Impact on carotid intima-media thickness after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patients with morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) & left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) which are the independent predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: To assess the change in CIMT & echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function & correlate with %EWL 6 months and 12 months after LSG, the mean CIMT of bilateral common carotid arteries were measured at 3 different places & 7 parameters were assessed for left ventricular dysfunction after 6 and 12 months of LSG & correlated with the %EWL. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (27(90%) women & 3(10%) men) with the mean age of 38 ± 7.84 were prospectively enrolled. BMI was significantly reduced from 42.66 ± 3.79 to 37.93 ± 3.60 kg/m2 at six months to 36 ± 3.34 at 12 months after LSG. CIMT values were significantly decreased at 6 months after surgery from 0.50 ± 0.11 mm to 0.46 ± 0.09 mm (p < 0.01) to 0.39 ± 0.07 (p < 0.05) at 12 months. However, no significant change was observed in the right mean CCA values at 6 months after surgery 0.50 ± 0.11 mm vs 0.47 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.07) as compared to decrease at 12 months after surgery to 0.40 ± 0.08 (p < 0.05). Left mean CCA values at 6 months changed from 0.50 ± 0.11 to 0.45 ± 0.09 (p < 0.01) and at 12 months after surgery to 0.39 ± 007(p < 0.05). On 2D ECHO, ejection fraction increased at 6 months from 60.80 ± 5.89 to 61.93 ± 4.47 (p < 0.5) to after 12 months at 64.30 ± 4.20 (p < 0.05). Wave deceleration time changed at 6 months from 170 ± 36.80 to 150 ± 28.82 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 139.07 ± 17.98 (p < 0.05). Peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e) changed at 6 months from 8.12 ± 1.66 to 7.02 ± 1.76 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 6.33 ± 0.76 (p < 0.05). Inter-ventricular septum thickness (IVSD) changed at 6 months from 0.99 ± 0.14 to 0.91 ± 0.14 (p < 0.05) to 12 months 0.82 ± 0.09 (p < 0.05). Intraventricular relaxation time (IVRT) at 6 months changed from 94.33 ± 21.71 to 84.36 ± 14.85 (p < 0.03) to 12 months after surgery 77.40 ± 10.19 (p < 0.05). Left atrial volume index (LAVI) at 6 months decreased from 38.08 ± 11.23 to 30.93 ± 7.16 (p < 0.01) to 12 months after surgery 25.43 ± 3.65 (p < 0.05). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction [LVIDD] at 6 months changed from 4.32 ± 0.52 to 4.11 ± 0.52 (p < 0.02) to 3.94 ± 0.26 (p < 0.05) to 3.94 ± 0.26 (p < 0.05) at 12 months after surgery. PwD at 6 and 12 months changed from 1.00 ± 0.19 to 0.87 ± 0.10 (p < 0.01) to 0.82 ± 0.08 (p < 0.05) respectively. LV mass changed in 6 months from 148.37 ± 33.09 to 117 ± 29.90 (p < 0.001) to 12 months at 110.64 ± 20.79 (p < 0.05) and left ventricular mass index [LVMI] changed in 6 months from 70 ± 16.89 to 59.626 ± 15.35 (p < 0.001) reaching a value of 57.53 ± 11.18 (p < 0.05) at 12 months. The mean 10-year risk of death due to CVD calculated was significantly reduced from 5.45 ± 6.6 to 2.8 ± 1.7% at 6 months (p < 0.05). This significant decrease in CVD risk has a positive correlation with the decrease in CIMT over 6 months showing a correlation coefficient of 0.018 with statistically significant analysis (p value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We observed a significant reduction in CIMT & improvement in 2D ECHO parameters at 6 after LSG although no statistically significant change was observed in mean right CIMT & EF at 6 months.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic cholecystectomy using combined impedance-pH monitoring.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is one of the causes of post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS). Reports studying the effect of cholecystectomy on GER show conflicting results and only a few studies have used the more sensitive technique of combined impedance-pH monitoring. This study aimed to study the effect of laparoscopic cholestectomy on GER (acid/non-acid reflux) using impedance-pH monitoring. METHODS: Sixty three consecutive patients of symptomatic cholelithiasis were evaluated. All patients underwent esophageal mannometry and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring pre- and postoperatively. Frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG) scoring was also done in each patient pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Out of sixty three patients, four developed symptoms of reflux postoperatively as detected by FSSG scoring. However, no significant changes were observed in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) characteristics, acid and non-acid reflux characteristics, total number of reflux episodes, or in the physical character of the refluxate following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Significant decrease in the proximal acid reflux episodes was observed. CONCLUSION: The chemical characteristics (acid or non-acid reflux) as well as physical properties (liquid, gas or mixed) of reflux episodes remain unaffected following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy itself doesn't increases GER.

Shining Light on Rarity: Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Esophagus with Absence of MAML2 Gene Rearrangement.

Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare condition characterized by a combination of squamous and mucin-secreting glandular malignant cells. Its clinical recognition is often challenging, pre-operative diagnosis is difficult, and there is a lack of standardized treatment protocols. Here, we present the clinicopathological characteristics of a previously underreported esophageal malignancy found in the distal esophagus of a 58-year-old woman. The initial endoscopic biopsy posed diagnostic challenges due to its small size and inadequate representation of glandular differentiation components making a final diagnosis of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Recognizing the resectability of the tumor prompted surgical removal, revealing islands of squamous cells along with intermediate cells and mucin pools. Additionally, MECs in majority of the cases show MAML2 gene rearrangement; contrarily, the present case showed negative results. Enhanced clinicopathological awareness of esophageal MEC facilitated a definitive diagnosis and better patient management. It is imperative to increase awareness and globally document cases of esophageal MEC to enhance understanding, diagnosis, and management guidelines for this malignancy in this anatomical location.

Left-sided unilateral hematuria: an unusual association with tropical splenomegaly--a case report and review of literature.

A 35-year-old woman presented with chronic intermittent left-sided hematuria. A massively enlarged spleen caused displacement of the left kidney and compression of the left renal vein, leading to pyelovenous congestion and subsequent hematuria. Splenectomy along with release of fibrous adhesions around the renal hilum cured the hematuria.

Sporadic Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis Occurring at Laparoscopic Trocar Site: An Unusual Entity.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) or desmoid tumours are rare benign soft tissue tumours of musculo-aponeurotic origin, which have no malignant potential but are locally aggressive and can result in significant morbidity. They may be hereditary (in association with FAP, i.e. familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome resulting from APC gene mutation) or sporadic, with hereditary cases having a much higher risk of developing DF compared to sporadic ones. Desmoids are known to occur in previous surgical scars. However, previous laparoscopic port site/trocar site is an extremely uncommon site for sporadic desmoids, with only two cases of sporadic laparoscopic trocar site desmoids (occurring in absence of FAP) reported in world literature. We thus describe a case of sporadic DF, occurring at the site of umbilical port 8 months following laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, treated successfully by margin-negative resection. To the best of our knowledge, this appears to be the first such case in Indian literature and the first being reported after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the era of laparoscopic surgery, one must be aware of the existence of such an entity after laparoscopy as it may be confused with conditions such as metastatic deposit, port site tumour recurrence, port site hernia, scar site endometriosis, soft tissue sarcoma etc. and may result in diagnostic dilemma.

Role of Nuclear Morphometry in Breast Cancer and its Correlation with Cytomorphological Grading of Breast Cancer: A Study of 64 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and reliable method of diagnosis of breast mass. Cytoprognostic grading in breast cancers is important to identify high-grade tumors. Computer-assisted image morphometric analysis has been developed to quantitate as well as standardize various grading systems. AIMS: To apply nuclear morphometry on cytological aspirates of breast cancer and evaluate its correlation with cytomorphological grading with derivation of suitable cutoff values between various grades. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 64 breast cancer cases (29 of grade 1, 22 of grade 2, and 13 of grade 3). Image analysis was performed on Papanicolaou stained FNAC slides by NIS -Elements Advanced Research software (Ver 4.00). Nuclear morphometric parameters analyzed included 5 nuclear size, 2 shape, 4 texture, and 2 density parameters. RESULTS: Nuclear size parameters showed an increase in values with increasing cytological grades of carcinoma. Nuclear shape parameters were not found to be significantly different between the three grades. Among nuclear texture parameters, sum intensity, and sum brightness were found to be different between the three grades. CONCLUSION: Nuclear morphometry can be applied to augment the cytology grading of breast cancer and thus help in classifying patients into low and high-risk groups.

Cytomorphological Differences between Liquid-Based Cytology and Conventional Smears in Fine-Needle Aspirates of Thyroid Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is becoming an independent processing modality for cytology specimens. Decreased obscuration, single-slide examination, lesser screening time, and potential application of ancillary techniques are the various advantages it offers. AIM: To study and compare the cytological features of fine-needle aspirates from thyroid swellings on LBC with conventional smears (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration was performed on 150 patients with thyroid nodule. The aspirate was first used to prepare a minimum of two CS and the remaining aspirate was used to prepare one SurePath smear. The final diagnosis was given according to the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (2007). Cytomorphological parameters were semi-quantitatively scored. Pearson's Chi-square test was used and P value was calculated. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Cytohistological correlation was done wherever possible. RESULTS: LBC showed higher nondiagnostic rate than CS. Significant cytomorphological differences on LBC included: (i) higher frequency of single, naked nuclei; (ii) lesser nuclear and cytoplasmic details; (iii) decreased colloid which appeared differently (as napkin fold and dense droplet); (iv) increased cyst macrophages; and (v) decreased obscuration by blood. CONCLUSION: LBC can supplement CS but cannot replace it.

Study of nuclear morphometry on cytology specimens of benign and malignant breast lesions: A study of 122 cases.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has emerged as a leading site of cancer among women in India. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been routinely applied in assessment of breast lesions. Cytological evaluation in breast lesions is subjective with a "gray zone" of 6.9-20%. Quantitative evaluation of nuclear size, shape, texture, and density parameters by morphometry can be of diagnostic help in breast tumor. AIMS: To apply nuclear morphometry on cytological breast aspirates and assess its role in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions with derivation of suitable cut-off values between the two groups. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study of nuclear morphometric parameters of benign and malignant cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 50 benign breast disease (BBD), 8 atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), and 64 carcinoma cases. Image analysis was performed on Papanicolaou-stained FNAC slides by Nikon Imaging Software (NIS)-Elements Advanced Research software (Version 4.00). Nuclear morphometric parameters analyzed included 5 nuclear size, 2 shape, 4 texture, and 2 density parameters. RESULTS: Nuclear morphometry could differentiate between benign and malignant aspirates with a gradually increasing nuclear size parameters from BBD to ADH to carcinoma. Cut-off values of 31.93 µm2, 6.325 µm, 5.865 µm, 7.855 µm, and 21.55 µm for mean nuclear area, equivalent diameter, minimum feret, maximum ferret, and perimeter, respectively, were derived between benign and malignant cases, which could correctly classify 7 out of 8 ADH cases. CONCLUSION: Nuclear morphometry is a highly objective tool that could be used to supplement FNAC in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, with an important role in cases with diagnostic dilemma.

Liver abscess: a clinicopathological analysis of 82 cases.

Liver abscesses are a common pathology in India, but a strategy for effective treatment has not been established. Eighty-two patients with liver abscess were studied over a 4-year period. Clinical features, ultrasound findings, laboratory studies, and outcome of therapy were evaluated. Treatment options were antibiotics alone, needle aspiration, catheter drainage, or open surgical drainage; 51.2% of all abscesses were amebic, 23.2% were pyogenic, and 25.6% had unknown causes. A total of 75.6% of the abscesses were solitary, with 62.2% confined to the right lobe. Pyogenic abscesses were more likely to have anemia, leukocytosis, and deranged liver function. Amebic abscesses tended to have a larger volume. Patients undergoing catheter drainage showed a more rapid reduction in initial abscess volume, whereas resolution of the abscess cavity took longer with antibiotic therapy alone. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and catheter drainage are safe and effective in the management of liver abscess. Drug therapy alone may be useful only in select cases.

Prograde and retrograde intussusception: A rarity in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

A 30-year-old woman presented with subacute intestinal obstruction. Clinical evaluation and radiological studies pointed toward an enteroenteric intussusception with intestinal polyps. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a retrograde intussusception mass acting as a lead point for a second prograde jejuno-jejunal intussusception. Resection and anastomosis of the involved segment was done. Histopathology revealed the presence of hamartomas. The patient was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. The rarity of such a case is highlighted, and the diagnostic challenge it poses is discussed.

Breast lump as a presentation of a hydatid disease.

Hydatid disease is a lesion caused by larval form of Echinococcus granulosus and is seen endemically in sheep-rearing countries. Humans are intermediate hosts of this organism. The liver is the first filter that stops about 75% of the embryos and the lungs filter another 10%, leaving only 15% to develop into cysts in other organs of the body.

Traumatic spigelian hernia: a rare clinical scenario.

Traumatic Spigelian hernia is a rare clinical entity with variable clinical presentation and requires a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and the management. Delay in the diagnosis can lead to incarceration or strangulation of bowel loops and subsequent morbidity. Here, we are reporting a case of traumatic Spigelian hernia followed by blunt trauma to the right lower abdomen. The herniated bowel loop was gangrenous and perforated. There was spillage of fecal matter into the adjoining parietal layer. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with resection of gangrenous bowel loop and ileostomy was performed. Post-operative course was uneventful.

Xanthogranulomatous appendicitis with a fulminant course: report of a case.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a well-described entity with involvement of various body organs. But the involvement of vermiform appendix in the disease process is quite rare with only few cases are reported in literature. This case report describes a 50-year-old man, who was diagnosed as a case of acute appendicitis with appendicular lump on the basis of clinical history, physical examination, and hematological and radiological investigations. Patient underwent surgical interventions twice. But, he succumbed to the disease. We are reporting this case in view of rarity of the disease and the fulminant course, which has not been described in any other reports.

Primary fibrosarcoma of male breast: a rare entity.

Primary fibrosarcoma of the breast is a very rare tumor. However, amongst the Primary Breast Sarcoma (PBS), it is the most common subtype. We present a case of 28-year-old male with lump in right breast of 7 year duration. The unilateral multinodular mass showed well circumscribed but unencapsulated tumor composed of interlacing fascicles of spindle shaped cells with minimal atypia. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for vimentin in the tumor cells. Differential diagnoses and review of literature is discussed.

Anterior Roux-en-Y Pancreatico-jejunostomy for Pancreatic Trauma.

Isolated pancreatic laceration is a rare injury. The typical mechanism by which it occurs is overstretching of the pancreas across the vertebral column during blunt abdominal trauma. The management depends on the location and extent of the injury. Disruption of the pancreatic duct usually requires operative treatment. Operative options for pancreatic laceration at the neck include distal pancreatectomy or suturing of the cephalic remnant and Roux-en-Y pancreatico-jejunostomy on the left remnant. We are reporting two cases of isolated pancreatic injury with disruption of the pancreatic duct but preserved posterior surface of the pancreas. These patients were managed by performing anterior Roux-en-Y pancreatico-jejunostomy at the lacerated area. Both the patients had successful outcome with removal of drains by 6(th) postoperative day. Anterior Roux-en-Y pancreatico-jejunostomy in this particular scenario is easy, less time consuming, and has the advantage of preserving the pancreas and the spleen.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fistula in ano is a common disease seen in the surgical outpatient department. Many procedures are advocated for the treatment of fistula in ano. However, none of the procedures is considered the gold standard. The latest addition to the list of treatment options is video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). It is a minimally invasive, sphincter-saving procedure with low morbidity. The aim of our study was to compare the results with a premier study done previously. METHODS: The procedure involves diagnostic fistuloscopy and visualization of the internal opening, followed by fulguration of the fistulous tract and closure of the internal opening with a stapling device or suture ligation. The video equipment (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was connected to an illuminating source. RESULTS: The study was conducted from July 2010 to March 2014. Eighty-two patients with fistula in ano were operated on with VAAFT and were followed up according to the study protocol. The recurrence rate was 15.85%, with recurrences developing in 13 cases. Postoperative pain and discomfort were minimal. CONCLUSION: VAAFT is a minimally invasive procedure performed under direct visualization. It enables visualization of the internal opening and secondary branches or abscess cavities. It is a sphincter-saving procedure and offers many advantages to patients. Our initial results with the procedure are quite encouraging.

Malignant melanoma of unknown primary site simulating a salivary gland neoplasm.

Malignant melanoma with its varied clinical presentations and histomorphological patterns is a perplexing problem both for the diagnosticians and clinicians. A small proportion of melanomas present with metastatic tumors with unknown primary sites and at these sites they mimic the more common primary neoplasms. We hereby report a case of malignant melanoma presenting as a submandibular lump in a 40 year old female. This lump was present for six months and was rapidly increasing in size. On cytology it was diagnosed as salivary gland neoplasm.