Intestinal ischemia in patients with incarcerated groin hernia: proposal and validation of a score.

PURPOSE: Intestinal ischemia (II) is the most critical factor to determine in patients with incarcerated groin hernia (IGH) because II could be reversible, and it is considered as a "time sensitive condition." Although predictive factors of II were identified in several previous studies, preoperative diagnosis of II cannot be reliably made or excluded by any known parameter. The aims of this study were: to devise and to validate a clinic-biologic score, with a strong discriminatory power, for predicting the risk of II in patients with IGH. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective bicentric study including 335 patients with IGH. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictive factors of II. We assigned points for the score according to the regression coefficient. The area under the curve (AUC) was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The scoring system was then prospectively validated on a second independent population of 45 patients admitted for IGH in the same departments (internal validation). RESULTS: Four independent predictive factors of II were identified: heart rate, duration of symptoms before admission, prothrombin, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). A predictive score of II was established based on these independent predictive factors. Sensitivity was 94.50%; specificity was 92.70%. The AUC of this score was 0.97. The AUC was 0.96 when the score was applied on the second population of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We performed a score to predict the risk of intestinal II with a good accuracy (the AUC of our score was 0.97). This score is reliable and reproducible, so it can help a surgeon to prioritize patients with II for surgery (especially at this time of COVID-19 pandemic), because ischemia could be reversible, avoiding thus intestinal necrosis.

Selective expression of KCNA5 and KCNB1 genes in gastric and colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Gastric and colorectal cancers are the most common malignant tumours, leading to a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that cancer cells exhibit a differential expression of potassium channels and this can contribute to cancer progression. However, their expression and localisation at the somatic level remains uncertain. In this study, we have investigated the expression levels of KCNB1 and KCNA5 genes encoding ubiquitous Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 potassium channels in gastric and colorectal tumours. METHODS: Gastric and colorectal tumoral and peritumoral tissues were collected to evaluate the expression of KCNB1 and KCNA5 mRNA by quantitative PCR. Moreover, the immunohistochemical staining profile of Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 was assessed on 40 Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) gastric carcinoma tissues. Differences in gene expression between tumoral and peritumoral tissues were compared statistically with the Mann-Whitney U test. The association between the clinicopathological features of the GC patients and the expression of both Kv proteins was investigated with χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: The mRNA fold expression of KCNB1 and KCNA5 genes showed a lower mean in the tumoral tissues (0.06 ± 0.17, 0.006 ± 0.009) compared to peritumoral tissues (0.08 ± 0.16, 0.16 ± 0.48, respectively) without reaching the significance rate (p = 0.861, p = 0.152, respectively). Interestingly, Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 immunostaining was detectable and characterised by a large distribution in peritumoral and tumoral epithelial cells. More interestingly, inflammatory cells were also stained. Surprisingly, Kv2.1 and Kv1.5 staining was undoubtedly and predominantly detected in the cytoplasm compartment of tumour cells. Indeed, the expression of Kv2.1 in tumour cells revealed a significant association with the early gastric cancer clinical stage (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The data highlight, for the first time, the potential role of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 in gastrointestinal-related cancers and suggests they may be promising prognostic markers for these tumours.

Predicting Intestinal Ischaemia in Patients with Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Simple Score.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intestinal ischaemia (II) is the most critical factor to determine in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) because intestinal ischaemia could be reversible. The aim of this study was to create a clinicoradiological score to predict II in patients with ASBO. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including 124 patients with ASBO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors of II. We assigned points for the score according to the regression coefficient. The area under the curve (AUC) was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Six independent predictive factors of II were identified: age, pain duration, body temperature, WBC, reduced wall enhancement and segmental mesenteric fluid at CT scan. According to the regression, coefficient points were assigned to each of the variables associated with II. The estimated rates of II were calculated for the total scores ranging from 0 to 24. The AUC of this clinicoradiological score was 0.92. A cut-off score of 6 was used for the low-probability group (the risk of II was 1.13%). A score ranging from 7 to 15 defined intermediate-probability group (the risk of II was 44%). A score ≥16 defined high-probability group (100% of patients in this group had II). CONCLUSIONS: We performed a score to predict the risk of intestinal II with a good accuracy (the AUC of our score exceeded 0.90). This score is reliable and reproducible, so it can help surgeon to prioritize patients with II for surgery because ischaemia could be reversible, avoiding thus intestinal necrosis.

Could the Tokyo guidelines on the management of acute cholecystitis be adopted in developing countries? Experience of one center.

PURPOSE: The Tokyo guidelines for diagnostic criteria and severity assessment of acute cholecystitis (AC), published in 2007, recommend early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) be done as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. We conducted this study to analyze the changes in the therapeutic strategy for AC in a surgical center in Tunisia after the Tokyo guidelines were published. METHODS: Between January, 2005 and January, 2013, 649 patients underwent cholecystectomy for AC at the Department of Surgery, Mohamed Tahar Maamouri Hospital in Nabeul, Tunisia. The study period was subdivided into before (n = 192) and after (n = 457) the publication of the Tokyo guidelines, that is, prior to and including 2007, and from 2008 onward, respectively. We reviewed patient records retrospectively to collect demographic data, biochemical data, radiological findings, and postoperative outcomes. All these factors were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The duration of symptoms before surgery was significantly longer before 2008 (p = 0.018). ELC was significantly more frequent after 2008 (p = 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery was converted to open surgery in 16.1 % of patients before 2008 vs. 7.8 % of patients after 2008 (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in bile duct injury or postoperative complications between the groups. The length of preoperative, postoperative, and total hospital stay was longer before 2008. CONCLUSIONS: ELC is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for AC. The Tokyo guidelines resulted in a significant increase in the number of ELCs being performed and significantly reduced preoperative and total hospital stay without increasing intra- and postoperative complications. Importantly, ELC reduced medical costs, which is crucial for a country with limited resources, such as Tunisia.

Pre-existing renal lesions revealed after renal trauma, Difficulties in diagnosis and accountability: About 14 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Pre-existing renal lesions (PERL) may interfere with the patho-physiology of trauma, alter the radiographic imaging and influence the therapeutic approach. The aims of this study were to record the PERL found incidentally during blunt renal trauma, to specify the place for effective conservative management and to determin the estimated partial permanent disability (PPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 14 patients with PERL and blunt renal trauma were reviewed. In each patient, pre-existing renal abnormalities, clinical symptoms, CT scan study findings, associated injuries, therapeutic approach, the accountability criteria and the estimated PPD were recorded. RESULTS: There were 11 men and 3 women with a mean age of 35,6 years (range 19-66 years). Renal trauma was due to a traffic accident in 8 patients. Renal damage appeared to be disproportionate to the severity of the trauma (minor trauma). They had a lower rate of associated trauma to other abdominal organs (four patients only). Urinary stones were present in 5 patients, pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in 3, horseshoe kidny in 3, ectopic kidney in 2 and upper urinary tract carcinoma in one case. Early nephrectomy was required in three cases for hemodynamic instability. Ureteral stenting was indicated in 3 cases. Six patients were operated later because of their underlying renal pathology. A conservative treatment was possible only in 7 of cases. The PPD related to renal trauma varide from 0 to 13% in all cases. CONCLUSION: PERL may complicate a negligible renal trauma while in some cases they may be of vital importance for the patient's final outcome. The imaging findings are crucial but may be confusing. The therapeutic approach is, to a large extent, dependent on the type of PERL and the severity of damage, and is often conservative in the hemo-dynamically stable patient. Accountability link may be difficult to establish and the PPD depends on the PERL and the renal injuries severity. FUNDING: We have no involvement with funding in this case. Ethical approval: Not required Conflicts of interest: None.

Primary mantle-cell lymphoma of small intestine presenting with intussusceptions: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which accounts for 5 % of all cases. Patients present with an advanced form of the disease. We present here a case of ileocolic intussusception secondary to mantle cell lymphoma which was revealed by abdominal pain and vomiting that was treated by surgical resection followed by chemotherapy. CASE PRESENTATION: This report illustrates the case of a 34-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Imageology demonstrated an ileocolic intussusception which was treated with hemicolectomy followed by chemotherapy. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of Mantle cell lymphoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Mantel cell lymphoma is a rare type of B-cell cancer. Patients are generally diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease. Ileocolic intussusception is an uncommon presentation. Surgery is the pillar of the treatment. Resection depends on the extent and location of the lesion. Postoperative chemotherapy is crucial and it increases survival rate. CONCLUSION: Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare subgroup of B-cell lymphomas. Ileocolic intussusception is a complicated form of the disease. Surgery combined with chemotherapy is the mainstay of the treatment. Diagnosis is confirmed by histological analysis of the surgical specimen.

Enteric fistulization of a common iliac vein aneurysm.

Iliac vein aneurysm is rare. Its complications include rupture, thromboembolism, and enteric fistulization. If a patient with surgical history presents with gastrointestinal bleeding, the veno-enteric fistula should be part of the differential diagnoses. In presence of a veno-enteric fistula, surgical treatment consists of aneurysmectomy, venorraphy, and intestinal resection.

Spontaneous rupture of an infected pseudocyst of the pancreas: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A pancreatic pseudocyst is a known complication of acute and chronic pancreatitis. A pseudocyst rupture into the abdomen causes peritonitis, which can be fatal if surgical treatment is delayed. Here in we report the case of a 46-year-old woman presenting with a pancreatic pseudocyst doubly complicated with infection and rupture causing sepsis shock. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46 year-old-woman, with a history of chronic pancreatitis four years prior complicated with a pancreatic pseudocyst of 3 cm, presented to our emergency department with clinical signs of generalized peritonitis. After a brief resuscitation, we performed a midline laparotomy. It showed purulent peritonitis due to a rupture of an infected pseudocyst of the pancreas. We performed an abundant peritoneal toilet with drainage. The patient was discharged after 25 days. In the one month follow-up, there were no unfavourable outcomes. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In presence of ruptured and infected pancreatic pseudocyst, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible after brief resuscitation. Laparotomy is the gold standard treatment. The main objective of surgical treatment is to perform abundant peritoneal toilet with large external drainage. In our case, the pancreatic pseudocyst didn't communicate with the Wirsung duct allowing us to withdraw the drainage. Otherwise, the drainage should be retained longer to treat the pancreatic leakage. CONCLUSION: Rupture and infection of pancreatic pseudocysts is a rare situation. Diagnosis is assessed via computed tomography scan. Emergency laparotomy should be performed timely to make the peritoneal toilet and drain the pancreatic pseudocyst.

Hydatid cyst of the ilium: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hydatid cyst is a common parasitic disease in endemic countries. It frequently occurs in the liver and lungs. Ilium involvement is extremely rare. We report the case of a 47-year-old man presenting with a hydatid cyst of the left ilium. CASE PRESENTATION: A rural 47-year-old patient, presented with pelvic pain and limping on walking for six months. He had a pericystectomy 10 years prior for a hydatid cyst of the left liver. A pelvic computed tomography scan showed an osteolytic remodeling of the left iliac wing associated with a large multiloculated cystic mass fusing along the left ilium. The patient had partial cystectomy and curettage of the ilium. The postoperative course was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Hydatid cysts of the bone are exceptional but aggressive due to the absence of a pericyst limiting the extension of the lesions. We report a rare case of a patient presenting with a hydatid cyst of the ilium. The prognosis is poor even in patients who undergo extensive surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Early and adequate management can improve the prognosis. We highlight the importance of conservative treatment consisting of partial cystectomy with curettage of the bone to avoid morbidity related to radical surgery.

Gallstone ileus: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Gallstone ileus (GI) is defined as the occlusion of the intestinal lumen due to the impaction of one or more gallstones. The optimal management of GI is not consensual. We report a rare case of GI with a successful surgical treatment for a 65 year-old-female. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65 year-old-woman, presented with biliary colic pain and vomiting for three days. On examination, she had a distended tympanic abdomen. A computed tomography scan revealed signs of small bowel obstruction due to a jejunal gallstone. She had pneumobilia due to a cholecysto-duodenal fistula. We performed a midline laparotomy. We found a dilated and ischemic jejunum with false membranes regarding the migrated gallstone. We performed a jejunal resection with primary anastomosis. We performed cholecystectomy and closed the cholecysto-duodenal fistula at the same operative time. The postoperative course was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We reported successful surgical treatment for GI. It was a one-step procedure. GI is a rare situation. Due to their restricted lumen, the terminal ileum and the ileocaecal valve are where GI occurs most commonly. GI appears usually in elderly patients with comorbidities. The clinical presentation is not specific. CT scan evokes the diagnosis with high specificity. The surgical management of GI is not consensual. In our case, we performed bowel resection due to the presence of an ischemic intestine. CONCLUSION: GI is a rare situation. It appears usually in elderly patients with comorbidities. The clinical presentation is not specific. The surgical management of GI is not consensual.

Are biopsies during endoscopic ultrasonography necessary for a suspected esophageal leiomyoma? Is laparoscopy always feasible?

The present letter to the editor is related to the work entitled "Large leiomyoma of lower esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography-fine needle aspiration: A case report." Although endoscopic ultrasonography seems necessary in a suspected leiomyoma of the esophagus, the performance of biopsies via fine needle aspiration is controversial as it increases the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and intraoperative perforations. Laparoscopy is the best treatment strategy for small tumors. Laparotomy with tumor enucleation or esophageal resection can be considered in large leiomyomas.

A pancreatic metastasis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: a rare case report.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. It is characterized by abrupt development with local and distant metastases. Metastases are essentially present in the lung. Pancreatic metastasis is extremely rare. The authors report that, to their knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient who developed metachronous pancreatic metastasis related to ATC. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman, with a history of thyroidectomy, 2 years prior, for an anaplastic thyroid tumor presented in his regular follow-up computed tomography scan a hypodense lesion of the head of the pancreas. Definite diagnosis of neoplasm was difficult following the computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The patient had a cephalic duodenopanceatectomy with an uneventful recovery. Histopathology concluded in a pancreatic metastasis of ATC metastasis. The patient had uneventful outcomes with a follow-up of 3 months without tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Pancreatic metastases of thyroid carcinomas are extremely rare, particularly for ATC. The diagnosis of metastases is based on a regular follow-up. The prognosis is poor despite curative surgery.

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to jejunal metastasis of pleomorphic lung carcinoma: a case report.

Gastrointestinal metastasis of pleomorphic lung cancer presents with nonspecific manifestations, leading to delayed diagnosis. Herein, the authors report the case of a 56-year-old patient who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding due to pleomorphic lung carcinoma. Case presentation: A 56-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with melena. On examination, he was hemodynamically stable. He had a sensitive and mobile mass in the periumbilical region. A thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan showed a mass of the right apical superior lobe measuring 4 cm and a lobulated jejunal mass measuring 10 cm. A percutaneous biopsy of the lung tumor revealed primary pleomorphic lung carcinoma. The authors performed a midline laparotomy and made a bowel resection with an end-to-end anastomosis. The postoperative course was marked by severe nosocomial pneumonia, leading to septic shock and death. The histopathologic examination concluded with a metastatic lesion of pleomorphic lung carcinoma. Clinical discussion: The authors reported a rare case of jejunal metastasis of pleomorphic lung cancer. Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung is a rare pathology that accounts for 0.1-0.4% of nonsmall-cell lung cancer. The prognosis is poor. In the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by small bowel metastases of pleomorphic lung cancer, surgery is the treatment of choice. Conclusions: Small bowel metastasis of pleomorphic lung cancer is rare. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice. The authors highlight the importance of suspecting gastrointestinal metastases in patients with pleomorphic lung cancer in the presence of nonspecific digestive symptoms.

Ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor causing mesenteric gangrene.

To our knowledge, this is one of the rare literature reports of an ileal GIST complicated with mesenteric gangrene. We reported successful surgical treatment. Infection of GIST is an extremely rare complication that should be treated with no delays to avoid rupture and peritonitis.

Leiomyoma of the esophagus: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Benign tumors represent less than 1% of esophageal neoplasms. Esophageal leiomyoma is a very rare tumor that arises from mesenchymal tissue. We present here a case of leiomyoma of the esophagus which was revealed by dysphagia and vomiting that was treated by surgical enucleation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This report illustrates the case of a female who presented with dysphagia and vomiting. Imageology demonstrated an esophageal mass which was treated with surgical enucleation. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Benign esophageal tumors are rare. Leiomyoma commonly presents as a single lesion in the middle or lower third of the esophagus. Leiomyomas located in the proximal and middle third of the esophagus can be operated on by right thoracotomy. Surgical treatment varies from enucleation to esophageal resection depending on the size and location of the mass. In our case, the tumor was enucleated by a right posterolateral thoracotomy. CONCLUSION: Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign and generally asymptomatic tumor. Surgery is the pillar of treatment. Enucleation should be performed whenever possible to avoid esophagectomy and thus decrease morbidity and mortality.

Primary splenic lymphoma discovered on massive splenomegaly: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Malignant lymphoma occurs in all the systemic organs. Rarely, large B-cell lymphoma is located in the spleen, making the diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report a patient presenting with massive splenomegaly due to LBCL. Splenectomy was essential to assess the diagnosis and to guide postoperative therapeutics. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: A 47-year-old woman, with no comorbidities, complained of weight loss and abdominal pain. She had a palpable spleen that extended below the navel. CT scan revealed massive splenomegaly and lymph nodes in the spleen hilum. Splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Three courses of chemotherapy were given. The patient was in remission after a follow-up of 8 months. DISCUSSION: Massive splenomegaly can be one of the circumstances of the discovery of large B-cell lymphoma. Splenectomy was then essential to confirm the diagnosis and to guide postoperative therapeutics. It also permits reducing hypersplenism and preventing spleen rupture. In patients with high operative risk, splenic needle biopsy should be taken into consideration. Splenic artery embolization before surgery can also be performed in patients having massive splenomegaly to reduce the spleen volume. We highlight the importance of splenectomy to confirm the diagnosis and to relieve the symptoms. Postoperative chemotherapy is essential to prevent relapses. CONCLUSION: Splenectomy is essential in spleen localized large B-cell lymphoma. It permits to confirm the diagnosis, relieve symptoms, and treatment of underlying hematologic malignancies. Postoperative chemotherapy is essential to prevent relapses.

Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumors of the small bowel are rare. The jejunum, ileum, and duodenum represent the most common sites of intestinal leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old patient having ileal LMS successfully treated with surgical resection. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65-year-old patient, with no comorbidities, presented with chronic and paroxysmal abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy showed no abnormalities. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an ileal lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing solid mass measuring 6 cm. Laparotomy was performed. Findings showed a lobulated ileal mass. We made an enlarged ileal resection with end-to-end anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histology and IHC stains concluded into ileal LMS. No relapse of the disease was noted during the 4-month follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Ileal LMS is a rare tumor originating from the smooth muscle cells within the muscularis mucosa or muscularis propria. CT colonography (CTC) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) represent good options to aid the diagnosis. Histologically, LMS often has a comparable morphological appearance to GISTs. IHC is essential to differentiate those tumors. Surgery is the only curative treatment. The prognosis is poor knowing that those tumors are discovered at advanced stages. CONCLUSION: Ileal LMS is a rare tumor originating from the smooth muscle cells. It has a comparable morphological appearance to GISTs. Immunohistochemistry is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the only curative treatment. The prognosis is poor.

5-mFI is more accurate than ASA score in predicting postoperative mortality in rectal cancer: A case series of 109 patients.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of 5-mFI (modified frailty index) to ASA score (American Society of Anesthesiologists score) in predicting postoperative mortality in patients with rectal cancer. Materials and methods: The ability of each parameter to predict postoperative mortality was attested in 2 ways: Area under the curve (AUC) was determined using ROC curves analysis. A comparison of AUC was performed using Delong test and Henley-McNeil test.-Multivariate analysis to determine the weight of each variable in predicting postoperative mortality. Results: The records of 109 patients undergoing surgical resection, for curative intent, for rectal cancer, were analyzed. Nine patients died during the 30-day postoperative period (8.25%). The optimum cutoff for 5-mFI to predict mortality using the ROC analysis was 1.5. The AUC at the cut-off point was 0.93. The optimum cutoff for ASA score to predict mortality was 1.5 and the AUC at the cut-off point was 0.81. The AUC of 5-mFI was significantly higher than the AUC of ASA score (p < 0.0001 using Delong test and p = 0.0024 using Hanley and McNeil test).On univariate analysis, predictive factors of mortality were: age (p = 0.002), ASA score≥2 (p = 0.0001) and 5-mFI≥2 (p = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, 5-mFI≥2 was the only factor significantly associated with increased odds of postoperative mortality (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.05-2.01). Conclusion: 5-mFI was more accurate than ASA score in predicting postoperative mortality in patients with rectal cancer.