De Garengeot hernia: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A De Garengeot hernia is a femoral hernia that contains the appendix. This rare type of hernia was first described by René-Jacques Croissant De Garengeot in 1731. Numerous case reports have been published since then, yet collective analysis about the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with this unique hernia is lacking. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science for cases of De Garengeot hernias. Keywords searched included "De Garengeot hernia" OR "femoral appendicitis" OR "femoral hernia appendix" OR "crural hernia appendix." To facilitate review, a classification system was created based on the gross appearance of the appendix and related structures in the femoral hernia. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two cases were identified in 197 manuscripts. Cases most commonly came from Europe but have been reported worldwide. There was a female predominance (n = 180, 81.1%) and the mean age at presentation was 69.8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were a groin bulge and groin tenderness (82.4%, n = 183 and 79.7%, n = 177, respectively). A groin bulge was observed on physical exam in 95.0% (n = 211) of cases, and erythema over the hernia was present in 33.3% (n = 74). A pre-operative diagnosis of a De Garengeot hernia was established with imaging in only 31.5% (n = 70) of cases. The most common surgical approach was through a groin incision. Complications occurred in 9.5% (n = 21) of cases, most commonly surgical site infections. The most common condition of the appendix was congested/inflamed, found in 44.1% (n = 98) of cases and corresponding to class 2A in the classification system devised. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, De Garengeot hernias were found to be rare and clinically heterogeneous, as highlighted by our classification system. A systematic approach to categorizing this unique hernia may improve management decisions and help avoid complications.

Should peripheral vascular disease- or diabetes-related amputation contraindicate renal transplant?

This study investigates whether end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with amputation secondary to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM) are appropriate candidates for renal transplant. Limb- or digit- amputees with ESRD on the renal transplant list from 1993-2008 were included. Comorbidities, amputation type, duration on the waitlist, and current transplant status were analyzed. Additionally, US renal transplant centers were surveyed regarding their views about amputees' transplant candidacy. Thirty-eight ESRD patients with amputations were identified; 3 patients underwent renal transplant, 14 expired on the waitlist, and 14 were removed for medical reasons. The survey indicated that centers generally don't consider amputation a contraindication to transplant listing. Few ESRD patients with amputations who are placed on the transplant list undergo renal transplant; most die or are removed for medical reasons. Amputation should be considered an indicator of severe PVD and possibly a relative contraindication to listing for renal transplant.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy for treatment of congenital lung malformations.

PURPOSE: Congenital lung malformations (CLM) predispose patients to recurrent respiratory tract infections and pose a rare risk of malignant transformation. Although pulmonary lobectomy is the most common treatment of a CLM, some advocate segmental resection as a lung preservation strategy. Our study evaluated lung-preserving thoracoscopic segmentectomy as an alternative to lobectomy for CLM resection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy for CLM from 2007 to 2010. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy for CLM. There were five postoperative complications: three asymptomatic pneumothoraces and a small air leak that resolved without intervention. One patient developed a bronchopulmonary fistula requiring thoracoscopic repair. At follow-up, all patients are asymptomatic. One patient has a small amount of residual disease on postoperative computed tomography (CT), and re-resection has been recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic segmentectomy for CLM is a safe and effective means of lung parenchymal preservation. The approach spares larger airway anatomy and has a complication rate that is comparable with that of thoracoscopic lobectomy. Residual disease can often only be appreciated on postoperative CT scan and may require long-term follow-up or reoperation in rare cases. This lung preservation technique is best suited to smaller lesions.