Predictive Factors of Intestinal Ischaemia in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictive factors of intestinal ischaemia in adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and develop an intestinal ischaemia risk score. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China, from January 2017 to February 2022. METHODOLOGY: ASBO was determined by findings at laparotomy. The assessment of small bowel's viability was conducted through surgical inspection and subsequent histological examination of the surgical specimen. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to ascertain the risk factors associated with intestinal ischaemia. RESULTS: In total, 79 patients were included. Factors entered into multivariate analysis associated with intestinal ischaemia were; rebound tenderness (odds ratio (OR): 7.8, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.7-35.3; p=0.008), procalcitonin (PCT) >0.5 ng/mL (OR: 11.7, 95% CI: 2.3-58.1; p=0.003), and reduced bowel wall enhancement on computerised tomography (CT) scan (OR: 12.2, 95% CI:2.4-61.5; p=0.003). Among patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 factors, the rate of intestinal ischaemia increased from 0% to 49%, 72%, and 100%, respectively. According to the number of risk factors, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the determination of intestinal ischaemia was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.764-0.932). CONCLUSION: Rebound tenderness, PCT levels >0.5 ng/mL, and reduced bowel wall enhancement are risk factors of intestinal ischemic injury that require surgery within the context of ASBO. These factors need to be closely monitored that could assist clinicians in avoiding unnecessary laparotomies and selecting patients eligible for surgery. KEY WORDS: Intestinal obstruction, Ischaemia, Adhesions.

Hysteroscopic Lysis of Complex Uterine Adhesions After Interventional Radiology-Guided Access.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel surgical technique using hysteroscopic lysis of adhesions after interventional radiology (IR)-guided access in patients with severe intrauterine adhesions and challenging uterine access. DESIGN: This video illustrates the technique of the safe division of intrauterine adhesions after IR-guided access. SETTING: Conventional hysteroscopic adhesiolysis might be inadequate or risky in cases of severely narrowed or obstructed uterine flow tract, possibly resulting in incomplete adhesiolysis, false passages, or uterine perforation. This video presents 2 cases from a tertiary center involving a multidisciplinary team of a reproductive surgeon and an interventional radiologist. The first case involves a 38-year-old with severe Asherman syndrome, who experienced unsuccessful attempt to treat adhesions that was complicated by a false passage. The second case involves a 39-year-old with recurrent severe Asherman syndrome and a history of unsuccessful attempts at hysterosalpingogram and conventional hysteroscopic lysis of adhesions. INTERVENTIONS: In the IR suite, the patient was put in a lithotomy position on the fluoroscopy table. A vaginal speculum was inserted exposing the cervix. The procedure was performed using intravenous sedation and topical anesthetic spray applied to the cervix. Using fluoroscopy, a balloon cannula was inserted through the cervix, followed by contrast injection to assess uterine access. If there is no route, transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle cannulation of the main portion of the uterine cavity would be performed, approximating as closely as possible to the expected route of the cervical canal. A guidewire followed by a locked loop catheter was advanced through adhesions into the uterine cavity. The catheter was left protruding from the cervix to guide the hysteroscope. The patient was then transferred to the operating room for the hysteroscopic procedure. Under the guidance of the intrauterine catheter, the adhesions were carefully lysed using cold scissors. The endometrial cavity and tubal openings were inspected to ensure complete adhesiolysis and exclusion of any other copathologies. CONCLUSION: IR guidance can provide a safe and effective approach to hysteroscopic lysis of adhesions in patients with challenging intrauterine adhesions and difficult uterine access, such as patients with severe Asherman syndrome, intractable cervical stenosis, uterine wall agglutination, previous adhesiolysis failure, marked fixed retroverted retroflexed uteri, and previous false passage or uterine perforation.

A Comparative Study of Laparoscopic versus Open Management of Index Small Bowel Obstruction in Children.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited literature on the optimal approach to treat adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) in children. We sought to compare rates and outcomes of laparoscopic (LAP) and open (OPEN) surgery for pediatric ASBO. METHODS: A California statewide database was used to identify children (<18 years old) with an index ASBO from 2007 to 2020. The primary outcome was the type of operative management: LAP or OPEN. Secondary outcomes were hospital characteristics, patient demographics, and postoperative complications. We excluded patients treated non-operatively. RESULTS: Our study group had 545 patients. 381 (70%) underwent OPEN and 164 (30%) LAP during the index admission. Over the study period, there was increasing use of laparoscopic surgery, with higher use in older children (p < 0.001). LAP was associated with fewer overall complications (65.2% vs. 81.6%, p < 0.001), with a decreasing trend in complications over time (p < 0.001). The LAP group had significantly lower rates of bowel resection (4.9% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001), length of stay (LOS) (17 vs. 23 days, p < 0.001), and TPN use (12.2% vs. 29.1%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates were equivalent. Although the LAP group had lower readmission rates (22.6% vs. 37.3%, p < 0.001), the length of time between discharge and readmission was similar (171 vs. 165 days, p = 0.190). DISCUSSION: The use of laparoscopic surgery for index ASBO increased over the study period. However, it was less commonly utilized in younger children. LAP had fewer overall complications as well as shorter LOS, decreased TPN use, and fewer readmissions. The benefits and risks of each approach must be weighed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction: predictive factors of laparoscopic failure.

The adoption of laparoscopy for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) patients is debated. The laparoscopic approach has been associated with a considerable conversion-to-open rate. Nonetheless, reliable predictors of conversion are still unclear. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with conversion to open in ASBO patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for ASBO and were admitted to our unit between December 2014 and October 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were categorized into two groups: patients who underwent complete laparoscopy approach (Group 1) and patients converted to open technique (Group 2). Demographic, clinical, and radiological features, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were compared. A total of 168 patients were enrolled: 100 patients (59.5%) were included in Group 1, and 68 patients (40.5%) were included in Group 2. The rate of ischemia (p = 0.023), surgical complications (p = 0.001), operative time (p < 0.0001), days of nasogastric tube maintenance (p < 0.0001), time to canalization (p < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. Following univariate analysis, the presence of feces signs (p = 0.044) and high mean radiodensity of intraperitoneal free fluid (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with Group 2 compared with Group 1. Following multivariate analysis, the feces sign was a significant predictive factor of conversion (OR 1.965 [IC 95%]; p = 0.046). Laparoscopic treatment is a safe and effective approach in patients affected by ASBO. The feces sign may be a predictive factor of conversion and could guide the surgeon in selecting the appropriate management of patients affected by ASBO.

Feasibility of Gastrografin Use for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction in Low-Income Countries.

INTRODUCTION: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is one of the most common causes for hospital admission in Ethiopia. The use of water-soluble contrast agents (WSCAs) such as Gastrografin to manage adhesive SBO can predict nonoperative resolution of SBO and reduce decision time to surgery and length of hospital stay. However, nothing is known about practice patterns and Gastrografin use in low-income settings. We sought to characterize current management practices, including use of WSCAs, as well as outcomes for patients with SBO in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study consisting of a survey of surgeons throughout Ethiopia and a retrospective record review at five public, tertiary care-level teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa. RESULTS: Of the 76 surgeons who completed the survey, 63% had heard of the use of WSCAs for SBO and only 11% used oral agents for its management. Chart review of 149 patients admitted with SBO showed the most common etiology was adhesion (39.6% of admissions), followed by small bowel volvulus (20.8%). Most patients (83.2%) underwent surgery during their admission. The most common diagnosis in patients who did not require surgery was also adhesion (68.0%), as well as for those who had surgery (33.9%), followed by small bowel volvulus (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of SBO in Ethiopia may be changing, with postoperative adhesions becoming more common than other historically more prevalent causes. Although a Gastrografin protocol as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic aid for SBO is feasible in this population and setting, challenges can be anticipated, and future studies of protocol implementation and effectiveness are needed to further inform its utility in Ethiopia and other low-income and middle-income countries.

Small bowel diaphragm disease with multiple cluster lesions in one segment of the small bowel mimicking an adhesion band: A case report.

RATIONALE: Small bowel diaphragm disease (SBDD) is a rare case, caused by long-term administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The circumferential diaphragm in the lumen of small bowel causing mechanical obstruction is the characteristic finding. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 74-year-old male was transferred to Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital (PNUYH) due to abdominal pain lasting for 2 months. He was treated in the local medical center (LMC) with Levin tube insertion and Nil Per Os (NPO) but showed no improvement. DIAGNOSIS: According to abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) result, small bowel obstruction due to the adhesion band was identified, showing dilatation of the small bowel with abrupt narrowing of the ileum. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic exploration was done but failed to find an adhesion band. An investigation of the whole small bowel was done with mini-laparotomy. At the transitional zone, the intraluminal air could not pass so the segmental resection of small bowel including the transitional zone and end-to-end anastomosis was done. OUTCOMES: After surgery, every laboratory finding recovered to the normal range in 4 days, but the patient's ileus lasted for 8 days. The patient's symptoms were relieved after defecation, he was discharged on postoperative day 10. LESSONS: For patients who show mechanical obstruction without an operation history but with long-term administration of NSAIDs, the clinicians should suspect small bowel diaphragm disease.

Individualization of the best approach for adhesive small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic postoperatives outcomes in adhesiolysis are promising but conversion and morbidity remains high. The objective of our study was to determine preoperative factors to individualize and select the most appropriate approach for each patient. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years old undergoing emergent surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction and internal hernias were evaluated. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate factors related to conversion to open surgery and to the type of adhesions. RESULTS: Of 333 patients, 224 were operated by laparotomy and 109 by laparoscopy (conversion rate: 40%). Previous abdominal wall mesh, type of adhesions, bowel lesion, need for intestinal resection and laparoscopic skills were statistically related to conversion. In the multivariate analysis, complex adhesions (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.5-12.2; P = 0.006), the need for intestinal resection (OR 14.16, 95% CI 2.55-78.68; P = 0.002), and non-advanced laparoscopy surgeons (OR 4.31, 95% CI 1.56-11.94; P = 0.005) were independent factors for conversion to open surgery. ASA III-IV, previous surgeries, previous abdominal mesh and previous adhesiolysis were related to complex adhesions. Previous laparoscopic surgery and internal hernia or closed loop in computed tomography were associated with simple adhesions as a cause of the obstruction. In the multivariate, previous adhesiolysis (OR 4.76, 95% CI 1.23-18.3; P = 0.023) and the findings on computed tomography were significantly related with the type of adhesion. CONCLUSION: Some preoperative factors allow to individualize the surgical approach in the adhesive small bowel obstruction improving surgical outcomes.

Clinical evidence of positive correlation between intrauterine adhesions and chronic endometritis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the potential correlation between chronic endometritis (CE) and intrauterine adhesions (IUA) with its associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 131 patients who underwent hysteroscopic transcervical resection of adhesions (TCRA) for intrauterine adhesions at our hospital between February 2020 and February 2021. General clinical data were collected and analyzed using univariate, multifactorial, and logistic regression analyses. Patients with mild, moderate, and severe IUA were divided into two groups based on whether they coincided with CE (CE group) or not (NCE group). Logistic regression analysis of the factors associated with IUA was performed, and the recurrence rates of IUA after TCRA in the CE and NCE groups were registered. RESULTS: The risk of severe IUA was higher in patients with a higher number of abortions, higher number of indolent abortions, and CD138 positivity. In addition, the incidence of IUA combined with chronic CE varied when comparing the different IUA stages: 10.70% (3/28) for patients with mild IUA, 25.00% (7/28) for patients with moderate IUA, and 64.30% (18/28) for patients with severe IUA. The recurrence rates of IUA after TCRA in the CE and NCE groups were 69.20% (9/26) and 30.08% (4/67), respectively, in patients with moderate to severe IUA, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=12.782, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was observed between CE and IUA. Patients presenting both conditions had more severe IUA stage and higher recurrence rates after TCRA.

A Neglected Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture Caused by Arthritic Adhesion.

Extensor hallucis longus tendon injury is relatively rare and is principally caused by a laceration when a sharp object is dropped on the instep. Primary suturing is possible if the injury is acute, but if the tear is chronic, tendon contracture causes the space between the edges of the tear to widen, disrupting the end-to-end connection. In particular, a claw toe or checkrein foot deformity may develop over time due to adhesion of the lower leg tendons near the fracture site or scar. We report on a 44-year-old man who visited our outpatient clinic complaining of pain in the right foot and a hindered ability to extend his great toe. He had enjoyed playing soccer during his schooldays; since that time, the extension of that toe had become somewhat difficult. T2-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the continuity of the extensor hallucis longus tendon had been lost at the distal phalangeal base attachment site, and that the region of the proximal tendon was retracted to level of the middle shaft of the proximal phalanx. The findings allowed us to diagnose extensor hallucis longus tendon rupture accompanying osteoarthritic changes in the joint and soft tissues. We performed surgical tenorrhaphy and adhesiolysis. This is a rare case of extensor hallucis longus tendon rupture caused by minor trauma. Arthritis that developed at a young age caused the adhesions. If patients with foot and ankle arthritis show tendon adhesion at the arthritic site, tendon rupture can develop even after minor trauma or intense stretching.

High Grade Intestinal Obstruction From Internal Hernia Beneath an Intraperitoneal External Iliac Artery.

Acute small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common cause of emergency department visits in the United States, and it accounts for approximately 20% of emergency surgical operations.1 Its etiology is divided into intrinsic luminal obstruction or extrinsic compression of the bowel.2 Among the causes of SBO, by far the most common is intraperitoneal adhesions due to previous abdominal surgeries, which comprises about 60-70% of the cases.2 The abdominal cavity is subdivided into the peritoneal cavity and the retroperitoneal cavity; the division is marked by a thin covering of parietal peritoneum that encases all the intraperitoneal structures. Here, we present a rare case of an acute small bowel obstruction secondary to exposure of the retroperitoneal external iliac artery from a surgical procedure 20 years prior to presentation.

Variation in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction in the Netherlands: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: ASBO is a frequent abdominal surgical emergency and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in emergency surgery. The aim of this study is to provide insight into the current management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and associated outcomes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A nationwide prospective cross-sectional cohort study was conducted. All patients with clinical signs of ASBO admitted to participating Dutch hospitals were included during a 6 months inclusion period between April 2019 and December 2020. Ninety-day clinical outcomes were described and compared for nonoperative management (NOM) and laparoscopic and open surgery. RESULTS: In 34 participating hospitals, 510 patients were included, of whom 382 (74.9%) had a definitive diagnosis of ASBO. Initial management consisted of emergency surgery in 71 (18.6%) patients and NOM in 311 (81.4%) patients, 119 (31.1%) of whom required delayed surgery after failure of NOM. Surgical interventions started laparoscopically in 51.1%, of which 36.1% were converted to laparotomy. Intentional laparoscopy resulted in shorter hospital stays compared with open surgery (median 8.0 vs. 11.0 days; P <0.001) and comparable hospital mortality (5.2 vs. 4.3%; P =1.000). Oral water-soluble contrast use was associated with a decreased length of stay ( P =0.0001). Hospital stay for surgical patients was shorter in patients who were operated on within 72 h of admission ( P <0.001). CONCLUSION: This nationwide cross-sectional study demonstrates shorter hospital stay in ASBO patients who received water-soluble contrast, were operated within 72 h of admission or were operated with minimally invasive techniques. Results may support the standardization of ASBO treatment.

Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Review.

Adhesion is a leading cause of small bowel obstruction. Adhesive small bowel obstruction has significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prevention with considerable impact on morbidity and socioeconomic burden. Small bowel obstruction caused by adhesion or any other aetiology is clinically indistinguishable due to similar clinical presentation. Computed Tomography scans and water-soluble contrast studies are more specific in diagnosis and possess value in predicting the need for surgery. Surgical management is indicated only in complicated cases or failed conservative treatments with the majority resolving with non-operative management. However, there is no clear-cut consensus about the timing of operative intervention. Meticulous surgical practice is the keystone in preventing adhesion formation despite the availability of numerous pharmacological and surgical strategies. This review aims to update the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of adhesion formation, treatment options and various prevention modalities of adhesive small bowel obstruction. Keywords: diagnosis; laparotomy; prevention; surgery.

Peritoneal adhesion findings during laparoscopy: Determinants of occurrence and effect of severity on operative outcomes in a Nigerian Hospital.

Context: Peritoneal adhesions unlike other immediately recognizable complications of the surgery may produce long-term consequences, which include infertility and intestinal obstruction. Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, the determinants, and the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery associated with intraperitoneal adhesion findings. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: The study included all laparoscopic gynecological surgeries done between January 2017 and December 2021. Adhesion severity was graded, using the peritoneal adhesion index (PAI), by Coccolini et al. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.0. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with adhesion finding during laparoscopy. Results: There were 158 laparoscopic surgeries with 26.6% prevalence of peritoneal adhesions. The prevalence of adhesions among women with previous surgery was 72.7%. Previous peritoneal surgery was a significant determinant of occurrence of adhesions (odds ratio = 8.291, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.464-15.397, P < 0.001), and such patients had significantly (P = 0.025, 95% CI = 0.408-5.704) more severe adhesions (PAI = 11.16 ± 3.94) than those without prior surgery (PAI = 8.10 ± 3.14). Abdominal myomectomy (PAI = 13.09 ± 2.95) was the most important primary surgical determinant of adhesion formation. There was no significant relationship between adhesion occurrence and conversion to laparotomy (P = 0.121) or mean duration of surgery (P = 0.962). Greater adhesion severity was, however, observed in individuals with operative blood loss <100 ml (PAI = 11.73 ± 3.56, P = 0.003) and those hospitalized for ≤2 days (PAI = 11.12 ± 3.81, P = 0.022). Conclusion: The prevalence of postoperative adhesions during laparoscopy in our center is comparable to what has been earlier reported. Abdominal myomectomy is associated with the greatest risk and severity of adhesions. Laparoscopy in patients with more severe adhesions resulted in less blood loss and shorter duration of hospitalization, suggesting an association of better outcomes with a cautious approach to adhesions.

Résumé Contexte: Les adhérences péritonéales, contrairement aux autres complications chirurgicales immédiatement reconnaissables, peuvent avoir des conséquences à long terme, notamment la stérilité et l'occlusion intestinale. Objectifs: L'étude visait à déterminer la prévalence, les déterminants et les résultats de la chirurgie laparoscopique associée aux résultats des adhérences intrapéritonéales. Paramètres et conception: Il s'agissait d'une étude d'observation rétrospective. Matériaux et méthodes: L'étude a inclus toutes les chirurgies gynécologiques laparoscopiques réalisées entre janvier 2017 et décembre 2021.La gravité des adhérences a été évaluée, en utilisant l'indice d'adhérence péritonéale (PAI), de Coccolini et al. Analyse statistique: Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 21.0. Une régression logistique binaire a été utilisée pour évaluer les facteurs associés à la recherche d'adhérences pendant la laparoscopie. Résultats: Il y a eu 158 chirurgies laparoscopiques avec une prévalence de 26,6 % d'adhérences péritonéales. La prévalence des adhérences chez les femmes avec une chirurgie antérieure était de 72,7 %. La chirurgie péritonéale antérieure était un déterminant important de l'apparition d'adhérences (rapport de cotes = 8,291, Intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % = 4,464-15,397, P < 0, 001), et ces patientes avaient significativement (P = 0,025, IC à 95 % = 0,408-5,704) des adhérences plus sévères (PAI = 11,16 ± 3,94) que celles sans chirurgie préalable (PAI = 8,10 ± 3,14). La myomectomie abdominale (PAI = 13,09 ± 2,95) était le déterminant chirurgical primaire le plus important de la formation de l'adhérence. Il n'y avait pas de relation significative entre l'occurrence de l'adhérence et la conversion en laparotomie (P = 0,121) ou la durée moyenne de la chirurgie (P = 0,962). Cependant, une plus grande sévérité de l'adhérence a été observée chez les personnes ayant une perte de sang opératoire <100 ml (PAI = 11,73 ± 3,56, P = 0,003) et celles hospitalisées pendant ≤2 jours (PAI = 11,12 ± 3,81,P=0,022). Conclusion: La prévalence des adhérences postopératoires lors d'une laparoscopie dans notre centre est comparable à ce qui a été précédemmentRapporté. La myomectomie abdominale est associée au plus grand risque et à la plus grande sévérité des adhérences. La laparoscopie chez les patients souffrant d'adhérences plus sévères a entraîné une perte de sang moins importante et un séjour hospitalier plus court, ce qui suggère une association de meilleurs résultats avec une approche prudente des adhérences. Mots-clés: Fertilité, laparoscopie, myomectomie, adhrérences péritonéales.

A multi-analysis of nomogram model for the identification of banded adhesions and matted adhesions in adhesive small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative diagnosis of the cause of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is very challenging for surgeons. We aimed to develop a nomogram model for the identification of banded adhesions (BA) and matted adhesions (MA) of ASBO. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with ASBO between January 2012 and December 2020, classified into BA and MA groups according to the intraoperative findings. A nomogram model was developed by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were included, with 117 (58.8%) cases of BA and 82 (41.2%) cases of MA. There were 150 patients designed for training the model, and the other 49 cases for validation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prior surgery for once (p = 0.008), white blood cells (WBC) (p = 0.001), beak sign (p < 0.001), fat notch sign (p = 0.013), and mesenteric haziness (p = 0.005) were independently associated with BA. The AREA under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of the nomogram model in the training and validation sets were 0.861 (95% CI 0.802-0.921) and 0.884 (95% CI 0.789-0.980), respectively. The calibration plot demonstrated a good agreement. A decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram model was clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-analysis of the nomogram model might have a favorable clinical applicability for the identification of BA and MA in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction.

Recurrence After Operated Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: Development and Validation of a Predictive Model.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrence after operated adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a threatening potentiality for patients and a therapeutic dilemma facing any surgeon. Yet, little is known about screening tools to identify patients at higher risk of recurrence. The present study aimed to determine the risk factors of recurrence in patients operated on for ASBO and to construct a reliable predictive model capable of quantifying the risk of recurrence, which will be a practical tool to guide individualized patient management. METHODS: We developed a best-fit nomogram using data from a training cohort of 454 patients with ASBO treated surgically at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from 2012 through 2021. The nomogram was developed based on variables independently associated with recurrent ASBO screened via multivariate logistic regression. This model was validated using data from an independent internal cohort of 194 patients at the same institution and an external cohort of 196 patients at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Both internal and external validation was performed with a bootstrap resampling method (1000 iterations). The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated using Harrell's concordance index (C index) and calibration curve. RESULTS: Eight-one out of 648 (12.5%) patients experienced at least one ASBO relapse with a median follow-up of 37 (interquartile range, 18-70) months. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the following independent predictive factors associated with recurrence: diabetes mellitus (P = 0.004), preoperative albumin levels (P = 0.002), omentectomy (P = 0.002), matted adhesions (P = 0.036), and the approach of surgery (P = 0.008). Incorporating these five predictors, our nomogram predicted recurrent ASBO with C-index scores of 0.932 (95% CI 0.867-0.996) in the training cohort, 0.874 (95% CI 0.706-1) in the internal validation cohort, and 0.852 (95% CI 0.667-0.920) in the external validation cohort. The predictive model showed a very good fitting degree. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a practical, easy-to-use nomogram for calculating the risk of recurrence in patients with ASBO treated surgically will enable physicians to tailor therapeutic strategies and monitor disease in advance.

Small Bowel Obstruction Secondary to Endometriosis and Hydrosalpinx.

We describe the case of a 32-year-old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 3-day history of severe epigastric abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Past medical history was significant for known right hydrosalpinx and previous pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), without past surgical history. Clinical examination revealed a hemodynamically stable patient with a soft but distended abdomen, tenderness in the epigastric region, without signs of peritonitis. Bloodwork including white blood cell count, electrolytes, and lactic acid was unremarkable. Initial computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast demonstrated a small bowel obstruction (SBO) with a transition point in the right lower quadrant, accompanied by mesenteric edema and free fluid. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed obstruction secondary to dense adhesions involving the terminal ileum, appendix, sigmoid colon, and right ovary. Lysis of adhesions, appendectomy, and excision of a right paratubal cyst were performed. Histopathology demonstrated endometriosis of the appendix and a benign paratubal cyst.

The Volume of Intestinal Decompression can Predict the Necessity of Surgical Intervention for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is no standard timing for switching to surgical management for children with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) who initially receive conservative treatment. We hypothesized that an increased gastrointestinal drainage volume may indicate the need for surgical intervention. METHODS: The study population included 150 episodes in the patients less than 20 years of age who received treatment for ASBO in our department from January 2008 to August 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: the successful conservative treatment group (CT) and the eventual surgical treatment group (ST). Following the analysis of all episodes (Study 1), we limited our analysis to only first ASBO episodes (Study 2). We retrospectively reviewed their medical records. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the volume on the 2nd day in both Study 1 (9.1 ml/kg vs. 18.7 ml/kg; p < 0.01) and study 2 (8.1 ml/kg vs. 19.7 ml/kg; p < 0.01). The cut-off value was the same for both Study 1 and Study 2 (11.7 ml/kg). CONCLUSIONS: The gastrointestinal drainage volume on the 2nd day in ST was significantly larger than that in CT. Accordingly, we considered that the drainage volume may predict eventual surgical intervention for children with ASBO who initially receive conservative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Geographic Variation in Operative Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Variation in surgical management exists nationally. We hypothesize that geographic variation exists in adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a national commercial insurance claims database (MarketScan) sample (2017-2019) was performed in adults with hospital admission due to aSBO. Geographic variation in rates of surgical intervention for aSBO was evaluated by state and compared to a risk-adjusted national baseline using a Bayesian spatial rates Poisson regression model. For individual-level analysis, patients were identified in 2018, with 365-d look back and follow-up periods. Logistic regression was performed for individual-level predictors of operative intervention for aSBO. RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred forty-five patients were included. State-level analysis revealed rates of operative intervention for aSBO were significantly higher in Missouri and lower in Florida. On individual-level analysis, age (P < 0.01) and male sex (P < 0.03) but not comorbidity profile or prior aSBO, were negatively associated with undergoing operative management for aSBO. Patients presenting in 2018 with a history of admission for aSBO the year prior experienced a five-fold increase in odds of representation (odds ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 3.1-9.6) in 2019. Patients who received an operation for aSBO in 2018 reduced the odds of readmission in the next year by 77% (odds ratio: 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.5). The volume of operations performed within a state did not influence readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of aSBO varies across the continental USA. Operative intervention is associated with decreased rates of representation in the following year. These data highlight a critical need for standardized guidelines for emergency general surgery patients.

Financial and Inpatient Burden of Adhesion-Related Small Bowel Obstruction: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative adhesions may occur after >90% of laparotomies and is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). Despite the high incidence, there is a lack of data related to financial implications of adhesion-related SBO (ASBO). This systematic literature review of in-hospital costs for treatment of ASBO searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Exclusion criteria were reviews, editorials, clinical vignettes, studies of patients <18 years of age, studies with no English full text and studies assessing adhesiolysis for causes other than SBO or that used extrapolations with economic models. Main outcome measures were financial costs per patient and national costs. RESULTS: Seven studies, published between 1999 and 2016, incorporating a total of 39 573 patients, were identified. Four were undertaken in European countries, one in the USA, 1 in New Zealand and 1 in Nigeria. Overall national costs regarding treatment of patients with ASBO ranged between $3.468 million and $1.77 billion. Median overall cost in the medical management group was $2371.5 ($1814-$2568) vs $12370 ($4914-$25321) in the surgical group. Median length of stay was 4 (3-7) days for patients conservatively treated and 11.5 (8-16.3) days for patients who underwent surgery. Median length of stay of operated patients on was almost triple that of patients conservatively managed. CONCLUSIONS: Given the major financial implications of ASBO, further initiatives are needed to avoid operations for SBO when clinically appropriate and minimize delays taking patients with high suspicion of complete SBO to the operating room.

The potential association between metabolic syndrome and risk of post-surgical adhesion.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the clustering of several associated with a group of disorders that include: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The incidence of MetS is increasing globally around the world. Indeed the rates of different types of surgery in older or younger patients with Mets are increasing and they are exposed to a wide range of operations including abdominal, pelvic, urologic, or any invasive procedures. Post-surgical adhesion is a common problem and is a challenge for the surgeon. Despite many studies on its pathogenesis, there remain many un-answered questions about it, for example why certain tissues and patients are more at higher risk of post-surgical adhesions. Many studies have suggested that MetS is associated with up-regulating molecular mechanisms leading to chronic inflammation and hypercoagulability. In this review, we discuss some of the molecular mechanisms by MetS may enhance post-surgical adhesion, and particularly regarding those involved in coagulation and inflammation.