vasoconstrictive eff ects of 9 mediators on fresh and incubated mesenteric arteries of rats. Methods The superior mesenteric artery of rat was removed and t he endothelium was denuded. The vessels were cut into 1 mm long cylindrical segm ents and subjected to organ culture for 24 hours. Fresh or incubated segments we re immersed into tissue baths and the concentration-response curves were obtain ed by cumulative administration of the vasoconstrictors. Results In fresh mesenteric artery, endothelin-1 (ET-1), 5-h ydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), and angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ) induced potent and sustained constrictions in a concen tration-dependent manner. The contraction induced by sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) was w eak, while bradykinin (BK), des-Arg-bradykinin (DA-BK), and human urotensinⅡ (hUT-II) showed no detectable contraction. The concentraion-response curves i n order of slopes was ET-1, NA, 5-HT, 5-CT, and AngⅡ. The order of the maxim um contractions was ET-1>NA=5-HT=5-CT>AngⅡ>S6c. After organ culture, the con centration-response curves induced by S6c, NA, and 5-HT were significantly inc reased, while that induced by AngⅡ was decreased as comparing to fresh arteries . BK contracted the artery only weakly. Conclusion Organ culture changed the phenotypes towards an increased efficacy of NA, 5-HT, S6c, and a reduced efficacy of AngⅡ, which is in accordance with the results o f pharmacological characterization in some human vascular disease.

Surgical management of peritonitis secondary to acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion

Diagnosis of acute arterial mesenteric ischemia in the early stages is now possible using modern computed tomography with intravenous contrast enhancement and imaging in the arterial and/or portal phase.Most patients have acute superior mesenteric artery(SMA)occlusion,and a large proportion of these patients will develop peritonitis prior to mesenteric revascularization,and explorative laparotomy will therefore be necessary to evaluate the extent and severity of intestinal ischemia,and to perform bowel resections.The establishment of a hybrid operating room in vascular units in hospitals is most important to be able to perform successful intestinal revascularization.This review outlines current frontline surgical strategies to improve survival and minimize bowel morbidity in patients with peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion.Explorative laparotomy needs to be performed first.Curative treatment is based upon intestinal revascularization followed by bowel resection.If no vascular imaging has been carried out,SMA angiography is performed.In case of embolic occlusion of the SMA,open embolectomy is performed followed by angiography.In case of thrombotic occlusion,the occlusive lesion can be recanalized retrograde from an exposed SMA,the guidewire snared from either the femoral or brachial artery,and stented with standard devices from these access sites.Bowel resections and sometimes gall bladder removal due to transmural infarctions are performed at initial laparotomy,leaving definitive bowel reconstructions to a planned second look laparotomy,according to the principles of damage control surgery.Patients with peritonitis secondary to acute SMA occlusion should be managed by both the general and vascular surgeon,and a hybrid revascularization approach is of utmost importance to improve outcomes.

Management of isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection

AIM: To evaluate our experience of the clinical management of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD).

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following scoliosis surgery: Its risk indicators and treatment strategy

AIM: To investigate the risk indicators, pattern of clinical presentation and treatment strategy of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) after scoliosis surgery.METHODS: From July 1997 to October 2003, 640 patients with adolescent scoliosis who had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated prospectively, and among them seven patients suffered from SMAS after operation. Each patient was assigned a percentile for weight and a percentile for height. Values of the 5th、 10th、 25th、 50th、 75th、 and 95thpercentiles were selected to divide the observations. The sagittal Cobb angle was used to quantify thoracic or thoracolumbar kyphosis. All the seven patients presented with nausea and intermittent vomiting about 5 d after operation.An upper gastrointestinal barium contrast study showed a straight-line cutoff at the third portion of the duodenum representing extrinsic compression by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).RESULTS: The value of height in the seven patients with SMAS was above the mean of sex- and age-matchednormal population, and the height percentile ranged from 5% to 50%. On the contrary, the value of weight was below the mean of normal population with the weight percentile ranging from 5% to 25%. Among the seven patients, four had a thoracic hyperkyphosis ranging from 55° to 88°(average 72°), two had a thoracolumbar kyphosis of 25° and 32° respectively. The seven patients were treated with fasting, antiemetic medication, and intravenous fluids infusion. Reduction or suspense of traction was adopted in three patients with SMAS during halo-femoral traction after anterior release of scoliosis. All the patients recovered completely with no sequelae. No one required operative intervention with a laparotomy.CONCLUSION: Height percentile＜50% , weight percentile ＜25%, sagittal kyphosis, heavy and quick halo-femoral traction after spinal anterior release are the potential risk indicators for SMAS in patients undergoing correction surgery for adolescent scoliosis.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy with early superior mesenteric artery dissection

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death and is one of the most aggressive human tumors. At present, surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment. Early neck division is inadequate when invasion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is suspected or in cases of replaced or accessory right hepatic artery. Malignant periampullary tumors often invade retroperitoneal peripancreatic tissues and a positive resection margin is associated with a poor long-term survival. DATA SOURCES: English-language medical databases, PubMed, ELSEVIER and SPRINGERLINK, were searched for articles on 'posterior approach pancreaticoduodenectomy', 'superior mesenteric artery first approach', 'retroperitoneal tissue', 'hanging maneuver', and related topics. RESULTS: The modification allowed the surgeon to early identify the nonresectability of a replaced right hepatic artery if present, enabling complete dissection of the right side of the SMA and portal vein as well as complete excision of the retroportal pancreatic lamina. CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy with early retropancreatic dissection is a useful and safe technical variant, which is indicated for the improvement of the safety and curative effect of the procedure. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 579-583)

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a diabetic patient with acute weight loss

Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is an un- common disease resulting compression of the third portion of the duodenum from the superior mesenteric artery.This disease shares many common manifestations with diabetic gastroparesis,including postprandial fullness,nausea,vomiting,and bloating.Therefore,it is often overlooked in diabetic patients.Here,we report a 41-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetic mellitus who developed SMA syndrome due to rapid weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and an upper gastrointestinal series.His condition improved after parenteral nutrient,strict sugar control, and gradual weight gain.

Influence of mesenteric lymph reperfusion on neurotransmitter expression in brain tissue of a superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock rat model

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have shown that mesenteric lymph reperfusion （MLR） exacerbates brain injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion （SMAO） shock. However, little is known about the influence of MLR on neurotransmitter expression in brain tissue. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of MLR on brain tissue injury by measuring monoamine and cholinergic neurotransmitter levels. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Institute of Microcirculation, Hebei North University, China; Research Room of Microcirculation and Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Hebei North University between December 2007 and March 2009. MATERIALS： Choline acetyltransferase （CHAT） and acetylcholine esterase （ACHE） kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, China; dopamine （DA） and noradrenalin （NE） standards were provided by the National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products; HP1100 chromatograph of liquid was provided by Agllent, USA. METHODS： A total of 24 male, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups： sham-surgery, MLR SMAO, and MLR ＋ SMAO groups, with 6 rats in each group. In the MLR or SMAO groups, the mesenteric lymph duct or superior mesenteric artery was blocked for 1 hour. In the MLR ＋ SMAO group, the mesenteric lymph duct and superior mesenteric artery were occluded for 1 hour, followed by 2-hour repeffusion. ChAT and AChE levels were measured using the synthesized and hydrolyzed acetylcholine method, respectively. Liquid chromatography was employed to quantitatively analyze DA and NE levels, using relative retention time and the external standard method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： CHAT, ACHE, DA, and NE levels. RESULTS： AChE levels were significantly increased, but ChAT levels were significantly decreased in the MLR and MLR ＋ SMAO groups following 2-hour repeffusion （P〈 0.01）. However, AChE activity in the MLR ＋ SMAO group was greater than in the MLR group （P 〈 0.05）. DA and NE levels were significantly decreased in the SMAO and MLR ＋ SMAO groups （P〈 0.01）, while DA levels in the MLR ＋ SMAO group were less than in the SMAO group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： MLR exacerbated brain injury in a rat model of SMAO shock, which correlated with the intestinal lymphatic pathway. MLR decreased DA levels, but increased AChE activity, in a rat model of SMAO shock.

Assessment of duodenal circular drainage in treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome

AIM： To assess the clinical value of duodenal circular drainage for superior mesenteric artery syndrome （SMAS）. METHODS： Forty-seven cases of SMAS were treated with duodenal circular drainage from 1959 to 2001. Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS： In this group, good effects were achieved in 39 cases treated with duodenal circular drainage after 2-15 years of follow-up. The other eight cases were first treated with anterior repositioning of the duodenum （two cases）, duodenojejunostomy （five cases）, subtotal gastrectomy and billroth I gastrojejunostomy （one case）, but vomiting was not relieved until duodenal circular drainage was performed again. A follow-up study of 8-10 years revealed satisfactory results in these eight patients. CONCLUSION： In SMAS, if the reversed peristalsis is strong and continuous, and vomiting occurs frequently, the symptom can not be relieved even if the obstruction of duodenum is removed surgically. The key treatment is the relief of reversed peristalsis. The duodenal circular drainage can resolve the drainage direction of duodenal content, thus relieving the symptom of vomiting.