Analysis of factors related to the decision of Hartmann's procedure and its reversal: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Hartmann's procedure (HP) is commonly applied to resolve acute clinical conditions in most cases with colonic obstruction or perforation. HP and the closure of the end colostomy are associated with high morbidity-mortality rates. In our study, we aimed to report our clinical experience in HP. METHODS: Demographic data and outcomes of Hartmann procedures performed between 2015 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median age of our study was 63 (18-94) years; 65 of the patients were female, and 97 were male. Colorectal malig-nancies were the primary etiology in 50% of patients who underwent HP, with 70% presenting with obstruction and 30% with perfora-tion. Two-thirds of the patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists-2 or higher. Postoperative complications did not develop in 74.7% of patients. Our mortality rate was 33.3%. The colostomy was closed in 59 patients during an average 2-year follow-up. The median closure time was 311 (57-1319) days. A stapler was used in 89.8% of patients during the closure. A diverting ileostomy was created in only two patients. The median hospital stay was 8 (5-70) days. Post-operative complications did not develop in 25.4% of patients, while four patients died. CONCLUSION: In our population, HP was more commonly performed for colorectal cancer. The procedure and closure of the ostomy result in low stoma closure rates, high morbidity, and mortality rates, as well as surgical difficulties.

Colonic Obstruction Secondary to Phytobezoar Caused by Vitex Agnus-Castus Seeds: A Case Report.

Plant seeds of Vitex agnus-castus (chaste berry) are known for benefits in reproductive health and also reduce bloating, depression, headache, and constipation. Plant seeds are a rare cause of phytobezoars. Bezoar is a formation of mass by piling up of material that is ingested but not digested or partially digested at any level of the gastrointestinal tract. While swallowed material mostly forms a bezoar in the stomach, it can rarely reach the colon and cause obstruction or perforation. Bezoars causing colonic obstruction can be treated by medical observation, endoscopic intervention, or surgical procedure. Herein, we present a case of colonic obstruction secondary to bezoar composed of plant seeds of Vitex agnus-castus and our approach to this condition. Key Words: Chaste berry, Vitex agnus-castus, Phytobezoar, Colonic obstruction.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on colonoscopy results - an overview.

<b>Aim:</b> Colorectal cancers are common cancers. Colonoscopy procedure, which is applied in the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease, has a very important role. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic period on our colonoscopic procedures. </br></br> <b> Material and methods:</b> In this observational study, the data of the patients who underwent colonoscopy in our General Surgery Endoscopy Unit, between March 11, 2019 and March 12, 2021 were scanned retrospectively. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 groups. 1. Group patients between 11 March 2019-11 March 2020; patients in the pre-COVID-19 period, Group 2, on March 12, 2020-March 12, 2021; Grouped as the COVID-19 era. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> Data of 8285 patients were analyzed. A total of 4889 patients in Group 1 and 3396 patients in Group 2 were included in the study. The detection of precancerous polyps between the groups was found to be significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.05) (4.3% vs 2.1). Similarly, the presence of precancerous polyps over the age of 65 was found to be significantly higher in the pre-covid group. In group 1, no significant difference was found in the evaluation of cancer patients according to gender (p > 0.05) (F/M: 1.2%/1.6%). In group 2, cancer patients were found to be significantly higher in males. </br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects in many areas, as well as on our colonoscopic procedures. Experienced centers continue to work to minimize these negative effects.

Extrahepatic Biliary Tract Variations is an Effect for Acute Calculous Cholecystitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomy of the extrahepatic bile duct and to reveal its importance in the formation of acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC). STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of General Surgery and Radiology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital of the University of Health Sciences, Turkey, between January 2016 and December 2021. METHODOLOGY: The data of the patients treated with ACC were analysed on MRCP by an experienced radiologist. The patients were divided into two groups; asymptomatic gallstones (AsGS, control group) and ACC. The cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct lengths and variations in cystic duct opening were measured. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted to define a cut-off value and compared categorical results of the two groups by Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-three patients were analysed, one-hundred and seven were females, and 66 were males. The median age was 46 years in the AsGS group and 53 years in the ACC group. It was statistically significant that ACC had a higher median age value than AsGS (p=0.014). In the analysis of extrahepatic variations, cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct length, were statistically longer in the calculous cholecystitis group (p<0.001, p=0.022, and p=0.019 respectively). ROC analysis was performed for cystic, common hepatic, and common bile duct length, respectively. Cut-off values ​​were 30.5 mm, 36.5 mm, and 42.5 mm. CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic bile duct variations are of critical importance in ACC surgery. In the data, as the cystic duct and common bile duct lengthens, the possibility of ACC increases. There is need for studies with larger samples. KEY WORDS: Acute calculous cholecystitis, Extrahepatic biliary tract, Anatomical variations, Cholelithiasis.

Analysis of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy results during the Covid-19 pandemic. A high-volume single-Center experience.

PURPOSE: The histopathological effects of the COVID-19 period on the upper gastrointestinal system are not clearly known. This study is the first in the literature to compare the results of upper endoscopic biopsy before and during the COVID- 19 period. METHODS: Data of 10510 patients who underwent upper endoscopy with a given biopsy sample during the procedure between March 2019 and March 2021 were retrospectively scanned. Patients are divided into two groups as the prepandemic period patients and the COVID-19 pandemic period patients. The pathological data of these patients were statistically analyzed according to the Sydney classification. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised of 6,787 patients with 3,915 females and 2872 males (F:M=1.3:1), while Group 2 with 1,734 females and 1,455 males (F:M=1.2:1), and this gender difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.002). A comparison of the patient groups in terms of the inflammation, activation, intestinal metaplasia, and presence of H. pylori revealed a significant difference, with higher rates recorded in the COVID-19 period than in the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the pandemic period, the results of the upper endoscopic biopsy are adversely affected by various factors compared to the pre-pandemic period. KEY WORDS: Biopsy, COVID-19, Sydney classification, Upper endoscopy.

Laparoscopic repair of the left paraduodenal hernia: A rare case of an internal hernia.

Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is a rare congenital anomaly, the most common cause of internal hernia. The left-sided PDHs (LPDHs) are more common than the right-sided and are common in male patients at the 4th and 6th years of life. LPDH is been often clinically asymptomatic and often detected by chance in surgical patients. Abdominal computed tomography is the gold standard in diagnosis. PDH can cause ischemia with the high mortality rates due to intestinal obstruction. Therefore, surgical repair should be done as soon as possible after diagnosis. Here, we present a case of LPDH that was laparoscopically diagnosed and repaired early.

Incidentally Detected Gastrointestinal Wall Thickness on Abdominal Computed Tomography; What Does it Mean for Endoscopy?

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of gastrointestinal wall thickening (GWT) on abdominal computed tomography (CT) is not certain, yet. Despite the need for clinical guidelines describing the importance and evaluation of GWT on a CT scan, there have been few studies evaluating these incidental imaging abnormalities. The aim of this study is to endoscopically evaluate certain etiologies that cause incidental GWT found on CT. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out with patients who had incidentally detected GWT on a CT scan at the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital between February 2016 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (62 males and 67 females; mean age 57.5 years, range: 26-87 years) were included in the study. Abnormalities observed during endoscopy at the exact site of the GWT noted on a CT image were found in 114 patients (99%): upper endoscopy revealed malignancy in 33 (29%), gastritis in 63 (52%), hiatal hernia in 19 (16%), a gastric ulcer in 7 (6%), and alkaline gastritis in 3 (2%). Colonoscopy revealed malignancy in 4 (33%), benign polyps in 5 (35%), colonic ulcer in 2 (16%), and 2 patients (16%) had normal findings. Malignancy was detected more frequently in the cardioesophageal region compared with the antrum (P=0.020). CONCLUSION: In this study, detection of GWT on CT often indicated pathologies which were subsequently confirmed endoscopically. Pathological findings were detected in 83% of these patients, with approximately 30% determined to be malignant. Endoscopic evaluation is recommended when GWT is reported on a CT scan.

Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Are Auxiliary Methods Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the success rate of minimally invasive parathyroidectomies (MIPs) with preoperative scintigraphy and ultrasonography, and to assess whether these imaging modalities are sufficient. STUDY DESIGN:  Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey between March 2017 and December 2019. METHODOLOGY: Medical records of 61 patients, who underwent MIP to treat primary hyperparathyroidism, were examined. Age, gender, and pre- and postoperative calcium, parathormone, and phosphorus levels were obtained from patient records. For all patients, the parathyroid (PT) glands were localised, using ultrasonography and Tc-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy. RESULTS:  The average patient age was 56.89 ± 13.47 years. Of the patients, 83.6% (n = 51) were females. Localisation of the PT glands with preoperative scintigraphy had an accuracy rate of 100%. However, ultrasonographic localisation was unsuccessful in five patients. Adenomas were noted in 44 patients (72.1%), hyperplasia in 15 patients (24.6%), and neoplasia in two patients (3.3%). Serum parathormone and calcium levels were measured 24 hours after surgery, and were found to be significantly reduced compared to the corresponding preoperative levels (p <0.001). Hypocalcaemia developed in four patients (6.6%), two (3.3%) of which were symptomatic. After three months, persistent hyperparathyroidism developed in five patients (8.2%). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid scintigraphy has been demonstrated to be the gold standard for the preoperative localisation of PT glands. In the absence of scintigraphy, ultrasound guidance is the next useful technique for PT gland localisation. Key Words: Minimal invasive parathyroidectomy, Parathyroid scintigraphy, Ultrasonography, Parathormone.

Over-the-scope clip application for severe gastrointestinal bleeding, leak, or perforation: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Over-the-scope clip (OTSC) devices are now widely used by endoscopists for gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or leakage. The present study aims to examine the therapeutic success rate of this technique. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study. In this study, 23 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, leakage, or perforation were included. The procedure was performed by an experienced endoscopist. RESULTS: Of the patients with an upper gastrointestinal tract defect, six had a perforation and there was one case of anastomosis leakage. Eight patients had a perforation in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and there were two cases of anastomosis leakage. Bleeding was detected in only six patients and all of them were upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Anastomosis leaks, perforations, and bleeding were treated with OTSC and additional procedures. The success rate of OTSC clipping alone was 56.5%. However, the success rate was 86.9% with additional therapeutic procedures (clamp, stent, sclerotherapy). Analysis according to categories of bleeding, perforation, and anastomosis leak revealed that the success rate of the clip application in bleeding was significantly higher than that of perforation or anastomosis leak (p=0.002). The median length of stay in the hospital was five days (min-max: 2-30 days). There were no complications associated with the OTSC procedure. CONCLUSION: OTSC is a safe and effective method for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or anastomosis leak.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of laparoscopy to treat acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic period: single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the accepted standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) in patients eligible for surgery. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) can provide a permanent treatment for high-risk patients for surgery or act as a bridge for later surgical treatment. This study is an evaluation of the use of PC during the current coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at a single hospital. METHODS: Fifty patients with AC were admitted as of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey through June 2020. Patients with pancreatitis, cholangitis, and/or incomplete data were excluded from the study. Data of the remaining 36 patients included in the study were recorded and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The patients were divided into three groups: PC (n=14), only conservative treatment with antibiotherapy (OC) (n=14), and LC (n=8). The findings were compared with a group of 70 similar patients from the pre-pandemic period. RESULTS: The mean age of the pandemic period patients was 53 years (range: 26-78 years). The female/male ratio was 1.11. PC was preferred in eight (11%) patients in the same period of the previous year, whereas 14 (39%) patients underwent PC in the pandemic period. Four of the 36 pandemic patients were positive for COVID-19, including one member of the PC group. There was one (7.1%) mortality in the pandemic-period PC group due to cardiac arrest. The length of hospital stay between the groups based on the type of treatment was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: LC is not recommended during the pandemic period; PC can be an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of AC.

The effect of parathyroidectomy on quality of life in primary hyperparathyroidism: evaluation with using sf-36 and phpqol questionnaire.

Quality of life (QoL) typically improves with a parathyroidectomy (PTx) in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), but the effect of surgery on QoL is not yet fully understood. This study evaluated the impact of PTx on health-related QoL (HRQoL). Patients who underwent PTx for PHPT between January 2016 and December 2019 were asked to complete the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Primary Hyperparathyroidism Quality of Life (PHPQoL) questionnaire before surgery and 1 year later. A 5-point Likert scale was used: negative responses received a lower score and positive responses scored high. Forty-one of 50 patients completed the questionnaires before and 12 months after the surgery. The median patient age was 64 years (min-max: 32-83 years). In the study group, 33 were female, and 8 were male. The SF-36 results indicated that significant improvements had been observed in all 8 domains a year after surgery, particularly in the physical functioning and role, general health, energy, and mental health scales. The PHPQoL scores also improved significantly after PTx (p < 0.05). The improvement in the physical and mental health components was 50% and 76%, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PTx for PHPT improved QoL.

The diagnostic role of hemogram parameters in pregnant appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most frequently encountered non-obstetric disease requiring surgical intervention during pregnancy. Early diagnosis reduces maternal and fetal morbidity / mortality rates. AIM: This study aims to investigate hemogram parameters in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted in three groups. Thirty-nine pregnant patients with acute appendicitis (Group A), 39 fertile nonpregnant patients with acute appendicitis (Group B), and 39 healthy pregnant women (Group C) were included in the study. WBC, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, NLR, PLR, MPV and RDW values were compared. RESULTS: The mean NLR values in group A, group B and group C were 7.39 (1.58-46.6), 5.66 (1-20) and 4.23 (1.54-10.77) respectively, and there was a significant difference in NLR values between the groups (P= 0.002). The mean PLR values in group A, group B and group C were 159.09 (69.1-574), 134.28 (21.5-360) and 120 (68.7-334) and difference was statistically significant (P= 0.019). Cutoff points for WBC count was 14155 106/µL (51,3% sensitivity, 82,1% specificity), for neutrophil count is 10955 106/µL (53,8% sensitivity, 84,6% specificity), for NLR is 9.23 (46,2% sensitivity, 92,3% specificity) and PLR is 157,6 (51,3% sensitivity and 82,1% specificity) NLR had largest area under the curve with 0.667 NLR. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil count, WBC and PLR were found to be the most valuable inflammatory parameters however, RDW, Lymphocyte count, and MPV levels are not found valuable markers in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant patients by this study.

Different approaches in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis: Results of attitude survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute biliary pancreatitis is one of the most frequently encountered diseases among general surgeons in emergency surgical diseases. Differences in diagnosis and treatment management of these patients, varying from physician to physician, are common in clinical practice. We aimed to present these differences and discuss the results in the light of current guidelines in the literature. METHODS: In this study, 21 questions were prepared regarding the physicians' approach in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis (Appendix).The questionnaires were completed by face to face interviews with 94 general surgery specialists at the 20th National Surgery Congress. RESULTS: In this study, 38 (40%) of the physicians who answered the questionnaire were working in the Training and Research Hospital, 27 (29%) in the State Hospital, 19 (20%) in the University Hospital and nine in private health care was working in the establishment. 85% of the physicians were general surgery specialists with 10 years of experience. 53% (50) of the surgeons reported that they had less than five cases of acute biliary pancreatitis each month, and 35% (34) stated that they wanted amylase value daily for follow-up. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were the most commonly used imaging modalities and 15% of the respondents indicated that each patient underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. 45% of surgeons stated that antibiotics were started at the time of diagnosis of pancreatitis. The percentage of surgeons who did not undergo cholecystectomy early in patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis was 60%. The reason for not preferring surgery in the early period was the most frequent operation difficulty with 40% and not supporting the operation in the early period. CONCLUSION: According to the attitude survey results, there are differences between general surgery specialists in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis.

Preprocedural Administration of Simethicone and Otilonium Bromide Improves the Quality of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with pancreaticobiliary diseases. We investigated the role of simethicone and concomitant otilonium bromide during ERCP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized study included 120 patients who underwent ERCP (study and control group=60 patients each). The study group received otilonium bromide and simethicone. The control group received no medication. RESULTS: The quantity of duodenal foam and bubbles in the study group was significantly lesser than that in the control group. The duodenal motility score was 2.1±0.7 and 4.3±0.9 in the study and the control groups, respectively. Endoscopist satisfaction was good in 82%, moderate in 15%, and poor in 3% of ERCPs in the study group and good in 15%, moderate in 65%, and poor in 25% of ERCPs in the control group. The study group showed a shorter ERCP duration than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Simethicone and otilonium bromide administered concomitantly reduce duodenal motility and foam/bubble formation, which facilitates papilla of Vater catheterization to reduce procedure time.

Effects of Montelukast in an Experimental Model of Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological effects of Montelukast on pancreatic damage in an experimental acute pancreatitis model created by cerulein in rats before and after the induction of pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty rats were divided into 4 groups with 10 rats each. The study groups were: the Cerulein (C) group, the Cerulein + early Montelukast (CMe) group, the Cerulein + late Montelukast (CMl) group, and the Control group. The pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO3, leukocyte, hematocrit, pancreatic amylase, and lipase values were measured in the arterial blood samples taken immediately before rats were killed. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences between the C group and the Control group in the values of pancreatic amylase, lipase, blood leukocyte, hematocrit, pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO3, and pancreatic water content, and also in each of the values of edema, inflammation, vacuolization, necrosis, and total histopathological score (P<0.05). When the CMl group and C group were compared, no statistically significant differences were found in any parameter analyzed. When the CMe group was compared with the C group, pancreatic amylase, lipase, pH, PO2, pCO2, HCO3, pancreatic water content, histopathological edema, inflammation, and total histopathological score values were significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). Finally, when the CMe group and the Control group were compared, significant differences were found in all except 2 (leukocyte and pO2) parameters (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Leukotriene receptor antagonists used in the late phases of pancreatitis might not result in any benefit; however, when they are given in the early phases or prophylactically, they may decrease pancreatic damage.

Gossypiboma Mimicking a Mesenchymal Tumor: A Report of a Rare Case.

BACKGROUND: Gossypiboma is the term for a surgical complication resulting from foreign materials such as a surgical sponge or gauze that was accidentally left inside a patient's body. CASE REPORT: Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old woman with gossypiboma. She underwent surgery due to an abdominal mass that was preoperatively considered a tumor. Intra-postoperatively, it was diagnosed as gossypiboma. CONCLUSIONS: For the prevention of gossypiboma during the pre-operative and post-operative periods, counting sponges and surgical equipment must be done very carefully. If there is any doubt postoperatively, direct abdominal imaging may be helpful.

Giant Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma Originating From the Abdominal Wall: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of tumor, accounts for 5-10% of all soft tissue tumors. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency service of our medical faculty with the complaints of fatigue and abdominal mass. CONCLUSIONS: The pathology result was leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyosarcoma of the skin is rare and our case is the largest such lesion reported in the literature.

The investigation of foxe1 variations in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports indicated that incidence of thyroid carcinoma is increasing throughout the worldwide. The aim of our study was to determine a possible relationship between Forkhead box E1 (FOXE1) gene variants and histopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: FOXE1 gene variations; rs894673, rs1867277 and rs3758249 were analyzed in 57 Papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and 51 age matched healthy control subjects. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was used to specifically detect the variations. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of rs894673 genotypes in Papillary thyroid carcinoma cases (P=0.01). AA genotype presence of rs1867277 was more significantly associated with several histopathological parameters such as focal and diffuse capsular invasion, lymphatic invasion, P3 with P4 tumor grade and surgical margins. AA genotype presence in rs1867277 variation was significantly associated with the classical variant which is subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, the presence of the allel A was found to be related with lymph node invasion risk by 2.46 fold, capsular invasion risk by 2.97 fold, and pT3 with pT4 pathological stage risk by 4.13 fold and the presence of allele A in rs1867277 was significantly associated with classic variants. The presence of allele A in rs1867277 was more significantly associated with several histopathological parameters in classic variant in papillary thyroid carcinoma cases such as, the presence of the A allele was found relationship with lymph node invasion risk by 2.0 fold, capsular invasion risk by 2.39 fold , and pT3 with pT4 pathological stage risk by 3.57 fold. In addition, AATT, AAAA and GATT haplotypes (rs1867277 and rs894673) were evaluated for association with papillary thyroid carcinoma cases. Our results indicate that the significant difference according to two-allele haplotype distribution between papillary thyroid carcinoma cases and control groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that FOXE1 variations generate a higher risk for poor histopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma: an analysis of 15 cases.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed cause of acute abdominal pain. The purpose of this study is to present our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous RSH. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the medical histories of 15 patients admitted to our emergency surgery unit between January 2000 and July 2009 and diagnosed with spontaneous RSH (12 females, 3 males; mean age, 64.5 years; range, 20-79 years). RESULTS: All cases presented with acute abdominal pain or abdominal wall mass, or both. Eleven of the cases (73%) had been receiving some form of anticoagulation therapy. The leading indications for anticoagulation and/or anti-platelet therapy were atrial fibrillation in 5 patients (33%) and mitral valve replacement in 3 patients (20%). Diagnosis was made by abdominal ultrasonography and/or computerized tomography in 14 patients (93%). Twelve (80%) of the 15 patients were discharged uneventfully after conservative management following a mean hospital stay of 8.8 days (range, 3-24 days). The mortality rate was 20%. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous RSH must be suspected in patients with advanced age who are using anticoagulation medications and present with acute abdominal pain. Early diagnosis permits conservative management and avoids unnecessary surgical interventions.