电针疗法对腹部手术患者胃肠功能及血清胃泌素水平的影响

目的:探讨电针疗法对腹部手术患者胃肠功能恢复及血清胃泌素水平的影响。方法:将60例研究对象按随机数字表法分为两组。对照组30例进行常规术后治疗;治疗组30例在常规术后治疗的基础上于术后24h内进行双侧足三里、上巨虚、下巨虚、丰隆、解溪、阴陵泉穴位电针治疗。观察并比较两组患者术后首次肛门排气和排便时间,并检测患者术前24h、术后24h及48h血清胃泌素(GAS)水平变化。结果:治疗组患者术后首次肛门排气和排便时间分别为(20.14±4.63)h和(32.68±5.10)h,均明显少于对照组的(28.17±3.79)h和(43.12±8.17)h(P<0.05);治疗组和对照组术后24h血清GAS水平分别为(121.48±14.28)pg/ml和(90.15±12.16)pg/ml均低于本组术前24h的(137.36±20.17)pg/ml和(138.02±18.61)pg/ml(P<0.05),且治疗组GAS水平高于对照组(P<0.05);两组术后48h血清GAS水平与术前24h比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),且两组术后48h血清GAS水平与术前24h比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:常规术后治疗联合电针疗法可促进腹部手术患者术后胃肠功能的恢复,提高GAS水平,有效减少胃肠功能紊乱的发生。

Pathophysiology and prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions

Peritoneal adhesions represent an important clinical challenge in gastrointestinal surgery. Peritoneal adhesions are a consequence of peritoneal irritation by infection or surgical trauma, and may be considered as the pathological part of healing following any peritoneal injury, particularly due to abdominal surgery. The balance between fi brin deposition and degradation is critical in determining normal peritoneal healing or adhesion formation. Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity resulting in multiple complications, many of which may manifest several years after the initial surgical procedure. In addition to acute small bowel obstruction, peritoneal adhesions may cause pelvic or abdominal pain, and infertility. In this paper, the authors reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis and various prevention strategies of adhesion formation, using Medline and PubMed search. Several preventive agents against postoperative peri-toneal adhesions have been investigated. Their role aims in activating fi brinolysis, hampering coagulation, diminishing the inflammatory response, inhibiting col-lagen synthesis or creating a barrier between adjacentwound surfaces. Their results are encouraging but most of them are contradictory and achieved mostly in animal model. Until additional fi ndings from future clinical researches, only a meticulous surgery can be recommended to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates from these untoward effects of surgery. In the current state of knowledge, pre-clinical or clini-cal studies are still necessary to evaluate the effective-ness of the several proposed prevention strategies of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

Narrow-band imaging optical chromocolonoscopy: Advantages and limitations

Narrow-band imaging （NBI） is an innovative optical technology that modifies the center wavelength and bandwidth of an endoscope＇s light into narrow-band illumination of 415 ：1： 30 nm. NBI markedly improves capillary pattern contrast and is an in vivo method for visualizing microvessel morphological changes in superficial neoplastic lesions. The scientific basis for NBI is that short wavelength light falls within the hemoglobin absorption band, thereby facilitating clearer visualization of vascular structures. Several studies have reported advantages and limitations of NBI colonoscopy in the colorectum. One difficulty in evaluating results, however, has been nonstandardization of NBI systems （Sequential and nonsequential）. Utilization of NBI technology has been increasing worldwide, but accurate pit pattern analysis and sufficient skill in magnifying colonoscopy are basic fundamentals required for proficiency in NBI diagnosis of colorectal lesions. Modern optical technology without proper image interpretation wastes resources, confuses untrained endoscopists and delays interinstitutional validation studies. Training in the principles of ＂optical image-enhanced endoscopy＂ is needed to close the gap between technological advancements and their clinical usefulness. Currently available evidence indicates that NBI constitutes an effective and reliable alternative to chromocolonoscopy for in vivo visualization of vascular structures, but further study assessing reproducibility and effectiveness in the colorectum is ongoing at various medical centers.

Experimental and clinical study of influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision

AIM： To study the influence of high-frequency electric surgical knives on healing of abdominal incision. METHODS： Two hundred and forty white rats were divided into 10^0, 10^2, 10^5, and 10^8 groups and rat models of abdominal operation were induced by using electric surgical knives and common lancets respectively. Then they were respectively given hypodermic injections of normal saline and 0.2 mL quantitative mixture of Escherichia coil, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudornonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 10^2, 10^5 and 10^8. On the basis of the animal experiment, 220 patients undergoing abdominal operations （above type Ⅱ） were randomly allocated into one of following three groups： electric knife （EK, 93 cases）, electro-coagulation （EC, 55 cases） and control （72 cases）. High-frequency electric surgical knives were used to dissect abdominal tissues and electro-coagulation for hemostasis in EK group. Common lancets and electro-coagulation were applied in EC group. Common lancets and tieing silk suture were used in the controls. RESULTS： In all the groups except group 10^0, infection rate of incisional wounds made by electric surgical knives were remarkably higher than that with common lancets. Furthermore, there were significant differences in groups 10^2, 10^5, and 10^8 （P 〈 0.05）, but not in group 10^0 （P 〉 0.05） between EK and EC groups. Clinical studies showed a delayed wound healing in 16 cases （17.20%） in EK, 11 cases （16.36%） in EC and 2 cases （2.86%）in the control groups. A significant difference between EK and the control groups （χ^2= 8.57, P 〈 0.01）, and between EC and the control groups （χ^2 = 5.66, P 〈 0.05） was observed, but not between EK and EC （χ^2= 0.017, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： High-frequency electric knives may remarkably delay abdominal incision healing. Its application should be minimized so as to reduce the possibility of postoperative complications.

APPLICATION OF LORNOXICAM TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of lornoxicam, one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. Methods Thirty-nine patients scheduled for abdominal surgeries were randomly assigned to different PCA treatment groups using either lornoxicam or fentanyl postoperatively. Pain intensity difference (PID) and sum of pain intensity difference (SPID) were used to assess the analgesic efficacy of both drugs during a 24-hour period. Results The analgesic efficacy of lornoxicam is 1/66 of fentanyl, which was shown by SPID value of 3.250 and 3.058, respectively (P > 0.05). Lornoxicam caused fewer adverse events than fentanyl (33% vs. 68%, P < 0.05). Conclusion In clinic, we can use lornoxicam to treat postoperative pain effectively and with less adverse reactions com-pared with fentanyl.

Telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer: Report of the first case in Hong Kong and China with an updated literature review

Telerobotic surgery is the most advanced development in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci surgical system, which is currently the most widely used telerobotic device, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America for clinical use in all abdominal operations in July 2000. The first da Vinci surgical system in China was installed in November 2005 at our institution. We herein report the first telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection using the 3-arm da Vinci surgical system for low rectal cancer in Hong Kong and China, which was performed in August 2006. The operative time and blood loss were 240 min and 200 mL, respectively. There was no complication, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day five. An updated review of published literature on telerobotic-assisted colorectal surgery is included in this report, with special emphasis on its advantages and limitations.

Glutamine dipeptide for parenteral nutrition in abdominal surgery:A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To assess the clinical and economical validity of glutamine dipeptide supplemented to parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: A meta-analysis of all the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. The trials compared the standard PN and PN supplemented with glutamine dipeptide in abdominal surgery. RCTs were identified from the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI web of knowledge (SCI). The search was undertaken in April 2006. Literature references were checked by computer or hand at the same time. Clinical trials were extracted and evaluated by two reviewers independently. Statistical analysis was performed by RevMan4.2 software from Cochrane Collaboration. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 373 patients were included. The combined results showed that glutamine dipeptide has a positive effect in improving postoperative cumulative nitrogen balance (weighted mean difference (WMD = 8.35, 95% CI [2.98, 13.71], P = 0.002), decreasing postoperative infectious morbidity (OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.06, 0.93], P = 0.04), shortening the length of hospital stay (WMD= -3.55, 95% CI [-5.26, -1.84], P < 0.00001). No serious adverse effects were found. CONCLUSION: Postoperative PN supplemented with glutamine dipeptide is effective and safe to decrease the infectious rate, reduce the length of hospital stay and improve nitrogen balance in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Further high quality trials in children and severe patients are required, and mortality and hospital cost should be considered in future RCTs with sufficient size and rigorous design.

Transparent-cap-fitted colonoscopy shows higher performance with cecal intubation time in difficult cases

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of cap-fitted colonoscopy(CFC) with regard to cecal intubation time.METHODS:Two hundred and ninety-five patients undergoing screening colonoscopy at Gospel Hospital,Kosin University College of Medicine were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial between January and December 2010.Colonoscopies were conducted by a single endoscopist.Patient characteristics including age,sex,body mass index,history of abdominal surgery,quality of preparation,and the presence of diverticulosis were recorded.RESULTS:One hundred and fifty patients were allocated into a CFC group and 145 into a non-CFC(NCF) group.Cecal intubations were achieved in all patients.Cecal intubation time in the CFC group was significantly shorter than in the NCF group for specific conditions:age ≥ 60 years,prior abdominal surgery,and poor bowel preparation.The number of detected adenomas was higher in the CFC group than in the NCF group(P = 0.040).CONCLUSION:CFC facilitated shortening of the cecal intubation time in difficult cases,and was more sensitive for detecting adenomas than was NCF.

Effects of Glutamine Supplementation on Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

Objective To evaluate the effects of supplementation of glutamine （GLN） on maintaining glu- tathione （GSH） level, immune system function, liver function, and clinical outcome of patients receiving abdominal operation. Methods Forty patients undergoing elective abdominal surgical treatment were randomly divided into 2 groups： study group （n=20） and control group （n=20）. All patients received total parenteral nutrition （TPN） for up to 7 days during perioperative period. The study group received TPN supplemented with GLN dipeptide while the control group received TPN without GLN dipeptide. Patients in both groups received equivalent nitrogen and caloric intake. Blood sample was taken on preoperative day, and the 1st, 3rd, 6th postoperative day to measure GSH level, immune indexes, and liver function indexes. Results The decrease of GSH level in plasma and red blood cell （RBC） in study group was less than that in control group during postoperative period. Ratio of GSH/glutathione disulfide （GSSG） in plasma in study grouP was higher than that in control group on the 3rd postoperative day （52.53±11.46 vs. 31.43±7.27, P = 0.001）. Albumin level in study group was higher than that in control group on the 3rd postoperative day （37.7±3.8 g/L vs. 33.8±4.2 g/L, P = 0.02）. There was no significant difference in the levels of immunoglobin （IgG, IgM, IgA） or T lymphocyte subgroup （CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8） in both groups during postoperative period. There was one case with infectious complication in control group, while none in study group. A trend of shortened hospital stay was observed in study group compared with control group （22.3±2.1 d vs. 24.9±1.7 d,P= 0.32）. Conclusions Supplementation of GLN-enriched TPN has beneficial effects on maintaining GSH levels in plasma and RBC, sustaining GSH/GSSG ratio and albumin level, and keeping antioxidant abilities during postoperative period in patients with abdominal operation, with the trends of decreasing incidence of infectious complication and shortening hospital stay.

Clinical evidence of growth hormone for patients undergoing abdominal surgery: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To assess the effectiveness and safety of perioperative growth hormone (GH) in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Chinese Bio-medicine Database. The search was undertaken in February 2003. No language restrictions were applied. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing GH with placebo in patients undergoing abdominal surgery were extracted and evaluated.Methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad scale.RESULTS: Eighteen trials involving 646 patients were included. The combined results showed that GH had a positive effect on improving postoperative nitrogen balance (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 3.37, 95%CI [2.46, 4.27], P＜0.00001), and decreasing the length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -2.07,95%CI [-3.03, -1.11], P = 0.00002), and reducing the duration of postoperative fatigue syndrome (SMD = -1.83,95%CI [-2.37, -1.30], P＜0.00001), but it could increase blood glucose levels (WMD = 0.91, 95%CI [0.56, 1.25],P＜0.00001).CONCLUSION: GH for patients undergoing abdominal surgery is effective and safe, if blood glucose can be controlled well. Further trials are required with a sufficient size to account for clinical heterogeneity and to measure other important outcomes such as infection, morbidity,mortality, fluid retention, immunomodulatory effects, and tumor recurrence.

An unusual cause ofileal perforation:Report of a case and literature review

An ileal perforation resulting from a migrated biliary stent is a rare complication of endoscopic stent placement for benign or malignant biliary tract disease.We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman with a history of abdominal surgery in which a migrated biliary stent resulted in an ileal perforation.Patients with comorbid abdominal pathologies,including colonic diverticuli,parastomal hernia,or abdominal hernia,may be at increased risk of perforation from migrated stents.

Predictive performance of'Diprifusor'TCI system in patients during upper abdominal surgery under propofol/fentanyl anesthesia

Objective:To evaluate the predictive performance of‘Diprifusor’TCI(target-controlled infusion)system for its betterapplication in clinical anesthesia.Methods:The predictive performance of a‘Diprifusor’TCI system was investigated in 27Chinese patients(16 males and 11 females)during upper abdominal surgery under total intravenous anesthesia(TIVA)withpropofol/fentanyl.Measnred arterial propofol concentrations were compared with the values predicted by the TCI infusion system.Performance was determined by the median performance error(MDPE),the median absolute performance error(MDAPE),thedivergence(the percentage change of the absolute PE with time),and the wobble(the median absolute deviation of each PE fromthe MDPE).Results:The median(range)values of 14.9%(-21.6%～42.9%)for MDPE,23.3%(6.9%～62.5%)for MDAPE,-1.9%h^(-1)(-32.7%～23.0% h^(-1))for divergence,and 18.9%(4.2%～59.6%)for wobble were obtained from 227 samples from all patients.For the studied population,the PE did not increase with time but with increasing target propofol concentration,particularly fol-lowing induction.Conclusions:The control of depth of anaesthesia was good in all patients undergoing upper abdominal surgicaloperation and the predictive performance of the‘Diprifusor’target controlled mthsion system was considered acceptable forclinical purposes.But the relatively bigger wobble showed that the pharmacokinetic model is not so suitable and requires im-provement.

Age-related symptom and life quality changes in women with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To explore age-related changes in symptoms and quality of life(QoL) of women with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:Two-hundred and fifty-four female adult outpatients with IBS attending the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January,2008 and October,2008 were approached.Patients with a history of abdominal surgery,mental illness or those who had recently taken psychotropic drugs were excluded.A physician obtained demographic and abdominal symptom data.All patients were asked to complete the Zung Self-Rated Anxiety and Depression Scale(SDS/SAS) and the IBS-specific QoL questionnaire.The patients were divided into six groups according to age,in 10-year increments:18-27 years,28-37 years,38-47 years,48-57 years,58-67 years and 68-75 years(maximum 75 years).Age-related differences of abdominal pain or discomfort were analyzed using ranksum tests.Differences in SDS/SAS and IBS-QoL scores between age groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.Pearson's correlations evaluated potential associations between IBS symptoms,psychological factors and QoL in each age group.RESULTS:There were no differences in the distribution of IBS subtypes between age groups(χ2 = 20.516,P = 0.153).Differences in the severity of abdominal pain/discomfort with age were statistically significant(χ2 = 25.638,P < 0.001);patients aged 48-57 years,58-67 years or 68-75 years had milder abdominal pain/discomfort than those in the younger age groups.The severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms did not differ between age groups(SDS,χ2 = 390.845,P = 0.110;SAS,χ 2 = 360.071,P = 0.220).Differences of IBSQoL scores were statistically significant between age groups(χ2 = 1098.458,P = 0.011).The scores of patients in the 48-57-year group were lower than those in the 18-27-year and 28-37-year groups(48-57-year group vs 18-27-year group,74.88 ± 8.76 vs 79.76 ± 8.63,P = 0.021;48-57-year group vs 28-37-year group,74.88 ± 8.76 vs 79.04 ± 8.32,P = 0.014).The scores in the 68-75-year group were lower than those in the 18-27-year,28-37-year and 38-47-year groups(68-75-year group vs 18-27-year group,71.98 ± 9.83 vs 79.76 ± 8.63,P = 0.003;68-75-year group vs 28-37-year group,71.98 ± 9.83 vs 79.04 ± 8.32,P = 0.002;68-75-year group vs 38-47-year group,71.98 ± 9.83 vs 76.44 ± 8.15,P = 0.039).Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with QoL in all age groups(SDS and QoL:18-27-year group,r =-0.562,P = 0.005;28-37-year group,r =-0.540,P < 0.001;38-47-year group,r =-0.775,P < 0.001;48-57-year group,r =-0.445,P = 0.001;58-67-year group,r =-0.692,P < 0.001;68-75-year group,r =-0.732,P < 0.001.SAS and QoL:18-27-year group,r =-0.600,P = 0.002;28-37-year group,r =-0.511,P < 0.001;38-47-year group,r =-0.675,P < 0.001;48-57-year group,r =-0.558,58-67-year group,P = 0.001;r =-0.588,P < 0.001;68-75-year group,r =-0.811,P < 0.001).A negative correlation between abdominal pain severity and QoL was found in patients aged more than 58 years(58-67-year group,r =-0.366,P = 0.017;68-75-year group,r =-0.448,P = 0.048),but not in younger patients(18-27-year group,r = 0.080,P = 0.716;28-37-year group,r =-0.063,P = 0.679;38-47-year group,r =-0.029,P = 0.812;48-57-year group,r =-0.022,P = 0.876).CONCLUSION:Factors affecting QoL should always be treated in IBS,especially emotional problems in young adults.Even mild abdominal pain should be controlled in elderly patients.

FORCED-AIR WARMING AND FLUID WARMING MINIMIZE CORE HYPOTHERMIA DURING ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Objective To evaluate the effect of intraoperative combined forced-air warming and fluid warming system on patient＇s core temperature, blood loss, transfusion demand, extubation time, and incidence of postoperative shivering. Mothods Forty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, aged 18-70 years, scheduled for elective abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative warming from a forced-air blanket and fluid warming system or conventional cotton blanket, 20 in each group. The core temperature was recorded every 20 minutes during the operation, as well as the blood loss, blood transfusion, extubation time, and incidence of postoperative shivering. Results The core temperature at the end of the surgery in the warming group was significantly different from that in the control group （36.4±0.4℃ vs. 35.3±0.5℃, P〈0.001）. Application of intraoperative warming significantly shortened the time between the end of the surgery and extubation （P〈0.01）. Postoperative shivering occurred in 30% of the patients in the control group compared to no patient in the warming group （P 〈0.01）. Conclusion Active warming with air-forced blanket and fluid warming system provides sufficient heat to prevent hypothermia during abdominal surgery.

Continuous wound infusion of local anaesthetic agents following colorectal surgery:Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To provide a specifi c review and meta-analysis of the available evidence for continuous wound infusion of local anaesthetic agents following midline laparoto-my for major colorectal surgery. METHODS: Medline, Embase, trial registries, conference proceedings and article reference lists were searched to identify randomised, controlled trials of continuous wound infusion of local anaesthetic agents following colorectal surgery. The primary outcomes were opioid consumption, pain visual analogue scores (VASs), return to bowel function and length of hospital stay. Weighted mean difference were calculated for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: Five trials containing 542 laparotomy wounds were eligible for inclusion. There was a sig- nificant decrease in post-operative pain VAS at rest on day 3 (weighted mean difference: -0.43; 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.04; P = 0.03) but not on post-operative day 1 and 2. Local anaesthetic infusion was associated with a signifi cant reduction in pain VAS on movement on all three post-operative days (day 1 weighted mean difference: -1.14; 95% CI: -2.24 to -0.041; P = 0.04, day 2 weighted mean difference: -0.97, 95% CI: -1.91to -0.029; P = 0.04, day 3 weighted mean difference: -0.61; 95% CI: 1.01 to -0.20; P = 0.0038). Local an- aesthetic wound infusion was associated with a signifi - cant decrease in total opioid consumption (weighted mean difference: -40.13; 95% CI: -76.74 to -3.53; P = 0.03). There was no signifi cant decrease in length of stay (weighted mean difference: -20.87; 95% CI: -46.96 to 5.21; P = 0.12) or return of bowel function (weighted mean difference: -9.40; 95% CI: -33.98 to 15.17; P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic re- view and meta-analysis suggest that local anaesthetic wound infusion following laparotomy for major color- ectal surgery is a promising technique but do not pro- vide conclusive evidence of benefi t. Further research is required including cost-effectiveness analysis.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery of abdominal large visceral organs

AIM： To design a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach in an attempt to provide an option for laparoscopic resection of abdominal large viscera. METHODS： A 5-6 cm incision （for HandPort） and 2 trocars were employed. The main vessel of the target organ was taken as a ＂core＂, and all tissues around the core were taken as peripheral structures. The peripheral structures were dissected first, and the core vessels were treated last. Twenty-six patients underwent laparoscopic deroofing of the hepatic huge cysts, resection of the segments lying at the outer edge of the liver （segments 2 to 6）, splenectomy, hemicolectomy, ileocecectomy and subtotal gastrectomy with HandPort device, harmonic scalpel, or Ligasure. RESULTS： The duration of the procedure was within 2 hours. Blood loss amounted to 8-120 mL. The conversion rate was 3.8% （1/26）. All patients had uneventful postoperative courses with less pain, earlier oral intake, and faster recovery, compared with conventional surgery. CONCLUSION： This method combines the advantages of both open and laparoscopic techniques, achieving better hemostasis effect, shortening the operative time, and is beneficial to the patients.

TREM-1 expression during major abdominal surgery: Comment on the Gonzalez-Roldan et al paper

TO THE EDITORI read with a great interest the paper by Gonzalez-Roldan et al. The authors reported on the pattern expression of TREM-1 during sepsis and major abdominal surgery as compared to healthy controls and concluded that TREM-1 expression increased on the surface of monocytes after surgery. Several points deserve consideration. First, no data related to TREM-1 expression on neutrophils is provided.

A diagnostic approach to abdominal tuberculosis

TO THE EDITORWe read with interest the article by Uzunkoy et al[1]. about diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. In this article authors concluded that PCR for mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is a noninvasive method which can provide the diagnosis in most cases. If this tests negative or not feasible, laparotomy should be performed.

Distal small bowel motility and lipid absorption in patients following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery

AIM： To investigate distal small bowel motility and lipid absorption in patients following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm （AAA） repair surgery, METHODS： Nine patients （aged 35-78 years; body mass index （BMI） range： 23-36 kg/m2） post-surgery for AAA repair, and seven healthy control subjects （20-50 years; BMI range： 21-29 kg/m^2） were studied, Continuous distal small bowel manometry was performed for up to 72 h, during periods of fasting and enteral feeding （Nutrison）. Recordings were analyzed for the frequency, odgin, length of migration, and direction of small intestinal burst activity. Lipid absorption was assessed on the first day and the third day post surgery in a subset of patients using the ^13C-triolein-breath test, and compared with healthy controls. Subjects received a 20-min intraduodenal infusion of 50 mL liquid feed mixed with 200μL ^13C-triolein. End-expiratory breath samples were collected for 6 h and analyzed for ^13CO2 concentration. RESULTS： The frequency of burst activity in the proximal and distal small intestine was higher in patients than in healthy subjects, under both fasting and fed conditions （P〈 0.005）. In patients there was a higher proportion of abnormally propagated bursts （71% abnormal）, which began to normalize by d 3 （25% abnormal） post-surgery.Lipid absorption data was available for seven patients on d 1 and four patients on d 3 post surgery. In patients, absorption on d 1 post-surgery was half that of healthy control subjects （AUC ^13CO2 1323±244 vs 2646±365; P〈0.05, respectively）, and was reduced to the one-fitch that of healthy controls by d 3 （AUC ^13CO2 470±832 vs 2646±365; P〈 0.05, respectively）. CONCLUSION： Both proximal and distal small intestinal motor activity are transiently disrupted in critically ill patients immediately after major surgery, with abnormal motility patterns extending as far as the ileum. These motor disturbances may contribute to impaired absorption of enteral nutrition, especially when intraluminal processing is necessary for efficient digestion.

Abdominal neurenteric cyst

Neurenteric cysts are extremely rare congenital anomalies, often presenting in the first 5 years of life, and are caused by an incomplete separation of the notochord from the foregut during the third week of embryogenesis. They are frequently accompanied with spinal or gastrointestinal abnormalities, but the latter may be absent in adults. Although usually located in the thorax, neurenteric cysts may be found along the entire spine. We present a 24-year-old woman admitted for epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, low grade fever and leucocytosis. She underwent cystgastrostomy for a Ioculated cyst of the distal pancreas at the age of 4 years, which recurred when she was at the age of 11 years. Ultrasound and computer tomograghy （CT） scan revealed a 16 cmx 15 cm cystic mass in the body and tail of pancreas, with a 6-7 mm thickened wall. Laboratory data and chest X-ray were normal and spinal radiographs did not show any structural abnormalities. The patient underwent a complete cyst excision, and after an uneventful recovery, remained symptom-free without recurrence during the 5-year follow-up. The cyst was found to contain 1200 mL of pale viscous fluid. It was covered by a primitive singlelayered cuboidal epithelium, along with specialized antral glandular parenchyma and hypoplastic primitive gastric mucosa. Focal glandular groups resembling those of the body of the stomach were also seen. In addition, ciliary respiratory epithelium, foci of squamous metaplasia and mucinous glands were present. The wall of the cyst contained a muscular layer, neuroglial tissue with plexogenic nerve fascicles, Paccini corpuscle-like structures, hyperplastic neuroganglionar elements and occasional psammomatous bodies, as well as fibroblast-like areas of surrounding stroma. Cartilagenous tissue was not found in any part of the cyst. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of neurogenic elements marked by S-100, GFAP, NF and NSE. The gastric epithelium showed mostly CK7 and EMA immunoexpression, and the respiratory epithelium revealed a CK8 and CK18 immunoprofile without CK 10/13 positive elements, though neither CEA or AFP positive cells were found. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an abdominally located neurenteric cyst with no associated spinal anomalies.