A randomised control trial study of early post-operative pain and intraoperative surgeon workload following laparoscopic mesh repair of midline ventral hernia by enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus approach.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the peri-operative outcomes, especially intraoperative surgeon workload and early post-operative pain, following midline ventral hernia repair by laparoscopic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus (IPOM plus) approach. Patients and Methods: This single-centre randomised control trial study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2022. A total of 60 adult patients undergoing elective ventral hernia surgery with small- and medium-sized midline defects were included. Intraoperative surgeon workload and early post-operative pain were systematically recorded and analysed for each procedure. Results: Out of 30 patients assigned to each group, 29 patients underwent eTEP mesh repair and 27 patients underwent successful IPOM plus repair. The intraoperative surgeon's workload, especially mental demand, physical demand, task complexity and degree of difficulty as reported and felt by the operating surgeon, was significantly higher in the eTEP mesh repair group compared to IPOM plus group (P < 0.001) with comparable operating room distractions (P = 0.039). The mean overall post-operative pain score on post-operative day 1 was slightly less in eTEP mesh repair (4.28 ± 1.12) group compared to IPOM plus group (4.93 ± 1.17), which was statistically insignificant (P = 0.042). The eTEP group had significantly longer operative time and length of hospital stay compared to the IPOM plus group. Conclusion: Our study revealed significantly longer operative time, higher surgical workload and increased length of hospital stay in the eTEP group with comparable early post-operative pain in both groups, thus making eTEP mesh repair a more difficult and challenging procedure.

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.

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.

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.