18 F-FDG PET/CT in Lupus Enteritis Presenting With Fever and Abdominal Pain.

ABSTRACT: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with various manifestations. Here, we report a compelling case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with lupus enteritis as a sole manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT. The resected bowel segment revealed vasculitis, and subsequent workup revealed positive antinuclear and anti-double-stranded antibody levels, confirming lupus enteritis, thus highlighting the diagnostic role of 18 F-FDG PET/CT in reaching the final diagnosis.

Clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical spectrum of hepatolithiasis: a tertiary care center-based study from north India.

Hepatolithiasis (HL), an uncommon disease among Indians, occurs due to a complex interplay of various structural and functional factors. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and histopathological spectrum of HL (N = 19) with immunohistochemical evaluation for biliary apomucins and canalicular transporter proteins, both crucial for lithogenesis. Nineteen surgically resected cases were included. Histopathology was systematically evaluated. Immunohistochemistry for apomucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC6) and canalicular transporter proteins (BSEP and MDR3) was applied to all cases. The median age was 51 years with female preponderance (F:M = 1.4:1). The stone was cholesterol-rich in 71.4% and pigmented in 28.6% (n = 14). Histopathology showed variable large bile-duct thickening due to fibrosis and inflammation with peribiliary gland hyperplasia. Structural causes (Caroli disease, choledochal cyst, and post-surgical complication) were noted in 15.8% of cases (secondary HL). Expression of gel-forming apomucin MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC was seen in either bile duct epithelia or peribiliary glands in 84.2%, 10.5%, and 84.2% cases respectively. Loss of canalicular expression of MDR3 was noted in 42.1% of cases while BSEP was retained in all. Primary HL in the north Indian population can be associated with the loss of MDR3 expression (with retained BSEP) and/ or a shift in the phenotype of biliary apomucins to gel-forming apomucins. The former factor alters the bile acid/ phospholipid ratio while the latter parameter promulgates crystallization. In conjunction, these factors are responsible for the dominantly cholesterol-rich stones in the index population.

Elastography for Evaluation of Regression in Liver Fibrosis After Surgical Biliary Drainage for Benign Biliary Strictures: A Practical Possibility?

BACKGROUND: Hepatic fibrosis and secondary biliary cirrhosis are consequences of long-standing benign biliary strictures. Evidence on the reversibility of fibrosis after the repair is incongruous. METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study on patients who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for benign biliary stricture. A liver biopsy was performed during repair and correlated with preoperative elastography. The improvement in liver functions and regression of fibrosis was compared with preoperative liver function tests and elastography. RESULTS: A Total of 47 patients [mean age-38.9 y (Range: 21 to 66)] with iatrogenic benign biliary stricture were included. A strong female preponderance was noted. High strictures (type III and IV) comprised 72.7% of the study group. The median interval (injury to repair) was 7 months (2 to 72 mo). The median duration of jaundice was 3 months (1 to 20 mo). Both factors had a significant correlation with the stage of fibrosis ( P =0.001 and P =0.03, respectively). Liver biopsy revealed stage I, II, III, and IV fibrosis in 26 (55.3%), 11 (23.4%), 2 (4.3%), and 2(4.3%), respectively. The remaining 6 (12.8%) had no fibrosis. The severity of fibrosis had a good correlation with preoperative liver stiffness measurement-value on FibroScan. Significant improvement in liver function tests (bilirubin-3.55±3.48 vs. 0.59±0.52; Albumin-3.85±0.61 vs. 4.14±0.37; ALP-507.66±300.65 vs. 167±132.07; P value 0.00) and regression of fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement; 10.42±5.91 vs. 5.85±3.01, P value 0.00) was observed after repair of the strictures. CONCLUSION: Improved biliary function and regression of liver fibrosis can be achieved with timely repair of benign biliary stricture and it is feasible to be evaluated using elastography.

Impact of Tailored-Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Versus Conventional Care in Patients of Gastro-Duodenal Perforation: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program established improved clinical outcomes in elective surgery; however, its role in emergencies is uncertain. This study was designed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a tailored-ERAS (t-ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing modified Graham's patch closure for gastro-duodenal perforation. METHODS: A single-centre, prospective, parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2021 to December 2021. Patients with gastroduodenal perforation undergoing modified Graham's patch were randomly assigned to either conventional care or the t-ERAS pathway. Patients with refractory septic shock, psychiatric or neurological disorders, pregnancy, multiple perforations, sealed-off perforations, and perforation sizes greater than 1.5 cm were excluded. The primary outcome was to compare the length of hospitalization (LOH). Functional recovery parameters and morbidity were compared in secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients each were included in conventional care and the t-ERAS group. In the t-ERAS group, LOH was significantly shorter (6.3 SD2.15 days versus 9.56 SD4.33 days, p = 0.001). Patients in the t-ERAS group had significantly early functional recovery (days) with time to first bowel sound (1.8 SD0.41; p 0.002), first flatus (2.52 SD0.65; p = 0.026), first stool (3.04 SD0.68; p < 0.001), first liquid diet (2.24 SD0.60; p = 0.002), and duration of ileus (2.64 SD0.86; p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in morbidity such as post-operative nausea and vomiting, SSI, or pulmonary complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tailored ERAS pathways are safe and effective in reducing the LOH and promoting early functional recovery in patients undergoing emergency closure of gastro-duodenal perforation.

Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol Versus Non-ERAS Protocol in Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy for Acute Intestinal Obstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal approach with promising results in improving patient outcome. Only recently, is evidence emerging highlighting how similar principles of care can be applied to patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at PGIMER Chandigarh, which is a leading tertiary care hospital in northern India. 60 patients with acute intestinal obstruction requiring emergency laparotomy were randomized and assigned to ERAS or Non-ERAS group. ERAS protocol with some modifications was applied. Primary endpoints were post-operative hospital stay. Secondary end points were morbidity, 30-day readmission and mortality rate. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Independent t test or Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square or Fisher-exact test were used for analysis. RESULTS: A significant 3-day reduction in hospital stay was observed in ERAS compared to non-ERAS group (median (interquartile range) 5.50 (4.75-8.25) vs 8.0 (6.0-11.0) p = 0.003) with no difference in 30-day readmission rate, mortality rate and complication rate (according to Clavien-Dindo classification). ERAS group was associated with early recovery of gastrointestinal functions including time to first passage of flatus (p < 0.001), stools (p = 0.014), early ambulation (p < 0.001), time to first fluid diet (p < 0.001), solid diet (p = 0.001) and reduced nasogastric tube reinsertion rates (p = 0.01) despite its early removal. CONCLUSION: ERAS with some modifications can be applied in patients with intestinal obstruction. Thus, we can expedite post-operative recovery and early regain of gastrointestinal function with decreased hospital stay, comparable morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed to assess ERAS role in emergency gastrointestinal surgeries. Trial registration Ctri.gov Identifier: CTRI/2022/04/042156.

Effect of intraperitoneal magnesium sulfate in the prevention of postoperative pain in daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy - A prospective randomized controlled trial.

This study evaluated the efficacy of intraperitoneal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in preventing postoperative pain after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). It is a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial which included 64 patients who underwent LC. Patients were equally randomized into Groups A and B. MgSO4 and normal saline were instilled in subdiaphragmatic space in Groups A and B, respectively, after creating pneumoperitoneum and before starting dissection. The Visual analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine postoperative pain. Patients who received intraperitoneal MgSO4 had lower average VAS scores for the first 6 h postoperatively, and also, the time for the requirement of first analgesic was longer (3.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0 h). The incidence of vomiting and the requirement for rescue antiemetic was also lower in Group A. Intraperitoneal instillation of MgSO4 reduces postoperative pain and vomiting following elective LC without incurring additional side effects.

Pregnancy-associated mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas - A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are mucin-producing epithelial cell tumors of pancreas. They consist of an ovarian-type stroma expressing estrogen and progesterone receptors. Pregnancy-associated MCNs are presumed to be larger in size and more aggressive without any concrete evidence. OBJECTIVE: and Data Sources: Systematic review of published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Original articles including case reports and series published between 1970&2021 were included wherein MCN was diagnosed during pregnancy/within one-year post-partum. Thirty-three publications having 36 cases, adding one of our own patient were analyzed in this review. RESULT: Median age at presentation was 32 years. Only three (9%) patients were asymptomatic. Mean size of MCN was 135 mm. Ten patients (27%) reported an increase in size during pregnancy. Most tumors involved body and tail of pancreas (60%). Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most common resection performed (57%). No foetal mortality was reported to date. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy may cause a rapid increase in size of MCN. Decision-making is more complex and needs a fine balance between optimal oncological and obstetric outcomes.

"Impact of Preoperative Biliary Drainage in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy" - a Prospective Comparative Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in India.

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) was primarily introduced to reduce perioperative complications following hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries. There is no proper consensus on the routine use of PBD before pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This is a prospective observational study of patients who underwent PD between July 2013 and December 2014. The study group was divided into two groups based on whether a preoperative biliary drainage was performed or not. The intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared among the two groups. A total of 59 patients, predominantly males (64.4%) with a median age of 58 years, were included in study. All except 5 (8.5%) had undergone PD for periampullary malignancy. Thirty-eight patients (64.4%) underwent an upfront PD and the remaining 21 (35.5%) had undergone PBD. Cholangitis was the indication for PBD in all patients. The mean operative time (307.89 ± 52.51 min vs. 314.29 ± 36.273; p value = 0.62) and postoperative complications like delayed gastric emptying (63.2% vs. 61.9%; p value-0.924), postoperative pancreatic fistula (21.1% vs. 33.3%; p value 0.3), post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage (5.3% vs. 9.5%; p value-0.611) and mean in-hospital stay were comparable among two groups. Even though the incidence of positive intraoperative bile cultures is significantly higher among the stented group (95.2% vs. 26.3%; p value = 0.0), no significant difference in surgical site infections (47.6% vs. 28.9%; p value 0.152) was noted. The overall mortality was 1.7% (1/59; grade C PPH). This study showed no significant difference in the postoperative complications following PBD despite increase in bile culture positivity. However, notable differences in the spectrum of microbial growths between stented and non-stented groups were observed.

Rare cause of chronic abdominal pain: left paraduodenal hernia and its surgical management.

A 30-year-old man presented with colicky abdominal pain for 2 months, associated with occasional episodes of bilious vomiting. He had a history of similar complaints at the age of 16 and 26 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen was consistent with a diagnosis of left paraduodenal hernia. On laparoscopy a 3 × 3 cm hernial defect was identified in the left paraduodenal fossa (fossa of Landzert). Contents were jejunal, and proximal ileal loops which were dilated and edematous. Anterior border of the sac was formed by the inferior mesenteric vein and left branch of the left colic artery. Initial reduction of contents was easy. However, complete reduction proved to be difficult due to adhesions with the sac opening, the hernial sac instead laid open by dividing the Inferior Mesentric Vein (IMV) (anterior border of defect) using a vascular stapler. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 in a stable condition. On follow-up the patient is doing well.

Rare case of concomitant juxtarenal aortic aneurysm and type 1 Inferior Vena Cava duplication: -intraoperative challenges to avoid catastrophe.

Duplication of the inferior vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly, with an incidence of 0.2-3%. Despite being asymptomatic, anomalies of IVC are important in aortoiliac and retroperitoneal surgeries. Preoperative CT imaging is essential to identify any IVC anomaly and to prevent unexpected hemorrhage during surgery. Here, we report a case of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in which we encountered a type I IVC duplication anomaly intraoperatively while performing transperitoneal aneurysmorrhaphy and took precautions to avoid any iatrogenic injuries to either of the two trunks or the pre-aortic trunk of the anomalous duplicate IVC.

A duplicação da veia cava inferior (VCI) é uma anomalia congênita rara com incidência de 0,2 a 3%. Apesar de assintomáticas, anomalias da VCI são importantes em cirurgias aortoilíacas e retroperitoneais. A imagem da tomografia pré-operatória é essencial para identificar qualquer anomalia de VCI e para evitar hemorragia inesperada durante a cirurgia. Relatamos um caso de aneurisma de aorta abdominal justarrenal, no qual encontramos uma anomalia de duplicação de VCI do tipo 1 intraoperatório enquanto realizávamos correção cirúrgica de aneurisma transperitoneal. Por isso, tomamos a precaução para evitar qualquer lesão iatrogênica nos dois troncos e no tronco pré-aórtico de VCI duplicada anômala.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: A prospective comparative analysis in preoperative evaluation of benign biliary stricture.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accurate anatomical delineation is the key before definitive repair for benign biliary stricture (BBS). The role of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) as a road map is less studied in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). METHODS: A prospective observational study, performed between July 2012 and December 2013. All patients of post-cholecystectomy BBS were evaluated with MRCP and PTC prior to definitive repair. Findings of MRCP and PTC were compared with intraoperative details. RESULTS: Thirty patients with BBS were included in the study. MRCP was performed in all but PTC was amenable in 28 of 30 (93.3%) patients. PTC was comparable to MRCP in diagnosing stricture type (96.4% vs 89.3%), intrahepatic stones (75% vs 75%), and biliary anomalies (95.6% vs 100%). Additionally, PTC revealed internal biliary fistula in 4 (85.7% vs 61.4%; P value 0.04). PTC-related minor complications were noted in 2 (7.1%) patients. CONCLUSION: PTC is comparable to MRCP in diagnosing the stricture type, intrahepatic biliary stones, and biliary anomalies. Though comparable to MRCP, the authors could not reveal any additional information that could change the course of management in BBS.

Rare case of concomitant juxtarenal aortic aneurysm and type 1 Inferior Vena Cava duplication: -intraoperative challenges to avoid catastrophe / Caso raro de aneurisma de aorta justarrenal e duplicação do tipo 1 concomitantes na veia cava inferior - desafios intraoperatórios para evitar catástrofes

Abstract Duplication of the inferior vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly, with an incidence of 0.2-3%. Despite being asymptomatic, anomalies of IVC are important in aortoiliac and retroperitoneal surgeries. Preoperative CT imaging is essential to identify any IVC anomaly and to prevent unexpected hemorrhage during surgery. Here, we report a case of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in which we encountered a type I IVC duplication anomaly intraoperatively while performing transperitoneal aneurysmorrhaphy and took precautions to avoid any iatrogenic injuries to either of the two trunks or the pre-aortic trunk of the anomalous duplicate IVC.

Resumo A duplicação da veia cava inferior (VCI) é uma anomalia congênita rara com incidência de 0,2 a 3%. Apesar de assintomáticas, anomalias da VCI são importantes em cirurgias aortoilíacas e retroperitoneais. A imagem da tomografia pré-operatória é essencial para identificar qualquer anomalia de VCI e para evitar hemorragia inesperada durante a cirurgia. Relatamos um caso de aneurisma de aorta abdominal justarrenal, no qual encontramos uma anomalia de duplicação de VCI do tipo 1 intraoperatório enquanto realizávamos correção cirúrgica de aneurisma transperitoneal. Por isso, tomamos a precaução para evitar qualquer lesão iatrogênica nos dois troncos e no tronco pré-aórtico de VCI duplicada anômala.

Early intra-abdominal hypertension: A reliable bedside prognostic marker for severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is commonly associated with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). This acute increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may be attributed to early organ dysfunction, leading to an increased morbidity and mortality. To assess the incidence of raised IAH and its correlation with other prognostic indicators and various outcomes in SAP. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective observational study in patients of SAP between July 2009 and December 2010. All patients of SAP who were admitted to the hospital within 2 weeks of onset of pain were included in the study. A total of 35 patients with SAP were included in the study. Among these, 25 (71.4%) were males. All our patients had raised IAP; however, IAH was present in 51.4% (18/35). Patients with IAH were found to have a higher APACHE II score (88.9 vs 5.9%; P < 0.001), infectious complications (72.2 vs 5.9%; P < 0.001), circulatory failure (88.9 vs 0%; P < 0.001), and respiratory failure (100 vs 41.2%; P < 0.001). All the eight (22.8%) patients who succumbed to sepsis had IAH. Patients with IAH were found to have a significantly longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (17.72 vs 12.29 days) and in-hospital stay (24.89 vs 12.29 days). CONCLUSION: IAH is a good negative prognostic marker in SAP, seen in up to 51.4%. IAH was found to have a significant negative impact on the outcome in terms of increased mortality, morbidity, in-hospital stay, and ICU stay among the patients of SAP.

Type VI choledochal cyst with gall bladder carcinoma.

An isolated dilatation of the cystic duct (type VI choledochal cyst (CDC)) is extremely rare with only 21 cases reported in the world literature until now. There is only one case of in situ gall bladder cancer (GBC) reported in association with type VI CDC in the literature. Here we are reporting a case of type VI CDC with papillary GBC.

Malignant colo-duodenal fistula: management based on proposed classification.

Duodenal involvement in colonic malignancy is a rare event and poses challenge to surgeons as it may entail major resection in a malnourished patient. Nine patients with malignant colo-duodenal fistula were reviewed retrospectively. Depending on the pattern of duodenal involvement, it was classified as-type I involving lateral duodenal wall less than half circumference; type II involving more than half circumference away from papilla; type III involving more than half circumference close to papilla. Type I was managed with sleeve resection, type II with segmental and type III with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Median age was 47 years, with male to female ratio of 2:1. Eight patients had anemia and seven had hypoproteinemia. Tumor was located in right colon in eight patients and distal transverse colon in one. Diagnosis of fistula was established by CT abdomen in seven (78%), foregut endoscopy in three and intraoperatively in two patients. Two patients had metastatic disease. Elective resection was done in seven while two required emergence surgery. Five patients underwent sleeve resection of the duodenum, two underwent segmental resection and two required pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients had negative resection margin. One patient died. Median survival was 14 months in eight survivors. Duodenal resection in malignant colo-duodenal fistula should be tailored based on the extent and pattern of duodenal involvement. Negative margin can be achieved even with sleeve resection. En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes required due to extensive involvement. Resection with negative margin can achieve good survival.

Tracheoesophageal fistula in adults due to corrosive ingestion: challenges in management.

Esophagorespiratory fistula in adults as a result of corrosive ingestion is a rare occurrence and is a difficult problem to manage. Three young (15-19 years) patients (2F, 1M) out of 115 (incidence 2.6%) of corrosive ingestion who had tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) were reviewed retrospectively. After initial management, enteral route of nutrition was established. Based on the extent of concomitant esophageal stricture, the fistulae were classified as: type I (short) and type II (long segment). Fistula was repaired through thoracotomy and formation of a neomembranous trachea. Esophageal stricture could be managed either short-segment resection (type I) or resection and replacement (type II). The etiology was aluminum phosphide in two and caustic soda in one. All the patients were operated beyond 9 weeks of ingestion. Tracheal defect was 5, 9 and 30 mm. Fistula could be repaired by neomembranous trachea in all the patients and defect reinforced with pleural flap in two and intercostal muscle flap in one patient. Two patients required colon interposition, while one could be managed with short-segment resection. All the patients are well at follow-up. TEF due to corrosive ingestion is a rare entity in adults. Formation of a neomembranous trachea is feasible in all patients. Management of esophageal stricture depends upon the pattern of involvement of the esophagus.

Randomized controlled trial to compare the safety and efficacy of naftopidil and tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy in combination with prednisolone for distal ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of naftopidil and tamsulosin with prednisolone as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2010 and March 2012, 120 adult patients presenting with distal ureteric stones of size 5 to 10 mm were randomized equally to tamsulosin (group A), naftopidil (group B) or watchful waiting (group C). Tamsulosin or naftopidil was given for a maximum of four weeks. In addition patients in group A and B were given 5 mg prednisolone once daily (maximum one week). Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, follow-up and endoscopic treatment and adverse effects of drugs were noted. Statistical analyses were done using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a statistically higher expulsion rate in groups A (70%) and B (87.5%) as compared to group C (32.5%) (p<0.001). The expulsion rates were not statistically different between groups A and B (p=0.056). The mean time to expulsion was comparable between groups A and B but longer in group C. Analgesic use was significantly lower in groups A and B. Average number of hospital visits for pain, follow-up and endoscopic treatment was similar in all groups. There was no serious adverse event. CONCLUSIONS: Medical expulsive therapy for the distal ureteric stones using either naftopidil or tamsulosin in combination with prednisolone is safe and efficacious.