Long term outcome of a subcutaneous colonic interposition after pharyngo-laryngectomy for strictures of the larynx and hypopharynx resulting from caustic ingestion: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Caustic agents, also called corrosive agents, could be acids or alkali in nature. If ingested, these agents can injure any part of the aerodigestive tree. Extent of injury depends on the type, concentration, duration of exposure and volume of caustic agent ingested. Serious complications after caustic agent ingestion can occur both in the short term such as hollow viscus perforation and death and in the long term such as stricture formation causing obstruction and lifetime risk of development of carcinoma. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: This is a case of a 25-year-old female who ingested an unknown substance resulting to a severe stricture of the larynx, hypopharynx, esophagus and pyloroantral region of the stomach. Six months after her tracheostomy and tube jejunostomy, she sought further medical attention in our institution due to inability to swallow food and saliva. She underwent pharyngolaryngectomy (PL) with the strictured esophagus and stomach left in-situ due to extensive adhesions. The subcutaneous colonic interposition reestablished the alimentary continuity by providing enough length for tension-free anastomosis and a more direct route for cervical anastomosis. DISCUSSION: Stricture formation is one of the most challenging late complication of corrosive injury. It results from scar formation in response to inflammation of the aerodigestive tract. Key factors in managing caustic strictures include safety of strictured segment resection, choice of replacement organ for reconstruction and route of conduit. CONCLUSION: Timing of surgery and proper selection the surgical procedure for complications of caustic ingestion can result in excellent long term outcomes.

Gallbladder duplication complicated by cholecystitis and unsuspected choledocholithiasis: A case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tree. Although a double gallbladder by itself is not clinically significant, complications of gallstone disease increases the complexity of the management. Preoperative recognition decreases the risk of complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Presented herein is the case of a 52 year old who presented with abdominal pain. A transabdominal ultrasound was suggestive of a gallbladder duplication with the larger gallbladder filled with cholelithiasis. Subsequent imaging studies, including an endoluminal ultrasound, confirmed the diagnosis and documented a choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic extraction of the biliary stone with subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy of both gallbladders was successfully performed. DISCUSSION: This case is being presented not only for the rarity of the condition but also of the challenges in management it poses. In gallbladder duplication, pathologic involvement of one gallbladder requires removal of both gallbladders. A high index of suspicion on initial scanning warrants further delineation of the important anatomic structures of the biliary tree to avoid perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be safely performed in patients with gallbladder duplication. Preoperative recognition with appropriate imaging modalities, including ultrasound and MRCP may avoid surgical complications. In cases where the anomaly is detected intraoperatively during cholecystectomy, meticulous dissection and intraoperative cholangiography will avoid iatrogenic injuries and lead to successful outcomes.

Radical surgery for primary thyroid lymphoma in a Filipino female: Report of a case and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Primary thyroid lymphomas are rare. They constitute only 2% of all thyroid malignancies. It is important to distinguish it from other tumors of the thyroid due to the marked difference in approach to management. Preoperative diagnostic confirmation is ideal to allow for appropriate therapeutic management, which consists of chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and to avoid unnecessary surgery. In a select group of patients, surgery may be of benefit to relieve obstructive symptoms and establish diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Presented herein is a 48 year old female with a progressively enlarging neck mass previously being treated for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Obstructive symptoms and a preoperative diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma prompted surgical intervention. The patient underwent resection of the tumor with a total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. Post -operative diagnosis of non Hodgkins diffuse large B cell type of lymphoma was made. DISCUSSION: Primary thyroid lymphomas are rare tumors that may present similarly with some types of thyroid malignancies. An accurate diagnosis is important because non-surgical treatment options like combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be effective while sparing the patient from unnecessary radical surgery. CONCLUSION: Primary thyroid lymphoma must be a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with large thyroid tumors in the background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Although chemoradiotherapy is the preferred treatment approach, there is a role for surgery in cases of tumor obstruction and uncertain diagnosis.