Recurrent deep neck abscess and piriform sinus tract: a 15-year review on the diagnosis and management.

BACKGROUND: Piriform sinus tract (PST) is a rare congenital condition. A delay in diagnosis is common leading to recurrent inflammation. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed on all cases of PST treated at a tertiary referral centre between May 1997 and May 2012. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were reviewed with a mean age of 5.4years at presentation (ranged from 0day to 14years). Most patients presented as acute inflammation (88.9%) and 16 had a left sided lesion. 72.2% of the PST are identified by contrast swallow study. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher if the study was done after the initial acute inflammation settled. Ultrasonography and computer tomography are less sensitive. The median duration from presentation to diagnosis was 17.6months (ranged 0-120months). Ten patients (55.6%) experienced recurrent inflammation before confirming the diagnosis. Fistulectomy alone was performed in 15 patients while an additional en-bloc hemithyroidectomy was done in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: PST should be suspected in children presenting with a left deep neck abscess. Contrast swallow study is very effective in making diagnosis but has to be postponed after the acute inflammation settles. The condition can be effectively treated by fistulectomy without hemithyroidectomy in majority of our cases.

Critical appraisal on the role and outcome of emergency colectomy for uncomplicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Emergency colectomy is well accepted for treating complicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis. However, the role of colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term surgical outcome of uncomplicated right-sided diverticulitis in our locality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients operated for right-sided diverticulitis over a 20-year period was conducted. Recurrent attacks of right-sided diverticulitis, re-operation rate and re-hospitalisation rate were the long-term parameters of interest. An updated telephone interview was carried out for all surviving patients. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (35 males and 39 females), median age 35.5 (range 16-70) years, were operated for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Thirty patients underwent colectomy, whereas the others underwent appendectomy with diverticulectomy (n = 8) or appendectomy alone (n = 36). All short-term parameters were less favourable for the colectomy group, including higher complication rate, slower return of gastrointestinal function, higher requirement of parenteral analgesic and longer hospital stay. Without colectomy, only 2 patients developed recurrent diverticulitis necessitating hospitalisation, both of whom resolved on conservative treatment. On the other hand, 1 patient required re-operation after colectomy because of intestinal obstruction. The overall re-hospitalisation rate was comparable between the colectomy and the non-colectomy group (16.7% vs. 13.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency colectomy can eradicate suspicious lesions and eliminate risk of recurrent diverticulitis but at the expense of higher morbidity rates. As the natural course of uncomplicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis is usually benign, conservative treatment with minimal surgery may be a better therapeutic option.