Publications by authors named "P B Dimakakos"

Venous aneurysms of the femoro-iliac axis are uncommon abnormalities of the vascular system with a potentially life-threatening course; they can be associated with the disastrous events of thromboembolism or rupture. Therefore, a focused imaging evaluation and prophylactic treatment is essential. The appropriate surgical approach is, however, dictated by the morphological parameters and the extent of the aneurysm.

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The coexistense of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with ectopic main renal vasculature complicates aortic surgery and mandates a focused imaging evaluation and a carefully planned operation to minimize renal ischemia. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a right kidney with two ectopic main renal arteries, one originating from the aneurysmal distal aorta and the other from the right common iliac artery; the patient underwent a surgical repair and followed an uneventful course with no deterioration of renal function. The preoperative and intraoperative details are reported, along with a review of the literature.

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Background/purpose: Various (mostly transthoracic) techniques have been proposed to facilitate access to large tumors located in the upper part of the liver, close to the confluence of the major hepatic veins. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a transdiaphragmatic mobilization technique for resection of such tumors.

Methods: Twenty-one patients, with tumors ranging from 12 to 22 cm in diameter, underwent liver resections using our technique of diaphragmatic splitting, with the intention of achieving adequate exposure of the inferior vena cava and the hepatocaval junction.

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Background: The aim of this study was to compare ischemic preconditioning with the intermittent vascular occlusion technique in liver resections performed under inflow and outflow occlusion.

Methods: Fifty-four patients with resectable liver tumors assigned were randomly to undergo surgery with either ischemic preconditioning (IP group, n = 27) or with intermittent vascular occlusion (IVO group, n = 27). Both groups were compared regarding surgical parameters, aspartate transaminase levels, and apoptosis.

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Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and intermittent vascular control (IVC) have been shown to reduce the number of ischemia/reperfusion injuries during liver resections with the Pringle maneuver. Our study aimed to compare the beneficial effect of these two modalities in relation to the duration of normothermic liver ischemia. A group of 24 Landrace pigs with a mean body weight of 25 to 30 kg were subjected to extended liver resection of more than 65%.

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