Non cross-linked equine collagen (Salvecoll-E gel) for treatment of complex ano-rectal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Fistula-in-ano is one of the most commonly presenting anorectal diseases. Sphincter sparing treatment options should be considered in patients with complex fistulas. Salvecoll-E gel is a native collagen deantigenated and purified, non-cross-linked equine dermal extract, with an amino acid composition identical to human collagen. METHODS: The multicentric trial study was a prospective, single-arm observational clinical study with the objective to assess the efficacy of Salvecoll-E gel for anal fistula repair in 70 patients. All patients had undergone preliminary surgical treatment consisting of positioning of a draining loosing seton that was maintained for a period of 4-6 weeks. After seton removal, a gentle debridement and washing of the fistula track was performed. The scar tissue was removed from the internal orifice. Internal opening was covered by a side-to side mucosal suture. Salvecoll-E was injected through the external opening into the fistula track, the external opening it has been opened. RESULTS: Twelve months after surgery, 55 patients demonstrated a clinically healed fistula (78,5%), 15 patients have a recurrence (21,5%). Most of the recurrences were observed in the first 6 months of treatment (13/15, 86.6%). We don't observe any worsening in CCF score. The results obtained at 1 year certainly seem satisfactory and in line with the best results published in literature using mini-invasive techniques. CONCLUSION: Salvecoll-E gel is a promising non-invasive technique for conservative treatment of anal fistulas, it's well tolerated by the patients and, in case of recurrence, reinjection or all other known techniques are feasible.

Laparoscopic approach for idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum.

Idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum is an uncommon condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right-side abdominal pain. The case presented concerns a 40-year old woman admitted with right flank pain. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed the characteristic features of greater omentum infarction. Given worsening symptoms under conservative treatment, the patient underwent a laparoscopy with resection of the necrotic portion of the greater omentum. Segmental infarction of the greater omentum is usually treated conservatively. Nevertheless, surgical intervention may be necessary in order to establish definitive diagnosis and treatment. In this respect, laparoscopic approach offers substantial advantages for the patients while permitting definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Rectal duplication presenting as colonic subocclusion.

Rectal duplication cyst is a rare congenital lesion which is known to be associated with other congenital defects, especially genitourinary and vertebral anomalies. Infections with fistulization, bleeding, and malignant degeneration are the major complications of developmental cysts. The case of an 83-year-old woman referred for acute constipation associated with abdominal distension is reported. CT and MRI showed a large cystic mass of the pelvis with extrinsic compression of the rectum. Surgical excision would have been the treatment of choice. In this case, the patient was unfortunately not eligible for surgery due to her poor general condition but responded well to conservative treatment.

Intra vascular ultra sound: one more tool to diagnose aorto-duodenal fistula.

The incidence of aorto-enteric fistula in the first 5 years after abdominal aortic replacement ranges from 0.3 to 2%. We present a clinical case in which all conventional diagnostic tools failed to demonstrate the aorto-enteric fistula. A 73 year-old male suffering intermittent episodes of melena without signs and symptoms of infection was repeatedly admitted at our institution. All conventional diagnostic tools failed to show the bleeding source. Precise diagnosis was obtained using intra vascular ultrasound (IVUS). IVUS allowed prompt diagnosis of the aorto-duodenal fistula and opened the way to its endovascular treatment.