High Dose Oral Furosemide with Salt Ingestion in the Treatment of Refractory Ascites of Liver Cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose furosemide+salt orally by comparing HSS+ furosemide (i.v.) and repeated paracentesis in patients with RA. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 78 cirrhotic patients with RA, randomized into three groups: Group A (n= 25) i.v. furosemide (200-300 mg bid) and 3% hypotonic saline solution (HSS) (once or twice a day); Group B (n= 26) oral furosemide tablets (360-520 mg bid) and salt (2.5 g bid); and, Group C (n= 27) repeated large-volume-paracentesis (RLVP) with albumin infusion. Patients without hyperkalemia were administrated 100 mg of spironolactone/day. During the follow-up; INR, creatinine, and total bilirubin levels were measured to determine the change in MELD (model of end stage liver disease) score. RESULTS: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), severe episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and pleural effusions (PE) occurred more frequently in Group C. Improvement in Child-Pugh and MELD score was better in Group A and B than Group C. In Group B, improvements were seen in the Child-Pugh and MELD score, reduction in body weight, duration and number of hospitalization. In Groups A and B, remarkable increases in diuresis were observed (706±116 to 2425±633 mL and 691±111 to 2405±772 mL) and serum sodium levels also improved. HE and SBP were occurred more often in group C (p<0.002). Hospitalization decreased significantly in Group B (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in survival among groups. CONCLUSION: High dose oral furosemide with salt ingestion may be an alternative, effective, safe and well-tolerated method of therapy for RA.

Nasobiliary Drainage for Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Patients Refractory to Standard Therapy.

PURPOSE: Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is characterized by episodic cholestasis and pruritus without anatomical obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasobiliary drainage (NBD) in patients with BRIC refractory to medical therapy and to determine whether the use of NBD prolongs the episode duration. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study consisting of 33 patients suffering from BRIC. All patients were administrated medical treatment and 16 patients who were refractory to standard medical therapies improved on treatment with temporary endoscopic NBD. Duration of treatment response and associated complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (43% females) underwent 25 NBD procedures. The median duration of NBD was 17 days. There were significant improvements in total and direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase on the 3rd day of NBD. Longer clinical remission was monitored in the NBD group. Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis was observed in one of 16 cases. CONCLUSION: NBD effectively eliminates BRIC in all patients and improves biomarkers of cholestasis. It can be suggested that patients with attacks of BRIC can be treated with temporary endoscopic NBD; however, the results of this study should be confirmed by prospective studies in the future.

GNRH agonists and antagonists in rescue for cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage: friend or foe?

PURPOSE: To find out if GnRH agonist (GnRHa) and GnRH antagonist (GnRHant) offer ovarian protection from cyclophosphamide (Cyc) and if AMH expression is affected. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in Baskent University Animal research laboratory and 66 virgin Wistar albino rats were assigned to six groups. The control group received intraperitoneal saline injection. The GnRHa group had a single dose of leuprolide acetate (1 mg/kg) 28 days prior to saline injection. The GnRHant group had a single dose of cetrorelix acetate (0.1 mg/kg) 1 h prior to saline injection. The Cyc group had a single intraperitoneal dose of Cyc (75 mg/kg). The GnRHa+Cyc group had a single dose of leuprolide acetate (1 mg/kg) 28 days prior to Cyc (75 mg/kg). The GnRHant+Cyc group had single dose of cetrorelix acetate (0.1 mg/kg) 1 h prior to Cyc (75 mg/kg). At day 35, the animals were euthanized, and their ovaries were removed. Primordial follicles were counted and AMH expression was determined. The Kruskal-Wallis, χ(2), or Fisher's exact test was used where appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: PMF count was reduced in GnRHant (p < 0.01) and Cyc (p < 0.01) groups. Cyc, GnRHa+Cyc and GnRHant+Cyc groups had similar numbers of PMF. AMH expression was reduced in Cyc, GnRHa+Cyc and GnRHant+Cyc groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Neither GnRHa nor GnRHant can offer protection against Cyc-induced damage. GnRHant itself reduces the number of primordial follicles.

Two drugs with paradoxical effects on liver regeneration through antiangiogenesis and antifibrosis: Losartan and Spironolactone: a pharmacologic dilemma on hepatocyte proliferation.

BACKGROUND: There is a strong relationship between liver regeneration and angiogenesis and fibrosis. It is known that Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, acting on rennin-aldosterone axis, and Losartan, an angiotensin II type I antagonist, have both antifibrotic and antiangiogenic effects. Theoretically, the end result of these mechanisms with contradictory influences on liver regeneration is not known well. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects on liver regeneration of administration of Spironolactone and Losartan, having contradicting effects on regeneration through antiangiogenesis and antifibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 Wistar albino rats were divided into control, Spironolactone, and Losartan groups and subdivided to conduct examinations on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The specimens were treated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen to evaluate the characteristics of liver regeneration; with phosphorylated Smad2 (phospho-Smad2), serum transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) 1, and tissue TGF-B1 to evaluate the termination of regeneration and with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, Flk-1/KDR, to evaluate angiogenesis. RESULTS: The proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index was found to be significantly higher in Spironolactone and Losartan groups than in the control group on days 1, 3, and 5 (P = 0.031, 0.0023, and 0.032, respectively). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, Flk-1/KDR, expression was significantly lower in Spironolactone and Losartan groups than in the control group on days 3, 5, and 7 (P = 0.032, 0.0024, and 0.007, respectively). Phospho-Smad2 was significantly lower on days 1, 3, and 5 in Spironolactone and Losartan groups than in the control group (P = 0.011, 0.0020, and 0.05, respectively). Tissue TGF-B1 levels were significantly lower in Spironolactone and Losartan groups than in the control group only on day 3 (P = 0039). Serum TGF-B1 levels in Losartan groups were significantly different from those of control and Spironolactone groups only on day 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Liver regeneration, expected to decrease on day 3, was prolonged and increased even on day 5 despite antiangiogenic effects of Losartan and Spironolactone, which in fact inhibit fibrosis through phospho-Smad2 and increase regeneration. In addition, serum and tissue TGF-B1 levels are not sensitive enough to show active TGF-B1 for the evaluation of regeneration.

Surgical management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography related injuries.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine timing and outcomes of surgical treatment options of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) related injuries. METHODOLOGY: Nine patients with ERCP related injury were underwent surgical treatment at our institution. Data about these patients and outcomes of the treatment options used were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 9 patients, 5 were female and mean age of 68.2 years (36-92 years). Out of 5 patients with duodenal injury (55.6%), 4 patients were treated with simple repair and 1 patient was treated with duodenostomy. Six patients were treated with pyloric closure and gastrojejunostomy. A T tube was placed in 5 patients with choledochal calculus and 1 patient with biliary fistula. One patient with a tumor in the periampullary region underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. A total of 4 patients died (44.4%). Out of 5 patients followed, 5 (60%) had postoperative problems such as sepsis, wound infection and abdominal abscess. The mean hospital stay was 22.6±7.9 days. CONCLUSION: Duodenal injuries should be treated with surgery immediately. Findings from physical examination and computed tomography should guide in making decisions about surgery. ERCP indications, type of injuries and abdominal inflammation should be kept in mind in decisions for the type of surgical treatment.

Gastric cancer diagnosis and staging in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze whether COVID-19 cause a delay in the diagnosis of gastric cancer patients particularly in the TNM staging of the tumor, or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included the patients diagnosed with gastric cancer from March, 2019 to December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: baseline and the pandemic groups. The following parameters were compared between the groups; demographic data, numbers of newly diagnosed patients, type of the surgery, location of the tumor, frequency of neoadjuvant treatment, ASA score, length of hospital stay, clinical staging and pathologic TNM staging. RESULTS: The mean monthly number of newly diagnosed gastric cancer patients showed a significant decline from 7.5 to 5.6 (p< .001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to the demographic factors, except CA 19-9 levels. Patients in the pandemic group had higher both clinical and pathological T-stages (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a decline in the number of the newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer during the pandemic and also more patients presented with advanced stage during the pandemic period. This study showed that the pandemic causes a potential delay in the diagnosis of gastric cancer patients. KEY WORDS: Cancer surgery, COVID-19, Gastric cancer, Gastric surgery SARS-COV-2, Pandemic.

Invasive and Non-invasive Ductal Carcinoma within Malignant Phyllodes Tumour with Axillary Lymph Node Metastases.

Phyllodes tumours are uncommon breast neoplasms constituting 1-2% of breast malignancies. Metastasis is usually haematogenous, and axillary lymph node dissection is not routinely performed. A phyllodes tumour with concomitant invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is even rarer. When IDCor ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is detected, the management of the condition changes completely. We report a case of a 22-year female presenting with a mass in the right breast and palpable axillary lymph nodes. The pathological examination demonstrated a malignant phyllodes tumour with concomitant IDC and DCIS. The patient elected to have modified radical mastectomy, and the pathological examination showed metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes. The patient was administered appropriate therapy. At the last visit, she did not have the clinical signs of disease. This is the first youngest case of axillary lymph node metastases with both DCIS and IDC on pathological examination in malignant phyllodes tumour. Key Words: Malignant phyllodes, Invasive ductal carcinoma, Ductal carcinoma in-situ, Lymph node metastasis.

Effects of a tissue sealing-cutting device versus monopolar electrocautery on early pilonidal wound healing: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Monopolar electrocauterization produces thermal effects on neighboring tissues, causing tissue damage. Recently, tissue sealing-cutting devices, which are easy to use and achieve simultaneous selective sealing and cutting with less production of heat, have been used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a tissue sealing-cutting device vs monopolar electrocautery on wound healing in the early postoperative period after pilonidal sinus surgery. DESIGN: This study was a prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: This study was conducted at Military Hospital, Eskisehir, Turkey. PATIENTS: In total, 128 patients with chronic pilonidal disease were randomly assigned into 2 clinically comparable groups between December 2009 and June 2010. INTERVENTION: Pilonidal sinus excision was performed with monopolar electrocautery in the control group (n = 64) and with a tissue sealing-cutting device in the study group (n = 64). Data regarding wound healing, demographic variables, history, physical examination findings, defect dimensions, and scores for a visual analog scale were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes measured were surgical site infection, early wound failure (dehiscence), and unhealed wound rate. RESULTS: : Wound infection and dehiscence rates were significantly lower (P = .01 and .02), but the duration of surgery was significantly longer (P < .01) in the tissue sealing-cutting group. The unhealed wound rate was 12.5% in the electrocautery group and 4.7% in the tissue sealing-cutting group (P = .01). When the distance from the lowest margin to the anus was 5 cm or less, wound infection and dehiscence rates were lower in the tissue sealing-cutting group (P < .01 and .03). LIMITATIONS: We could not obtain data regarding the cost-effectiveness of the instruments. CONCLUSIONS: A tissue sealing-cutting device in pilonidal sinus surgery yields better wound healing than monopolar electrocautery.

[Factors affecting morbidity in urgent repair of abdominal wall hernia with intestinal incarceration in adults]. / Intestinal inkarserasyon için acil karin duvari fitik onarimi yapilan eriskinlerde morbiditeyi etkileyen faktörler.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate factors that affect morbidity in adults with incarcerated intestinal hernia of the abdominal wall. METHODS: 124 patients with a mean age of 61 ± 13.87 years (73 males) underwent emergency surgery for incarcerated intestinal hernia between March 1999 and March 2008. The median duration of the hernia was 5 years (0.1-30). Type and duration of hernia, accompanying diseases, surgical procedure, and operation-related complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (20%) had complications. Twelve patients (10%) had surgical site infection and 10 patients (8%) had septic complications. Four patients (3%) died in the postoperative period. Out of 40 patients developing strangulation, 18 underwent bowel resection. The only independent variable concerning bowel resection other than inguinal hernia was found to be ventral hernia (p=0.039). There was no statistical significance between duration of hernia and incarceration and complications. The rate of complications was significantly high in the patients with accompanying diseases (p<0.001). The relation between age and complications was also significant (p=0.034). Multivariate analyses showed high ASA scores as the only independent variable for development of complications (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with comorbid diseases and high ASA scores should be informed about the elevated risk of complications, and scheduled surgery before the development of incarceration should be recommended.

Effects of a preoperative and perioperative multidisciplinary approach for complicated liver hydatid cyst on postoperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate effects of a preoperative and perioperative multidisciplinary approach for complicated liver hydatid cyst on postoperative outcomes. METHODOLOGY: Hospital records about 114 patients operated for liver hydatid cyst in the past ten years were retrospectively evaluated. Of 114 patients, 48 required a preoperative multidisciplinary approach (Group M) and 66 did not require it (Group NM). RESULTS: In Group M, 16 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) before surgery. Twenty-six patients underwent surgery only since they were refractory to interventional radiological procedures. Six patients underwent perioperative interventional radiological procedures. Out of 26 centrally located cysts, 15 (57.6%) were found to have a communication with bile ducts and 12 (46.2%) were found to have bile fistulae, which were statistically significant when compared to peripherally located cysts (p = 0.001 and 0.03 respectively). Although five of six patients in Group M having emergency surgery underwent preoperative ERCP, they did not experience clinical improvement and therefore they also had supportive surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of centrally located liver hydatid cysts communicating with the bile ducts and having fistulae was higher. Preoperative ERCP has a positive effect on postoperative outcome in patients with bile fistulae and therefore, it should be kept in mind in management of liver hydatid cysts. However, ERCP may be insufficient in treating cholangitis and emergency situations. Surgery can be used as a supportive treatment when ERCP is inconclusive and when the cysts become refractory despite treatment with interventional radiology.

[Use of drainage in surgery for perforated appendicitis: the effect on complications]. / Perfore apandisit ameliyatinda dren kullaniminin komplikasyonlara etkisi.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the use of drainage in surgery for perforated appendicitis and to determine its effect(s) on complications. METHODS: Two-hundred and eight patients diagnosed with perforated appendicitis between May 1999 and January 2009 were retrospectively evaluated in terms of using drainage with respect to surgical infections and other complications and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients diagnosed with perforated appendicitis underwent surgery. The mean age of the patients was 41.05±16.30 years. Of the 208 patients, 128 (61.5%) were male. The median duration of complaints was 2 days (1-15 days). Drainage was applied in 83 patients (39.9%). The median duration of drainage was 3 days (1-7 days). Surgical infections, wound dehiscence, other complications, and re-hospitalization rates were significantly higher in patients with drainage. The mean time from appearance of complaints to surgery, the duration of hospitalization and antibiotic treatment were also longer in the drainage group (p=0.001 for all). A higher rate of the patients with an accompanying disease (39.8%-19.2%) and midline incision (20.5%-3.2%) and of the elderly patients had drainage. Multivariate analyses showed that using a drain independently affected surgical infections (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that using a drain after surgery for perforated appendicitis increases surgical infections and in turn the duration of hospital stay.

Preoperative therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with thyrotoxicosis.

The purpose of this report was to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in preoperative preparation of patients with thyrotoxicosis scheduled for either thyroid or nonthyroid surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with thyrotoxicosis and those who prepared surgery with plasmapheresis between 1999 and 2008 at our institution. Ten patients underwent thyroid surgery and one patient was operated for femur fracture during antithyroid drug treatment. The indications for plasmapheresis in all patients with severe thyrotoxicosis were poor response to medical treatment (seven patients), agronulocytosis due to antithyroid drugs (three patients), iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis (Jodd Basedow effect in one patient), and rapid preparation for urgent orthopedic operation (one patient). After TPE, we observed a marked decrease in free thyroxin (FT3) and free triiodothyronin (FT4) levels; however, the decline in the biochemical values were not statically significant (P > 0.62, P > 0.15). Although both FT3 and FT4 levels remained above the normal limits in two of 11 patients, the signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis improved in all patients and no thyroid storm observed during the perioperative period. TPE can be considered a safe and effective alternative to prepare patients with thyrotoxicosis for surgery when drug treatment fails or is contraindicated and when emergency surgery is required.

MRI Findings of Borderline Retroperitoneal Serous Cystadenocarcinoma.

Retroperitoneal serous cystadenocarcinoma is an extremely uncommon lesion. Here, we present MR imaging findings of a 40-year woman who was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain. The patient was evaluated with abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Abdominal CT revealed a 13x18 cm large retroperitoneal and cystic mass with polypoid projections. MRI was superior than CT in showing polypoid projections. Contrast enhanced MRI detected enhancement of thin septations and cyst appearance inner the cyst. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed restricted diffusion in the polypoid component with contrast enhancement. Therefore, we thought malignant lesion. The findings of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI were helpful in the diagnosis of those lesions. In addition, diffusionweighted MRI with multiparametric modalities played unlimited role in the assesment of the differential diagnosis.

Postobstructive Cyst Formation in Pancreatic Duct affecting Surgical Approach.

How to cite this article: Ezer A, Parlakgumus A. Postobstructive Cyst Formation in Pancreatic Duct affecting Surgical Approach. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2018;8(1):99-100.

Solitary Cecal Diverticulitis Mimicking Cecal Carcinoma.

Cecal diverticulum is a rare clinical condition which may present as acute abdomen through diverticulitis and perforation of diverticulitis. Surgical treatment of cecal diverticulitis has been controversial, with studies recommending options ranging from conservative management with antibiotics alone to aggressive resection. Two cases, one of which was pre- diagnosed with cecal tumor perforation and the other with cecal tumor leading to intestinal obstruction, were urgently operated. To both patients, right hemicolectomy was applied. Pathologic evaluation revealed cecal diverticulitis in both patients. Right hemicolectomy is principally reserved for patients experiencing perforation of the diverticulum and extensive inflammatory reaction.

Utility of Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Multiple B Values in Evaluation of Pancreatic Malignant and Benign Lesions and Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluation of pancreatic lesions and in differentiation of benign from malignant lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Baskent University Adana Teaching and Research Center, Adana, Turkey, between September 2013 and May 2015. METHODOLOGY: Forty-three lesions [pancreas adenocarcinoma (n=25)], pancreatitis (n=10), benign lesion (n=8)] were utilized with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with multiple b-values. Different ADC maps of diffusion weighted images by using b-values were acquired. RESULTS: The median ADC at all b values for malignant lesions was significantly different from that for benign lesions (p<0.001). When ADCs at all b values were compared between benign lesions/normal parenchyma and malignant lesions/normal parenchyma, there was a significant statistical difference in all b values between benign and malignant lesions except at b 50 and b 200 (p<0.05). The lesion/normal parenchyma ADC ratio for b 600 value (AUC=0.804) was more effective than the lesion ADC for b 600 value (AUC=0.766) in differentiation of benign and malignant lesions. The specificity and sensitivity of the lesion/normal parenchyma ADC ratio were higher than those of ADC values of lesions. When the ADC was compared between benign lesions and pancreatitis, a significant difference was found at all b values (p<0.001). There was not a statistically significant difference between the ADC for pancreatitis and that for malignant lesions at any b value combinations (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images can be helpful in differentiation of pancreatic carcinoma and benign lesions. Lesion ADC / normal parenchyma ADC ratios are more important than lesion ADC values in assessment of pancreatic lesions.

Polymeric Clips for Stump Closure in Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Many different techniques are used to perform laparoscopic appendectomy in terms of locations of trocars and closure of the appendiceal stump. They include mechanical endostaplers, endoligature, metal clips, bipolar endocoagulation, polymeric clips and intracorporeal sutures. The method of choice for appendiceal stump closure should be inexpensive and easy to perform. Non-absorbable polymer clips is an acceptable option for this purpose. Polymeric clips provide considerable cost savings as compared with endoscopic staplers, and are easy to apply in comparison to suture ligature techniques. In this study, we aimed to investigate outcomes of appendectomy carried out by using polymeric clips in 123 patients without any intraabdominal collection of pus or abscess. As such, the authors found polymeric clips to be safe, cheap and effective for stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Delayed Reconstruction of a Traumatic Cloaca Following Obstetric Anal Sphincter Rupture.

Permanent communication between the rectum and the vagina along with full thickness of anal sphincter faults can be a result of an unsuccessful primary repair of fourth degree obstetric trauma. This results into complete fecal incontinence and impaired quality of life. Anterior overlapping sphincteroplasty can be chosen as a method of treatment for fecal incontinence due to obstetric injuries. However, large perineal body reconstructions are generally pretty challenging tasks for surgeons. What we will describe here for the repair of a traumatic cloaca, occurred 23 years ago during vaginal delivery, is the use of a transpositional flap following overlapping sphincteroplasty. Anatomic recovery and fecal continence restoration have been accomplished completely by a follow-up of 24 months.

Long Segment Intestinal Invagination in an Adult Case.

How to cite this article: Karadeli E, Parlakgumus A, Tok S, Erbay G. Long Segment Intestinal Invagination in an Adult Case. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):99-100.

Abdominal CT Findings in Patients with Primary Lymphoma Causing Small Bowel Obstruction.

The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively CTfindings in patients with primary lymphoma causing small bowel obstruction. CTscans of 11 patients with small bowel lymphoma were separately analysed in terms of affected section of the small bowel, focality, wall thickness, pattern and degree of contrast enhancement, lymphadenopathy, organ involvement, perforation, and the presence of intraabdominal fluid. Eight patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and one patient each had marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), T-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic T-cell lymphoma. Affected sections of the bowels involved were jejunum (n=5, 45.4%), ileum (n=2, 18.1%), and one case (9%) each of distal ileum, distal jejunum, distal jejunum and ileum, and distal jejunum and colon. Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma is an uncommon disease, that may lead to small bowel obstruction sometimes.