Is magnetic anal sphincter augmentation still an option in fecal incontinence treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Magnetic anal sphincter (MAS) augmentation is a novel surgical option for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Current clinical evidence is conflicting. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to report the safety profile, potential benefits, and the functional efficacy of this device. METHODS: The study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Literature databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL) were screened for eligible articles. The primary endpoint was the pooled effect of MAS in the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) score. Quality evaluation was based on the ROBINS-I and Risk of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS: Overall, 8 studies with 205 patients were included. MAS resulted in a significant reduction of CCIS values (p = 0.019), and improvement only in the embarrassment domain of FIQoL scores (p = 0.034). The overall morbidity rate was 61.8%. Postoperative adverse events included MAS explantation in 12%, infection in 5.1%, pain in 10% and obstructed defecation in 5.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: The application of MAS in patients with fecal incontinence results in the improvement of some clinical parameters with a notable morbidity rate. Due to several study limitations, further, high-quality RCTs are required to delineate the efficacy and safety of MAS.

A giant low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) presenting as ileocecal intussusception: a case report.

We report the rare case of a giant low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), presenting as ileocecal intussusception. An 80-year-old woman presented in the emergency department of our institution with progressively worsening diffuse abdominal pain during the last 24 h. A CT scan revealed a giant abdominal mass (98.7 × 127.3 × 107.6 mm) with air-fluid level and imaging characteristics of ileocecal intussusception. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a well-circumscribed cystic mass deriving from the appendix was found. A right hemicolectomy was performed, and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of LAMN. This report aims to raise awareness among surgeons and radiologists, about LAMNs as a differential diagnosis of right iliac fossa masses presenting as acute abdomen.

The Role of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pooled efficacy of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. The primary endpoint was the pooled effect size of PTNS in LARS score (LARSS). Secondary endpoints included incontinence (Fecal Incontinence Score-FIC, Obstructive Defecation Syndrome-ODS), sexual functionality and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, and manometric evaluations. Continuous outcomes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD), with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Quality evaluation was performed via the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool. RESULTS: Overall, 5 studies were included. PTNS resulted to reduced LARSS values (WMD: - 5.68, 95%CI: - 7.73, - 3.63, p < 0.001). A similar effect was noted in St Mark's FIC (p < 0.001) and ODS (p = 0.02) score. An improvement in several QoL scales was found. There was no effect in sexual functionality and manometric measurements. Compared to sham, PTNS significantly improved LARSS. CONCLUSIONS: The application of PTNS in patients with LARS results in an improvement in multiple clinical parameters, including defecation functionality and quality of life. Due to several study limitations, further high quality RCTs are required to delineate the exact efficacy of PTNS.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acalculous, gangrenous cholecystitis on an outpatient COVID-19 adult: a case report.

We report the rare case of an acalculous, gangrenous cholecystitis on a, previously healthy, outpatient COVID-19 adult. The 53-year-old patient presented to the emergency department due to epigastric pain and fever and was admitted to the COVID-19 department. Due to clinical and laboratory deterioration, a computed tomography scan was performed that confirmed the diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis. The patient was submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperatively, a gangrenous gallbladder was identified. Immunohistology validated the presence of specimen wall vasculitis and vessel thrombosis.

Comparison of wound closure techniques after thyroid and parathyroid surgery: an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis.

We designed and conducted the present study to evaluate the optimal wound closure technique after thyroid and parathyroid surgery in terms of perioperative safety, efficacy, and cosmetic outcomes. A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. Literature screening was completed at 10/12/2021. A random effects multivariate network meta-analysis under a frequentist framework was implemented. Statistical significance was considered at the level of p < 0.05. Overall, 18 studies and 1314 patients were included. Conventional sutures (CS) received the best ranking (SUCRA: 90.1%) in wound-related morbidity. Metal clips (MC) was the best option for reducing the overall operation (SUCRA: 99%) and wound closure (SUCRA: 72.3%) duration. Moreover, adhesive strips (AS) had the higher probability of minimizing postoperative pain during the 2nd and 3rd postoperative days. Subcuticular suture (SS) was the most probable method for achieving optimal, long-term, patient-assessed, and surgeon-assessed cosmesis. However, MC had the highest mid and long term, independent-assessed, scar ranking (SUCRA 80.5% and 62.9%). Based on the inconclusive results and the several study limitations, further large-scale RCTs are required.

Early Rupture of Iatrogenic Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Unsuccessful Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been established as the gold-standard method to deal with symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Although, like any other surgical procedure, it may have complications that affect the mortality and morbidity of patients. More specifically, the cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is considered a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which despite its rarity, may be fatal for the patient. Herein, we present the case of a 67-year-old man with a ruptured iatrogenic cystic artery pseudoaneurysm in the early postoperative period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy that converted to open wherein a cholecystostomy catheter was placed. The patient was hospitalized in our surgical unit, and he was treated with cystic artery embolization initially and secondary with elective open cholecystectomy.

Incomplete Gastric Obstruction Due to Herniation of Stomach Into Parastomal Hernia: A Case Report.

Parastomal hernia is the most common complication after surgical procedures that lead to the creation of a stoma. Most commonly in the hernia sac, there is omentum or small intestine or colon. The presence of the stomach as hernia's content is a rare event. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman, who was hospitalized in our surgical unit with incomplete gastric obstruction due to herniation of the stomach into a parastomal hernia and who was managed conservatively.