Etiology and management outcomes of adult mechanical bowel obstruction in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adult mechanical bowel obstruction (AMBO) has been previously reported to be majorly caused by hernias in developing countries. In Nigeria, however, there has been a recent change in pattern with adhesions now being the leading cause. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the changing pattern of the causes, and outcomes of patients managed for AMBO in Nigeria. METHODS: Relevant keywords relating to AMBO were used to conduct a search on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AJOL. The search returned 507 articles, which were subjected to title, abstract, and full text screenings, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This generated 10 articles which were included in the final qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: The total sample size across the 10 studies was 1033. Adhesions, hernias, and intra-abdominal tumors, responsible for 46.25%, 26.31%, and 12.23% of cases respectively, were the major causes of AMBO in Nigeria. 65.6% of cases were managed operatively and 34.4% were managed conservatively. The meta-analysis revealed high morbidity and mortality rates of 31% (95% CI: 17; 44, 5) and 11% (95% CI: 6; 15, 5), respectively, among adult patients managed for mechanical bowel obstruction in Nigeria. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesion, which results predominantly from appendicectomy is the most common cause of AMBO in Nigeria. This is unlike former reports where hernia was the most common cause. Morbidity results majorly from wound infection, recurrent adhesions, and postoperative enterocutaneous fistula. The mortality rate is similar to reports from various West African studies, and it is significantly influenced by surgical intervention time.

Laparoscopic application of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose barrier in abdominopelvic surgery: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Systematic Review Protocols-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative adhesion formation and adhesion-related consequences (eg, bowel obstruction) after placement of a sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose adhesion barrier after laparoscopic abdominopelvic surgery. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Embase via Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ScienceDirect, BIOSIS Previews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Clinical Trial Registries. A manual search (eg, Google Scholar and professional association websites) was also conducted to supplement the electronic database results. Two reviewers independently identified relevant studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted data. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies were included in the systematic qualitative review. Three of the 28 studies included had comparable outcome measures, interventions, and control groups, allowing the pooling of study data. A total of 938 patients (490 patients in the sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose barrier group and 448 in the no adhesion barrier group) from these 3 studies were included in the meta-analyses, which found the incidence of bowel obstruction was significantly lower (65% risk reduction) in the sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose barrier group compared with the control group (relative risk = 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.63; P = .005) with extremely low heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0; P = .41). The placement of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose barrier laparoscopically did not create new safety signals nor did it increase the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis found that laparoscopic application of a sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose barrier in abdominopelvic surgery reduces the risk of bowel obstruction where applied during the early postoperative phase.

Can we predict peritoneal adhesions formation after cesarean delivery?

OBJECTIVE: To examine demographic and obstetrical factors that are associated with adhesion formation following cesarean delivery. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study that included all women over 18 years og age who underwent two cesarean deliveries between the years 1988 and 2016 in a large tertiary medical center. We excluded women with adhesions already diagnosed during the first cesarean delivery, history of other abdominal or pelvic surgery, history of pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, history of endometriosis and history of uterine Müllerian anomalies. In addition, women with a classical or T-shaped uterine incision, non-singleton pregnancies, and fetal chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded. RESULTS: During the study period, 32.6% (n = 2283) of women were diagnosed with peritoneal adhesions during the second cesarean delivery. Factors found to be significantly associated with peritoneal adhesions were maternal age 35 years or older at the first cesarean delivery, Bedouin Arab ethnicity, composite of intrapartum and postpartum infectious morbidity, and cesarean deliveries that were performed after the onset of labor. In contrast, having a previous vaginal birth was found to be protective. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a woman's characteristics at her first cesarean delivery and her obstetrical history may be predictive of the likelihood of adhesion formation.

HPV infection and vaginal microecological disorders in women with intrauterine adhesion: cross-sectional study in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vaginal microecology and the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in patients with uterine adhesions and explore the correlation between HPV infection and vaginal microecology imbalance and the occurrence of intrauterine adhesion (IUA). METHODS: A total of 479 women were enrolled in the study, including 259 in the normal group and 220 in the IUA group. Vaginal microecological and HPV analyses were performed on all participants. Significant differences between the two groups were analyzed, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of IUA in patients between 31 and 40 years of age was high. The I-II degree of vaginal cleanliness in the IUA group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and the number of III-IV degree was significantly higher than that in the normal group. Moreover, the incidences of VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and vaginal disorders and infections with HPV 16 and HPV 52 subtypes were significantly higher in the IUA group than in the normal group. The incidence of high-risk HPV infection combined with vaginal disorders in the IUA group was higher than that in the normal group. Correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of IUAs was positively correlated with HPV infection and negatively correlated with PH and vaginal microecological imbalance. CONCLUSION: The HPV infection rate and vaginal microecology disorders affect the occurrence of IUAs. For patients with IUAs, control of the HPV infection rate and the prevention of vaginal microecological disorders should be improved.

Incidence of Intrauterine Adhesions After Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in Patients Seeking Fertility.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic myomectomy. Previous studies report a range of incidence for IUAs after hysteroscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective review study. SETTING: An academic community hospital in the Boston metropolitan area. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing hysteroscopic myomectomy at our institution from January 2019 to February 2022. Patients were excluded if they did not have plans for future fertility or had a new diagnosis of cancer. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy using bipolar resectoscope without postoperative medical or barrier treatment. All procedures were performed by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained high-volume gynecologic surgeons with resident and fellow assistance. Incidence of postoperative IUAs was assessed and treated using second-look office hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 44 patients without preoperative IUAs underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy during our study period, and 4 patients (9.1%) developed new IUAs. Among 9 patients who were found to have preoperative IUAs and underwent concurrent hysteroscopic myomectomy and lysis of adhesions, we found a recurrence of IUAs in 5 patients (55.6%). We found the number, size, and deepest type of myoma removed were not correlated to an increased risk of new IUA formation. In addition, removing myomas on opposing walls during the same operation did not increase the incidence of new IUAs. CONCLUSION: Formation of IUAs after hysteroscopic myomectomy is a well-documented consequence. Our reported incidence of 9.1% of new IUAs that are not affected by the number, size, deepest type of myoma resected, and resection of myomas on opposing uterine walls contributes to the current literature. In addition, our finding of 55.6% of recurrent IUAs in patients undergoing both hysteroscopic myomectomy and lysis of adhesions highlights a high-risk population requiring additional study.

Peritoneal adhesion findings during laparoscopy: Determinants of occurrence and effect of severity on operative outcomes in a Nigerian Hospital.

Context: Peritoneal adhesions unlike other immediately recognizable complications of the surgery may produce long-term consequences, which include infertility and intestinal obstruction. Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, the determinants, and the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery associated with intraperitoneal adhesion findings. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: The study included all laparoscopic gynecological surgeries done between January 2017 and December 2021. Adhesion severity was graded, using the peritoneal adhesion index (PAI), by Coccolini et al. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with adhesion finding during laparoscopy. Results: There were 158 laparoscopic surgeries with 26.6% prevalence of peritoneal adhesions. The prevalence of adhesions among women with previous surgery was 72.7%. Previous peritoneal surgery was a significant determinant of occurrence of adhesions (odds ratio = 8.291, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.464-15.397, P < 0.001), and such patients had significantly (P = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.408-5.704) more severe adhesions (PAI = 11.16 ± 3.94) than those without prior surgery (PAI = 8.10 ± 3.14). Abdominal myomectomy (PAI = 13.09 ± 2.95) was the most important primary surgical determinant of adhesion formation. There was no significant relationship between adhesion occurrence and conversion to laparotomy (P = 0.121) or mean duration of surgery (P = 0.962). Greater adhesion severity was, however, observed in individuals with operative blood loss <100 ml (PAI = 11.73 ± 3.56, P = 0.003) and those hospitalized for ≤2 days (PAI = 11.12 ± 3.81, P = 0.022). Conclusion: The prevalence of postoperative adhesions during laparoscopy in our center is comparable to what has been earlier reported. Abdominal myomectomy is associated with the greatest risk and severity of adhesions. Laparoscopy in patients with more severe adhesions resulted in less blood loss and shorter duration of hospitalization, suggesting an association of better outcomes with a cautious approach to adhesions.

Résumé Contexte: Les adhérences péritonéales, contrairement aux autres complications chirurgicales immédiatement reconnaissables, peuvent avoir des conséquences à long terme, notamment la stérilité et l'occlusion intestinale. Objectifs: L'étude visait à déterminer la prévalence, les déterminants et les résultats de la chirurgie laparoscopique associée aux résultats des adhérences intrapéritonéales. Paramètres et conception: Il s'agissait d'une étude d'observation rétrospective. Matériaux et méthodes: L'étude a inclus toutes les chirurgies gynécologiques laparoscopiques réalisées entre janvier 2017 et décembre 2021.La gravité des adhérences a été évaluée, en utilisant l'indice d'adhérence péritonéale (PAI), de Coccolini et al. Analyse statistique: Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 21.0. Une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour évaluer les facteurs associés à la recherche d'adhérences pendant la laparoscopie. Résultats: Il y a eu 158 chirurgies laparoscopiques avec une prévalence de 26,6 % d'adhérences péritonéales. La prévalence des adhérences chez les femmes avec une chirurgie antérieure était de 72,7 %. La chirurgie péritonéale antérieure était un déterminant important de l'apparition d'adhérences (rapport de cotes = 8,291, Intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % = 4,464-15,397, P < 0, 001), et ces patientes avaient significativement (P = 0,025, IC à 95 % = 0,408-5,704) des adhérences plus sévères (PAI = 11,16 ± 3,94) que celles sans chirurgie préalable (PAI = 8,10 ± 3,14). La myomectomie abdominale (PAI = 13,09 ± 2,95) était le déterminant chirurgical primaire le plus important de la formation de l'adhérence. Il n'y avait pas de relation significative entre l'occurrence de l'adhérence et la conversion en laparotomie (P = 0,121) ou la durée moyenne de la chirurgie (P = 0,962). Cependant, une plus grande sévérité de l'adhérence a été observée chez les personnes ayant une perte de sang opératoire <100 ml (PAI = 11,73 ± 3,56, P = 0,003) et celles hospitalisées pendant ≤2 jours (PAI = 11,12 ± 3,81,P=0,022). Conclusion: La prévalence des adhérences postopératoires lors d'une laparoscopie dans notre centre est comparable à ce qui a été précédemmentRapporté. La myomectomie abdominale est associée au plus grand risque et à la plus grande sévérité des adhérences. La laparoscopie chez les patients souffrant d'adhérences plus sévères a entraîné une perte de sang moins importante et un séjour hospitalier plus court, ce qui suggère une association de meilleurs résultats avec une approche prudente des adhérences. Mots-clés: Fertilité, laparoscopie, myomectomie, adhrérences péritonéales.

A randomized double-blind controlled proof-of-concept study of alanyl-glutamine for reduction of post-myomectomy adhesions.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that intraperitoneal instillation of a single bolus dose of l-alanyl-l-glutamine (AG) will reduce the incidence, extent and/or severity of adhesions following myomectomy and establish preliminary safety and tolerability of AG in humans. DESIGN: Phase 1,2 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (DBRCT). SETTING: Tertiary care gynecology surgical centre. PATIENTS: Thirty-eight women who underwent myomectomies by laparoscopy (N = 38; AG-19 vs Placebo-19) or laparotomy (N = 10; AG-5 vs Placebo-5) with a scheduled second-look laparoscopy (SLL) 6-8 weeks later. Thirty-two patients in the laparoscopy arm completed SLL. INTERVENTIONS: Bolus dose of AG or normal saline solution control (0.9% NaCl) administered intraperitoneally immediately prior to suture closure of the laparoscopic ports. The average dose was 170 mL of AG or control based on a dosing scheme of 1 g/kg bodyweight. MEASUREMENTS: Digital recordings obtained for all procedures. The primary endpoint was reduction in the incidence, severity and extent of post-operative adhesions analyzed by intention-to-treat (ITT) approach. Three independent, blinded reviewers evaluated all operative video recordings to assess presence of adhesions. Post-hoc analysis assessed presence or absence of adhesions in the peritoneal cavity. Secondary endpoints assessed safety and tolerability of AG. MAIN RESULTS: Administration of AG reduced the incidence, severity and/or extent of post-operative adhesions (p = 0.046). The presence of adhesions in the AG group was lower than in the Control group (p = 0.041). Adhesion improvement was achieved in 15 of 15 (100%) in the AG group versus 5 of 17 (29.6%) in the placebo group. No serious adverse events were reported. No differences in safety parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal l-alanyl-l-glutamine reduced adhesion formation in all patients following laparoscopic myomectomy. Complete absence of adhesions was achieved at all abdominal sites in 93% of patients. Results confirm AG's known effects on cellular mechanisms of adhesiogenesis and lay the foundation for new adhesion prophylaxis research and treatment.

Risk factors for small-bowel obstruction after colectomy for colorectal cancer: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative adhesions are a concerning complication of abdominal surgery with major implications on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative small-bowel obstruction (SBO) after colectomy for colorectal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed the clinicopathological variables of 1646 patients who underwent colectomy for colorectal cancer between 2009 and 2018. RESULTS: SBO occurred following primary tumor resection for colorectal cancer in 67 (4.1%) of the 1646 patients. The median observation period was 7.5 (range: 3.0-12.0) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that rectal tumors, anastomotic leakages, previous abdominal surgeries, and longer operating times were all correlated with postoperative SBO, but there were no differences in the incidence of SBO between laparoscopic vs. open surgery. The use of adhesion prevention material had no effect on SBO. Our data showed that the onset of SBO tended to be relatively early, within a year after surgery (89.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor localization in the rectum is associated with several problems, including a wide resection area, prolonged operative duration, and high risk of anastomotic leakage, which may increase the risk of SBO. Laparoscopic surgery and adhesion prevention material did not demonstrate a clear preventive effect against SBO.

Effect of Suture Used for Closure of Mesenteric Defects After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to internal herniation (IH) is a well-known complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). The objective of this study is to evaluate different types of non-absorbable sutures used for closure of the defects regarding the incidence of SBO due to IH/adhesions, adhesion formation in general, or reopening of the defects. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was performed. Patients who underwent LRYGBP were divided in 3 groups: group A closure of the defects with monofilament Polypropylene suture (Prolene®), group B with braided polyester suture (Ethibond®), group C with barbed knotless Polybutester suture (V-Loc®). Descriptive statistics were performed regarding SBO due to IH/adhesions, adhesion formation, and reopening of closed defects. RESULTS: From 5145 patients, 224 patients underwent exploratory laparoscopy for suspicion of SBO. Mean time interval was 28.4 months. IH or intermittent IH was found in 1.94% in group A, 1.78% in group B, and 1.40% in group C. Obstruction due to adhesions was found in 0.70%, 0.36%, and 0.42% per group, respectively. Adhesions in general were observed in 1.47% in group A, 1.43% in group B, and 1.06% in group C. The incidence of reopening was higher in group A (2.24%) in comparison with group B (1.13%, P = 0.041) and group C (1.05%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After descriptive analysis, these results can withhold no difference among the 3 non-absorbable sutures regarding incidence of SBO due to IH or SBO due to adhesions, yet tendency for higher reopening rates after closure with monofilament Polypropylene suture is observed.

The potential association between metabolic syndrome and risk of post-surgical adhesion.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the clustering of several associated with a group of disorders that include: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The incidence of MetS is increasing globally around the world. Indeed the rates of different types of surgery in older or younger patients with Mets are increasing and they are exposed to a wide range of operations including abdominal, pelvic, urologic, or any invasive procedures. Post-surgical adhesion is a common problem and is a challenge for the surgeon. Despite many studies on its pathogenesis, there remain many un-answered questions about it, for example why certain tissues and patients are more at higher risk of post-surgical adhesions. Many studies have suggested that MetS is associated with up-regulating molecular mechanisms leading to chronic inflammation and hypercoagulability. In this review, we discuss some of the molecular mechanisms by MetS may enhance post-surgical adhesion, and particularly regarding those involved in coagulation and inflammation.

Prevalence and risk factor of postoperative adhesions following repeated cesarean section: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of intraperitoneal adhesions after repeated cesarean delivery and its associated personal and surgical risk factors. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the delivery ward at Fayoum University Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021. Women were recruited according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible women were interviewed, and data were obtained for personal history, past surgical and obstetrical history, and data about the current delivery. Nair's scoring system was used to evaluate intraperitoneal adhesions. Postoperative data and complications were reported. RESULTS: Three hundred women were recruited. Moderate to severe adhesions occurred in 186 patients (62%). These patients had a significantly prolonged hospital stay and were delivered by expert surgeons (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). The adhesion score correlated positively with patients' age (P < 0.001), parity (P < 0.001), interpregnancy interval (P = 0.033), duration of hospital admission either previously or in the current delivery (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001), time to ambulation (P < 0.001), time to intestinal movement (P < 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001), and surgeons' age and experience (both P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Adhesions led to increased maternal morbidity. Multiple contributing factors were significantly related to adhesions with multiple cesarean deliveries.

Adhesion barriers and intraperitoneal or uterine infections after cesarean section: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal adhesion is a common complication of cesarean section, and adhesion barriers are often used to prevent postoperative adhesion. However, the association between the use of adhesion barriers and infections after cesarean section remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association. METHODS: Using the administrative claims database of a single prefecture in Japan, we identified all patients who underwent cesarean section from June 2014 to February 2019. A multivariable logistic regression model fitted with a generalized estimating equation was used to compare the postoperative outcomes between patients who received intraperitoneal adhesion barriers during cesarean section and those who did not. The primary outcome was intraperitoneal or uterine infections within 3 months after cesarean section, including intraperitoneal abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease, peritonitis, uterine wound infection, endometritis, and adnexitis. RESULTS: A total of 1,392 patients with 1,498 cesarean section cases were reviewed. Adhesion barriers were used in 1,153/1,498 (77.0%) cases. One hundred and fourteen (9.9%) intraperitoneal or uterine infections occurred in the group with and 15 (4.3%) in the group without adhesion barriers. The proportion of intraperitoneal or uterine infections was significantly higher in the group with than in the group without adhesion barriers (9.9% and 4.3%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio = 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-4.77; P = .002). CONCLUSION: The use of adhesion barriers was associated with an increase in intraperitoneal or uterine infections after cesarean section.

To study the current status of uterine adhesions after fetal residue and the preventive effect of using estrogen and progesterone sequential therapy combined with Foley balloon.

To investigate the current status of uterine adhesions in patients with residual fetus and analyze the preventive effect of estrogen and progesterone sequential therapy combined with Foley balloon. Eighty-six patients with residual fetus were divided into control group and observation group. On the basis of the treatment plan of the control group, the observation group received estrogen and progesterone sequential therapy combined with Floey balloon treatment. Clinical efficacy, postoperative recovery status (abdominal pain duration, vaginal bleeding duration, vaginal bleeding volume, refluid time), the incidence of intrauterine adhesions, uterine hemodynamics (uterine artery systolic maximum blood flow rate [Vmax], end diastolic blood flow rate [Vmin], resistance index [RI]), and the probability of complications were evaluated. Compared with the control group, the observation group achieved higher curative effect (P < .05); the observation group had shorter duration of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and refluid time, and lower vaginal bleeding (P < .05); the probability of intrauterine adhesions is lower (P < .05); before treatment, there is little difference in the levels of Vmax, Vmin, RI, and other indicators between the 2 groups (P > .05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the observation group Vmax, Vmin, and other indicators, the level was significantly lower, and the RI level was significantly higher (P < .05); the observation group had a lower probability of complications (P < .05). The likelihood of uterine adhesions after fetal remains is increased. The use of estrogen and progesterone sequential therapy in conjunction with Foley balloon therapy can improve treatment efficacy, improve uterine adhesion prevention, and promote patient recovery after surgery.

Intra-abdominal Adhesions among Patients Undergoing Repeat Caesarean Section in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Adhesions are one of the common complications encountered after caesarean section whose risk increases with the number of caesarean deliveries. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of intra-abdominal adhesions among patients undergoing repeat caesarean section in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 74 pregnant women undergoing repeat caesarean section in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care centre from July, 2021 to December, 2021 after receiving the ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 2107202103). Pregnant women who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. The severity of the adhesions was classified using the Tulandi and Lyell classification. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0 software. Point estimate at 90% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data along with mean and standard deviation for continuous data. Results: Out of 74 women undergoing repeat caesarean section, 55 (74.32%) (65.99-82.65 at 90% Confidence Interval) had developed intra-abdominal adhesions. Conclusions: Our study showed that the prevalence of intra-abdominal adhesions among patients undergoing repeat caesarean section was higher when compared to similar studies conducted in similar settings. Keywords: postoperative complications; repeat caesarean section; surgical adhesions.

Impact of concomitant intrauterine adhesions on pregnancy outcomes and obstetric complications in women with a septate uterus.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of concomitant intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) on pregnancy outcomes and obstetric complications in women with a septate uterus. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included women with a septate uterus, with or without IUAs, between 2015 and 2019 in our hospital. The main outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, live-birth rate, and obstetric complications. RESULTS: A total of 336 women with a septate uterus-105 women (31.3%) with IUAs and 231 (68.7%) women without IUAs-were analyzed. The rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth among women with moderate-to-severe IUAs were significantly decreased compared with those among women without IUAs (69.9% vs. 76.6%, odds ratio [OR] 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.99, P = 0.046, and 57.0% vs. 67.1%, OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.30-0.95, P = 0.032, respectively). However, these rates were similar between women with mild IUAs and women without IUAs. Women with moderate-to-severe IUAs had a higher incidence of abnormal placentation than women with a septum only (13.2% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Concomitant moderate-to-severe IUAs significantly reduce the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth and increase the risk of abnormal placentation in subsequent pregnancies in women with a septate uterus.

Prevalence and risk factors of intrauterine adhesions in women with a septate uterus: a retrospective cohort study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the prevalence and risk factors of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) in patients with a septate uterus? DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with a septate uterus who underwent septum resection between 2015 and 2020 were analysed. Two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography plus hysteroscopy was used to diagnose uterine septum or IUA. The prevalence and risk factors for IUA in patients with a septate uterus were examined. RESULTS: Among 522 eligible patients with a septate uterus, 165 patients were diagnosed with IUA (prevalence 31.6% [95% CI 27.7 to 35.5%]). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis of risk factors for IUA, patients who had experienced one or more miscarriages were more likely to have IUA than patients who had not (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.96 to 5.83, P < 0.001, and OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.24 to 5.23, P = 0.011, respectively). Patients who underwent one or more dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedures had a significantly increased risk of IUA compared with patients who did not (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.87 to 6.26, P < 0.001, and OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.93 to 8.26, P < 0.001, respectively). For patients with a history of miscarriage or D&C, the prevalence rates of IUA were 46.5% (95% CI 40.6 to 52.4%) and 44.0% (95% CI 38.5 to 49.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of patients with a septate uterus have concomitant IUA. A previous miscarriage or D&C is an important risk factor for IUA in patients with a septate uterus.

Incidence of adhesions in patients using liraglutide before laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The current study objectively identified the incidence of adhesions between the stomach and pancreas in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients on liraglutide (cases group) and off (control group) liraglutide. METHODS: This observational prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Saudi German Hospital, Al-Aseer, Saudi Arabia (SGH) after approval by the Institutional Review Board. 117 patients with prior use of liraglutide and 101 patients with no liraglutide use scheduled for LSG over 12 months were included. Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing LSG with or without prior use of liraglutide. Exclusion criteria included patients with prior abdominal surgeries, bariatric surgery revisions, prior upper GI scope showing gastritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or any other pathology, and other known causes of other causes of pancreatitis. Using laparoscopy obtained imaging during LSG cases adhesions between the posterior stomach and pancreas were identified. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the cases and control groups was 32.44 ± 9.90 years and 28.23 ± 8.48 years (p = 0.001). The mean BMI of patients in the cases and control groups was 43.56 ± 4.59 and 45.00 ± 4.78, respectively (p = 0.024). 85% of the patients were females, while 17.0% were males in the cases group. 53.5% of the patients were females, while 47.0% were males in the control group (p < 0.001). In the cases group, 48.7% of patients had stopped liraglutide for no obvious reason. Under the cases group, 77.8% of the patients had no adhesions, while 22.2% had adhesions. Under the controls group, no adhesions were seen (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results for the first time demonstrate an incidence of adhesions in 22.2% of patients undergoing LSG on prior liraglutide intake (p < 0.001). This study brings to light the possibility of adhesions in patients with prior exposure to liraglutide undergoing LSG. Surgeons performing LSG in patients with prior exposure to liraglutide should be cognizant of this possibility, thereby requiring careful meticulous dissection.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction following abdominal surgery in young children (≤ 3 years): A retrospective analysis of incidence and risk factors using multivariate cox regression.

BACKGROUND: Adhesions following abdominal surgery can cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) necessitating surgery. Whilst some studies have addressed SBO in children, the incidence of SBO, the diseases that are of increased risk as well as risk factors in young children remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to determine; (1) the general incidence of SBO in young children, (2) which diseases entail highest incidence of SBO and (3) risk factors for SBO in young children. STUDY DESIGN: Young children (≤ 3 years of age) who underwent abdominal surgery in our tertiary referral centre between 1998-2018 were retrospectively included. Both general incidence and incidence per disease of SBO were determined. Independent risk factors for SBO were identified using cox-regression. RESULTS: The incidence of SBO was 5% (N = 88/1931) in our cohort. Five of the SBOs developed following laparoscopic treatment. Patients treated for gastroschisis (17%,N = 9/53), necrotizing enterocolitis (8%,N = 15/188) and intestinal atresia (7%,N = 13/177) were at high risk of experiencing SBO. Diaphragmatic hernia (28%,N = 7/25) and meconium ileus (28%,N = 7/25) also showed high SBO proportions. Having a history of stoma (HR:3.2, 95%-CI:2.0-5.2), undergoing emergency surgery (HR:2.2, 95%-CI:1.3-3.7) and postoperative infections (HR:1.9, 95%-CI:1.2-3.1) were general risk factors for the development of SBO. CONCLUSION: The incidence of SBO in young children seems higher than what has previously been reported in older children, which is why they should be studied separately. The incidence of SBO differs between diseases. Having a history of a stoma, emergency surgery and postoperative infections were independent risk factors for SBO development. Although less at risk, SBOs do develop after laparoscopies, which is why they should be included in more long-term follow-up studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Prevalence of Intrauterine Adhesions after Myomectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate intrauterine adhesion formation after laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy. DESIGN: This is a prospective, multicenter, observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04030273). METHODS: We included patients after laparotomic and laparoscopic myomectomy. All patients underwent postsurgical diagnostic hysteroscopy, after 3 months. The intrauterine adhesion rate and associated factors were investigated. RESULTS: Between January 2020 and December 2020, 38 and 24 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy, respectively. All diagnostic hysteroscopies were performed in the office setting without complications. Intrauterine adhesions were identified in 19.4% of women (95% CI: of 9-29%). Factors univariately associated (p < 0.2) with the presence of intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy were previous uterine surgery, the surgical approach (laparoscopic or laparotomic), the number of removed fibroids, the type and diameter of the largest myoma, and the opening of the uterine cavity. In the multivariable analysis, only the opening of the uterine cavity (odds ratio [OR] 51.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.53-596.28) and the laparotomic approach (OR, 16.19; 95% CI: 1.66-158.35) were independently associated with the identification of intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy. LIMITATIONS: One of the main limitations of our study is that we used uterine manipulator only in the laparoscopic group; in addition, we did not perform a preoperative hysteroscopy to evaluate the rate of intrauterine adhesions potentially present even before the myomectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of intrauterine adhesions after 3 months from surgery was significantly associated with the opening of the uterine cavity and the laparotomic approach.

Maternal obesity and intra-abdominal adhesion formation at cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether maternal obesity increases the risk of intra-abdominal adhesion formation at cesarean delivery. METHODS: Two hundred and two pregnant women of at least 37 weeks' gestation and who had undergone only one prior cesarean delivery were included in this prospective observational study. The study population was divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) upon cesarean delivery (<30 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2). The intra-abdominal adhesion incidence and the scar characteristics of the groups were compared. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal adhesions were more common in women ≥30 kg/m2 than in those <30 kg/m2 (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.6). BMI upon cesarean delivery (32.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2 vs. 30.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2, p = .018) and pre-pregnancy BMI (27.9 ± 6.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2, p = .026) were higher in women with dense adhesions than in those with either filmy or no adhesions. The omentum was the most adherent tissue, and the omental adhesion rate was also higher in women ≥30 kg/m2 than in those <30 kg/m2 (39.6% vs. 23.7%, p = .016). When the scar characteristics were compared, it was observed that the hyperpigmented scar rate was significantly lower (17.8% vs. 39.6%, p = .001) in women ≥30 kg/m2 with intra-abdominal adhesions (16.7% vs. 35.4%, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Intra-abdominal adhesion formation following cesarean delivery is more common in obese women.