Calyceal diverticulum simulating a renal tumor.

Calyceal diverticulum (CD) is a rare anatomic anomaly with an incidence of 0.2% to 0.6% in the patients undergoing renal imaging. They are considered benign lesions and malignancy is exceedingly rare. For diagnosis it is suggested to perform a multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) evidencing a diverticulum of the pelvicalyceal system with thin-walled cavities communicating with the central collecting system. However, they can be usually mistaken as kidney cancers leading to unjustified nephrectomy. Here, we present a case of a 34-year-old patient who underwent surgery in 2022 due to suspected kidney cancer and histopathological analysis surprisingly reported a CD.

Gastric perforation secondary to T-cell lymphoma.

Introduction: Malignant primary lymphoma represents only 1%-5% of all gastric tumours. Spontaneous gastric perforation in the absence of chemotherapy in these cases is extremely rare. The vast majority of primary gastric lymphomas have a B-cell phenotype that originates from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and primary gastric lymphomas with a T-cell phenotype are rarely reported. This report describes a case of a primary gastric T-cell malignant lymphoma associated to spontaneous perforation and peritonitis. Case presentation: An 80-year-old woman referring 24 hours of abdominal pain associated to cognitive impairment consulted to our Emergency Department. Her past medical history revealed smoking, hypothyroidism, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension, celiac disease with poor adherence to gluten-free diet and a Non-Hodgkin T cell lymphoma associated to enteropathy in 2010. At physical examination, she presented with tachycardia, hypotension and abdominal tenderness. Lab test revealed low red cell count and an abdomen computed tomography scan showed pneumoperitoneum secondary to a large gastric perforation located in the anterior wall of the antrum. Urgent surgery was performed. At exploratory laparoscopy, a 5 cm perforation of the anterior wall of prepyloric antrum was observed associated to a 4-quadrant peritonitis. Conversion to open surgery was decided to perform an open antrectomy and Billroth II gastro-jejunostomy. The patient was transferred to ICU after surgery under mechanical respiratory assistance for closed monitoring but evolved with a cardiogenic shock and deceased on the first postoperative day. The final histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis reported enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation with concomitant celiac disease. Discussion: We present a rare case of a patient with a history of celiac disease who developed a gastric perforation secondary to an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation. To the best of authors' knowledge, there have been reported less than 30 cases of spontaneous perforation of gastric lymphoma in the absence of chemotherapy in the last 35 years. Malignant gastric lymphoma, accounting only for 1% of primary gastric malignancies, is usually a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Incidence of perforation of gastric lymphomas in patients receiving chemotherapy rounds 0.9%-1.1%. However, it is a rare condition in patients not receiving chemotherapy. Conclusion: This is a rare case of a patient with an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation, who developed a spontaneous gastric perforation in the absence of chemotherapy. Despite it is a rare condition, it must be suspected in patients with a history of lymphoma in the context of acute abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: impact of surgical time in the learning curve.

PURPOSE: One of the procedures that has become very popular thanks to the advantages of minimally invasive approach is the laparoscopic treatment of inguinocrural hernias. As a disadvantage, it would imply a longer learning curve when compared to the conventional approach. There is no consensus about the number of procedures required to dominate this surgical technique, since according to bibliography it ranges from 20 to 240. METHODS: We analyzed and compared the progress of 18 third year surgical residents while they were introducing into laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasties between June 2013 and May 2018. RESULTS: Between June 2013 and May 2018, 1282 laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasties were performed (71 procedures per resident). Mean surgical time was for unilateral: 62.13 min (SD ± 15.54; range 30-105 min) for the first third (Q1) vs 54.61 min (SD ± 15.38; range 30-100 min) for the last third (Q3): p < 0.0001. For bilateral were: 92.59 min (SD ± 21.89; range 50-160 min) for Q1 vs 84.48 min (SD ± 20.52; range 30-130 min) for Q3: p < 0.05. Accepting an alpha error of 5% and considering an association power of 80%, there would be needed 61 cases per surgeon to achieve a significant reduction in surgical time. CONCLUSION: In a center with high-volume in TAPP and under a supervised training program, it is feasible to achieve a reduction in surgical time. Randomized studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm this finding and draw more robust and objective conclusions.

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography guided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cancer.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the histological diagnosis of occupying lesions in the pancreas as opposed to tru-cut needle biopsy to obtain tissue for analysis has been associated with a lower incidence of post-procedure complications, with almost immediate recovery and no need for hospital stay. Nevertheless, the question of the diagnostic effectiveness of percutaneous computed axial tomography (CT)-guided FNA in solid pancreatic lesions has been raised. The aim of this study was to confirm the diagnostic effectivity of percutaneous CT-guided FNA in pancreatic space-occupying lesions and to assess short-term complications. All percutaneous CT-guided FNA with real-time monitoring, performed between April 2010 and December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases 21-gauge needles were used. All FNA were performed in the presence of a pathologist who immediately stained and reported as adequate for analysis in all cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Of 54 FNA performed, final histopathological evaluation revealed neoplastic cells compatible with adenocarcinoma in 52 patients (96%) and was negative for neoplastic cells in two patients (4%). The sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity 100%. Post-FNA morbidity was observed in four patients, consisting of epigastric pain in two and abdominal wall hematoma in two other patients. Percutaneous CT-guided FNA of pancreatic space-occupying lesions was found to be a good, minimally invasive and safe method with low morbidity. The presence of the pathologist in the procedure allowed for immediate cytological diagnosis.

El uso de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) en el diagnóstico histológico de lesiones ocupantes de páncreas es una alternativa frente al uso de agujas tru-cut en la obtención de tejido para su análisis, con una incidencia más baja de complicaciones y una recuperación casi inmediata sin necesidad de internación. El objetivo fue valorar la efectividad diagnóstica de las PAAF de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por tomografía axial computada (TAC) por vía percutánea, y su tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo. Se analizaron de forma retrospectiva todas las PAAF realizadas mediante guía tomográfica por vía percutánea con control en tiempo real, entre abril 2010 y diciembre 2015. Todas las PAAF se realizaron en presencia de un patólogo que inmediatamente tiñó e informó como adecuado para el análisis. La confirmación diagnóstica se hizo con el análisis anatomopatológico diferido. De las 54 PAAF realizadas, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico informó positivo para células neoplásicas compatible con adenocarcinoma en 52 pacientes (96%) y en otros dos (4%) como negativo para células neoplásicas. La sensibilidad del método fue 94% y la especificidad del 100%. Se registraron 4 casos de morbilidad post punción (2 dolores epigástricos y 2 hematomas de pared abdominal). Las punciones percutáneas de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por TC pueden considerarse un buen método diagnóstico mini invasivo, seguro, con una morbilidad post punción baja. La presencia del patólogo en el procedimiento permitió el diagnóstico citológico inmediato.

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography guided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cancer / Rendimiento diagnóstico de la aspiración con aguja fina guiada por tomografía computarizada para el cáncer de páncreas

Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the histological diagnosis of occupying lesions in the pancreas as opposed to tru-cut needle biopsy to obtain tissue for analysis has been associated with a lower incidence of post-procedure complications, with almost immediate recovery and no need for hospital stay. Nev ertheless, the question of the diagnostic effectiveness of percutaneous computed axial tomography (CT)-guided FNA in solid pancreatic lesions has been raised. The aim of this study was to confirm the diagnostic effectivity of percutaneous CT-guided FNA in pancreatic space-occupying lesions and to assess short-term complications. All percutaneous CT-guided FNA with real-time monitoring, performed between April 2010 and December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases 21-gauge needles were used. All FNA were performed in the pres ence of a pathologist who immediately stained and reported as adequate for analysis in all cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Of 54 FNA performed, final histopathological evaluation revealed neoplastic cells compatible with adenocarcinoma in 52 patients (96%) and was negative for neoplastic cells in two patients (4%). The sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity 100%. Post-FNA morbidity was observed in four patients, consisting of epigastric pain in two and abdominal wall hematoma in two other patients. Percutaneous CT-guided FNA of pancreatic space-occupying lesions was found to be a good, minimally invasive and safe method with low morbidity. The presence of the pathologist in the procedure allowed for immediate cytological diagnosis.

Resumen El uso de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) en el diagnóstico histológico de lesiones ocupantes de páncreas es una alternativa frente al uso de agujas tru-cut en la obtención de tejido para su análisis, con una incidencia más baja de complicaciones y una recuperación casi inmediata sin necesidad de internación. El objetivo fue valorar la efectividad diagnóstica de las PAAF de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por tomografía axial computada (TAC) por vía percutánea, y su tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo. Se analizaron de forma retrospectiva todas las PAAF realizadas mediante guía tomográfica por vía percutánea con control en tiempo real, entre abril 2010 y diciembre 2015. Todas las PAAF se realizaron en presencia de un patólogo que inmediatamente tiñó e informó como adecuado para el análisis. La confirmación diagnóstica se hizo con el análisis anatomopatológico diferido. De las 54 PAAF realizadas, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico informó positivo para células neoplásicas compatible con adenocarcinoma en 52 pacientes (96%) y en otros dos (4%) como negativo para células neoplásicas. La sensibilidad del método fue 94% y la especificidad del 100%. Se registraron 4 casos de morbilidad post punción (2 dolores epigástricos y 2 hematomas de pared abdominal). Las punciones percutáneas de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por TC pueden considerarse un buen método diagnóstico mini invasivo, seguro, con una morbilidad post punción baja. La presencia del patólogo en el procedimiento permitió el diagnóstico citológico inmediato.

Laparoscopic transgastric resection of a gastric leiomyosarcoma: report of a rare case.

Gastric leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of tumour that is far less prevalent than gastrointestinal stromal tumours. We describe a case of a 42-year-old male patient who consulted for upper abdominal pain. Blood work revealed low haemoglobin levels, requiring red blood cell transfusions. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, showing a submucosal tumour with central ulceration in the greater gastric curvature. The patient underwent an endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy and the sample showed a spindle cell neoplasia. Computed tomography scan demonstrated absence of distant metastases. Upon multidisciplinary consensus, it was decided to perform surgery. A laparoscopic approach was conducted, where no peritoneal lesions were observed. Transgastric resection of the tumour was performed. Free tumour margins were achieved following oncologic criteria (minimum tumour manipulation and one-piece resection without damaging the tumour capsule). After exhaustive sampling, the final pathology report informed an 11 × 9 × 5 cm gastric leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemical examination showed positivity with smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, calponin and desmin. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and 6 post-operative months' clinical, tomographic and endoscopic control informed no disease recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, there are less than 20 published cases of patients with diagnosis of gastric leiomyosarcoma. This study highlights the importance of reporting this entity, in order to contribute to the available literature concerning this topic.

Laparoscopic treatment (reTAPP) for recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: For inguinal hernia recurrences, the European Hernia Society guidelines recommend laparo-endoscopic repair (LR) following a previous open surgery (OS) and, conversely, OS following previous laparo-endoscopic repair. Laparoscopic treatment of recurrences after previous LR is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and reliability of a repeated transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic repair (reTAPP) for a recurrent hernia. METHODS: We analyzed and compared a series of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia after LR who underwent repair by a conventional approach with similar patients who underwent reTAPP between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2018, 2488 transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia (TAPP) repairs were performed. Recurrence was observed in 46 (1.8%). Of these patients, 18 (39%; Group 1; G1) underwent conventional open repair (Lichtenstein technique) and 28 (61%; Group 2; G2) reTAPP. In G2, repair was successful in 24 patients (86%); however, four cases (14%) needed conversion to OS because of technical difficulties. Two patients re-recurred (4.3%), one in G1 which was resolved in a third approach with a reTAPP and the other in G2 which was resolved with OS. CONCLUSION: ReTAPP surgery for recurrences after previous TAPP repair proved to be safe and was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and morbidity and recurrence rates comparable to OS at a highly specialized center. Randomized studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm these findings and draw more robust and objective conclusions.

Thoracic empyema after gallstone spillage in times of Covid.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for gallbladder disease. Although gallbladder perforation and spilled gallstones during surgery are common complications, thoracic consequences are rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of a pleural empyema developed in an immunosuppressed patient five months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as a result of spilled gallstones. Decortication via video assisted thoracoscopy resulted in retrieval of stone remnants, biliary sludge and diagnosis of a diaphragmatic defect. DISCUSSION: Iatrogenic perforation of the gallbladder is the most common complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite this, thoracic consequences derived from spilled gallstones are rare, but they represent significant morbidity. CONCLUSION: Thoracic complications after spilled gallstones are rare. Documentation of iatrogenic perforation of the gallbladder and a high index of suspicious are fundamental to speed diagnosis and treatment.