Quality of life in lower limb amputees: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center of South India.

BACKGROUND: Various literature have dealt with the physical aspect of amputation and the functional outcome after amputation. There are a few studies that give focused attention to the quality of life (QOL) of amputees. These studies are mostly from the developed countries. This study analyzed amputation as a whole and how it affects an individual physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially, which would enable the health care providers to help the amputees to attain a better QOL. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on lower limb amputees. Data were collected using a proforma for demographic details and two pretested questionnaires-the World Health Organization QOL-Bref and prostheses-specific Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales-Revised questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. RESULTS: Amputation significantly affects all domains of the QOL. Age was a significant determinant of QOL of amputees, and it was found that the QOL decreased with an increase in age. 48.1% of the amputees were using a prosthetic device, and they were found to have a significantly better QOL. The prevalence of residual limb pain and phantom limb pain was 52.9% and 37%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the population perceived that their QOL was neither poor nor good. The QOL of the physical domain was better than the other domains. The most important factors that were found to be associated with QOL of amputees were age, duration since amputation, and use of prosthesis.

Closed-bowel Loop Obstruction-An Unusual and Forgotten Complication of Feeding Jejunostomy: Case Report.

Feeding jejunostomy (FJ) is done as a part of significant upper gastrointestinal surgical procedures for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feeds. This procedure is related to different mechanical, infective, and metabolic inconveniences. However, closed-bowel loop obstruction following FJ is rare. We report an unusual complication of closed-bowel loop obstruction in the postoperative period of FJ done for a locally advanced carcinoma of gastroesophageal (GE) junction for enteral access in a 67-year-old male patient. This patient required an emergency laparotomy, to forestall exacerbating of abdomen distension which could have led to gastric ischemia and perforation following obstruction. A redo FJ was done, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Therefore, surgeons should have high clinical suspicion for a rarer complication like a closed-loop obstruction in a patient with upper abdominal pain and distension without vomiting following FJ. How to cite this article: Balamurugan S, Aslam MM, Kadambari D, et al. Closed-bowel Loop Obstruction-An Unusual and Forgotten Complication of Feeding Jejunostomy: Case Report. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):92-94.

Pregnancy in women with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: Report of three pregnancies in a single patient and review of literature.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is characterised by vascular abnormality which increases the risk of thromboembolism and haemorrhage. Physiological changes in pregnancy pose an increased risk to these complications. Being an uncommon disorder, there is limited literature about the management of women with pregnancy and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. We report in detail two of three pregnancies in a woman with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome who had repeated episodes of haematochezia leading to anaemia, managed with Argon laser Photo-Coagulation in pregnancy and also reviewed the complications and the management of pregnant women with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation in the management of extensive chronic radiation proctitis after pelvic radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) usually develops 90 days or more after radiation. Currently, there is no standard available for the treatment of CRP. In argon plasma coagulation, monopolar diathermy is used to ionise the argon gas which coagulates the telengiectatic vessels in a noncontact fashion. However, there are very few studies which have reported its use in extensive CRP. We report the efficacy and safety of APC in seven patients with recurrent, extensive grade 3 radiation proctitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated with argon plasma coagulation in our institute from June 2013 to June 2016. After adequate bowel preparation, patients underwent APC at an average power of 50 W with flow rate of 5 L/min. All the visible telangiectasia was ablated which required many sittings. RESULTS: The median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding at enrolment was 5 (range 3-5). After completion of APC, the median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding decreased to 1. The median RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding was 5 (range 3-5). After completion of APC, the mean RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding decreased to 1. Mean haemoglobin level before treatment was 5.43 g/dl (SD 2.37). Mean haemoglobin level after treatment was10.04 g/dl (SD 2.0). Compared with pre-treatment levels after APC, there was a mean increase in haemoglobin of 4.61 + 1.78 [95% CI 2.97-6.25, p = 0.00]. CONCLUSION: Argon plasma coagulation is a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment option in extensive chronic radiation proctitis which is refractory to medical management.

Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on side effects profile in patients of breast cancer treated with letrozole.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency (<10ng/mL) and insufficiency (10-30ng/mL) may contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms observed in patients taking letrozole. This study was undertaken to assess the vitamin D status in breast cancer patients who received letrozole for >2months and to see the effects of vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation on them. METHODS: Eighty-two breast cancer patients were included. Baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were assayed and standard questionnaire was completed. They were given vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation (2000IU/1000 mg and 4000IU/1000mg) based on their baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration for 12weeks. RESULTS: Baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations showed that 13.4% of patients were deficient and 73.2% of patients were insufficient in 25-hydroxy vitamin D. There was an increase in the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and decrease in the concentrations of parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase as the concentration of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D increases. Patients who received letrozole for a longer duration had a low concentration of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation increased the concentrations of calcium, phosphorous and decreased the concentrations of parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase. Patients who had low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations had more musculoskeletal symptoms which was improved following supplementation (9.14 vs 8.10 p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly improved serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations and decreased letrozole-induced arthralgia.

Early oral feeding vs. traditional feeding in patients undergoing elective open bowel surgery-a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the safety, tolerability and outcome of early oral feeding vs. traditional feeding in patients undergoing elective open bowel surgery. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients who underwent elective open bowel surgeries were randomized into either early feeding (n = 60) or traditional feeding group (n = 60). Patients in the early feeding group were started on oral fluids on post-operative day 1, while those in the traditional feeding group were started orals after the resolution of ileus. Patient characteristics, surgical procedures, co-morbidity, first flatus, first defecation, time of starting solid diet, complications and length of hospitalization were assessed between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in demographic and baseline data. The number of days to first flatus (p < 0.0001), first defecation (p < 0.0001), length of post-operative stay (p = 0.011) and time of starting solid diet (p < 0.0001) were significantly earlier in the early feeding group. Anastomotic leak, wound infection, fever, vomiting, abdominal distention and other complications were similar. Multivariate analysis showed that patients in the early oral feeding group were discharged 3.4 days earlier (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing elective open bowel surgeries, early post-operative feeding is safe, is well tolerated and reduces the length of hospitalization.

P-glycoprotein expression as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chemoresistance is an important factor determining the response of tumor to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression-mediated drug efflux is one of the mechanisms responsible for multi-drug resistance. Our study was aimed to determine the role of P-gp expression as a predictor of response to NACT in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: P-gp expression was performed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR] in 76 patients with LABC. Response to adriamycin-based regimen was assessed both clinically and with contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan before and after NACT. The significance of correlation between tumor and P-gp levels was determined with Chi-square test. RESULTS: Twenty-one had high and 55 had low P-gp expression. On analyzing P-gp expression with response by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, statistical significance was obtained (P = 0.038). Similarly, assessment of P-gp expression with response by Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria in 48 patients showed statistical significance (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: This study proves that P-gp expression is a determinant factor in predicting response to NACT. Finally, detection of P-gp expression status before initiation of chemotherapy can be used as a predictive marker for NACT response and will also aid in avoiding the toxic side effects of NACT in non-responders.

Comprehensive decongestive therapy in postmastectomy lymphedema: an Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment is one of the most morbid conditions affecting breast cancer survivors. Currently, no therapy completely cures this condition. Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT), a novel physiotherapeutic method offers promising results in managing this condition. This therapy is being widely used in the West. Till date, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of this therapy in the east. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The therapeutic responses of 25 patients with postmastectomy lymphedema were analyzed prospectively in this study. Each patient received an intensive phase of therapy for eight days from trained physiotherapists, which included manual lymphatic drainage, multi layered compression bandaging, exercises, and skin care. Instruction in self management techniques were given to the patients on completion of intensive therapy. The patients were followed up for three months. Changes in the volume of the edematous limb were assessed with a geometric approximation derived from serial circumference measurements of the limb and by water displacement volumetry. Changes in skin and sub cutis thickness were assessed using high frequency ultrasound. RESULTS: The reduction in limb volume observed after therapy was 32.3% and 42% of the excess, by measurement and volumetry, respectively. The maximum reduction was obtained after the intensive phase. The reduction in skin and subcutis thickness of the edematous limb followed the same pattern as volume reduction. Patients could maintain the reduction obtained by strictly following the protocols of the maintenance phase. CONCLUSIONS: CDT combined with long-term self management is effective in treating post mastectomy lymphedema. The tropical climate is a major factor limiting the regular use of bandages by the patients.

Tamoxifen use and gallstone formation in postmenopausal breast cancer patients in south Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen is being used in patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer as an adjuvant or palliative hormonal therapy. w0 estern studies have found a 30% incidence of gallstones in patients who are taking Tamoxifen and they have proved a significant association between the two. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to find out the association of Tamoxifen use and gallstone formation in postmenopausal breast cancer patients in a South Indian population. METHODS: Ninety patients who had undergone surgery for invasive breast cancer in our institute, and were receiving adjuvant Tamoxifen, were recruited for the study. An equal number of age-matched postmenopausal women were taken as controls. All of them underwent an abdominal ultrasound screening test for gallstones. Presence or absence of gallstones was noted down from their ultrasound scan reports. Pretreatment status of the gall bladder was assessed from the preoperative scan reports. RESULTS: An odds ratio of 1 was derived when the case group was compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study we could not establish that an association existed between Tamoxifen use and gallstone formation in postmenopausal South Indian women.

Non-healing ulcer on the great toe due to cellular schwannoma.

Cellular schwannoma (CS) occurring in the foot is uncommon, and when it does occur, it usually presents as a slowly growing tumour. Ulceration of CS on the foot is rare. We report a 20-year-old woman who presented with a painful and non-healing ulcer on the lateral area of the right great toe, which failed to heal despite treatment. Six months after onset of the ulcer, a small swelling appeared below it. Histological examination of a biopsy taken from the edge of the ulcer established the diagnosis of CS. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging delineated the mass on the lateral area of the right great toe. The mass was surgically excised, which led to resolution of the symptoms. This case highlights the fact that chronic ulcers in the foot can be due to CS. Correct diagnosis and management depend on a histopathological diagnosis.

Effect of early enteral feeding after upper gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of early enteral nutrition in elective upper gastrointestinal surgery was the focus of this study, with particular reference to its feasibility and benefits. METHOD: This prospective study was carried out over 2 years. The study group included 30 patients and the control group had 31patients. Twenty-two patients in each group underwent truncal vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy for chronic duodenal ulcer and gastric outlet obstruction. Eight patients in the study group and nine in the control group underwent gastrectomy for carcinoma stomach. A standard milk-based diet was initiated 12 hours after surgery through a nasojejunal tube. The patients were monitored for side effects of enteral feeding and postoperative infective complications. Nitrogen balance and nutritional parameters like the body weight, serum albumin, and serum transferrin were measured pre and postoperatively. RESULTS: The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and preoperative nutritional factors like body weight, serum albumin, and serum transferrin. The return of bowel sounds and passage of flatus took place significantly earlier in the study group (1.43 vs. 2.81 days). Diarrhoea and abdominal cramps were the significant complications noted in the study group in relation to early enteral feeding. No patient required withdrawal of enteral feeds. They showed a positive nitrogen balance on the fourth postoperative day. The patients in the study group showed significant increase in the serum transferrin level compared with the preoperative level but the serum albumin level was not significantly altered. CONCLUSION: Early enteral feeding through the nasojejunal tube following elective upper gastrointestinal surgery is feasible, safe and improves the nutritional status.

Feasibility of breast conservation surgery in locally advanced breast cancer downstaged by neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a study in mastectomy specimens using simulation lumpectomy.

BACKGROUND: The response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) offers these patients previously treated by mastectomy, the chance for breast conservation. AIM: This study aims to assess the feasibility of lumpectomy in patients with LABC treated by NACT, with residual tumor < or =5 cm. SETTINGS, DESIGN: Single group prospective study from August 2001 to June 2003 in a teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with LABC whose tumors reduced with NACT to 5 cm were included. Simulation lumpectomy was performed on the mastectomy specimens to achieve 1 to 2 cm clearance from tumor and hence margin negativity. Multiple sections of the inked margin were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Margin positivity was correlated with patient factors. Chi square test and Fisher's exact test used as appropriate. P value 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After three cycles of NACT, 4 patients (13%) had complete clinical response including 2 with complete pathological response. Twenty-two (73%) showed partial response and 4, no response. Fourteen out of thirty (47%) had tumor involvement of margins. Tumors with post-chemotherapy size> 4 cm were margin positive in 10/13 (77%). Tumors with post-chemotherapy size>3 cm were margin positive in 13/24 (54%). Tumors with post-chemotherapy size 3 cm were margin negative in 5/6 (83%). Pre-chemotherapy tumor size and post-chemotherapy tumor size were significantly associated with margin positivity (P=0.003). Tumors in the subareolar location had significantly higher incidence of residual tumor in the nipple areola complex. (P=0.04). Margin positivity of lumpectomy on downstaged tumors can be reduced by removing the nipple areola complex in subareolar tumors and by limiting breast conservation to tumors with post-chemotherapy size < or =3 cm.

Postoperative intussusception in the adult: a case report.

We report the case of a 40-year-old man who presented with a history of sudden onset abdominal pain and obstipation of 1 day's duration. During laparatomy, a 5mm perforation was seen in the anterior wall of the first part of the duodenum, which was closed by a Graham patch and the abdomen was closed after peritoneal lavage. Postoperatively, the patient's condition worsened and he was posted for a laparatomy with a diagnosis of postoperative obstruction. During the laparatomy, an ileocolic was seen which could be easily reduced. After the second surgery, the patient made an uneventful recover.

Complete axillary conversion after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: a step towards conserving axilla?

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the clinical, sonographic and histopathological response of axillary lymph node metastasis to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with clinically palpable or sonographically detectable axillary nodes were studied. FNAC of the primary tumor and axillary nodes was done and patients were started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Axillary nodes were assessed clinically and sonographically for response after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. All patients underwent total mastectomy with axillary clearance and the lymph nodes in the specimen were examined for metastasis. RESULTS: 47% patients had complete clinical nodal response, while 19% showed complete sonographic response. Complete pathological nodal response was documented in 22% of patients. Ultrasonography was found to be more sensitive than clinical examination in assessing complete nodal response. 10% of the patients had complete pathological response of both primary tumor and axillary nodes. There was significant correlation between pathological response of primary tumor and lymph nodes (P=0.004). Patients with complete sonographic or clinical response were found to have no or minimal residual disease in axilla and hence axillary dissection may be avoided in them.

Primary pyogenic psoas abscess in children.

Primary pyogenic psoas abscess, although quite a common condition, particularly in the tropics, is often overlooked as a clinical entity, probably because a psoas abscess has been traditionally associated with tuberculous spondylitis. The abscess is easily diagnosed by ultrasonography (US). Treatment by open drainage and antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus results in complete reversal of symptoms and signs. In our series of 55 cases in the pediatric age group (0-12 years), pain and flexion at the hip were the most frequent clinical features at presentation. US was diagnostic in all cases in which it was performed. All except 1 patient showed complete resolution with extraperitoneal drainage, antibiotics, and skin traction. Although 4% of the cases were associated with suppurative external-iliac lymphadenitis, the remaining ones arose de novo in the psoas sheath, suggesting a primary pyomyositis of the psoas muscle.