The cystohepatic ducts represent accessory bile ducts of variable size which frequently travel within the gallbladder fossa or in the posterior wall of the gallbladder. These ducts can be injured during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and can result in bile collections if transected. Successful treatment by operative means or radiologically guided percutaneous drainage is possible, but endoscopic management has several advantages. We describe cases managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement and discuss the advantages of this method. Also discussed is the anatomy of these accessory bile ducts, additional management options, and techniques for avoiding this injury during open or closed cholecystectomy.

Retrograde cardioplegia catheter displacement represents a troublesome complication, frequently forcing the surgeon to interrupt the operative procedure and cannulate newly the coronary sinus. However, this maneuver is time consuming, often implies the loss of surgical exposure, and exposes again the coronary sinus to the risk of iatrogenic injuries. We describe the use of an external security stitch through the muscular right atrial wall to avoid the displacement of a retrograde cardioplegia catheter and analyze the anatomic conditions which predispose to this complication.

No abstract

Fourteen patients younger than two years of age with persistent truncus arteriosus underwent primary repair. Twelve of them were less than 1 year and 4 less than 3 months of age. Intractable heart failure was the indication for surgery in all patients but one who had increased pulmonary vascular resistance. There were 5 hospital and 2 late deaths. Six out of the 7 survivors (median follow-up: 29 months) were symptom-free. The remaining infant who preoperatively had significant truncal valve regurgitation was doing fairly well 2 1/2 years after repair. Our experience suggests that, although the mortality remains high, primary repair for infants with persistent truncus arteriosus is feasible and offers better overall results than does pulmonary artery banding followed by later intracardiac repair. We advise primary repair for all infants with intractable heart failure or increasing pulmonary vascular resistance with or without truncal valve regurgitation. Elective repair is recommended before the age of 2 years to minimize the risk of pulmonary vascular disease.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract