Knee Pain and Limping as Presenting Symptoms of Metastatic Thyroid Cancer.

BACKGROUND Most thyroid nodules are fortunately benign; however, up to 15% of thyroid nodules turn out to be malignant. Follicular thyroid cancer is the second most common type of thyroid malignancy, originating from the follicular cells lined by cuboidal epithelium, with a peak incidence between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The feature that differentiates follicular carcinoma from adenoma is the presence of capsular invasion. While distant metastases occur in 10% to 15% of patients with follicular thyroid cancer, only 2% to 13% of patients with thyroid cancer develop bone metastases. Metastasis to the knee in thyroid cancer is extremely rare. This report describes a rare case of limping and knee pain as presenting symptoms of metastasis of follicular thyroid cancer to the knee joint observed during clinical practice and addresses its implications. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old woman presented with right knee swelling, disabling pain, and difficulty with walking in the last 3 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass, and a computed tomography scan-guided biopsy confirmed it to be a distant metastasis of follicular thyroid cancer. The patient underwent total knee replacement and thyroidectomy and was postoperatively treated with radioactive iodine therapy. She was in good condition at her 1-year follow-up, with no recurring pathology. CONCLUSIONS This case reports on the metastasis of follicular thyroid cancer to the knee, which is exceedingly rare. However, it should be considered in the differential diagnoses of lytic bone lesions, as early diagnosis and management yield a more favorable prognosis for patients.

The Effect of COVID 19 on Liver Parenchyma Detected and measured by CT scan Hounsfield Units.

Background: COVID 19 may affect organs other than lungs, including liver, leading to parenchymal changes. These changes are best assessed by unenhanced computed tomography (CT). We aim to investigate the effect of COVID 19 on liver parenchyma by measuring the attenuation in CT scan Hounsfield unit (HU). Materials and Methods: A cohort of patients, who tested COVID 19 polymerase chain reaction positive, were enrolled and divided into two groups: fatty liver (FL) group (HU ≤ 40) and nonfatty liver (NFL) group (HU > 40) according to liver parenchyma attenuation measurements by high resolution noncontrast CT scan. The CT scan was performed on admission and on follow up (10-14 days later). Liver enzyme tests were submitted on admission and follow up. Results: Three hundred and two patients were enrolled. Liver HU increased significantly from 48.9 on admission to 53.4 on follow up CT scan (P<0.001) in all patients. This increase was more significant in the FL group (increased from 31.9 to 42.9 [P =0.018]) Liver enzymes were abnormal in 22.6% of the full cohort. However, there was no significant change in liver enzymes between the admission and follow up in both groups. Conclusion: The use of unenhanced CT scan for assessment of liver parenchymal represents an objective and noninvasive method. The significant changes in parenchymal HU are not always accompanied by significant changes in liver enzymes. Increased HU values caused by COVID 19 may be due to either a decrease in the fat or an increase in the fibrosis in the liver.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of intragastric botulinum toxin-A versus gastric balloon.

Background: A prospective case-matched study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic intragastric botulinum toxin-A (EIBT) versus endoscopically planned gastric balloon (EPGB), as a treatment for obesity. Methods: A total of 176 patients (matched for age and sex) were equally divided to undergo EIBT (n = 88) or EPGB (n = 88). Patients who received EIBT were restricted to a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 35 kg/m2, whereas a BMI >25 kg/m2 was allowed in the EPGB group. The main measured outcomes were weight loss, procedure duration, complications, early satiety, and quality of life (QoL). Results: The patients were followed up for a mean of 6 months. The mean weight loss was greater in the EPGB group than in the EIBT group (15.6 kg vs. 9.3 kg, P < 0.001). However, the percentage excess weight loss and the satiety score were greater in the EIBT group (59.1% vs. 42.2%, P < 0.001; and 3.5 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001) respectively. The procedure duration was shorter for EIBT patients (10 min vs. 15 min, P < 0.001). The postoperative complication rate recorded in the EPGB group was significantly higher (30% vs. 9%, P = 0.001). Adverse symptoms lasted longer in EPGB (5.2 days vs. 0.7 days, P < 0.001). Both groups enjoyed similar improvements in QoL. Conclusion: EIBT is a safe and effective treatment for mild obesity. Although the weight loss was greater in the EPGB group, the percentage excess weight loss, procedure duration, postoperative complications, and symptom duration were significantly better in the EIBT group. QoL improvement was comparable between the two groups.

Correlation between COVID-19 severity, body mass index and radiological hepatic morphology / Correlación entre la gravedad de COVID-19, el índice de masa corporal y la morfología hepática radiológica

SUMMARY: Obesity and fatty liver steatosis are already considered metabolic risk factors which may aggravate the severity of COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 severity, obesity, and liver steatosis and fibrosis. 230 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 aged between 15 and 84? years, admitted to a hospital devoted to COVID-19 patients, were enrolled in the study. COVID-19 severity was classified as severe versus non-severe based on admission to ICU. Obesity was assessed by Body Mass Index (BMI). CT-scan was used to check for the liver steatosis. Fibrosis-4 score was calculated. The study was conducted in March-May 2020. Obesity strongly and positively correlated with severe COVID-19 illness r: 0.760 (P<0.001). Hepatic steatosis had rather less of a correlation with COVID-19 severity r: 0.365 (P<0.001). Multivariable-adjusted association between hepatic steatosis or obesity, or both (as exposure) and COVID-19 severity (as the outcome) revealed increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness with obesity (Adjusted model I OR: 465.3, 95 % CI: 21.9-9873.3, P<0.001), with hepatic steatosis (Adjusted model I OR: 5.1, 95 % CI: 1.2-21.0, P<0.025), and with hepatic steatosis among obese patients (Adjusted model I OR: 132, 95 % CI: 10.3-1691.8, P<0.001). Obesity remained the most noticeable factor that strongly correlated with COVID-19 severity, more than liver steatosis. However, the risk to COVID-19 severity was greater in those with both factors: obesity and liver steatosis.

RESUMEN: La obesidad y la esteatosis del hígado graso ya se consideran factores de riesgo metabólico que pueden empeorar la gravedad de la COVID-19. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la correlación entre la gravedad de COVID- 19, la obesidad y la esteatosis y fibrosis hepática. El estudio se realizó en 230 pacientes consecutivos entre 15 y 84 años con COVID-19 confirmado por laboratorio, ingresados en un hospital dedicado a pacientes con COVID-19. La gravedad de COVID-19 se clasificó como grave, versus no grave según el ingreso a la UCI. La obesidad se evaluó mediante el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se utilizó una tomografía computarizada para verificar la esteatosis hepática. Se calculó la puntuación de Fibrosis-4. El estudio se realizó entre marzo-mayo de 2020. La obesidad se correlacionó fuerte y positivamente con la enfermedad grave de COVID-19 r: 0,760 (P <0,001). La esteatosis hepática tuvo una correlación bastante menor con la gravedad de COVID-19 r: 0.365 (P <0.001). La asociación ajustada multivariable entre la esteatosis hepática u obesidad, o ambas (como exposición) y la gravedad de COVID-19 (como resul- tado) reveló un mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave por COVID- 19 con obesidad (OR del modelo ajustado I: 465,3, IC del 95%: 21,9 -9873,3, P <0,001), con esteatosis hepática (OR del modelo I ajustado: 5,1, IC del 95 %: 1,2-21,0, P <0,025) y con esteatosis hepática entre los pacientes obesos (OR del modelo I ajustado: 132, IC del 95 % : 10,3-1691,8, P <0,001). La obesidad siguió siendo el factor más notable que se correlacionó significativamente con la gravedad de COVID-19, más que la esteatosis hepática. Sin embargo, el riesgo de gravedad de COVID-19 fue mayor en aquellos con ambos factores: la obesidad y esteatosis hepática.

Endovascular Management of Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion Secondary to Embolization of Celt ACD® Vascular Closure Device.

BACKGROUND This report describes the endovascular management of a Celt ACD® vascular closure device (VCD) lodged in the superficial femoral artery (SFA), 1 year after its deployment. There is a paucity of evidence in the existing literature regarding the management of complications related to embolized VCD discovered months or years after its deployment. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old male patient, who was a heavy smoker, presented with right lower-limb intermittent claudication of 2 months' duration. He underwent a successful left retrograde iliac artery and left SFA angioplasty 1 year ago. The right femoral pulse was normal, whereas the right popliteal pulse was absent. The right ankle-brachial index was 0.64. Doppler ultrasound showed evidence of mid-right SFA occlusion. Angiogram showed an embolized Celt ACD VCD in the right SFA causing segmental occlusion. An endovascular attempt to retrieve the embolized VCD via a snare failed, as the VCD got deeply embedded in the vessel wall. After successful balloon angioplasty, a stent was placed into the SFA with excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This case demonstrates the risk of dislodgement of the VCD and its distal embolization with a risk of late ischemia. Endovascular retrieval may be unsuccessful for chronically embolized VCD. Therefore, stent angioplasty is an acceptable option.

Splenic artery tortuosity index on abdominal CT Scan: correlation with age, sex, BMI and abdominal cavity diameters / Índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica en TC abdominal: correlación con la edad, el sexo, el IMC y los diámetros de la cavidad abdominal

Thorough knowledge of splenic artery course and morphology may help clinician to provide better practice. This Study aims at finding out if there was a relationship between splenic artery tortuosity index and age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI) and abdominal cavity diameters. Routine abdominal Computerized Tomography (CT) scan images were retrospectively analyzed for 219 patients. Splenic artery tortuosity index was calculated. Abdominal cavity diameters were measured. Age, sex, and BMI were recorded. Splenic artery straight length (x) mean was 9.41 cm (SD 1.33). Splenic artery tortuous length mean was 15.15 cm (SD 3.31). Splenic artery tortuosity index mean was 1.63 (SD 0.36). Pearson correlation coefficient for Splenic artery tortuosity index vs. age was: 0.02 (P value 0.80). Splenic artery tortuosity index for females vs. males were 1.70 vs. 1.57 (P value 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient for Splenic artery tortuosity index vs. BMI was 0.02 (P value 0.75). Pearson correlation coefficient for Splenic artery tortuosity index vs. abdominal cavity diameters were: Anterior-Posterior (AP) diameter -0.01 (P value 0.88) and transverse diameter 0.00 (P value 0.98). There may be a relationship between splenic artery tortuosity and female sex, but not with age, BMI and abdominal cavity diameters (AP and Transverse).

El conocimiento del curso y la morfología de la arteria esplénica puede ayudar al médico a proporcionar un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno al paciente. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar si existe una relación entre el índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica y la edad, el sexo, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y los diámetros de la cavidad abdominal. Se tomaron imágenes retrospectivas, de rutina, de 219 pacientes de tomografía computarizada (TC) abdominal. Se calculó el índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica. Se midieron los diámetros de la cavidad abdominal y se registró la edad, sexo y el IMC. La media de la longitud recta de la arteria esplénica (x) fue de 9,41 cm (DE 1,33). La longitud tortuosa de la arteria esplénica fue de 15,15 cm (DE 3,31). La media del índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica fue de 1,63 (DE 0,36). El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para el índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica vs. edad fue: 0,02 (valor de P 0,80). El índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica para las mujeres frente a los hombres fue de 1,70 frente a 1,57 (valor de P 0,01). El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para el índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica versus el IMC fue de 0,02 (valor de P 0,75). El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para el índice de tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica frente a los diámetros de la cavidad abdominal fue: diámetro anterior-posterior (AP) -0,01 (valor P 0,88) y diámetro transversal 0,00 (valor P 0,98). Puede existir una relación entre la tortuosidad de la arteria esplénica y el sexo femenino, sin embargo no se encontró relación con la edad, el IMC y los diámetros de la cavidad abdominal (AP y transversal).

Medical students' vs. consultant surgeons' view of anatomy knowledge / Opinión de los estudiantes de medicina vs. cirujanos consultores sobre el conocimiento de la anatomía

Anatomy is considered the core of surgery. Surgeons often complain about deficiencies in their junior doctor's level of knowledge in anatomy. The study aim was to compare opinions of final year medical students and consultant surgeons regarding current methods of teaching anatomy and which methods should be utilized to enhance medical student's anatomy knowledge. Two questionnaires were developed: one for consultant surgeons and the other one was for medical students. These questionnaires surveyed consultant surgeons and senior medical students regarding their views on various aspects of undergraduate anatomy teaching including: increasing time for anatomy teaching, anatomy knowledge level, surgeons participation in teaching, best methods of teaching and examination of anatomy, areas of strength and weakness among students, and adequacy of current teaching to understand radiology images, laparoscopic and endoscopic views. The response rate for consultants and students was 62.6 %. Surgeons who encouraged increasing the time for undergraduate anatomy teaching were 77.1 %. A significant percentage of surgeons and students thought that their junior surgeons / student level of anatomical knowledge was poor (63.4 % and 46.6 % respectively). Additionally, over two thirds of surgeons and students thought that surgeons participation in anatomy teaching in the first 3 years in medical schools may be useful (68.0 % and 69.0 % respectively). Cadaveric teaching was selected as best method of anatomy teaching by 81.0 % surgeons and 79.6 % students. Only 33.1 % surgeons and 35.4 % student thought that our current anatomy teaching was adequate to understand radiologic, laparoscopic and endoscopic views. Surgeons and students were in agreement regarding students' reduced levels of anatomy knowledge. One particular aspect of such deprivation was students' inability to interpret radiological pictures, laparoscopic and endoscopic views. Increasing time dedicated for anatomy teaching, involving surgeons in the process of anatomy teaching and redirecting the focus on cadaveric dissection may be beneficial.

La anatomía es considerada la base de la cirugía. Los cirujanos a menudo se quejan de las deficiencias en el nivel de conocimiento anatómico de su médico subalterno. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar las opiniones de los estudiantes de medicina y los cirujanos consultores del último año con respecto a los métodos actuales de enseñanza de anatomía y los métodos que deben utilizarse para mejorar el conocimiento de la disciplina de los estudiantes de medicina. Se desarrollaron dos cuestionarios: uno para cirujanos consultores y otro para estudiantes de medicina. Estos cuestionarios encuestaron a cirujanos consultores y estudiantes de medicina de alto nivel con respecto a sus puntos de vista sobre diversos aspectos de la enseñanza de anatomía de pregrado, que incluyen: aumentar el tiempo para la enseñanza de anatomía, el nivel de conocimiento de anatomía, la participación de los cirujanos en la enseñanza, los mejores métodos de enseñanza y el examen de anatomía, áreas de fortaleza y debilidad entre los estudiantes, y la adecuación de la enseñanza actual para comprender imágenes de radiología, vistas laparoscópicas y endoscópicas. La tasa de respuesta de consultores y estudiantes fue del 62,6 %. Los cirujanos que señalaron aumentar el tiempo para la enseñanza de anatomía de pregrado fue en el 77,1 %. Un porcentaje significativo de cirujanos y estudiantes consideraron que su nivel de conocimiento anatómico entre cirujanos subalternos y estudiantes era bajo (63,4 % y 46,6 %, respectivamente). Además, más de dos tercios de los cirujanos y estudiantes estimaron que la participación de los cirujanos en la enseñanza de anatomía en los primeros 3 años en las escuelas de medicina puede ser útil (68,0 % y 69,0 %, respectivamente). La enseñanza en el cadáver fue seleccionada como el mejor método de enseñanza de anatomía por 81,0 % de cirujanos y 79,6 % de estudiantes. Sólo el 33,1 % de los cirujanos y el 35,4 % de los estudiantes pensaron que nuestra enseñanza actual de anatomía era adecuada para entender las vistas radiológicas, laparoscópicas y endoscópicas. Los cirujanos y los estudiantes estuvieron de acuerdo con respecto a los reducidos niveles de conocimiento anatómico de los estudiantes. Un aspecto particular de tal privación fue la incapacidad de los estudiantes para interpretar imágenes radiológicas, vistas laparoscópicas y endoscópicas. Puede ser beneficioso aumentar el tiempo dedicado a la enseñanza de la anatomía, involucrando a cirujanos en el proceso de enseñanza de la anatomía y redirigiendo el enfoque a la disección del cadáver.

Medical students perception of current undergraduate anatomy teaching / Percepción de estudiantes de medicina de la enseñanza actual de anatomía en el pregrado

Anatomy it is one of the basic sciences in medical schools where it takes part in the first 3 years of the teaching curriculum. Aim of this survey is to explore the perception of medical students in undergraduate level to anatomy teaching in different medical schools and identify the weakness points and area which could help in improvement the teaching process with better outcomes. This is a prospective multi center study, conducted between May 2018 to August 2018 on 313 medical students in their internship year and 6th year of medical school. Questionnaire was sent to students taking into consideration the importance of protecting the students privacy. The questionnaire was developed after thorough review of the literature and its items were chosen following consultation with senior medical colleagues and educationalists . The questionnaire was created using 8-item liker scale so as to enforce an answer and avoid neutral answer. Out of 313 students: 212 were female students (67.7 %) and 101 (32.3 %) were males. 123 students (39.3 %) favored the combination of cadaveric dissection and multimedia as best teaching methods. Most students thought that the classic methods of teaching may not be very helpful in understanding the radiological images and laparoscopic intra-operative views. Most students suggested that engaging surgeons in anatomy teaching may improve their clinical knowledge in Anatomy. Our results showed that the approach of teaching could be improved by including combination of multiple techniques specially cadaveric dissection and multimedia sessions. The results also encouraged medical schools to utilize surgeons more often to teach anatomy.

La anatomía es una de las ciencias básicas que forma parte de los primeros 3 años del currículo de enseñanza en las escuelas de medicina. El objetivo de esta encuesta fue explorar la percepción de los estudiantes de medicina en la enseñanza de la anatomía en diferentes escuelas de medicina e identificar los puntos débiles y el área en que podrían ayudar a mejorar el proceso de enseñanza con obtención de mejores resultados. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, entre mayo de 2018 y agosto de 2018, aplicándose un cuestionario a 313 estudiantes de medicina en su año de pasantía y 6º año. El cuestionario se envió a los estudiantes teniendo en cuenta la importancia de proteger la privacidad de los mismos. El cuestionario se elaboró después de una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura y sus ítems se seleccionaron luego de consultar con colegas médicos y educadores de alto nivel. El cuestionario se creó utilizando una escala de Likert de 8 elementos para imponer una respuesta y evitar una respuesta neutral. De los 313 estudiantes: 212 eran mujeres (67,7 %) y 101 (32,3 %) hombres; 123 estudiantes (39,3 %) apoyaron la combinación de disección de cadáveres y multimedia como mejores métodos de enseñanza. La mayoría de los estudiantes pensaron que los métodos clásicos de enseñanza pueden no ser muy útiles para comprender las imágenes radiológicas y las vistas intraoperatorias laparoscópicas. La mayoría de los estudiantes sugirió que involucrar a los cirujanos en la enseñanza de anatomía podría mejorar su conocimiento clínico en anatomía. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el enfoque de la enseñanza podría mejorarse combinando múltiples técnicas, especialmente la disección de cadáveres y las sesiones multimedia. Los resultados también indican que las escuelas de medicina deberían involucrar a los cirujanos en la enseñanza de la anatomía.

A novel practical scoring for early diagnosis of traumatic bowel injury without obvious solid organ injury in hemodynamically stable patients.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a scoring tool based on clinical and radiological findings for early diagnosis and intervention in hemodynamically stable patients with traumatic bowel and mesenteric injury (TBMI) without obvious solid organ injury (SOI). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all traumatic abdominal injury patients in Qatar from 2008 to 2011. Data included demographics and clinical, radiological and operative findings. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the predictors for the need of therapeutic laparotomy. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 33 ± 15. Motor Vehicle Crashes (58%) and fall (21%) were the major MOI. Using Receiver operating characteristic curve, Z-score of >9 was the cutoff point (AUC = 0.98) for high probability of the presence of TBMI requiring surgical intervention. Z-Score >9 was found to have sensitivity (96.7%), specificity (97.4%), PPV (93.5%) and NPV (98.7%). Multivariate regression analysis found Z-score (>9) to be an independent predictor for the need of exploratory laparotomy (OR7.0; 95% CI: 2.46-19.78, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This novel tool for early diagnosis of TBMI is found to be simple and helpful in selecting stable patients with free intra-abdominal fluid without SOI for exploratory Laparotomy. However, further prospective studies are warranted.

Primary adenocarcinoma in the ileostomy of a woman with familial adenomatous polyposis: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Ileal adenomas associated with familial adenomatous polyposis are a common finding. Many recent studies following panproctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis have confirmed the presence of multiple ileal adenomas and an increase in ileal mucosal proliferation. In this study, we present a case of invasive adenocarcinoma arising in a severely dysplastic tubulovillous adenoma in the ileostomy of a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis; also, we present a literature review. To the best of our knowledge, only very few cases have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old Caucasian woman developed a primary adenocarcinoma in her ileostomy, complicating the stoma 31 years after its formation. CONCLUSIONS: Primary adenocarcinoma following panproctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis is a very rare clinical entity. The risk of developing adenocarcinoma in those patients increases with time. Patient education and medical examination of the stoma are of paramount importance and should be implemented early with the need of designing a surveillance protocol for early detection and management of ileal adenomas, especially in longstanding stomas.

Short-term outcome and quality of life of endoscopically placed gastric balloon and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to describe short-term outcome and quality of life (QOL) of endoscopically placed gastric balloon (EPGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty seven consecutive patients with body mass index (BMI) of 42 to 72 kg/m² were assigned to undergo EPGB (n=17) or LAGB (n=30) between May 2008 and May 2010. The main measured outcomes included weight loss, resolution or improvement of comorbidities, hospital stay, complications and QOL. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months. Hospital stay was shorter for EPGB patients (one versus two days, P<0.001). Early postoperative complications recorded in EPGB were minor including nausea and vomiting. No late complications were recorded in the EPGB group. One case of band slippage was reported in the LAGB group and fixed laparoscopically. Percent excess weight loss was less in EPGB compared to LAGB (26.2% versus 44.0%, P=0.004). Resolution or improvement of comorbidities was comparable in both groups. The globally impaired preoperative quality of life showed considerable improvement in both groups. CONCLUSION: EPGB is a safe and effective approach in short-term management of morbid obesity. Weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and improvement in QOL were comparable between both groups.

Analysis of health-related quality-of-life instruments measuring the impact of bariatric surgery: systematic review of the instruments used and their content validity.

The worldwide prevalence of obesity has been steadily rising, reaching alarming levels. Obesity, particularly morbid obesity, carries significant health risks to the lives of affected patients, including physical, psychological, and social co-morbidities. Bariatric surgery provides the only effective and sustainable approach to treat morbid obesity and reverse its adverse effects. The reduction in well-being due to poor health in obesity may have adverse effects on health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). There are numerous studies reporting HR-QOL in bariatric patients; however, there is a paucity of studies examining the psychometric properties of the HR-QOL instruments used. The main aim of this review is to identify the instruments used in assessing HR-QOL in bariatric patients and evaluate their content validity. We believe that this is the first systematic review of its kind to look in depth at various generic- and obesity-specific HR-QOL instruments that were used in bariatric surgery, and to analyze their content validity. A systematic and structured search of Ovid databases (1980-2009) was conducted using terms synonymous with bariatric surgery, combined with terms synonymous with HR-QOL instruments. A total of 112 relevant studies were identified, detailing the use of eight generic, nine obesity-specific, and numerous other condition-specific instruments. A conceptual framework comprising 20 domains pertinent to bariatric surgery and morbid obesity was proposed, against which the identified generic- and obesity-specific instruments were assessed. The results of this assessment showed that neither the generic nor the specific instruments were adequate instruments in terms of content validity. Given the lack of adequate HR-QOL instruments in the rapidly developing field of bariatric surgery, we suggest building a new bariatric-specific instrument informed by the proposed framework, which will then enable clinicians to assess the full impact of morbid obesity and bariatric surgery on HR-QOL.

Rapunzel syndrome and gastric perforation.

Rapunzel syndrome complicated with gastric perforation is a very rare presentation of trichobezoar. Trichobezoar is an uncommon condition affecting predominantly females. It has non-specific clinical presentation, a wide range of complications, and, if not treated appropriately, carries significant mortality. Traditional treatment of trichobezoar is surgical, though, attempts have been made to excise endoscopically, dissolve chemically or fragment using extracorporeal shock waves. We report a case of a very large trichobezoar occupying most of the stomach and duodenum complicated with gastric perforation, and summarise the literature regarding trichobezoar aetiology, diagnostic difficulties, and management.

Midgut malrotation encountered during laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass.

Unexpected midgut malrotation (MM) was encountered during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity. This procedure, being performed for the first time within our trust, was completed nonetheless without any postoperative complications. MM is a rare condition in adults, with a comprehensive literature review finding a paucity of reports of MM during bariatric procedures.

Gastric stricture following zinc chloride ingestion.

AIM: We present the case of an adult who ingested soldering fluid containing zinc chloride (ZC) in a suicide attempt. He developed a gastric stricture that was managed successfully by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. An extensive literature review shows that there are few reports of ZC ingestion. Furthermore, management of corrosive gastrointestinal tract injury is debatable. The evidence is summarized in this case report. RESULTS: ZC is a strong corrosive agent, which, following ingestion, is capable of producing widespread damage locally and systematically with long-lasting morbidity and significant mortality. The mainstay of treatment is supportive. Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy is the diagnostic procedure of choice in the absence of perforation. Strictures that cannot be dilated endoscopically may require surgery. Emergency surgery is required for patients with evidence of perforation. Early and aggressive surgical resection in patients with high-grade burns may improve mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSION: Because of the lack of data, it remains debatable as to the optimal management strategies following ZC ingestion. Our patient was managed conservatively throughout the acute phase. However following recognition of the gastric stricture, surgical intervention ensued and he underwent successful laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy and was subsequently discharged having made an excellent recovery.