Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA): initial experience in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Thyroidectomy is traditionally an open procedure. The potential for and unpredictability of patients developing an unsightly anterior neck scar has led many investigators to develop various 'scarless' thyroidectomy techniques. Here we report on our initial experience, and to our knowledge, the first and largest series of this technique in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: Across two centres in Western Australia, three Endocrine surgeons utilized the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Key endpoints such as operating time, blood loss, pain scores, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism was collected. Data was analysed using R statistical program. RESULTS: One hundred and two TOETVAs were performed between March 2018 and May 2021. There were 66 hemithyroidectomies, 34 total thyroidectomies (four converted to open), and two isthmusectomies. We noted a trend in median operating time decreasing over the study period. There were no cases of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, wound infection, seroma or haematoma. We had four instances of open conversion; one temporary RLN palsy, and 12 cases of temporary hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: This is the first series of TOETVA reported in Australia and New Zealand. Our results demonstrate that with appropriate surgeon experience, training, collaboration, and in well selected patients, this is a feasible and safe thyroidectomy technique. We hope that our work will build confidence in Endocrine Surgical units seeking to develop this technique in Australia.

Closed loop small bowel obstruction due to herniation through silastic ring after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related complications. Weight regain after surgery plagues all methods of bariatric procedures including the minigastric bypass. The use of a 'silastic ring' around the gastric pouch has been shown to reduce weight regain. We present here a very rare complication of silastic ring use, in which a loop of small bowel had herniated through the ring and produced a closed loop small bowel obstruction. The patient was successfully treated with an emergency laparotomy to resect the silastic ring and release the herniated bowel. This case highlights the hernia risk that silastic rings pose and cautions careful consideration before their use.

Atraumatic splenic rupture in a patient treated with apixaban: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Splenic rupture is often seen in the context of significant trauma. Atraumatic ruptures are described in the context of malignancy, inflammation or infection directly affecting the spleen. Splenic ruptures occurring in patients taking apixaban, a factor Xa inhibitor, are challenging due to the scarcity of a direct reversal agent. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 66 year old male presented with syncope and back pain and was found to be haemodynamically unstable and tender in the left upper quadrant. There was no preceding trauma. He has a background of extensive major arterial reconstruction and was taking apixaban for atrial fibrillation. A diagnosis of splenic rupture was confirmed on cross sectional imaging. A laparotomy and splenectomy was necessitated as salvage therapy following splenic artery embolisation. He recovered well and was discharged home 6 days after laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Definitive intervention is required for the management of splenic ruptures. A high level of clinical suspicion should be maintained in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants presenting with haemodynamic instability. Open splenectomy remains the most definitive option for treatment of atraumatic rupture in anticoagulated patients.

Dilemma of the giant abdominal cyst.

Giant abdominal cyst can lead to various non-specific symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea/vomiting, constipation due to its mass effect. In rarer circumstances, it can lead to bowel obstruction, hydronephrosis and even abdominal compartment syndrome. Hereby, we present a case of giant abdominal cyst in a young woman where its origin was a diagnostic dilemma despite exhausting all imaging techniques. A laparotomy was performed and the giant cyst was found to be originating from the left ovary. The final histopathology confirmed it as an ovarian benign serous cystadenoma. The patient made a fully recovery without any complications.

Haemorrhagic cholecystitis: a rare entity not to be forgotten.

Haemorrhagic cholecystitis is a rare entity of acute cholecystitis that carries a high morbidity and mortality rate if management is delayed. Its clinical course can mirror that of acute cholecystitis. Characteristic findings on ultrasound or CT scan are useful clues to early diagnosis. Urgent cholecystectomy is required prior to progressing to perforation of gallbladder. Most of the literature are case reports with causes associated with anticoagulation. Herein, we described a morbidly obese patient with poorly controlled diabetes presenting with non-specific right upper quadrant pain and was subsequently diagnosed with haemorrhagic cholecystitis. A review of the literature was also performed to summarise the potential clinical presentations, distinctive imaging findings and management options available for this rare condition.

The Perth Emergency Laparotomy Audit.

BACKGROUND: Emergency laparotomies (ELs) are associated with high mortality and substantial outcome variation. There is no prospective Australian data on ELs. The aim of this study was to audit outcome after ELs in Western Australia. METHODS: A 12-week prospective audit was completed in 10 hospitals. Data collected included patient demographics, the clinical pathway, preoperative risk assessment and outcomes including 30-day mortality and length of stay. RESULTS: Data were recorded for 198 (76.2%) of 260 patients. The 30-day mortality was 6.5% (17/260) in participating hospitals, and 5.4% (19 of 354) across Western Australia. There was minimal variation between the three tertiary hospitals undertaking 220 of 354 (62.1%) ELs. The median and mean post-operative lengths of stay, excluding patients who died, were 8 and 10 days, respectively. In the 48 patients with a prospectively documented risk of ≥10%, both a consultant surgeon and anaesthetist were present for 68.8%, 62.8% were admitted to critical care and 45.8% commenced surgery within 2 h. The mortality in those retrospectively (62; 31%) and prospectively risk-assessed was 9.5% and 5.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This prospective EL audit demonstrated low 30-day mortality with little inter-hospital variation. Individual hospitals have scope to improve their standards of care. The importance of prospective risk assessment is clear.