Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transrectal drainage of a pelvic abscess after Hinchey II sigmoid colon diverticulitis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute diverticulitis is one of the most prevalent complications of diverticular disease and may result in abscess formation, perforation, fistula formation, obstruction, or bleeding. Diverticular abscesses may be initially treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage and/or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage techniques are increasingly used as a minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous or surgical approaches, as they are associated with better treatment outcomes, shorter recovery time and duration of hospitalization. CASE SUMMARY: A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department on account of abdominal pain and fever. Clinical examination revealed tenderness in the left lower abdominal quadrant, with elevated inflammatory markers in laboratory tests. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an 8 cm × 8 cm × 5 cm well-encapsulated abscess of the sigmoid colon, surrounded by numerous diverticula. A diagnosis of Hinchey II diverticular abscess was made, and the patient was admitted and commenced on appropriate antibiotic treatment. A transrectal EUS showed a fluid collection in direct contact with the sigmoid colon. Transluminal drainage was performed, and a lumen-apposing metal stent was inserted into the abscess collection. A follow-up CT scan showed a regression of the collection. The patient's general condition improved, and the stent was removed during a follow-up transrectal EUS that revealed no visible collection. CONCLUSION: We report the first successful management of a pelvic abscess in patient with Hinchey II acute diverticulitis using EUS-guided transluminal drainage in Slovenia. The technique appears effective for well-encapsulated intra-abdominal abscesses larger than 4 cm in direct contact with the intestinal wall of left colon.

Bone metaplasia of the appendix presented with clinical and computed tomography signs of acute appendicitis managed with laparoscopic appendectomy.

Bone metaplasia or heterotopic ossification of the appendix is an extremely rare condition, which is usually associated with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms. This case describes a young male patient, who presented to the surgical emergency department with clinical and computed tomography signs of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. The final histopathological examination revealed a bone metaplasia of the distal appendix, without any other associated appendiceal pathology. According to our knowledge and literature review, this is the first such case described in the English literature yet.

Minimally invasive peritoneal dialysis catheter insertions with concomitant cholecystectomy or hernioplasty: Surgical technique and our experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis is a well-accepted replacement therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease. There are many different options adopted on how to insert a peritoneal dialysis catheter. In our institution, a laparoscopic insertion has become the method of choice for providing peritoneal dialysis access in adult patients. The aim of this study was to analyze surgical outcomes of patients after laparoscopically assisted placement of a PD catheter some of them after concomitant cholecystectomy or hernioplasty. METHODS: We have evaluated 70 consecutive patients from 1st of October 2015 to 30th of April 2020 who underwent laparoscopic insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Demographic data, details about surgery and about peri- and postoperative complications were gathered. RESULTS: Out of 70 enrolled patients, 15 had gallstones (21%) and underwent concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Three patients (4%) had abdominal wall hernia and underwent concomitant hernioplasty. We observed no perioperative complications connected with any of the performed procedures. There was one early postoperative complication: an early leak of dialysate fluid. Late complications were observed in nine patients (13%): mechanical catheter problems (two patients), peritonitis (three patients), skin exit-site infections (two patients), peri-catheter leak (one patient), and port-site hernia (one patient). CONCLUSIONS: For all patients with concomitant gallbladder disease or abdominal wall hernias we suggest to perform synchronous surgeries, due to finding no more complications after concomitant procedures in comparison to patients in whom only a PD catheter was inserted. Concomitant procedures are done to spare patients two separate procedures and to avoid possible complications. We also suggest using the cholecystectomy first, PD catheter insertion second approach for having excellent peri- and postoperative results.

The Significance of Blood and Peritoneal Fluid Biochemical Markers in Identifying Early Anastomotic Leak following Colorectal Resection-Findings from a Single-Center Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of leukocyte, C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, lactate, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in blood and peritoneal fluid in early recognition of anastomotic leak (AL) after colorectal resections. Materials and Methods: Our pilot prospective cohort study was conducted at the abdominal surgery department at University Medical Center Ljubljana. A total of 43 patients who underwent open or laparoscopic colorectal resection because of benign or malignant etiology were enrolled. All of the patients had primary anastomosis without stoma formation. Results: Three patients in our patient group developed AL (7%). We found a statistically significant elevation of serum lactate levels in patients that developed AL compared to those who did not but noted no statistically relevant difference in the blood or peritoneal fluid levels of other biochemical markers. Conclusions: Elevated lactate levels may be considered a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis of AL, but more research on bigger patient groups is warranted.

Multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to acute mesenteric ischaemia: A case report with literature review.

Superior mesenteric artery embolisation is the most common cause of acute mesenteric ischaemia. Superior mesenteric artery embolisation can be caused by various cardiac diseases (myocardial ischaemia or infarction, atrial tachyarrhythmias, endocarditis, cardiomyopathies, ventricular aneurysms and valvular disorders), arterial aneurysms, ulcerated atherosclerotic plaques of the major arteries and others. A case of 65-year-old, previously healthy man with superior mesenteric artery embolism, who was found to also have mural aortic thrombi, is presented. The patient underwent an emergency procedure; small intestine and cecum were resected and jejuno-ascendo anastomosis was performed. The patient was put on lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Neither cardiac diseases nor arterial aneurysms were detected. There were no signs of underlying atherosclerosis. Work-up for antiphospholipid antibodies and rheumatic diseases was negative. Tumour markers were within normal levels and blood cultures were negative. This case represents the challenges in recognising an underlying cause of acute mesenteric embolism and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach.

Ileocecal valve syndrome and vitamin b12 deficiency after surgery: a multicentric prospective study.

Patients undergoing colon resection are often concerned about their functional outcomes after surgery. The primary aim of this prospective, multicentric study was to assess the intestinal activity and health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) after ileocecal valve removal. The secondary aim was to evaluate any vitamin B12 deficiency. The study included patients undergoing right colectomy, extended right colectomy and ileocecal resection for either neoplastic or benign disease. Selected items of GIQLI and EORTC QLQ-CR29 questionnaires were used to investigate intestinal activity and HRQL before and after surgery. Blood samples for vitamin B12 level were collected before and during the follow-up period. The empirical rule effect size (ERES) method was used to explain the clinical effect of statistical results. Linear mixed effect (LME) model for longitudinal data was applied to detect the most important parameters affecting the total score. A total of 158 patients were considered. Applying the ERES method, the analysis of both questionnaires showed clinically and statistically significant improvement of HRQL at the end of the follow-up period. Applying the LME model, worsening of HRQL was correlated with female gender and ileum length when using GIQLI questionnaire, and with female gender, open approach, and advanced cancer stage when using the EORTC QLQ-CR29 questionnaire. No significant deficiency in vitamin B12 levels was observed regardless of the length of surgical specimen. In our series, no deterioration of HRQL and no vitamin B12 deficiency were found during the follow-up period. Nevertheless, warning patients about potential changes in bowel habits is mandatory. In our series, no deterioration of HRQL and no vitamin B12 deficiency were found during the follow-up period. Nevertheless, warning patients about potential changes in bowel habits is mandatory.

Conservative management of abdominoperineal impalement trauma - A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adult perineal impalement injuries are uncommon and notorious for their complex injury pattern and risk of massive pelvic bleeding. They present a challenge for the treating physician as there is no consensus about the optimal treatment in the existing literature. In most cases patients need operative intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article the authors present a case report of a 63-year old man with an impalement injury in the left gluteus, who was managed conservatively. DISCUSSION: With the recent trends towards conservative management of abdominal penetrating trauma, increased morbidity and costs associated with nontherapeutic laparotomy, conservative management of impalement injuries in hemodynamically stable patients should be considered. Accurate determination of the impaling object trajectory path is vital for the decision and aids to answer two important questions: Did the impaling object enter the peritoneal, retroperitoneal or pelvic cavity? Is there an injury that will require an operation? CONCLUSION: Abdominoperineal impalement injuries have high mortality, but those patients, who manage to reach hospital alive, can sometimes be manages conservatively, as shown in our case report.

Correction to: Ileocecal valve syndrome and vitamin b12 deficiency after surgery: a multicentric prospective study.

One of the co-author Eliana Cagnazzo has been incorrectly published. The correct co-author name has been copied below.

Bicycle handlebar injury in a child resulting in complex liver laceration with massive bleeding and bile leakage: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bicycle accidents are a significant cause of traumatic morbidity in the paediatric population. The handlebar injuries are usually isolated and remain a major source of bicycle related morbidity. We present a case of severe liver laceration with left hepatic duct transection caused by handlebar trauma in a 13-year-old boy. CASE PRESENTATION: An otherwise healthy 13-year-old Caucasian male patient was rushed to the hospital following a blunt abdominal trauma from a bicycle handlebar. An ultrasound revealed extensive free intraperitoneal fluid with accompanying features of hemodynamic instability. Operative findings included massive haemoperitoneum, a deep laceration almost separating left and right liver lobes, and a near-complete interruption of the left hepatic duct. Interestingly, the vascular anatomy of the left liver lobe was preserved. After haemostasis was established a duct-to-duct anastomosis of the ruptured left hepatic duct was performed. A T-tube biliary drainage was inserted, and intraoperative cholangiography showed no extraluminal spillage of contrast. During the recovery phase, cholangiography was performed several times revealing leakage from left hepatic duct. The leakage was managed conservatively and finally stopped. DISCUSSION: Management of blunt hepatic injuries has remarkably changed from mandatory operation to mostly nonoperative interventions with selective operative management. Hemodynamic instability remains the main reason for exploratory laparotomy. Near-isolated laceration of main hepatic ducts is an extremely rare finding, and immediate reconstruction is the best option if an experienced surgeon is available. CONCLUSION: Due to limited evidence, we recommend consultation with an experienced HPB surgeon on a case-by-case basis for every paediatric biliary injury.

Spontaneous splenic rupture 1 week after laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis.

Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare entity that requires high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Usually, it occurs due to underlying pathology that could be inflammatory, neoplastic or infectious. However, there are also cases of spontaneous splenic rupture in a normal-sized spleen without obvious pathologic process. In our case, the patient suffered a spontaneous splenic rupture 1 week after laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. Histopathologic examination revealed a normal-sized spleen without any obvious pathology. In our patient, we did not found any explanation for a spontaneous splenic rupture, besides her primary inflammatory condition.

Comparison of a Five-Year Survival and Cancer Recurrence between Laparoscopically Assisted and Open Colonic Resections due to Adenocarcinoma-a Single Centre Experience.

Background and objectives: When resecting colon adenocarcinoma, surgeons decide between the use of laparoscopically assisted and open surgery. Laparoscopic resection is known to have short-term benefits over an open operation. However, researchers are not as unified about the long-term findings. The aim of this research is to elaborate on five-year post-operative differences in survival and cancer recurrence between these two different approaches. Materials and methods: 74 enrolled patients were evaluated five years after a primary operation. We collected dates of deaths of deceased patients and time after operation of possible recurrences. Carcinoma staging was done by a pathologist after operation. Blood samples were taken before surgery in order to measure tumor markers (CA19-9 and CEA). Results: Survival after colonic adenocarcinoma surgery did not differ between the two different surgical approaches (p = 0.151). Recurrence of cancer was not associated with the type of operation (p = 0.532). Patients with recurrence had a 37.6 times greater hazard ratio of dying (95% CI: [12.0, 118]; p < 0.001). Advanced age adversely affected survival: patients aged <65 and 65 years had a 97%, and 57% survival rate, respectively. Patients with elevated tumor markers at operation had a 19.1 greater hazard ratio of dying (95% CI: [5.16, 70.4]; p<0.001). Patients with different TNM stages did not have any statistically significant differences in survival (HRII = 2.49; 95% CI: [0.67, 9.30]; pII = 0.173) (HRIII = 2.18; 95% CI: [0.58, 8.12]; pIII = 0.246) or recurrence (p = 0.097). Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that laparoscopic resection of colon cancer is not inferior from an oncologic point of view and results in a similar long-term survival and disease-free interval. Recurrence of carcinoma, older age at initial operation and elevated tumor markers, above a pre-set threshold at operation, were found to be independent factors of lower survival. We believe that the obtained results will be of benefit when choosing treatment for colon adenocarcinoma.

Synchronous Laparoscopic Insertion of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter and Cholecystectomy in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Gallstones - Our Experience.

In patients with end-stage renal disease who are candidates for peritoneal dialysis (PD) and have gallstones or gallbladder polyps, it is advised to perform synchronous insertion of PD catheter and cholecystectomy. With gallbladder removal at the time of peritoneal catheter insertion we can avoid infective complications, such as acute cholecystitis and possible PD failure. This article presents our experience with synchronous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and insertion of a PD catheter.

Surgical repair of a large ventral hernia under spinal anaesthesia: A case report.

BACKROUND: Secondary ventral hernias are incisional hernias developed in former postoperative scars. Up to 30% of all patients undergoing laparotomy develop an incisional hernia. Open ventral hernia repair is often performed under general anaesthesia but can also be performed under regional anaesthesia. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an elderly man, who underwent open surgery of a large incisional hernia in spinal block. Regional anaesthesia was chosen due to the patient's additional diseases and disorders. CONCLUSION: Open surgery of large ventral hernia in spinal anaesthesia can be performed because the spinal anaesthesia provides adequate conditions for ventral hernia repair. The patient has to be in good physical condition in order for the surgery to be successful. During the surgery the patient has to be watched over vigilantly by the anaesthesiologist.

Laparoscopically assisted insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a generally accepted method for treatment of patients with the end-stage renal disease. A larger proportion of PD patients transfer to haemodialysis every year than the converse. Many of the underlying causes of transfer to haemodialysis are preventable. Infectious complications still remain the most common reason for transfer of PD patients to haemodialysis, catheter-related problems are the second most common cause. For PD to be effective it is very important to provide a quality peritoneal access with the insertion of PD catheter with minimum complications. With the development of minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic insertion of PD catheter is becoming widely accepted method, which showed to be effective with minor complications. In our institution, laparoscopic insertion of PD catheter in adult patients is a standard method for providing peritoneal access for chronic peritoneal dialysis.

Inguinal hernia containing urinary bladder-A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal bladder hernia is rare condition found in about 1-5% of inguinal hernias. The condition is usually diagnosed intraoperatively. Patients rarely have symptoms regarding urinary tract. The best management is surgical, open surgical technique is preferred over laparoscopic. Possible urinary tract damage during surgery should be recognized and resolved. CASE PRESENTATION: The following paper presents case of inguinal bladder hernia in 82-year old Caucasian male. Patient presented at our emergency department with incarcerated left inguinal hernia. Preoperative ultrasound has shown small bowel loop inside hernia sac. The condition was diagnosed intraoperatively - the whole bladder was found inside hernia sac. During surgery minor damage of the bladder was caused and repaired. Hernia defect was repaired using Bassini hernioplasty. DISCUSSION: Elderly male more often present with inguinal bladder hernia. Sometimes urinary malignancy may be cause for inguinal bladder hernia. In cases where inguinal bladder is found inside hernia sac, urologist should be consulted to exclude urological pathology. Surgical treatment is indicated in all symptomatic patients. Patients with small, asymptomatic inguinal bladder hernias could be treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Physicians seeing patients with inguinal hernia should be aware that patient may have inguinal bladder hernia, especially in patients presenting with newly developed symptoms of lower urinary tract.

Acute intestinal obstruction due to metastatic lung cancer-case report.

We present a case of male patient, who was referred to our department because of acute intestinal obstruction, which was the initial clinical symptom of primary lung cancer. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) prior to the emergency operation showed small intestinal obstruction and metastases to both adrenal glands. The patient underwent an emergency abdominal exploratory laparotomy, that confirmed small bowel obstruction and diffuse metastatic lesions along the entire small bowel length. During the operation we took a sample of one metastasis for pathological examination and we created an intestinal bypass to relieve small bowel obstruction. The pathologist suspected to primary lung cancer according to the immunohistochemical staining. The chest CT after the emergency operation showed a large primary tumor in the left upper pulmonary lobe.

Laparoscopically assisted colorectal surgery provides better short-term clinical and inflammatory outcomes compared to open colorectal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in immune function after surgery may influence overall outcome, length of hospital stay, susceptibility to infection and perioperative tumour dissemination in cancer patients. Our aim was to elaborate on postoperative differences in the immune status and the intensity of the systemic inflammatory response between two groups of prospectively enrolled patients with colorectal cancer, namely patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted or open colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples from 77 patients were taken before surgery and then 3 h, 24 h and 4 days after surgery. The inflammatory response was determined by leukocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin levels (PCT). Immune status was determined by phenotypic analysis of lymphocyte populations and the activation of mononuclear cells. CD64 expression and cytokine expression were also determined. RESULTS: Patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted surgery had less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002), earlier resumption of diet (p = 0.002) and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.02). Numbers of total leukocytes (p = 0.12), CRP (p = 0.002) and PCT (p = 0.23) were remarkably higher 4 days after surgery in patients who underwent an open colorectal procedure. There was an important decrease in monocyte HLA-DR expression 3 h after surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that minimally invasive surgery provides better short-term clinical outcomes for patients with resectable colorectal cancer. The acute inflammatory response is less pronounced. Post-surgical immunological disturbance in both groups is similar, but we observed a divergent effect of different surgical approaches on the expression of HLA-DR on monocytes. However, our results corroborate the results of previous studies.