BACKGROUND: Partial porto-systemic shunts have been popularized because of reported low rate of mortality and morbidity (especially encephalopathy, liver failure and oc- clusion). To further investigate these assumpti...BACKGROUND: Partial porto-systemic shunts have been popularized because of reported low rate of mortality and morbidity (especially encephalopathy, liver failure and oc- clusion). To further investigate these assumptions, we ret- rospectively reviewed the results of partial porta-caval shunts performed at different stages of liver disease. METHODS: Twenty-nine cirrhotic patients underwent a partial porta-caval shunt with a ringed polytetrafluoroethy- lene interposition prosthesis of 8-mm ( 20 patients) or 10- mm (9 patients) in diameter. Pre- and post-shunt porta- caval pressure was measured in all patients. Twelve patients (41.4%) belonged to Child A, 11 Child B (37.9%), and 6 Child C (20.7%). Eleven patients (37.9%) suffered from hepatic encephalopathy preoperatively. Twelve patients (41%) were operated on in emergency/urgency. RESULTS: Porta-caval pressure gradient, reduced signifi- cantly using either 8- or 10-mm prosthesis. The overall ear- ly mortality and morbidity were 13. 8% and 48% respec- tively. The early mortality and morbidity were different be- tween patients of Child A and B when compared to those of Child C (0 vs 66.6% and 34.8% vs 66.6% respectively). No patient re-bled early from varices. The overall late mor- tality and morbidity were 40% and 64% respectively. Shunt thrombosis and stenosis took place in 16% and 8% of the two groups of patients respectively; variceal re-bleeding oc- curred in 4 patients (16%). Encephalopathy occurred post- operatively in 5 patients (20%), acute in 3 patients (12%), and chronic in 2 (8%). The actuarial survival rate at 3 and 5 years was 92% and 75% for patients of Child A, 70% and 60% for patients of Child B, and 0% for patients of Child C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that partial porta-ca- val shunt with a small diameter interposition H-graft is an effective procedure for the treatment of variceal bleeding, as well as for the prevention of re-bleeding in patients of Child A and those of Child B, as an elective or emergency/ urgency procedure, with a low rate of complications and encephalopathy. This technique could be used safely in pa- tients with good liver function but they should be moni- tored closely because of the risk of shunt occlusion.展开更多
AIM:Bowel habits are difficult to study, and most data on defecatory behaviour in the general population have been obtained on the basis of recalled interview. The objective assessment of this physiological function a...AIM:Bowel habits are difficult to study, and most data on defecatory behaviour in the general population have been obtained on the basis of recalled interview. The objective assessment of this physiological function and its pathological aspects continues to pose a difficult challenge. The aim of this prospective study was to objectively assess the bowel habits and related aspects in a large sample drawn from thegeneral population.METHODS: Over a two-month period 488 subjects were prospectively recruited from the general population and asked to compile a daily diary on their bowel habits and associated signs and symptoms (the latter according to Rome Ⅱ criteria). A total of 298 (61%) participants returned a correctly compiled record, so that data for more than 8000 patient-days were available for statistical analysis.RESULTS:The average defecatory frequency was once per day (range of 0.25-3.25) and was similar between males and females.However, higher frequencies of straining at stool (P=0.001), a feeling of incomplete emptying and/or difficult evacuation (P=0.0001), and manual manoeuvres to facilitate defecation (P=0.046) were reported by females as compared to males.CONCLUSION:This study represents one of the first attempts to objectively and prospectively assess bowel habits in a sample of the general population over a relatively long period of time. The variables we analyzed are coherent with the criteria commonly used for the clinical assessment of functional constipation, and can provide a useful adjunt for a better evaluation of constipated patients.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND: Partial porto-systemic shunts have been popularized because of reported low rate of mortality and morbidity (especially encephalopathy, liver failure and oc- clusion). To further investigate these assumptions, we ret- rospectively reviewed the results of partial porta-caval shunts performed at different stages of liver disease. METHODS: Twenty-nine cirrhotic patients underwent a partial porta-caval shunt with a ringed polytetrafluoroethy- lene interposition prosthesis of 8-mm ( 20 patients) or 10- mm (9 patients) in diameter. Pre- and post-shunt porta- caval pressure was measured in all patients. Twelve patients (41.4%) belonged to Child A, 11 Child B (37.9%), and 6 Child C (20.7%). Eleven patients (37.9%) suffered from hepatic encephalopathy preoperatively. Twelve patients (41%) were operated on in emergency/urgency. RESULTS: Porta-caval pressure gradient, reduced signifi- cantly using either 8- or 10-mm prosthesis. The overall ear- ly mortality and morbidity were 13. 8% and 48% respec- tively. The early mortality and morbidity were different be- tween patients of Child A and B when compared to those of Child C (0 vs 66.6% and 34.8% vs 66.6% respectively). No patient re-bled early from varices. The overall late mor- tality and morbidity were 40% and 64% respectively. Shunt thrombosis and stenosis took place in 16% and 8% of the two groups of patients respectively; variceal re-bleeding oc- curred in 4 patients (16%). Encephalopathy occurred post- operatively in 5 patients (20%), acute in 3 patients (12%), and chronic in 2 (8%). The actuarial survival rate at 3 and 5 years was 92% and 75% for patients of Child A, 70% and 60% for patients of Child B, and 0% for patients of Child C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that partial porta-ca- val shunt with a small diameter interposition H-graft is an effective procedure for the treatment of variceal bleeding, as well as for the prevention of re-bleeding in patients of Child A and those of Child B, as an elective or emergency/ urgency procedure, with a low rate of complications and encephalopathy. This technique could be used safely in pa- tients with good liver function but they should be moni- tored closely because of the risk of shunt occlusion.
文摘AIM:Bowel habits are difficult to study, and most data on defecatory behaviour in the general population have been obtained on the basis of recalled interview. The objective assessment of this physiological function and its pathological aspects continues to pose a difficult challenge. The aim of this prospective study was to objectively assess the bowel habits and related aspects in a large sample drawn from thegeneral population.METHODS: Over a two-month period 488 subjects were prospectively recruited from the general population and asked to compile a daily diary on their bowel habits and associated signs and symptoms (the latter according to Rome Ⅱ criteria). A total of 298 (61%) participants returned a correctly compiled record, so that data for more than 8000 patient-days were available for statistical analysis.RESULTS:The average defecatory frequency was once per day (range of 0.25-3.25) and was similar between males and females.However, higher frequencies of straining at stool (P=0.001), a feeling of incomplete emptying and/or difficult evacuation (P=0.0001), and manual manoeuvres to facilitate defecation (P=0.046) were reported by females as compared to males.CONCLUSION:This study represents one of the first attempts to objectively and prospectively assess bowel habits in a sample of the general population over a relatively long period of time. The variables we analyzed are coherent with the criteria commonly used for the clinical assessment of functional constipation, and can provide a useful adjunt for a better evaluation of constipated patients.
