An uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction: Vanek's tumor.

Vanek's Tumor, also known as Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP), is a rare submucosal mesenchymal lesion with spindle cells and eosinophilic infiltration. Its etiology is unknown but linked to chronic cellular damage. IFP can develop in various gastrointestinal segments, most commonly in the gastric antrum (70%), small intestine (18-20%), colon, and rectum (4-7%). IFP are usually symptomless and are often found incidentally during colonoscopies or gastroscopies. Most cases can be treated with simple endoscopic resection. In rare cases where larger lesions over 1 cm are identified through endoscopic ultrasound without deeper layer involvement, submucosal endoscopic dissection can be done with good outcomes and minimal risk. Some polyps may cause dyspeptic, hemorrhagic, or obstructive symptoms based on size and location. We report a case of a 56-year-old patient with a 24-hour history of obstructive symptoms, including bowel cessation and vomiting. The patient also had abdominal pain and gradual weight loss over the past two months. Notably, the patient had a prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease 12 years ago, without treatment or continuous medical monitoring.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from complex perianal fistula: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

We present a case of a 64-year-old male with a history of perianal abscesses that have been surgically treated on 10 occasions. Eight months after the last drainage procedure, he presented with a new abscess. Drainage was performed, revealing a cavity with smooth walls, a chronic appearance, filled with mucoid material. An internal fistulous opening was identified at the 6 o'clock position above the anorectal line, which communicated with the described cavity, forming a trans-sphincteric fistula to the mid-anal canal. Biopsy with pathological anatomy showed a mucinous adenocarcinoma with possible intestinal origin (CK20+, CDX2+, TTF1-, CK7+). After completing the evaluation, he was diagnosed with T4N1M0 rectal neoplasia. A diverting colostomy was performed, followed by neoadjuvant therapy, and subsequently, a laparoscopic abdominoperineal amputation. Pathological anatomy revealed residual adenocarcinoma ypT2N0 N0V0L0, R0. This case is notable for both the rarity of a mucinous adenocarcinoma originating in a perianal fistula and the nonspecific clinical presentation of such tumors. Clinical suspicion is crucial, especially in cases of recurrent abscesses with the discharge of mucoid material through fistulous openings, prompting the need for biopsies to ensure proper diagnosis and subsequent optimal treatment.

Giant sigmoid diverticulum.

Unlike acute diverticulitis, giant diverticulum larger than 4 cm is a rare entity with few cases described in the literature. We present a case of a 66-year-old male patient diagnosed with colonic diverticulosis. He presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute abdomen and was diagnosed by CT scan with a 13x14 cm giant diverticulum showing signs of complication. Given the findings, an urgent surgical intervention was decided, and diverticulectomy at the diverticular neck was performed using an endostapler. The etiology of giant diverticula is related to a mechanism of one-way valve at the diverticular neck. Diagnosis poses a challenge as the clinical presentation is nonspecific. The imaging modality of choice is CT scan, which reveals a large cystic image dependent on the sigmoid colon. Definitive treatment is surgical, either by resecting the affected segment including the lesion or by performing a simple diverticulectomy in uncomplicated cases.

Alternative forms of portal vein revascularization in liver transplant recipients with complex portal vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complex portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a challenge in liver transplantation (LT). Extra-anatomical approaches to portal revascularization, including renoportal (RPA), left gastric vein (LGA), pericholedochal vein (PCA), and cavoportal (CPA) anastomoses, have been described in case reports and series. The RP4LT Collaborative was created to record cases of alternative portal revascularization performed for complex PVT. METHODS: An international, observational web registry was launched in 2020. Cases of complex PVT undergoing first LT performed with RPA, LGA, PCA, or CPA were recorded and updated through 12/2021. RESULTS: A total of 140 cases were available for analysis: 74 RPA, 18 LGA, 20 PCA, and 28 CPA. Transplants were primarily performed with whole livers (98%) in recipients with median (IQR) age 58 (49-63) years, model for end-stage liver disease score 17 (14-24), and cold ischemia 431 (360-505) minutes. Post-operatively, 49% of recipients developed acute kidney injury, 16% diuretic-responsive ascites, 9% refractory ascites (29% with CPA, p <0.001), and 10% variceal hemorrhage (25% with CPA, p = 0.002). After a median follow-up of 22 (4-67) months, patient and graft 1-/3-/5-year survival rates were 71/67/61% and 69/63/57%, respectively. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, the only factor significantly and independently associated with all-cause graft loss was non-physiological portal vein reconstruction in which all graft portal inflow arose from recipient systemic circulation (hazard ratio 6.639, 95% CI 2.159-20.422, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Alternative forms of portal vein anastomosis achieving physiological portal inflow (i.e., at least some recipient splanchnic blood flow reaching transplant graft) offer acceptable post-transplant results in LT candidates with complex PVT. On the contrary, non-physiological portal vein anastomoses fail to resolve portal hypertension and should not be performed. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Complex portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a challenge in liver transplantation. Results of this international, multicenter analysis may be used to guide clinical decisions in transplant candidates with complex PVT. Extra-anatomical portal vein anastomoses that allow for at least some recipient splanchnic blood flow to the transplant allograft offer acceptable results. On the other hand, anastomoses that deliver only systemic blood flow to the allograft fail to resolve portal hypertension and should not be performed.

Prostate gland metastasis as a late relapse of rectal adenocarcinoma.

We present a case report of a 49 year old patient with a known history of rectal adenocarcinoma treated with extended abdominal perineal resection. After five the patient was diagnosed with metastases to the prostate gland. This case stands out not only due to the infrequency of an onset of a colorectal tumor in the prostatic gland but also the late onset of the tumor. In these cases the differential diagnosis between a metastatic tumor and a primary urologic tumor is difficult due to similar morphology and histology, making the CDX-2 immunohistochemical maker expression an important tool to define the histopathology of the tumor.

Burkitt's lymphoma in the adult as an unusual cause of large bowel obstruction.

Bowel obstruction is an uncommon clinical presentation in Burkitt´s lymphoma, specially in adults. This type of lymphoma is classified within B-cell non-Hodgkin´s lymphomas, which is characterized by its aggressiveness and quickly tumoral growth. The clinical presentation related to the gastrointestinal tract is unusual, but it can be presented as intussusception, obstruction or ischemic perforation. Here we describe a case of Burkitt´s lymphoma with bowel obstruction as a clinical debut.

Cervical ultrasound for the evaluation of the vocal cords: A pilot study in an endocrine surgery unit.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical ultrasound (CE) has emerged as a promising tool in recent years for vocal cord (VC) assessment in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Our aim is to assess the reliability of CE once implemented in an endocrine surgery unit and performed by the surgeons themselves. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 86 participants with no history of laryngeal pathology or cervical surgery underwent CE by three independent endocrine surgeons. Laryngeal structures and specifically the VCs were analysed. To consider the examination as diagnostic, the VCs had to be visualised statically and during phonation. The time taken to perform the technique and the interobserver variability were also analysed. RESULTS: Of the 86 participants, 51.2% were male with a mean age of 43 years. The range of diagnostic examinations between surgeons was 60-68%, with substantial agreement between the 3 explorers (Fleiss's K-value = .714). Male sex and advanced age were factors associated with non-assessability of the technique. The mean procedure time was 72 s. CONCLUSIONS: CE is a fast, non-invasive, feasible bedside tool useful for the assessment of VCs prior to thyroid surgery, mainly in young women.

Obstructive jaundice secondary to a pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery.

Superior mesenteric arteries pseudoaneurysms are rare entity, usually asymptomatic but they can appear as an abdominal pain, throbbing mass or shock, being jaundice an exceptional type of presentation. Diagnosis is made by imaging tests (CT) and currently the endovascular approach is the most widespread, reserving open surgery in selected cases. We describe the case of a patient with an 86mm SMA pseudoaneurysm with compression of the extrahepatic bile duct.

Sigmoid colon Schwannoma simulating colon cancer.

Schwannomas tumours are uncommonly developed in the gastrointestinal tract (2-6%), located in 12% of cases in small and large intestines. An 87-year-old woman was studied due to epigastric pain and dyspepsia. CT scan and colonoscopy showed a neoplastic process in the sigmoid colon. It was performed an oncologic laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Histological study described a schwannoma and a positive immunohistochemistry to S-100. The diagnostic challenge is that this is a submucosa lesion, therefore, endoscopy biopsy is realized only in the mucosa. This becomes the differential diagnostic very difficult in order to differentiate from another mesenchymal tumor (GIST or leiomyoma). The immunohistochemistry helps in the diagnostic if it is positive to S- 100 and negative to C-KIT, CD-34, actine and desmine (findings of GIST tumors and leiomyoma). In conclusion, schwannoma diagnostic is tough. Those are asymptomatic tumors with nonspecific radiological findings. Diagnostic confirmation is a S-100 positive immunohistochemistry in the histological study.

Cytomegalovirus colitis seems to be colon cancer. HIV debut.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is very common in immunosuppressed patients. It can y puede afectar a todo el tracto gastrointestinal, presentándose como úlceras o pseudotumores. A 43-year-old male with no personal background of interest, was studied due to constitutional syndrome. The diagnosis was neoplasia of the right colon, reported by colonoscopy and CT scan. A right hemicolectomy was performed with oncologic character. The definitive histology was CMV infectious colitis with positive immunohistochemical staining. Treatment with ganciclovir was started and the patient was diagnosed with HIV infection. The unusual finding of CMV infection as a pseudotumor can simulate, clinically and radiologically, a colonic neoplasm. It has been described in the literature in patients immunocompromised by HIV; however, the absence of risk factors means that it can be confused with a primary neoformative process.

Pancreatic lipoma: diagnostic boom of a rare mesenchymal tumor.

Following the incidental finding of a tumor in a 58-year-old female, diagnosed as pancreatic lipoma, histologically confirmed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), we made a review in our center between 2018 and 2020, with 14 cases diagnosed of pancreatic lipoma by computarized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Linfoma de Hodgkin anal primario y tumor neuroendocrino intestinal sincrónicos: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Primary rectal Hodgkin's lymphoma and synchronous small bowel neuroendocrine tumor: Case report and literature review

Resumen La localización extranodal gastrointestinal del linfoma de Hodgkin comprende el 5% de todos los linfomas. Dentro de este grupo, el linfoma anal primario representa menos del 0,05%, siendo por tanto una entidad extremadamente rara. Por otro lado, los tumores neuroendocrinos son un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias relativamente poco frecuentes, pero de localización fundamentalmente digestiva. La asociación entre un linfoma de Hodgkin de localización anal y un tumor neuroendocrino intestinal no ha sido descrita previamente en la literatura, pero no es en absoluto raro que los tumores neuroendocrinos puedan coexistir con otro tipo de neoplasias. Los autores presentan el caso infrecuente de presentación de linfoma Hodgkin de localización anal asociado a un tumor neuroendocrino intestinal en una paciente mujer de 74 años, describiéndose la clínica, resultados de pruebas complementarias y tratamiento recibido.

Abstract Extranodal gastrointestinal Hodgkin's lymphoma comprises 5% of all lymphomas. In this group, primary rectal lymphoma represents less than 0.05%; thus, it is an extremely rare entity. On the other hand, neuroendocrine tumors are a heterogeneous group of infrequent neoplasms, mainly of digestive location. The association between a rectal Hodgkin's lymphoma and an intestinal neuroendocrine tumor has not been previously described in the literature, but it is not at all uncommon for neuroendocrine tumors to coexist with other types of neoplasms. The authors present a rare case of rectal Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with an intestinal neuroendocrine tumor in a 74-year-old female patient, describing the symptoms, complementary test results, and treatment.

Comparison of flipped learning and traditional lecture method for teaching digestive system diseases in undergraduate medicine: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effects of a large-scale flipped learning (FL) approach in an undergraduate course of Digestive System Diseases. METHODS: This prospective non-randomized trial recruited 404 students over three academic years. In 2016, the course was taught entirely in a Traditional Lecture (TL) style, in 2017 half of the course (Medical topics) was replaced by FL while the remaining half (Surgical topics) was taught by TL and in 2018, the whole course was taught entirely by FL. Academic performance, class attendance and student's satisfaction surveys were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Test scores were higher in the FL module (Medical) than in the TL module (Surgical) in the 2017 cohort but were not different when both components were taught entirely by TL (2016) or by FL (2018). Also, FL increased the probability of reaching superior grades (scores >7.0) and improved class attendance and students' satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The holistic FL model is more effective for teaching undergraduate clinical gastroenterology compared to traditional teaching methods and has a positive impact on classroom attendances.

Applicability of 3D-printed models in hepatobiliary surgey: results from "LIV3DPRINT" multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatobiliary resections are challenging due to the complex liver anatomy. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained popularity due to its ability to produce anatomical models based on the characteristics of each patient. METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted on complex hepatobiliary tumours. The endpoint was to validate 3DP model accuracy from original image sources for application in the teaching, patient-communication, and planning of hepatobiliary surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients from eight centers were included. Process testing between 3DP and CT/MRI presented a considerable degree of similarity in vascular calibers (0.22 ± 1.8 mm), and distances between the tumour and vessel (0.31 ± 0.24 mm). The Dice Similarity Coefficient was 0.92, with a variation of 2%. Bland-Altman plots also demonstrated an agreement between 3DP and the surgical specimen with the distance of the resection margin (1.15 ± 1.52 mm). Professionals considered 3DP at a positive rate of 0.89 (95%CI; 0.73-0.95). According to student's distribution a higher success rate was reached with 3DP (median:0.9, IQR: 0.8-1) compared with CT/MRI or 3D digital imaging (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: 3DP hepatic models present a good correlation compared with CT/MRI and surgical pathology and they are useful for education, understanding, and surgical planning, but does not necessarily affect the surgical outcome.

Breast implant during orthotopic liver transplant to avoid hepatic outflow obstruction.

Donor-recipient size mismatch in liver transplantation is a recognized but uncommon situation. It can lead to a partial or complete obstruction of the inferior vena cava with subsequent hepatic outflow obstruction. Placement of a breast implant in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen during liver transplantation is a technically easy resource and can protect the liver graft from kinking or rotation.

Linfoma MALT de localización colónica: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Colonic MALT Lymphoma. Case report and literature review

Resumen El linfoma MALT es una forma poco frecuente de linfoma no Hodking de células B de bajo grado, que se desarrolla a expensas del tejido linfoide de las membranas mucosas. La localización más frecuente a nivel gastrointestinal es el estómago relacionando con la infección por Helicobacter pylori. El linfoma MALT colónico es una entidad extremadamente rara y cuya incidencia no supera el 5% de los casos en países asiáticos, con series porcentualmente menores al 2,5%, siendo la ubicación de este tipo de linfoma la más inusual de todo el tracto digestivo en comparación con otras neoplasias malignas que afectan al colon. Los autores exponen el caso infrecuente de presentación de linfoma tipo MALT de localización colónica en un paciente varón de 51 años, describiendo la clínica, los resultados de pruebas complementarias y el tratamiento recibido por el paciente.

Abstract MALT lymphoma is a rare form of low-grade non-Hodking B-cell lymphoma, which develops at the expense of lymphoid tissue of the mucous membranes. The most frequent location at the gastrointestinal level is the stomach related to the infection by Helicobacter pylori. Colonic MALT lymphoma is an extremely rare entity and the incidence of which does not exceed 5% of cases in Asian countries, with a series of less than 2.5%, with the location of this type of lymphoma being the most unusual of the entire digestive tract compared to other malignant neoplasms that affect the colon. The authors present the infrequent case of presentation of MALT-type lymphoma of colonic location in a 51-year-old male patient, describing the clinic, the results of complementary tests and the treatment received by the patient.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Patients Subjected to CIPA Nutrition Screening and Treatment versus Standard Care.

Malnutrition is prevalent in surgical patients and leads to comorbidities and a poorer postoperative course. There are no studies that compare the clinical outcomes of implementing a nutrition screening tool in surgical patients with standard clinical practice. An open, non-randomized, controlled study was conducted in general and digestive surgical hospitalized patients, who were either assigned to standard clinical care or to nutrition screening using the Control of Food Intake, Protein, and Anthropometry (CIPA) tool and an associated treatment protocol (n = 210 and 202, respectively). Length of stay, mortality, readmissions, in-hospital complications, transfers to critical care units, and reinterventions were evaluated. Patients in the CIPA group had a higher Charlson index on admission and underwent more oncological and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeries. Although not significant, a shorter mean length of stay was observed in the CIPA group (-1.48 days; p < 0.246). There were also fewer cases of exitus (seven vs. one) and fewer transfers to critical care units in this group (p = 0.068 for both). No differences were detected in other clinical variables. In conclusion, patients subjected to CIPA nutrition screening and treatment showed better clinical outcomes than those receiving usual clinical care. The results were not statistically significant, possibly due to the heterogeneity across patient groups.

Atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to appendicular perforation by cecal volvulus.

Atraumatic splenic rupture, an infrequent surgical emergency, constitutes a life-threatening situation. The lack of a traumatic background makes it difficult to suspect. We present a case of a 45-year-old woman, with history of bariatric surgery, referred to our emergency due to 3 weeks long abdominal and lumbar pain, in shock. Imaging diagnosis of splenic rupture, emergent surgery was performed with atypical findings and good evolution. The bibliographic review, background and surgical findings allowed to postulate causality in this unusual presentation. Despite its low frequency, this pathology involves significant mortality and must be present in the patient in shock in the emergency room.

La rotura esplénica atraumática, una emergencia quirúrgica infrecuente, constituye una situación de riesgo vital. La falta de antecedente traumático dificulta su sospecha. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 45 años, con antecedente de cirugía bariátrica, remitida a nuestro servicio de urgencias por dolor abdominal y lumbar de 3 semanas, en shock. Con el diagnóstico imagenológico de rotura esplénica, se realizó cirugía emergente, con hallazgos atípicos, y la paciente tuvo una buena evolución. La revisión bibliográfica, los antecedentes y los hallazgos quirúrgicos permitieron postular la causalidad en esta inusual presentación. Pese a su poca frecuencia, esta patología comporta una mortalidad importante y debe tenerse presente ante un paciente en shock en la sala de urgencias.

Carcinoma neuroendocrino rectal: Una neoplasia infrecuente / Neuroendocrine rectal carcinoma: An infrequent tumor

Resumen El carcinoma neuroendocrino (CNE) es una entidad infrecuente encontrándose usualmente al diagnóstico en estadios avanzados. El tratamiento suele ser combinado, quirúrgico junto a quimiorradioterapia. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 73 años estudiada por síndrome constitucional y rectorragias. Tras completar estudios fue diagnosticada de CNE rectal pobremente diferenciado a 5 cm del margen anal con adenopatías mesorrectales. Inicio quimioterapia de inducción con respuesta parcial y se realizó resección anterior de recto ultrabaja con anastomosis primaria e ileostomia en asa derivativa, con histología de CNE de células grandes pT2N0 Mx. Posteriormente recibió quimioterapia adyuvante. El CNE rectal es una neoplasia rara, presente entre la 4o-7o década de la vida y con sintomatología similar al adenocarcinoma colorrectal, siendo un tumor poco diferenciado y muy agresivo. El papel de la neo adyuvancia es fundamental dado que suele ser una enfermedad avanzada al diagnóstico, disminuye el tamaño del tumor primario y permite realizar posteriormente resecciones oncológicas.

Abstract Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NC) is an infrequent pathology that is usually found in the advanced stages. The treatment is surgery, and combined chemotherapy andradiotherapy. A 73-year old woman was being studied for constitutional syndrome and rectal bleeding. After which, she was diagnosed with a poorly differentiated rectal NC, 5 cm from de anal margin with mesorectal lymph nodes. Induction chemotheraphy was started with partial response. A low anterior resection of rectum was performed with primary anastomoses and diverting loop ileostomy. The histology result was a large-cell NC, staged as pT2N0 Mx. She then received adjuvant chemotherapy. Rectal NC is infrequent, and usually presents between the fourth and seventh decade of life. Its symptoms are similar to colorectal adenocarcinoma, but it has a lower grade of differentiation, and is more aggressive. Neoadjuvant treatment is essential as it usually a metastatic disease at diagnosis, and helps to decrease the tumor size, and allows oncological surgery to be performed later.