Bundle approach in emergency surgery for prevention of surgical site infections: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have demonstrated significant antibiotic resistance by commonly isolated organisms. This is an eye-opener for the clinicians, who prescribe antibiotics day in and out. This situation shifts our attention towards the usage of antiseptic measures, which can at times play an important role in preventing and treating various infections. METHOD: This is a double-blinded randomized controlled study that compares the bundle approach to the conventional approach for the prevention of surgical site infections in patients of peritonitis undergoing midline laparotomy in emergency. The bundle approach includes three measures, namely, painting of surgical site with chlorhexidine, dabbing the wound with povidone-iodine after the closure of the rectus sheath, and application of chlorhexidine-impregnated gauze piece over the skin wound. RESULTS: The total sample size was 64 (32 in each arm). The rate of surgical site infection was significantly lower in the test arm (21.8%) as compared to the conventional arm (46.8%). The mean length of hospital stay was shorter by one day in the test arm, although, not significant. The isolates from the peritoneal fluid culture and wound culture were mostly gram-negative organisms. Most of the organisms exhibited resistance toward third generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic resistance is a burning concern in today's world. Alternative methods of preventing infection in the form of using antiseptics should be sought. Although our study was limited to emergency cases, this bundle approach can be implemented in elective cases as well.

Laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for benign biliary stricture: A case series of 16 patients at a tertiary care centre in India.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease is common in India, and since primary management involves surgery, it is one of the most commonly performed surgeries by a general surgeon either laparoscopically or open. There are various factors which are responsible for intra- and post-operative complications. These factors result in significant injuries which cause serious post-operative complications. Amongst them, benign biliary stricture is one such significant complication which is primarily managed by open surgery, but since advent of laparoscopy, there has been an increased interest in doing this repair laparoscopically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 16 patients having obstructive jaundice due to benign biliary stricture on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography who were operated consecutively over the past 10 years laparoscopically and underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. RESULTS: All patients underwent laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. The mean surgical time was 280 min, and the mean blood loss was 176 ml. In the post-operative period, most of the patients were started orally after 48 h; four had atelectasis, eight had surgical site infection, none had seroma and two had bile leak. All post-operative complications responded to conservative management. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that laparoscopic surgery for benign biliary strictures is safe and feasible with acceptable results.

Comparison of surgical outcome between conventional laparoscopic cystogastrostomy method and plication of the edge of anterior gastrotomy in patients with pancreatic pseudocyst: A retrospective study at two tertiary care centres.

BACKGROUND: In retro-gastric Pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy (LCG) is an established procedure of drainage. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare surgical outcome between laparoscopic cysto-gastrostomy conventional method and plication of the edge of anterior gastrotomy in patients of pancreatic pseudocyst. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six patients were underwent LCG from 2010-2020 by a single surgeon. Both the conventional LCG group Group-1(Gr-1) and the plication group Group-2 (Gr-2) where plication of edge of anterior gastrostomy was performed, contained 13 patients each. RESULTS: The numbers of male/female in Gr-1 was 9/4 and that in Gr-2 was 10/3 (P = 1). Mean ages of patients were 45.3 ± 10.4 years (range 23-60) in Gr-1 and 48.0 ± 12.3 years (range 27-65) in Gr-2. Etiological factors were alcohol (46.1% in Gr-1, 53.8% in Gr-2), gallstone disease (38.4% in Gr-1,15.3% in Gr-2), trauma (15.3% in each groups), idiopathic cause (15.3% in Gr-2). The cyst size was 9.0 ± 1.5 cm in Gr-1and 8.9 ± 2.1cm in Gr-2. The mean operative time in Gr-1 (107.6 ± 12.5 minutes) was longer than Gr-2 (97 ± 1 3.6 minutes) (P = 0.06). The size of cystogastric anastomosis in Gr-1 was 4.6 ± 0.7 cm and that in Gr-2 was 4 ± 0.8 cm (P = 0.04). The intra-operative blood loss in Gr-1 and Gr-2 were 101.9 ± 21.7ml and 78.4 ± 30.7 ml respectively. There was a significant change in intraoperative blood loss and stoma size in Gr-2. The postoperative complications were managed conservatively. No recurrence over a period of 18 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Plication of edges of anterior gastrostomy result in reduction in operative time, smaller anastomosis without complication and less intra-operative blood loss.

Transgastric submucosal excision of small- to medium-sized gastrointestinal stromal tumours by pure minimally invasive approach.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a single and common approach for transgastric submucosal excision of small- to medium-sized gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) having different locations in upper two-third of the stomach by pure minimally invasive approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study from February 2012 to January 2015 on 11 patients was conducted including both male and female. Their age ranged from 40 to 65 years. All were subjected to laparoscopic transgastric submucosal excision of GIST in upper two-third of the stomach with 1 cm margin having different locations in stomach. Excised tumours were subjected to histopathological study. These patients were followed for 12 months assessing operative time, post-operative complications, conversion rates, morbidity, hospital stay and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Duration of surgery was 150.6 ± 20.4 min. Mean hospital stay was 8 (range: 7-10) days. There were no post-operative complications. There were no conversions to open procedure. There were no recurrences. Morbidity was comparable to any other laparoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a single and common approach of transgastric submucosal excision of small- to medium-sized stromal tumours with 1 cm margin having different locations in upper two-third of stomach, by pure minimally invasive approach, has a better outcome and brings a uniformity in laparoscopic management of GIST.

Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery: A safe and novel minimal invasive procedure in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence.

AIM:: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery(SEPS) in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series was undertaken at our institute from the period January 2010 to January 2014 on 45 pregnant women. Pregnant women with failed conservative management for varicose veins were subjected to SEPS in 2nd trimester Perioperative parameters like operative time, intraoperative complications, post-operative complications, hospital stay, pain relief, ulcer healing duration and recurrence rate were studied. All the patients were reviewed and followed up for a minimum period of 3 years. RESULTS: During the study period.total of 45 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 26 years (range 22 years - 30 years). The mean operative time was 90±10 minutes. The post-operative hospital stay was 1-2days. There were no intraoperative complications like bleeding or gas embolism. There were no post-operative complications like seroma or abscess, port site infection, deep vein thrombosis and gas embolism. Mean healing duration of ulcers following surgery was 7-8 weeks.No patient complained of temporary or permanent paraesthesia. Every patient was subjected to follow up for a minimum period of 3 years. 5(11.1%) patients with recurrence were documented in the study. CONCLUSION: SEPS is a safe, cost effective and novel minimal invasive procedure in treatment of varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence.

Laparoscopic retrieval of impacted Dormia basket.

For choledocholithiasis, endoscopic management is the first line of treatment. Both Dormia basket and balloon catheter are used to retrieve common bile duct (CBD) stones. Here we present a case of impaction of the Dormia basket during an endoscopic procedure. The patient was managed through laparoscopic choledochotomy, and the basket was found to be impacted with a common bile stone of size 18 mm. The stone was disengaged from the basket and, by holding the tip of the basket, was removed through one of the laparoscopic ports.

Laparoscopic management of hydatid cyst in the lesser sac.

Hydatid cyst is a disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Various anatomical location of hydatid cyst has been described in literature. Liver is the most common site of hydatid cyst and lungs are the second most common site. Hydatid cyst of lesser sac is a rare entity. Here we present a rare case report of laparoscopic management of hydatid cyst in lesser sac.

Early rehabilitation after surgery program versus conventional care during perioperative period in patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early rehabilitation after surgery program (ERAS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a study where 47 patients who are undergoing lap assisted total gastrectomy are selected. Twenty-two (n = 22) patients received enhanced recovery programme (ERAS) management and rest twenty-five (n = 25) conventional management during the perioperative period. The length of postoperative hospital stay, time to passage of first flatus, intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmission rate and 30 day mortality is compared. Serum levels of C-reactive protein pre-operatively and also on post-op day 1 and 3 are compared. RESULTS: Postoperative hospital stay is shorter in ERAS group (78 ± 26 h) when compared to conventional group (140 ± 28 h). ERAS group passed flatus earlier than conventional group (37 ± 9 h vs. 74 ± 16 h). There is no significant difference in complications between the two groups. Serum levels of CRP are significantly low in ERAS group in comparison to conventional group. [d1 (52.40 ± 10.43) g/L vs. (73.07 ± 19.32) g/L, d3 (126.10 ± 18.62) g/L vs. (160.72 ± 26.18) g/L)]. CONCLUSION: ERAS in lap-assisted total gastrectomy is safe, feasible and efficient and it can ameliorate post-operative stress and accelerate postoperative rehabilitation in patients with gastric cancer. Short term follow up results are encouraging but we need long term studies to know its long term benefits.

Randomised study on single stage laparo-endoscopic rendezvous (intra-operative ERCP) procedure versus two stage approach (Pre-operative ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy) for the management of cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: The 'Rendezvous' technique consists of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) standards with intra-operative cholangiography followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. The sphincterotome is driven across the papilla through a guidewire inserted by the transcystic route. In this study, we intended to compare the two methods in a prospective randomised trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2005 to 2012, we enrolled 83 patients with a diagnosis of cholecysto-choledocolithiasis. They were randomised into two groups. In 'group-A',41 patients were treated with two stages management, first by pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and common bile duct (CBD) clearance and second by LC. In 'group-B', 42 patients were treated with LC and intra-operative cholangiography; and when diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was confirmed, patients had undergone one stage management of by Laparo-endoscopic Rendezvous technique. RESULTS: In arm-A and arm-B groups, complete CBD clearance was achieved in 29 and 38 patients, respectively. Failure of the treatment in arm-A was 29% and in arm-B was 9.5%. In arm-A, selective CBD cannulation was achieved in 33 cases (80.5%) and in arm-B in 39 cases (93%). In arm-Agroup, post-ERCP hyperamylasia was presented in nine patients (22%) and severe pancreatitis in five patients (12%) versus none of the patients (0%) in arm-B group, respectively. Mean post-operative hospital stay in arm-A and arm-B groups are 10.9 and 6.8 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: One stage laparo-endoscopic rendezvous approach increases selective cannulation of CBD, reduces post-ERCP pancreatitis, reduces days of hospital stay, increases patient's compliance and prevents unnecessary intervention to CBD.

Laparoscopic longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy using cystoscope and endoscopic basket for clearance of head and tail stones.

AIM: Our aim was to study the results of laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy using cystoscope and endoscopic basket for clearance of stones in both the head and tail region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) underwent laparoscopic longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) in our unit. Patients' ages ranged between 19 and 45 years. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain and weight loss. In all patients, diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Mean pancreatic duct diameter was 14.8 mm and we used a four-port technique. The pancreatic duct was identified by clearing the peripancreatic fat, palpating with a blunt instrument, and by aspirating pancreatic juice using a thin lumbar puncture needle. Clearance of the pancreatic duct in the head region was confirmed by direct vision using cystoscope introduced through the left lateral port, and the tail region through the right lateral port. After clearance of all stones, the leftover stones were removed using endoscopic basket through the cystoscope. We routinely perform side-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy using 1-0 polypropylene suture reinforced with 1-0 Mersilk. All 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic LPJ had anteroposterior dimension of the pancreatic head of not more than 3 cm without any pancreatic head parenchymal calcification and with minimal stone load in the head, hence head coring was not contemplated. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 262.5 min and mean postoperative stay was 5.8 days. There were no conversions, or intraoperative and major postoperative complications. Mean duration of follow-up was 16.5 months. Our first eight patients who were having more than 12 months' follow-up had pain relief and significant weight gain. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic LPJ is a safe, effective, and feasible technique for CP in selected patients in the presence of adequately dilated pancreatic duct containing stones, and has favorable outcome in short-term follow-up.

Gardner's syndrome, a rare combination in surgical practice.

A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency ward with features of intestinal obstruction of 2 days duration. On admission, there was abdominal distension and multiple sessile polyps found on digital rectal examination. In addition, a soft tissue swelling near the elbow and a bony swelling over scalp were noted. Abdominal radiography revealed gaseous distension of the small and large bowel, and ultrasound revealed diffuse, gas-filled bowel with sluggish peristalsis. The obstruction failed to resolve with conservative measures and at emergency laparotomy an irregular hard recto-sigmoid junction mass was identified. A defunctioning transverse loop colostomy was undertaken and the abdomen closed. During recovery, a colonoscopy was performed and a malignant appearing lesion was identified 15 cm proximal to the anal verge. Further per-stomal colonoscopy revealed multiple sessile polyps from the ileo-caecal valve to the descending colon. The cutaneous and abdominal findings were consistent with a rare acute presentation of Gardner's syndrome.

Use of rigid tubal ligation scope: Serendipity in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

AIM: To assess the feasibility, safety of rigid tubal ligation scope in laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rigid nephroscope was used for laparoscopic CBD exploration until one day we tried the same with the rigid tubal ligation scope, which was passed easily into CBD both proximally and distally visualising the interior of the duct for presence of stone that were removed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) basket. This serendipity led us to use this scope for numerous patients from then on. A total of 62 patients, including male and female, underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration after choledochotomy with rigid tubal ligation scope between March 2007 and December 2012 followed by cholecystectomy. All the patients had both cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis with minimum duct diameter of 12 mm. A total of 48 patients were given T-tube through choledochotomy and closed, and the remaining 14 patients had primary closure of choledochotomy. RESULTS: There were no intra-operative complications in any of the patients like CBD injury or portal vein injury. Post-operatively graded clamping of T-tube was done and was removed after 15 days in the patients who were given T-tube. None had retained the stone after T-tube cholangiography, which was done before removing the tube. Mean duration of follow up was 6 months. No patients had any complaints during the follow up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic CBD exploration is also feasible with rigid tubal ligation scope. With experienced surgeons, CBD injury is very minimal and stone clearance can be achieved in almost all patients. This rigid tubal ligation scope can be an alternative to other rigid and flexible scopes.

A single centre comparative study of laparoscopic mesh rectopexy versus suture rectopexy.

AIM: The aim of our study is to compare the results of laparoscopic mesh vs. suture rectopexy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 70 patients including both male and female of age ranging between 20 years and 65 years (mean 42.5 yrs) were subjected to laparoscopic rectopexy during the period between March 2007 and June 2012, of which 38 patients underwent laparoscopic mesh rectopexy and 32 patients laparoscopic suture rectopexy. These patients were followed up for a mean period of 12 months assessing first bowel movement, hospital stay, duration of surgery, faecal incontinence, constipation, recurrence and morbidity. RESULTS: Duration of surgery was 100.8 ± 12.4 minutes in laparoscopic suture rectopexy and 120 ± 10.8 min in laparoscopic mesh rectopexy. Postoperatively, the mean time for the first bowel movement was 38 hrs and 40 hrs, respectively, for suture and mesh rectopexy. Mean hospital stay was five (range: 4-7) days. There was no significant postoperative complication except for one port site infection in mesh rectopexy group. Patients who had varying degree of incontinence preoperatively showed improvement after surgery. Eleven out of 18 (61.1%) patients who underwent laparoscopic suture rectopexy as compared to nine of 19 (47.3%) patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh rectopexy improved as regards constipation after surgery. CONCLUSION: There were no significant difference in both groups who underwent surgery except for patients undergoing suture rectopexy had better symptomatic improvement of continence and constipation. Also, cost of mesh used in laparoscopic mesh rectopexy is absent in lap suture rectopexy group. To conclude that laparoscopic suture rectopexy is a safe and feasible procedure and have comparable results as regards operative time, morbidity, bowel function, cost and recurrence or even slightly better results than mesh rectopexy.

Acute Dilatation, Ischemia, and Necrosis of Stomach without Perforation.

Acute gastric dilatation can have multiple etiologies which may lead to ischemia of the stomach. Without proper timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially fatal events such as gastric perforation, haemorrhage, and other serious complications can occur. Here we present a 36-year-old man who came to the casualty with pain abdomen and distension for 2 days. Clinically, abdomen was asymmetrically distended more in the left hypochondrium and epigastrium region. Straight X-ray abdomen showed opacified left hypochondrium with nonspecific gaseous distension of bowel. Exploratory laparotomy revealed dilated stomach with patchy gangrene over lesser curvature and fundic area. About 4 litres of brownish fluid along with semisolid undigested food particles was sucked out (mainly undigested pieces of meat). Limited resection of gangrenous areas and primary repair were done along with feeding jejunostomy. Necrosis of the stomach was confirmed on histopathology. The patient recovered well and was discharged on the tenth postoperative day.

Transverse colon perforation due to carcinoma rectum: an unusual presentation against Laplace's law.

We present a case of distal large bowel obstruction, in the setting of a competent ileocaecal valve, the caecum is the most common site of perforation (for Laplace's law). We describe a case of obstruction at the rectum due to constricting carcinomatous growth, presenting with perforation of transverse colon (against Laplace's law). A 60-year-old women presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. The pain was preceded by 3 days of intestinal obstruction. Clinically there was guarding and rigidity. Straight X-ray of the abdomen revealed free gas under diaphragm. Surgical exploration revealed transverse colon perforation with carcinoma of rectum. Loop transverse colostomy was performed as the patient was very sick. The patient improved slowly in the intensive care unit. To conclude, even though the caecum is the most common site for perforation in case of distal obstruction, perforation of transverse colon can occur otherwise as a unique presentation.

Primary amelanotic melanoma of the rectum mimicking adenocarcinoma.

PATIENT: Male, 55 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Melanoma Symptoms: Worsening constipation • tenesmus • weight loss MEDICATION: - Clinical Procedure: Chemoradiation therapy Specialty: Oncology. OBJECTIVE: Challenging differential diagnosis. BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is usually readily diagnosed by the presence of melanin granules. Although amelanotic melanoma contains a few melanin granules, it is often difficult to differentiate from non-epithelial malignant tumors. Immunohistochemical staining may be needed to diagnose the condition. CASE REPORT: This report describes a case of amelanotic melanoma of the rectum, which was originally suspected to be an adenocarcinoma, but was subsequently correctly diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining with HMB-45 antibody and by the presence of S-100 protein. A pinkish-red ulceroproliferative growth was located about 7 cm from the anal verge. The patient was treated by laparoscopic low anterior resection. CONCLUSIONS: Very few cases of amelanotic melanoma of rectum have been reported in the literature and there is only limited clinical experience with this disease. It appears to be a highly lethal tumor and may need much more aggressive treatment than that used for carcinoma of the rectum.

Fracture penis: a case more heard about than seen in general surgical practice.

A 36-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a history of trauma to genitalia during intercourse. The patient reported the forceful collision between his penis and the bed and audible clicking sound with swollen penis thereafter. On examination, the genitalia was swollen with an 'S' shaped deformity. The skin over the swelling was apparently normal, with no local rise of temperature. A provisional diagnosis was made after clinical evaluation. Scrotum and testes examination revealed no abnormality. A subcoronal circumferential incision with de-gloving of penile skin was used to access the tunica. A rent in tunica albuginea and corpora cavernosa identified and the defect repaired with absorbable suture material after removal of clot and properly maintaining haemostasis. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The following case report demonstrates a typical case of fracture penis.

Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception with jejunojejunal intussusception (double telescoping).

A 55-year-old woman presented with features of gastric outlet obstruction not responding to conservative treatment at a peripheral hospital. She had gastric surgery 15 years before. On examination, there was a globular mass palpable in the epigastrium. Ultrasound and endoscopy findings were suggestive of retrograde jejunogastric intussusception. After initial resuscitation, emergency laparotomy was undertaken which revealed a jejunogastric intussusception at the previous retrocolic gastrojejunostomy site. After manual reduction of the intussuscepted loop by gentle traction, another segment of the jejunum was seen to be telescoping within this loop. On reduction, this jejunal loop was seen to measure around 20 cm and the apex of the intussusceptum was found to be gangrenous and perforated. Resection of the involved segment was done followed by a Roux-en-y anastomosis to restore the continuity.

Polypropelene mesh eroding transverse colon following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Polypropylene mesh when used in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can produce the worst complication such as enterocutaneous fistula. We report an interesting case of incisional hernia operated with laparoscopic polypropylene mesh hernioplasty who subsequently developed an enterocutaneous fistula 1 month after surgery. A fistulogram showed dye entering into the transverse colon. On exploration, the culprit polypropylene mesh was found to have eroded into the mid-transverse colon causing the fistula. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the colon were done with the removal of the mesh. On literature review, polypropylene mesh erosion in to transverse colon is rare.

Stump stone 6 years after cholecystectomy: a possibility.

Calculi in the cystic duct remnant are one of the causes of postcholecystectomy syndrome. A 36-year-old woman presented thrice to the casualty department with right upper quadrant pain at an interval of 2 months every time. Ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen was normal except for echoes in the gallbladder region may be clips. She was treated conservatively and discharged the first two times. The second time, the MR cholangiopancreatography was normal. She had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy with stent in situ outside elsewhere before presenting to us for the third time, which was removed after 6-weeks. The third time, she was taken up for laparoscopic stump exploration, which revealed a stone, which was the cause of her pain. To conclude, stump stone can be a possibility of post cholecystectomy syndrome even after 6 years, and surgeons should be aware of it.