Standardized approach to the conservative surgery of hepatic cystic echinococcosis: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery is the mainstay of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). The conservative surgery of HCE carries a non-negligible risk of recurrence and significant morbidity, dominated by Deep Surgical Site Infections (DSSI). To address these issues, we have improved and standardized this technique, which could reduce complications and achieve better postoperative outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from June 2017 to June 2022 involving of patient operated using a standardized open technique for uncomplicated HCE at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. The aim was to obtain results at least similar to radical management in terms of DSSI. Patients with large cystobiliary fistulas or patients with complicated cysts were excluded. RESULTS: Fifty patients with 106 cysts were operated using the standardized technique comprising of liver mobilization, intraoperative ultrasound, systematic methylene blue injection to detect cystobiliary fistulas and omentoplasty. The median age of the patients was 44(semi-interquartile range: 16) years. The main symptom described by the patient was pain in 43 cases (86%). An abnormal liver test was found in 20 cases (40%). On imaging studies, the cyst had a median size of 7.4(3.0) cm. Cyst of the hepatic dome accounted for 38 cases (35.8%) with most cysts being situated in the right hemi-liver. Visual inspection of the cavity and Methylene blue testing allowed for the discovery of 57 cysts (53.7%) that had cystobiliary fistulas that were sutured. Omentoplasty was performed in 77 cysts (72.6%). Postoperatively, only 2 cases (1.9%) developed a DSSI in the form of an external bile leak with resolved with conservative management. No case of recurrence was found after a median follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSION: The standardized conservative surgical technique, in selected patients, shows promise in reducing DSSI rates and overall morbidity, and achieve as equally good result as radical management.

Cystic Echinococcosis of the Liver: Correlation Between Intra-Operative Ultrasound and Pre-Operative Imaging.

Background: Imaging plays an essential role in the management of hepatic hydatid cysts (HCE). The objective of our study was to determine the correlation between pre-operative ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) in studying the characteristics and complications of HCE. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted in the General Surgery Department of Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Sfax. The study included patients with HCE who underwent conservative surgery between April 2017 and June 2022. Results: We enrolled 49 patients with 94 cysts. At the end of our study, IOUS allowed for better detection of HCE (98.8%) regardless of the number of cysts per patient. IOUS and CT were accurate in studying the location of cysts (κ = 1), whereas pre-operative abdominal ultrasound was less efficient (κ = 0.870). IOUS was the best examination for detecting exocysts (κ = 0.961), studying daughter cysts (κ = 0.823), and exploring vascular relations, but it was less effective (κ = 0.523) in detecting calcifications. Regarding classifications, ultrasound and CT had similar results. However, IOUS was most reliable in differentiating between CE3b and CE4 types (κ = 0.653). Ultrasound, CT, and IOUS were not sensitive in detecting latent HCE suppurations and cystobiliary fistulas. Conclusions: Performing IOUS is essential to prevent recurrences and reduce post-operative morbidity.

Predictive factors of occult cystobiliary fistulas during conservative treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Occult cystobiliary fistula (CBF) is a common complication of hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC). It is often the cause of high morbidity of conservative treatment of HHC. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors of occult CBF to establish the indications for the investigation and treatment of these CBFs. METHODS: This was a prospective study that included all operated HHCs over a 3-year period. HHCs complicated with large CBFs were not included in the study. Systematic cholecystectomy and methylene blue test for all cysts were performed. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients operated on with 113 cysts were included in this study. The median cyst size was 6.7 cm (IQR, 1-38). A total of 114 CBFs were detected in 51 cysts (45.1%). The postoperative course was simple in 95.0% of cases. The specific morbidity rate was 2.7%. In a bivariate study, absence of mass and abdominal pain on palpation, hemoglobin level >11.55 g/dL, negative hydatid serology, cyst size, absence of calcifications, vascular compression, existence of a single cyst, and localization at segment VIII were predictive factors of occult CBF. At the end of the multivariate study, cyst size was determined to be the only predictive factor for occult CBF. A threshold of 3 cm was used. CONCLUSION: Cyst size is a major predictive factor for occult CBF.

Viability predictive factors of the daughter vesicles in hepatic cystic echinococcosis.

INTRODUCTION: Management of cystic echinococcosis (CE) requires knowledge of certain aspects related to the survival of Echinococcus granulosus. The viability of daughter vesicles (DV) is a determining factor in guiding therapeutic indications, particularly for transiently active Cysts type CE3b. PURPOSE: To determine the predictive factors of DV viability and its impact on the therapeutic management of CE3b type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective pilot study with an analytical aim on patients with cystic echinococcosis of the liver type CE2 and CE3b, operated in the General Surgery Department of Habib-Bourguiba Academic Hospital, Sfax-Tunisia for 22 months from March 2018 until December 2019. The unit of the study is the DV. A parasitological study of the DV was done in the parasitology laboratory. RESULTS: During the study period, 27 (40.9%) of 66 operated CE Disease from 21 patients containing 248 DV were explored. The median viability of DV protoscoleces was 16.7%. In bivariate analysis, factors for viability of DV protoscoleces were: fever, acute cholangitis, hyperbilirubinemia, left liver location, rock water and bilious echinococcal fluid (EF), cyst size ≥ 43 mm, Intracystic pressure ≥ 35 mmHg, DV size ≥ 6.5 mm, volume, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5, and opaque wall (p < 0.05). Predictive factors for the Non-viability of DV were: CE3b type, purulent EF, gelatinous EF. In multivariate analysis, only CE2 type, cyst size ≥ 43 mm, number of DV/cyst ≥ 5 and DV size ≥ 6.5 mm were factors significantly associated with the viability of DV protoscoleces. CONCLUSION: CE3b cysts without the criteria of viability of DV protoscoleces may become candidates for the 'Wait-and-Watch' procedure.

Localized stomach cancer: Perioperative or postoperative approach? A meta-analysis of phase III studies.

Background and Aim: Despite the development and standardization of surgical techniques in the treatment of localized gastric adenocarcinoma, the loco-regional and metastatic recurrence rate remains high. A combined radiochemotherapeutic regimen (the MacDonald regimen) as well as perioperative chemotherapy allows a significant improvement in the survival of patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma with a reduction in the recurrence rate compared to surgery alone. The purpose of this review is to specify the best therapeutic approach in the treatment of localized gastric cancer. Methods: We performed a systemic search of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid without language restriction. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Results: We pooled 727 patients from two phase III randomized controlled trials. There was a benefit of perioperative chemotherapy versus surgery alone on the overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.95) and on disease free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.65, CI: 0.50-0.85). Adjuvant chemotherapy was superior to surgery alone based on OS and disease free survival (CLASSIC study HR = 0.72, CI: 0.52-1 and HR = 0.56, CI: 0.44-0.72, respectively). Adjuvant radiochemotherapy was superior to surgery alone (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09-1.66; P = 0.005). Conclusion: A face-to-face comparison of perioperative chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy is necessary.

Duplication cyst and diverticulum of the stomach: A case report of an unusual association.

Gastric duplication cysts are uncommon findings in adult patients. Accurate diagnosis of these cysts is difficult. Presenting symptoms are often non-specific, and complications are rare. We report an uncommon case of a non-communicating duplication cyst associated to a diverticula of the stomach in 38-year-old women.

Laser utility in the treatment of hemorrhoidal pathology: a review of literature.

Hemorrhoidal disease is a common reason for consultation in proctology. It can be treated in several ways (medical, endoscopic, and surgical). Laser treatment has been described since 1960 and has developed in recent years. The purpose of this literature review was to study the results of laser treatment of hemorrhoids and to compare them with those of surgical methods. We performed a systematic search of the literature by querying the Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Retrospective studies and case reports were excluded. We selected 11 studies both techniques HeLP (hemorrhoid laser procedure) and LHP (laser hemorrhoidoplasty procedure). The total number of patients was 1179 including 1059 patients treated with laser and 120 treated surgically within the context of comparative studies. The age of the patients varies between 18 and 74 years old. HeLP laser treatment was significantly superior to surgical treatment in terms of postoperative pain (p < 0.001), hemorrhoidal disease downgrading (p < 0.001), and postoperative satisfaction (p < 0.001). Similarly, LHP laser treatment was significantly superior to surgical treatment in terms of operative duration (p < 0.00001), intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.00001), postoperative pain at H12 and H24 (p < 0.00001 and p = 0.0003), and postoperative bleeding rate (p < 0.001). The laser represents a revolution in the field of proctology mainly in the treatment of hemorrhoidal pathology. It is a safe, effective, and less painful mini-invasive technique. More rigorous studies will be needed to better evaluate this technique.

Perforated jejunal diverticulitis with extensive diverticulosis: A case report.

Jejunal diverticulitis is a rare condition that almost occurs in the elderly. An extensive diverticulosis associated is exceptional and can make the treatment more challenging.

Strangulated obturator hernia: Report of two cases.

Obturator hernia is a rare condition, which can be life-threatening if misdiagnosed. We must consider the diagnosis in case of a bowel obstruction especially in elderly women.

Isolated cecal necrosis: Report of two cases.

Isolated cecal necrosis is a rare variant of ischemic colitis. Diagnosis is difficult because of nonspecific clinical and radiological findings. It especially affects patients with comorbidities affecting mesenteric perfusion.

Tailgut cyst: 2 case reports.

Tailgut cysts, or retrorectal cystic hamartomas, are rare congenital developmental lesions. It is a benign lesion, but there is a risk of degeneration, so surgical resection is necessary.

Survival of an immuno-competent patient from splenic and gastric mucormycosis-case report and review of the literature.

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening disease responsible for a high mortality rate. The disease usually affects immuno-compromised patients. While all sites might be involved, gastrointestinal disease is rare, occurring for 5% to 13% of all mucormycosis cases. We report herein the fifth case of splenic and gastric mucormycosis revealed after gastric perforation and the first case occurring among an immuno-competent patient, and we review all reported cases of splenic mucormycosis by searching PubMed publications till October 2020. The literature search yielded 27 cases of splenic mucormycosis including our case. The majority of the cases had underlying immuno-compromised conditions, except for 6 cases, including ours. A male predominance was noted (22 cases). Involvement of the spleen and the stomach was rare, occurring among four immuno-compromised patients. The outcome was death in more than half of the cases. Splenic and gastric mucormycosis is a rare disease. The diagnosis of splenic mucormycosis should be considered in front of splenic lesions suggesting abscess or infarction, especially among immuno-compromised patients.

[Surgical treatment of hydatid cysts with large biliocystic fistula in conservative strategy]. / Prise en charge des larges fistules bilio-kystiques lors de la chirurgie conservatrice du kyste hydatique du foie.

INTRODUCTION: the treatment of large biliocystic fistulas is not unanimous among authors in the absence of consensus or a high level of evidence. There is a controversy over the use of a radical approach which allows the fistula to be sutured in a healthy area or conservative treatment that poses repair issues. The purpose of this study is to compare different conservative techniques to treat large biliocystic fistulas. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective study of 54 patients with large fistulas in the Department of General Surgery at the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax over a period of 9 years (2010 - 2018). RESULTS: fourty-four patients were enrolled in the study. Abdominal ultrasound suggested opening of the bile ducts in 18 cases (47.4%) while computed tomography (CT) scan suggested opening in 28 patients (68.3%). The treatment of fistulas was based on DITFO (internal trans-fistulary drainage) in 18 cases (33.3%), cystobiliary disconnection (PERDROMO) in 11 cases (20.4%) and bipolar drainage in 25 cases. Specific surgical morbidity rate was 31.5% and it was dominated by postoperative biliary fistula in 18.5% of cases. DITFO technique was associated with shorter hospital stay (p=0.028) and lower morbidity rates (22.2%) with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: DITFO technique is the gold standard technique in the treatment of biliocystic fistula because it is associated with lower morbidity rates and the shortest hospital stay.

[Hemocholecyst complicated by rupture of the gallbladder]. / Hémocholécyste compliquée d'une rupture de la vésicule biliaire.

Hemocholecyst is defined as a hemorrhage into the gallbladder. It is a rare complication of anticoagulant therapies which can progress to spontaneous rupture of the gallbladder with hemorrhagic shock. We report the case of a 75-year old hypertensive, dyslipidemic man with hypertensive heart disease initially hospitalized for left hemiplegia. The patient received antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as prevention strategy. After 5 days of treatment the patient developed hemocholecyst and hemoperitoneum, confirmed by angio-abdominal computerized tomography scan in emergency assessment. The patient underwent cholecystectomy, hemostasis of the gallbladder fossa and evacuation of the hemoperitoneum.

Exceptional evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor is the most common primary hepatic cancer. Bone metastases are rare with an incidence varying from 2% to 20% during autopsy. Spinal cord compression secondary to HCC is exceptional (0.03%-1.52%). It represents a therapeutic emergency. Therefore, it must be systematically searched in case of neurological signs. We report here two new cases of spinal cord compression secondary to HCC with a review of the literature.

Predictive factors of occult cystobiliary fistula after conservative surgical treatment of the hepatic hydatid cyst A retrospective study of 105 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to determine the predictive factors of their occurrence during conservative surgical treatment of the hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of patients who had undergone conservative surgical treatment of the HHC during 6 years. Univariate analyzes were used to determine the predictive factors of an occult cystobiliary fistula (CBF). RESULTS: This current study included 105 patients. Concerning the predictive factors of an CBF regardless of its pattern of evolution, we noted that the presence of fistula was statistically correlated with the a cyst size (bigger than 8.65 cm ; p = 0.003) and with advanced age (p=0.035). Interestingly enough, the correlation to a degenerated cyst (p=0.069) were of little significance. CONCLUSION: The size of the cyst greater than 8.65 cm and the advanced age are the risk factors of CBF according to our study. KEY WORDS: Biliary Fistula, Diagnosis, Echinococcosis, Hepatic, Prevention and control.

[Comparison between endoscopic stenting and colostomy in the management of obstructing cancer of the left colon: Literature review]. / Comparaison entre stent endoscopique et colostomie pour les cancers coliques gauches en occlusion : revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Colonic occlusion is the mode of discovery of 8 to 29% of colonic neoplasms. Our objective is to compare the placement of stent versus colostomy in the management of obstructing cancer of the left colon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have carried out a systematic search of literature from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library database to identify articles related to the comparison of stent versus colostomy published between 2000 and 2016. RESULTS: We have identified 6 studies. Only one study was prospective comparative. Three studies were for curative purposes. The total number of patients was 7205. In the "stent" group, there was a decrease in the average length of hospital stay compared to the "stoma" group and there was a decrease in cost with a statistically significant relationship. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of 4 hospital mortality and early morbidity. CONCLUSION: In case of neoplastic occlusion of the left colon, the choice between colostomy or colonic stent depends on the therapeutic strategy. Indeed, for curative strategy or administration of anti-angiogenics, it is recommended to practice a colostomy. However, for palliative treatment, colonic stenting is the treatment to follow.

Correlation of radiological findings with surgical findings in hepatic hydatid disease. A prospective study of 79 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The liver is the most frequent anatomic location of hydatid disease. Imaging modality nowadays are numerous and increasingly efficient. The objective of our study is to precise the correlation between Ultrasonography, computed tomography and intraoperative findings on the different characteristics of hepatic hydatid cyst. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study including all hepatic hydatid cyst operated in 2015. We evaluated statistically, by calculating the coefficient K or the intraclass correlation coefficient, the concordance between Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative findings on the different characteristics of hepatic hydatid cyst. RESULTS: In our study, we included 48 patients with 79 hepatic hydatid cysts. It was concluded that Ultrasonography performs better than CT in the study of type of cyst, pericyst, relationships with portal vein and main bile duct. While CT is better than echography in terms of number, localizations of cyst, relationship with the vena cava inferior, other localizations and the remaining liver, both examinations remain limited in the determination of pericyst characteristics and the identification of biliary fistula. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography and CT cannot provide accurate data for the study of pericyst and biliary fistula, hence requiring prospective studies of the place of MRI and intraoperative echography in this domain. KEY WORDS: Diagnostic, Imaging, Echinococcosis, Hepatic, Intraoperative Care.

Histopathological findings in cholecystectomies specimens: A single institution study of 20 584 cases.

BACKGROUND: The histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens has not been standardized with a debate concerning the routine and the selective approach. The aim of this study was to assess the information obtained from routine histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens. METHODS: All histopathological reports of cholecystectomy specimens between January 2003 and December 2016 were analyzed, including a clinical diagnosis of benign gallstone disease or cholecystitis. RESULTS: A total of 20,584 reports were examined. The mean age of patients was 54.2 years. Patients aged more than 60 years represent 37.6% of the study population. Of all patients, 15,973 (77.6%) were females. Incidental gallbladder cancers (GBC) were present in 155 cholecystectomies specimens (0.8%). 67.1% of GBC are at T2 and T3 stage. Granulomatous cholecystitis was diagnosed in only 19 cases (0.1%). GBC were more prevalent in older patients (P < 10-6) and cholesterolosis was more prevalent in young patients (P < 10-6). There was no gender predilection for GBC (P = 0.739). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of incidental gallbladder carcinoma in our study is low, yet, we found a higher proportion of T2 and T3 carcinomas stage. Granulomatous cholecystitis may need further investigations and treatments. When a selective approch of histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens is used, it is important to take into account that clinical parameters are significantly associated with gallbladder cancer.