Determining the need for surgery in small bowel obstructions based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common and important surgical emergency. Our aim in this study is to describe the clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography (CT) findings to facilitate the objective identification of SBO patients in need of operative treatment in this patient population. METHODS: This retrospective study included 340 patients hospitalized due to a preliminary diagnosis of ileus. Retrieved data of patients included age, gender, comorbidities, previous hospitalization due to ileus, surgical history, physical examination findings, complete blood count and biochemistry test results, and CT findings at admission. RESULTS: The study included 180 (52.9%) male and 160 (47.1%) female patients. Treatment was conservative in 216 patients and surgery in 124 patients. Of the patients included in the study, 36.4% needed surgery. Of the female patients, 38.90% received conservative treatment and 61.30% underwent surgery. Adhesions were the most common cause of obstruction in operated patients (43.50%). CONCLUSION: We have found that female gender, vomiting, guarding, rebound, C-reactive protein levels above 75 mg/L, increased bowel diameter, and a transition zone on CT images indicate a strong need for surgery, but a history of previous hospitalization for ileus may show that surgery may not be the best option.

OBJETIVO: Describir los hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio y de tomografía computarizada (TC) para facilitar la identificación objetiva de los pacientes con obstrucción del intestino delgado que necesitan tratamiento quirúrgico. MÉTODO: Este estudio incluyó 340 pacientes. Los datos obtenidos fueron edad, sexo, comorbilidad, hospitalización previa debida a íleo, historia quirúrgica, hallazgos de la exploración física, hemograma completo y resultados de las pruebas bioquímicas, y hallazgos de la TC al ingreso. RESULTADOS: El estudio incluyó 180 (52.9%) varones y 160 (47.1%) mujeres. El tratamiento fue conservador en 216 pacientes y quirúrgico en 124 pacientes. De los pacientes incluidos en el estudio, el 36.4% necesitaron cirugía. De las mujeres, el 38.90% recibieron tratamiento conservador y el 61.30% se sometieron a cirugía. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos que el sexo femenino, los vómitos, la guardia, el rebote, los niveles de proteína C reactiva superiores a 75 mg/l, el aumento del diámetro intestinal y una zona de transición en las imágenes de TC indican una fuerte necesidad de cirugía.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis) causing small bowel occlusion in a patient with gastric bypass.

A rare condition, sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is characterized by a fibrotic membrane forming over the bowels, leading to intestinal obstruction. In this case of a 56-year-old male patient with a history of laparoscopic gastric bypass, a computed tomography scan showed findings indicative of the condition. Extensive adhesiolysis was performed, and biopsies confirmed the presence of fusiform cells (D2-40 positive on immunochemistry) resembling fibroblasts, within dense collagenous peritoneal tissue sheets, typical of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis. The prevalence of this condition is uncertain, and diagnosis typically requires a peritoneal biopsy due to the nonspecific clinical presentation.

La peritonitis esclerosante encapsulada es una condición rara caracterizada por una membrana fibrótica que se genera sobre las asas intestinales causando cuadros de oclusión intestinal. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 56 años con antecedente de derivación gastroyeyunal por laparoscopia que presenta oclusión intestinal. Se realizó tomografía computada que evidenció sitio de transición previo al sitio de anastomosis. Se realizó de anastomosis extensa y toma de biopsias. Histológicamente se observó engrosamiento de la membrana peritoneal, células fusiformes (D2-40 positivo en inmunohistoquímica) similares a fibroblastos con láminas de colágeno peritoneal denso. La peritonitis esclerosante encapsulada es una patología de prevalencia desconocida. El cuadro clínico es inespecífico y el diagnóstico definitivo es por patología con biopsia peritoneal.

Nuevo método como preacondicionamiento ante adherenciolisis de difícil manejo / New method as preconditioning for adherenciolysis difficult handling

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal obstruction due to flanges is common in patients with a surgical history. OBJECTIVE: Describe a clinical case with adherenciolysis. Surgery could not be performed, so pneumoperitoneum was used as pre-conditioning for elective surgery. CLINICAL CASE: Patient with intestinal obstruction due to flanges, with impossibility of performing an adherenciolysis, for which catheters are installed to administer progressive pneumoperitoneum in order to optimize the release of flanges in elective surgery, undergoing the postoperative period with enterocutaneous fistula that required multidisciplinary management with percutaneous drainage, parenteral nutrition and nursing care, with a successful result. DISCUSSION: In a flange obstruction, an extensive adherenciolysis is often required, which carries a greater risk of intestinal injury and enterocutaneous fistula. In this case, we believe that it decreased due to the pneumoperitoneum used to generate more lax and manageable flanges. CONCLUSION: Postoperative flanges generate significant morbidity and its surgical management requires an adherenciolysis that may be laborious or impossible in the first instance, requiring in this case the use of progressive pneumoperitoneum for complete flange release, a technique not described in the literature for this purpose.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obstrucción intestinal por bridas es frecuente en pacientes con antecedentes quirúrgicos. OBJETIVO: Describir un caso clínico con adherenciolisis frustra por cirugía, utilizando neumoperitoneo como preacondicionamiento para cirugía electiva. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente con obstrucción intestinal por bridas, con imposibilidad de adherenciolisis, por lo que se instalan catéteres para administrar neumoperitoneo progresivo con el fin de optimizar la liberación de bridas en cirugía electiva, cursando en el postoperatorio con fístula enterocutánea que requirió manejo multidisciplinario con drenaje percutáneo, nutrición parenteral y cuidados por enfermería, que finalmente resultó exitoso. DISCUSIÓN: En una obstrucción por bridas muchas veces se requiere una adherenciolisis extensa que conlleva mayor riesgo de lesión intestinal y fístula enterocutánea, que en este caso creemos que disminuyó debido al neumoperitoneo utilizado para generar bridas más laxas y manejables. CONCLUSIÓN: Las bridas postoperatorias generan morbilidad importante y su manejo quirúrgico requiere adherenciolisis que puede resultar laboriosa o imposible en primera instancia, requiriendo en este caso el uso de neumoperitoneo progresivo para la liberación de bridas completa, técnica no descrita en la literatura para este fin.

Prevalence of chronic endometritis in infertile women undergoing hysteroscopy and its association with intrauterine abnormalities: A Cross-Sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic endometritis (CE) is an inflammatory condition with several different risk factors. We aimed to examine whether intrauterine abnormalities, such as endometrial polyps, submucosal myomas, intrauterine adhesions, or a septate uterus, were associated with an increased likelihood of developing chronic endometritis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 infertile women who underwent hysteroscopy surgery at the Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital Infertility Center, affiliated by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in 2022. All participants in the study underwent hysteroscopic surgery, which allowed for direct visualization of the intrauterine cavity, and endometrial biopsies were taken for further analysis. To characterize endometritis, plasma cell infiltration was assessed. Patients with ≥5 plasma cells observed in 10 high-power fields were defined as having chronic endometritis. RESULTS: Endometritis was observed in 51.3% of the patients, totaling 172 individuals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with endometrial polyps had 5.2 times higher odds of developing endometritis compared to patients without polyps (95% CI = 2.9, 9.2) (p-value <0.001). Similarly, patients with intrauterine adhesions had a significant increase in the odds of endometritis (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.1, 10.1) (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment or removal of endometrial abnormalities through hysteroscopic procedures may help to reduce the risk of chronic endometritis and improve fertility outcomes. Further research is necessary.

Clinical and tomographic features associated with surgical management in adhesive small bowel obstruction patients.

BACKGROUND: The delay in surgical management of intestinal obstruction patients who did not respond to conservative management increases morbidity, mortality and days of hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinical and tomographic features associated with surgical management in adhesive small bowel obstruction patients. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective review of the electronic medical records during a 5-year period with the diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction. We divided patients in two, those who responded to medical management and those who required surgery. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients were included, with a mean age of 61.5 years. It was the first case of intestinal obstruction in 63% of the patients and 65.4% underwent surgery: 52.8% (n = 56) open surgery and 47.2% (n = 50) laparoscopic surgery. Multivariate analysis showed the following predictors of surgical treatment: abdominal rebound (odds ratio [OR]: 8.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.09-71.6), tomographic free fluid (OR: 4.62; 95% CI: 1.50-14.20) and transition zone (OR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.59-18.80). The history of previous obstruction was a protective factor (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal rebound, free intrabdominal fluid and transition zone are related with the surgical management of adhesive small bowel obstruction.

ANTECEDENTES: El retraso en el manejo quirúrgico de los pacientes con oclusión intestinal aumenta la morbimortalidad y los días de estancia intrahospitalaria. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y tomográficas de ingreso asociadas al manejo quirúrgico en pacientes con oclusión intestinal adherencial. MÉTODO: Revisamos los expedientes electrónicos de pacientes de los últimos 5 años con diagnóstico de oclusión intestinal adherencial y los dividimos según recibieran tratamiento conservador o tratamiento quirúrgico, y comparamos las variables. RESULTADOS: Cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 162 pacientes, con una edad media de 61.5 años. El episodio capturado fue el primer episodio de oclusión intestinal en el 63% de los pacientes. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico al 65.4% de los pacientes (n = 106): 52.8% (n = 56) cirugía abierta y 47.2% (n = 50) cirugía laparoscópica. El análisis multivariado mostró los siguientes factores predictores de tratamiento quirúrgico: presencia de rebote abdominal (odds ratio [OR]: 8.8; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1.09-71.6), líquido libre (OR: 4.62; IC95%: 1.50-14.20) y zona de transición por tomografía (OR: 5.4; IC95%: 1.59-18.80). El antecedente de oclusiones previas fue un factor protector (OR: 0.33; IC95%: 0.17-0.67). CONCLUSIONES: El rebote abdominal, el líquido libre y la presencia de zona de transición por tomografía están asociados al manejo quirúrgico en los pacientes con oclusión intestinal adherencial.

Obstrucción duodenal congénita de etiología múltiple: reporte de un caso con malrotación intestinal, bandas de Ladd y membrana duodenal intrínseca como causantes de obstrucción intestinal en el neonato / Congenital duodenal obstruction of multiple etiology: case report with intestinal malrotation, Ladd bands and intrinsic duodenal membrane as causes of intestinal obstruction in the neonate

Resumen: La obstrucción duodenal congénita agrupa un amplio espectro de anomalías en el desarrollo del intestino delgado; se clasifica según su etiología tanto en extrínseca como intrínseca. Su presentación es relativamente común, teniendo una incidencia de 1: 2.500-10.000 nacidos vivos y normalmente presenta asociación con aneuploidías (como la trisomía 21) y malformaciones cardíacas. Las imágenes tienen un papel importante en la aproximación diagnóstica y la radiografía de abdomen simple, es el primer escalón en la aproximación de la obstrucción intestinal. El tratamiento involucra una exploración quirúrgica del abdomen con corrección de los defectos encontrados. Este es un reporte de caso de un neonato que presentó obstrucción duodenal congénita de etiología tanto extrínseca (malrotacion intestinal y bandas de Ladd) como obstrucción intrínseca (membranas duodenales).

Abstract: Congenital duodenal obstruction groups together a broad spectrum of abnormalities in the development of the small intestine; it is classified according to its etiology as both extrinsic and intrinsic. Its presentation is relatively common, having an incidence of 1: 2.500-10.000 live births and it is normally associated with aneuploidy (such as trisomy 21) and cardiac malformations. Images play an important role in the diagnostic approach, with simple abdominal radiography being the first step in the approximation of intestinal obstruction. The treatment corresponds to a surgical exploration of the abdomen with resolution of the defects found. This is a case report of a newborn who presented congenital duodenal obstruction of both extrinsic etiology (intestinal malrotation and Ladd bands) and intrinsic obstruction (duodenal membranes).

Comparative study of peritoneal adhesions after intraperitoneal implantation in rats of meshes of polypropylene versus polypropylene/polyglecaprone versus polyester/porcine collagen

Purpose: To compare the extent and intensity of adhesions formed between the intra-abdominal organs and the intraperitoneal implants of polypropylene mesh versus polypropylene/polyglecaprone versus polyester/porcine collagen used for correction of abdominal wall defect in rats. Methods: After the defect in the abdominal wall, thirty Wistar rats were placed in three groups (ten animals each) for intraperitoneal mesh implant: polypropylene group, polypropylene/polyglecaprone group, and polyester/porcine collagen group. The macroscopic evaluation of the extent and intensity of adhesions was performed 21 days after the implant. Results: The polypropylene group had a higher statistically significant impairment due to visceral adhesions (p value = 0.002) and a higher degree of intense adherence in relation to polypropylene/polyglecaprone and polyester/porcine collagen groups (p value<0.001). The polyester/porcine collagen group showed more intense adhesions than the polypropylene/polyglecaprone group (p value=0.035). Conclusions: The intraperitoneal implantation of polypropylene meshes to correct defects of the abdominal wall caused the appearance of extensive and firm adhesions to intra-abdominal structures. The use of polypropylene/polyglecaprone or polyester/porcine collagen tissue-separating meshes reduces the number and degree of adhesions formed.(AU)

Como evitar uma retração no meio da cicatriz horizontal e minimizar o risco de necrose nas abdominoplastias clássicas / How to avoid a retraction in the middle of the horizontal scar and minimize the risk of necrosis in the classic abdominoplasty

Introdução: Nas abdominoplastias clássicas, um resultado indesejado após o tracionamento do retalho abdominal é a ocorrência de uma retração suprapúbica, no meio da cicatriz horizontal quando esta coincide com o ponto superior da antiga cicatriz umbilical. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 45 pacientes submetidas à dermolipectomia abdominal associada à lipoaspiração de todo o abdome e flancos, com decorticação de uma área suprapúbica cerca de 5 cm acima da marcação inicial da linha de incisão, com posterior fixação na borda inferior do retalho abdominal. Resultados: Não foram observadas depressões ou necroses na região suprapúbica. Conclusão: Observamos, nos casos operados, que a presença de um coxim dermogorduroso na porção central da linha de sutura nas abdominoplastias clássicas, associada à reconstituição completa dos planos cirúrgicos e fixação deste coxim no retalho abdominal superior, evita a ocorrência de depressões nesta região, evita ocorrência de necroses e melhora a qualidade da cicatriz por redução da tensão de tração sobre os tecidos.

Introduction: In classic abdominoplasty, an undesirable result after abdominal flap traction is the occurrence of a suprapubic retraction in the middle of the horizontal scar when it coincides with the superior point of the old umbilical scar. Methods: Forty-five patients underwent abdominal dermolipectomy associated with liposuction of the entire abdomen and flanks, with decortication of the suprapubic area approximately 5 cm above the initial marking of the incision line, with posterior fixation at the lower border of the abdominal flap. Results: No depressions or necroses were observed in the suprapubic region. Conclusion: We observed that the presence of a dermofat flap in the central portion of the suture line in the classic abdominoplasties associated with the complete reconstruction of the surgical planes and the fixation of this flap in the upper abdominal flap avoids the occurrence of depressions in this region, prevents occurrence of necrosis, and improves the quality of the scar by reducing the tensile stress on the tissues.

Influence of Vitreomacular Adhesion on Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) on the outcome of antiangiogenic treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Ninety-nine eyes of 83 patients were used in our cohort study. We prospectively evaluated best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) in patients with neovascular AMD at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. All patients were stratified by spectral domain optical coherence tomography into 2 groups (i.e., VMA[+] and VMA[-]) according to the presence or absence of VMA, and the response to treatment was evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes (54.5%) were included in the VMA(-) group and 45 eyes (45.5%) comprised the VMA(+) group. In paired comparisons of mean BCVA between baseline and each follow-up visit (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months), the VMA(-) group showed statistically significant improvement at 1, 2, and 3 months compared to baseline, and BCVA significantly improved only at 3 months in the VMA(+) group. For both groups, paired comparisons of CRT showed a statistically significant decrease when data obtained at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months were compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior VMA is associated with a worse short-term outcome in patients with neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF agents.

[Efficacy of intestinal splinting in hostile abdomen secondary to postoperative flanges in pediatric patients]. / Utilidad de la ferulización intestinal (FI) en abdomen hostil secundario a bridas postoperatorias en pacientes pediátricos.

Objetivo: Mostrar la eficacia de la FI para prolongar el tiempo libre de oclusión intestinal quirúrgica en niños con abdomen hostil secundario a bridas posquirúrgicas. Método: Análisis retrospectivo de FI por abdomen hostil de 2000 a 2011 y su seguimiento a largo plazo. Comparamos el tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica antes y después de la FI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 FI en 19 pacientes. Predominaron las causas congénitas, la mediana de edad en la cirugía fue de 6 meses, todos tenían cirugías previas con mediana de tres, y dos de ellas fueron por oclusión intestinal previa. La férula se quitó a los 28 días (mediana). Con un seguimiento de 1-183 meses, hubo una recurrencia de oclusión quirúrgica. El tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica posferulización fue significativamente mayor que el preferulización mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon, con un valor Z = -3.594; p = < 0.0001. Conclusiones: Esta es la segunda serie exclusiva en niños que muestra que la FI es eficaz para prolongar el tiempo libre de oclusión quirúrgica.

Preoperative vitamin C supplementation improves colorectal anastomotic healing and biochemical parameters in malnourished rats.

PURPOSES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamin C on intestinal anastomosis healing in malnourished rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (1) sham, well-nourished rats that received vehicle; (2) FR+Veh, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vehicle; and (3) FR+VC, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vitamin C. Four days before surgery, the animals received vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day) via gavage and underwent colon resection with anastomosis in a single plane. The survival rate of rats was monitored until day 7 after surgery. Regarding anastomosis tissues, we examined intra-abdominal adhesion index, hydroxyproline content, collagen density, inflammatory parameters, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids. RESULTS: Malnutrition decreases body weight and increases mortality; the survival rate was 90 % in group 1, 60 % in group 2, and 80 % in group 3. Vitamin C was able to increase hydroxyproline concentration and density of collagen and decrease the intra-abdominal adhesion index, as well as the infiltration of neutrophils and oxidative damage to proteins in malnourished rats compared to group treated with vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative vitamin C supplementation can improve the intestinal anastomosis healing, biochemical alterations, and prolong survival in rats subjected to food restriction.

Evaluación del gel antiadherencial post quirúrgico: hialuronato de sodio más carboximetilcelulosa y alginato / Evaluation of post-surgical antiadherence gel: sodium hyaluronate plus carboxymethylcellulose and alginate

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: Las adherencias son bandas de tejido similar el tejido cicatricial que se forman entre superfícies dentro del organismo y hacen que estas se unan. Se forman más frecuentemente en el abdomen y pelvis después de cirugias intestinales o de los órganos femeninos, estas producen diversar molestias como distención o hinchazón abdominal, estreñimiento, náuseas y vomitos, incluso dolor pélvico intenso y crónico. Las adherencias son parte de un proceso fisiopatológico desencadenado o en respuesta al corte, isquemia, abrasión del peritoneo durante la cirugia. Las zonas alteradas sufren de regeneración mesotelial y fibrosis resultando en la formación de adherencias entre los tejidos serosos dañados. Las adherencias pueden tener un efecto beneficioso, ya que permite neovscularización de zonas isquémicas del intestino, tales como en las anastomosis, pero generalmente ocasionan probelmas cuando se vuelven excesivas. Las adherencias son la principal causa de obstrucción intestinal que causa el 70% de readmisiones hospitalarias. El hialuronato de sodio más carboximetilcelulosa, es descrito como un agente antiadherente no tóxico, no inmunogénico y biocompatible que reduce la incidencia y extensión de las adherencias postoperatorias. Compuesto de hialuronato de sodio y carboximetilcelulosa está modificado químicamente para retardar su tasa de degradación y deputación después de entrar en contato con el organismo. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad del uso del Gel Antiadherencial Post quirúrgico. Se seleccionaron artículos científicos: evaluación de tecnologías santiarias, revisiones sistemáticas, met-análisis y ensayos clínicos. Se realizó una búsqueda dentro de la información generada por grupos que realizan revisiones sistemáticas, evaluación de tencologías sanitarias y guías de práctica clínica, tales como The Cochrane Library y The National Institute for Health and Care Excelence (NICE). Además, se hizo una búsqueda en www.clinicaltrials.gov, para poder identificar ensayos aún en elaboración o que no hayan sido publicados. CONCLUSIONES: Las investigaciones publicadas hasta marzo del 2016 son insuficientes para poder determinar la eficacia y seguridad del gel antiadherencial postquirúrgico (hialuronato de sodio más carboximetilcelulosa). Los resultados de los estudios preclínicos son discordantes con los ensayos clínicos realizados posteriomente. El Instituto de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación-IETSI, no aprueba el uso del gel antiadherencial en sus presentaciones: (hialuronato de sodio más carboximetilcelulosa, alginato o la combinación de hialuronato de sodio más carboximetilcelulosa y alginato; para la reducción de adherencias abdominlaes y pélvicas.

[Intestinal obstruction secondary to postoperative adhesion formation in abdominal surgery. Review]. / Obstrucción intestinal secundaria a formación de adherencias postoperatorias en cirugía abdominal. Revisión de la literatura.

The development of intestinal obstruction after upper and lower abdominal surgery is part of the daily life of each every surgeon. Despite this, there are very few good quality studies that allow enable assessment of the frequency of intestinal obstruction to be assessed, even although postoperative adhesions are the cause of considerable direct and indirect morbidity and its prevention can be considered a public health problem. And yet, in Mexico, at this time, there is no validated recommendation validated on the prevention of adhesions, or more particularly, in connection with the use of a variety of anti-adhesion commercial products which have been marketed for at least a decade. Intraperitoneal adhesions develop between surfaces without peritoneum of the abdominal organs, mesentery, and abdominal wall. The most common site of adhesions is between the greater omentum and anterior abdominal wall previous. Despite the frequency of adhesions and their direct and indirect consequences, just there is only one published a recommendation (from gynaecological literature), regarding peritoneal adhesion prevention. As regards of colorectal surgery, performed more than 250,000 colorectal resections are performed annually in the United States, and from 24% to 35% of them will develop a complication. The clinical and economic financial burden of these complications is enormous, and surgeries colorectal surgery been specifically highlighted as a potential point prevention point of surgical morbidity.

[The role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan in clinical decision in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction]. / Rol de la tomografía computada de abdomen y pelvis con contraste intravenoso en las decisiones clínicas de pacientes con obstrucción de intestino delgado por bridas.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is currently the exam of choice for bowel obstruction. The test reports the etiology, site and grade of obstruction, and the presence of bowel ischemia, affecting the surgical decision. We undertook this study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CT for bowel ischemia and the probability of surgery depending on signs of bowel ischemia and grade of bowel obstruction observed in CT in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study including patients from 2007-2010 admitted due to adhesive bowel obstruction and with intravenous contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT at admission. Tomographic signs of bowel ischemia were established and diagnostic accuracy was calculated. We also determined the probability of surgery depending on tomographic grade of obstruction and signs of bowel ischemia by subgroup analysis. RESULTS: This was a cohort of 164 patients with a mean age of 60.4 ± 20 years; 87% had previous abdominal surgery and 86 patients required surgery (52%). In regard to tomographic signs of bowel ischemia, sensitivity was 72.5%, specificity 97.5%, positive predictive value 90%, negative predictive value 91%, positive likelihood ratio 29.9, and negative likelihood ratio 0.28. Tomographic signs of bowel ischemia simultaneously with high-grade obstruction presented an 83% probability of surgery; high-grade obstruction alone presented a 57% probability and in absence of both signs was 36%. CONCLUSIONS: There is good diagnostic accuracy for tomographic signs of bowel ischemia and its definitive presence. Tomographic signs of bowel ischemia simultaneously with high-grade bowel obstruction significantly increase the probability of surgery.

Antecedentes: en la actualidad la tomografía computada es el examen de elección en la obstrucción intestinal porque informa las causas, sitio, grado de obstrucción y existencia de isquemia intestinal, e influye en la decisión quirúrgica. Objetivo: establecer la exactitud diagnóstica de la tomografía en la isquemia intestinal, y determinar la probabilidad de cirugía según los signos y el grado de obstrucción intestinal por bridas. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo. Se tomó en cuenta a los pacientes hospitalizados entre los años 2007 y 2010 con obstrucción intestinal por bridas, a quienes se les realizó tomografía abdominopélvica con contraste intravenoso al ingreso. En la tomografía se observaron signos de isquemia intestinal, y se calculó su exactitud diagnóstica. Además, se determinó la probabilidad de cirugía según los signos tomográficos y el grado de obstrucción mediante análisis de subgrupos. Resultados: se estudiaron 164 pacientes con media de edad de 60.4 ± 20 años, 87% tenía antecedente de intervención quirúrgica abdominal; 52% (86) requirió cirugía. Los signos tomográficos de isquemia intestinal tuvieron una sensibilidad de 72.5% y especificidad de 97.5%, con valor predictivo positivo de 90%, valor predictivo negativo de 91%, proporción de probabilidad positiva de 29.9 y proporción de probabilidad negativa de 0.28. La coexistencia de signos de isquemia intestinal y obstrucción de alto grado fue de 83% de probabilidad de cirugía, la obstrucción de alto grado sin signos de isquemia de 57%, y la ausencia de ambos signos de 36%. Conclusiones: los signos tomográficos de isquemia intestinal facilitan el diagnóstico de isquemia definitiva. Estos signos, en conjunto con la obstrucción de alto grado, aumentan significativamente la probabilidad de cirugía.

[Acute gastric volvulus: late complication of Nissen fundoplication. Report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Vólvulo gástrico agudo: una complicación tardía de la funduplicatura Nissen. Reporte de dos casos y análisis de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Gastric volvulus can be classified according to etiology as primary or secondary, according to anatomy as or mesenteroaxial, and according to onset as acute or chronic. Management of secondary gastric volvulus acute should always be surgery and the choice of surgical procedure for treatment is chosen according to etiology. Adherolysis and extraction of foreign bodies (suture, mesh, and gastric band) are important in those cases associated with previous abdominal surgery. Nissen fundoplication is a safe and effective procedure. Severe late complications of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication are extremely rare occurrences. Among the reported complications is gastric volvulus. OBJECTIVE: Presentation of two cases and review of literature. CLINICAL CASES: Two cases of acute gastric volvulus secondary to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication presenting with epigastric pain and nonproductive retching and treated by laparoscopy are described. Symptoms upon presentation, incidence, diagnosis, treatment and predisposing factors to gastric volvulus postfundoplication are discussed. CONCLUSION: Gastric volvulus rarely occurs as a complication of Nissen fundoplication with an incidence similar to others of late complications. The described mechanisms that originate gastric volvulus postfundoplication are related to adhesions, foreign bodies as suture (polyester), gastrostomy tubes and mesh, gastropexy and internal gastric herniation through a "transfundoplication" window. A high index of suspicion is required in those patients presenting with acute symptoms of gastric obstruction in the first year following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Laparoscopic approach is safe with or without gastropexy, always correcting the underlying mechanisms that cause gastric volvulus.

Antecedentes: el vólvulo gástrico puede clasificarse por su etiología en primario o secundario, por su anatomía en órgano axial o mesentérico axial y por su presentación en crónico o agudo. El tratamiento del vólvulo gástrico secundario agudo siempre debe ser quirúrgico y la elección del procedimiento basarse en la etiología y en los casos asociados con cirugía previa será importante la lisis de adherencias y el retiro de cuerpos extraños (material de sutura, mallas, banda gástrica). La funduplicatura Nissen es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo que rara vez puede tener complicaciones tardías severas entre las que se encuentran el vólvulo gástrico. Objetivo: comunicar 2 casos y revisar la bibliografía médica. Casos clínicos: se describen 2 casos de vólvulo gástrico agudo secundarios a funduplicatura tipo Nissen laparoscópica, con síntomas de dolor epigástrico y vómito no productivo, ambos tratados por laparoscopia. Se revisan los síntomas de presentación, incidencia, diagnóstico, tratamiento y los factores predisponentes de vólvulo gástrico postfunduplicatura. Conclusión: el vólvulo gástrico rara vez puede ser una complicación de una funduplicatura Nissen con incidencia similar a la de otras de sus complicaciones tardías. Los mecanismos descritos que lo originan se relacionan con adherencias postquirúrgicas, material de sutura (poliéster), mallas, tubos de gastrostomía, gastropexia y por herniación gástrica interna a través del túnel "transfunduplicatura." En pacientes con síntomas de obstrucción gástrica dentro del primer año posterior a una funduplicatura Nissen laparoscópica se requiere un alto índice de sospecha. El tratamiento quirúrgico laparoscópico es seguro con o sin gastropexia para corregir los mecanismos que lo originan.

Tratamiento laparoscópico de la obstrucción intestinal por bridas / Laparoscopic treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction

Background: Treatment options for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) involve conservative and surgical management, traditionally through open adhesiolysis. Laparoscopic approach has been performed in recent years; however, limited data exist on its safety and results vary considerably. Our aim is to report our experience of laparoscopic treatment for ASBO. Methods: Retrospective study including patients admitted with the diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction and that were submitted to laparoscopic exploration, between June 2003 and April 2013. We analyzed demographic, surgical variables and outcomes in terms of conversion rate, operative time, re-feeding time and length of stay. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Series of 38 patients submitted to laparoscopic exploration, mean age: 51 +/- 16 years, 47 percent male. 53 percent had prior intra-abdominal surgeries. Laparoscopic resolution of bowel obstruction was possible in 31 patients (82 percent), with 7 conversions to open surgery. Median operative time was 60 (25-180) minutes, median re-feeding time was 24 (24-192) hours and median length of stay was 4 (2-52) days. Two patients required re-intervention during their hospital stay, one due to persistent bowel obstruction and one due to ischemic colitis. There were no other complications or mortality. Conclusions: Laparoscopy in adhesive small bowel obstruction was a feasible approach in this series, with good results when laparoscopic resolution is achieved. Patients with no prior surgeries seem to be good candidates for this approach.

Introducción: El tratamiento de la Obstrucción Intestinal por Bridas (OIB) incluye alternativas conservadoras y quirúrgicas, esta última tradicionalmente a través de cirugía abierta. El abordaje laparoscópico ha sido incorporado recientemente, sin embargo, existe información limitada sobre su seguridad y sus resultados varían considerablemente. Nuestro objetivo es presentar la experiencia de nuestro centro en el tratamiento laparoscópico de la OIB. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo incluyendo pacientes con el diagnóstico de OIB que fueron sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica en nuestro centro, entre junio de 2003 y abril de 2013. Análisis de variables demográficas, quirúrgicas y resultados obtenidos en términos de tasa de conversión, tiempo operatorio, tiempo de realimentación y estadía hospitalaria. Análisis estadístico con pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: Serie de 38 pacientes, edad promedio: 51 +/- 16 años, 47 por ciento sexo masculino. 53 por ciento con antecedente de cirugía abdominal previa. Resolución completa por laparoscopía fue posible en 31 pacientes (82 por ciento), con 7 conversiones a cirugía abierta. La mediana de tiempo operatorio fue de 60 m (25-180), la mediana de tiempo a la realimentación fue de 24 h (24-192) y la mediana de estadía hospitalaria de 4 (2-52) días. Dos pacientes requirieron reoperaciones durante su hospitalización; uno debido a obstrucción intestinal persistente y otro debido a colitis isquémica. No se presentaron otras complicaciones ni mortalidad en esta serie. Conclusiones: El abordaje laparoscópico en OIB es factible de realizar en pacientes seleccionados, logrando buenos resultados en caso de resolución completa por laparoscopía. Pacientes sin cirugías abdominales previas son buenos candidatos para un abordaje laparoscópico inicial.

Adhesion prevention in reabsorbable polyethylene glycol hydrogel (Coseal®) coated polypropylene mesh in rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate of postoperative adhesion prevention and inflammatory response to polypropylene mesh, coated with reabsorbable hydrogel of polyethylene glycol (Coseal®) in contact with small bowel in an experimental model in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty female rabbits underwent laparotomy to implant two polypropylene meshes, 2x1cm, in the right and left flanks. The right mesh was protected with Coseal® spray (Group 1) and the left mesh received no treatment after implantation (Group 2). Thirty days after implantation, the rabbits underwent laparoscopy for adhesion analysis; the prosthesis were removed en bloc with the adjacent tissue for microscopic analysis of inflammation. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: There was adhesion formation in five meshes (36%) from Group 1 and in 14 meshes (100%) from Group 2, with statistical significance (p<0.01). There were no differences in the inflammatory response, fibrosis, foreign body reaction, presence of collagen and type of inflammatory cells between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Polypropylene mesh coated with Coseal® showed a significantly lower rate of adhesion formation when compared with uncoated meshes, without interfering with inflammatory response.(AU)

[Small bowel obstruction secondary to incomplete torsion of proximal ileum following laparoscopic hysterectomy. Case report]. / Oclusión intestinal por torsión incompleta de íleon proximal post histerectomía laparoscópica. Un caso clínico.

A minimally invasive approach for gynecologic procedures has become popular in recent years. Despite the advantages of this kind of surgery over open technique, laparoscopic hysterectomy is not free of complications. A case of small bowel obstruction secondary to incomplete torsion of proximal ileum ten days after an uneventful total laparoscopic hysterectomy is reported. Partial small bowel obstruction (PSBO) is a rare complication after gynecologic laparoscopy; its post-operatory incidence is 0.036% within a month after. A clean, adequate surgical technique, with minimal manipulation of internal organs, reduces the risk of adhesive process and PSBO.

May titanium spiral tacks contribute to intra-abdominal adhesion formation? / Grampos espirais de titânio podem contribuir para a formação de aderências intra-abdominais?

PURPOSE: To verify if titanium spiral tacks may contribute to intra-abdominal adhesion formation in rabbits. METHODS: Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used. Through videolaparoscopic surgery two titanium spiral tacks (ProTack®, Covidien®) were applied in the right flank. After 30 days the animals were submitted to evaluate peritoneal cavity by videolaparoscopy. RESULTS: No adhesion was found where the titanium spiral tacks were placed. CONCLUSION: Titanium spiral tacks for fixation do not cause adhesions in rabbits.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Verificar se grampos espirais de titânio podem contribuir para a formação de aderências intra-abdominais em coelhos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 10 coelhos albinos linhagem Nova Zelândia. Por meio de vídeo laparoscopia foram aplicados dois grampos metálicos espirais de titânio (ProTack®, Covidien®) na região do flanco direito. Após 30 dias, os animais foram submetidos à laparoscopia para avaliação da cavidade peritoneal. RESULTADOS: Não foi encontrada nenhuma aderência aos grampos aplicados. CONCLUSÃO: Os grampos em espiral de titânio para a fixação não causam aderências em coelhos.(AU)