Role of tramadol as an adjuvant in ultrasound-guided serratus anterior muscle block for modified radical mastectomy - A randomized control trial.

Background and Aims: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is associated with significant acute post-operative pain that may progress to chronic pain syndromes in 25-60% of patients. Serratus anterior muscle (SAM) block has proved to be an excellent analgesic option in patients undergoing MRM. Although many adjuvants have been utilized for the prolongation of analgesia, the role of tramadol in SAM has not been studied as yet. We hypothesize that the addition of tramadol to ropivacaine for SAM block may reduce morphine consumption in the post-operative period in patients undergoing elective MRM surgeries. The primary aim of the study was to compare cumulative post-operative morphine consumption over 24 h in patients receiving SAM block with or without tramadol. The secondary aims were to observe adverse events related to the procedure or medications. The other parameters recorded were non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse rate, respiratory rate, and nausea or vomiting. Material and Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo MRM were randomly allocated by block randomization into two groups. The study group (Group T) received a SAM block with 0.25% ropivacaine (18 ml) with tramadol 100 mg while the control group (Group P) received a SAM block with 18 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine and 2 ml of saline. Patients were assessed for pain scores, analgesic requirement, time to first analgesic request, hemodynamic variables, and any side-effects at 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h post-operatively. Results: Cumulative morphine consumption over 24 h in the post-operative period was less in the group T (3.06 ± 1.53 mg vs 4.34 ± 1.53 mg; P 0.001). Time to the first analgesic requirement was more in group T (10.44 ± 5.04 h vs 6.11 ± 2.73 h; P < 0.001). Pain scores were significantly lower in the group T at all time points. Conclusion: Tramadol, when used as an adjuvant to ropivacaine for SAM block reduces post-operative pain scores in the first 24 h and prolongs the time of first morphine requirement.

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome: A new look at an old problem.

BACKGROUND: Despite being the most commonly performed operations, sometimes cholecystectomy fails to relieve symptoms; this is now a well-recognised clinical entity termed 'post-cholecystectomy syndrome' (PCS). Very few studies from India deal with PCS, and the present study was carried out to find the incidence and risk factors for PCS in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 207 patients undergoing elective LC were prospectively maintained for 6 months after surgery. Persistence or appearance of new symptoms after surgery was documented and investigated only when they persisted beyond 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: There were 185 (89.4%) female patients and 22 (10.6%) male patients with a mean age of 44.4 years (age range: 12-79 years). Conversion to open cholecystectomy was done in 18 patients (8.69%), mainly due to adhesions and unclear anatomy. The incidence of symptoms was found to be 13% at 6 months follow-up, showing a reducing trend from 58% in the 1st week after LC; the most common symptom in symptomatic patients was dyspepsia (55.56%). On investigation, a cause for symptoms could be detected in only 0.97%. CONCLUSION: Symptoms are common after LC, but they settle over time. Very few patients have a detectable cause for symptoms after LC, and it is difficult to predict which patients will become symptomatic after LC; in the present series, previous attacks of cholecystitis and presence of co-morbid conditions were the only consistent risk factors for symptoms after LC.

Presentation and management of gallbladder remnant after partial cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Partial cholecystectomy is usually performed with the aim of preventing bile duct injury and/or vascular injuries in situations where there is difficulty in performing cholecystectomy. Occasionally, such patients can become symptomatic due to recurrence or persistence of disease in the gallbladder remnant and may require further treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case series of various presentations and follow up of seven patients who had undergone open partial cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease in the past. RESULTS: Of 7 patients, 6 were symptomatic, and each of them was found to have a remnant of the gallbladder (with calculi in the remnant in 4 patients). Three patients who presented with recurrent biliary symptoms were re-operated and the gallbladder remnant was removed, with resolution of the symptoms. Two patients refused further operation-one patient with acute pancreatitis who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for removal of common bile duct stones, and another who presented with acute cholecystitis. The other 2 patients (one with transient jaundice and the other who is asymptomatic) remain on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although partial cholecystectomy is an accepted, safe option in difficult cases, these patients must be counselled regarding the recurrence of symptoms, and must be kept on follow-up. If symptoms develop, completion of cholecystectomy to remove the remnant provides symptomatic relief.

Risk factors for leak after omentopexy for duodenal ulcer perforations.

AIMS: Duodenal ulcer perforations are frequently encountered but there is limited literature regarding risk factors for leak after omentopexy. METHODOLOGY: The record of 100 patients of duodenal ulcer perforation undergoing omentopexy by open approach was prospectively maintained to identify any significant factors contributing towards leak. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients undergoing omentopexy, 9 (9%) developed leak; when leak occurred, the mortality was very high (44.4%). Patients who developed leak (09) were compared against those who did not (91), and it was seen that seen that duration of symptoms before surgery (> 3 days), amount of intra-abdominal contamination (> 2 L), low body mass index (BMI < 19.35 kg/m2), serum creatinine (> 1.5 mg/dl), and deranged International Normalized Ratio (INR) were found to be significant on univariate analysis; however, multivariate analysis revealed only low BMI and high creatinine to be contributory towards leak. CONCLUSION: Leak after omentopexy carries a high morbidity and mortality. Identification of risk factors may help in optimizing patients at risk and reduce the incidence of leak and its sequelae. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2020/03/023798.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block compared to serratus anterior muscle block for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy surgeries: A randomized control trial.

Background and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to compare the analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane (ESP) block with serratus anterior muscle (SAM) block in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). We hypothesized that ESP block would provide better postoperative pain relief than SAM block following MRM. Methods: Eighty American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I-II adult females, scheduled for MRM, were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided ipsilateral single-shot ESP or SAM block after induction in the respective planes, using 20 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. Both the groups received postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) (morphine) for 24 h. The primary outcome was to assess pain severity using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Postoperative 24-h opioid consumption, time to first opioid analgesia, hemodynamic variables, total dose of antiemetics, and safety profile of both the blocks were also evaluated. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: VAS scores were lower in the ESP block group, at rest and on movement, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Postoperative morphine consumption was also significantly less in patients receiving ESP block as compared to SAM block (3.13 ± 1.44 mg vs 4.33 ± 1.69 mg; P = 0.001). The time to first analgesia request was significantly prolonged in the ESP group as compared to the SAM group (9.58 ± 4.11 h vs 6.46 ± 2.95 h; P = 0.001). No major side effects were observed in any of the study groups. Conclusions: ESP block provides better analgesia as compared to SAM block after MRM. Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2019/03/018067.

Primary Cutaneous Mucormycosis: A Necrotising Soft Tissue Infection with Poor Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous mucormycosis is an unusual fungal infection that continues to occur. It needs aggressive surgical debridement and timely administration of antifungals due to its high fatality rate. High clinical suspicion on the part of a surgeon is required to prevent the same. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of cutaneous mucormycosis in which the patients succumbed to death, highlighting the seriousness of the condition. One patient had a lower leg ulcer and was diabetic, and the other patient had a gluteal abscess following an intramuscular injection. Tissue samples grew Rhizopus arrhizus and Apophysomyces sp., respectively. Both patients were treated with amphotericin B, and extensive debridement was performed. DISCUSSION: Cutaneous mucormycosis can be reported in immunocompetent people, and there is a need for early recognition of the entity as a differential diagnosis of any nonhealing necrotic ulcer. CONCLUSION: Proper training and education of technical and clinical staff should be done at peripheral primary and secondary care centres so as not to miss out on cases of mucormycosis and for better prognosis in a cutaneous variety of mucormycosis in surgical patients.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla of vater: presentation, pathology and prognosis.

CONTEXT: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreatic ampulla are uncommon. The final diagnosis is based on histology, and at times, it may be difficult to diagnose them pre-operatively since they present with a similar clinical picture to adenocarcinomas of this region. OBJECTIVE: To identify neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla, as well as their presentation and management. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients treated at a tertiary care institute was performed over a six-year period from 2005 to 2010. PATIENTS: Cases with periampullary cancers were investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The case records were scrutinised for the clinical presentation, management and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4 cases (7.7%) of neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla were identified from 52 patients with periampullary lesions, at a mean age of presentation of 49 years. The common mode of presentation was progressive jaundice (3 of 4 patients); pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 3 patients. One patient underwent palliative endoscopic stenting for metastatic disease. On histopathology, 2 of the patients had poorly differentiated (neuro)endocrine carcinoma (high grade), and 2 had well differentiated (neuro)endocrine carcinoma (1 low grade and 1 intermediate). All the tumors stained positively with chromogranin A. The patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy are on regular follow-up and remain free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla are distinct entities presenting clinically with jaundice. They stain positive with chromogranin A on histopathology. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be performed as it is associated with good outcome.

Hypocalcaemia - A rare complication of ileostomy.

Hypocalcaemia is an uncommon complication of ileostomy. We present one such case where significant symptoms only resolved on reversal of the ileostomy.

Mucor as a cause of surgical site infection.

Mucor is an uncommon cause of surgical site infection. We present such a case after intramedullary nailing of the femur and discuss its presentation and management.

Determinants of Mortality in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are frequently encountered, with a high mortality despite advances in health care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients presenting with NSTI were prospectively followed up in an attempt to identify factors that were significantly associated with mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 86 patients [65 males (75.6%) and 21 females (24.4%)] with an overall mortality of 33.7% (29 patients). The average age was 50.37 years and trauma was the commonest aetiology (34 patients, 66.7%). The average duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 10.56 days; the lower limb was most commonly involved (62 patients, 72.09%). Fifty nine patients had comorbidities (commonest being diabetes mellitus in 41). Age above 50 years, symptoms for more than 8.5 days, involved surface area more than 15.5%, of the total body surface, on-admission pulse rate more than 99 beats/minute, systolic blood pressure less than 103 mm Hg, Glasgow scale less than 12, need for inotropes, low hemoglobin, high leukocyte counts, uraemia, deranged coagulation, low serum albumin, and high levels of lactic acid were significant for mortality. On multivariate analysis, only age above 50 years, presence of acidosis and low serum albumin significantly affected survival. CONCLUSION: NSTI carry high mortality. The identification of potential risk factors associated with mortality might help in guiding and optimizing the management of patients who present with NSTI.

Peritonitis-associated hyperlactatemia for evaluating mortality in secondary peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: In sepsis, lactate measurements correlate with mortality; however, the role of lactate in predicting mortality in patients of secondary peritonitis is not yet fully established. METHODS: Data were maintained prospectively on 224 patients of secondary peritonitis over a period of 10 years. Arterial lactate measurements were performed twice in each patient - once, initially on admission (ALI ) and the other, 24 h after surgery (AL24 ); from these values, percentage lactate clearance was calculated. These lactate indices and other demographic factors were correlated with mortality. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 16.07% (36 patients) and morbidity was 63.39% (pulmonary complications commonest); preoperative lactate (more than 2.35 mmol/L), 24-h postoperative lactate (more than 2.05 mmol/L), need for vasopressors and mechanical ventilation independently correlated with morbidity and mortality. A simple prognostic scale constructed using cut-off values of ALI , AL24 , need for vasopressor support and mechanical ventilation showed a sensitivity of 97.22% and specificity of 52.13% for predicting mortality. CONCLUSION: Preoperative and postoperative arterial lactate levels, need for vasopressors and mechanical ventilation, are independent predictors of mortality. Using these parameters, it may be possible to identify high risk patients that can benefit from early, goal directed therapy to reduce the mortality of secondary peritonitis.

Isolated giant ileal neurofibroma sans neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromas are benign neoplasms that are usually seen in hereditary disorders such as von Recklinghausen's disease [neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)]. The occurrence of isolated ileal neurofibroma in patients without the classic manifestations of NF1 or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes is an extremely rare entity . We report one such case of isolated ileal neurofibroma in a 60 year old woman without any other stigmata of NF. It may be the initial manifestation of NF1 or MEN 2b or malignant transformation, all of which necessitate further follow-up of these patients.

The management of large perforations of duodenal ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal ulcer perforations are a common surgical emergency, but literature is silent on the exact definition, incidence, management and complications of large perforations of duodenal ulcers. METHODS: The case files of 162 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for duodenal ulcer perforations over a period of three years (2001 - 2003) were retrospectively reviewed and sorted into groups based on the size of the perforations - one group was defined as 'small 'perforations (less than 1 cm in diameter), another 'large' (when the perforation was more than 1 cm but less than 3 cms), and the third, 'giant'(when the perforation exceeded 3 cm). These groups of patients were then compared with each other in regard to the patient particulars, duration of symptoms, surgery performed and the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were identified to have duodenal ulcer perforations more than 1 cm in size, thus accounting for nearly 25 % of all duodenal ulcer perforations operated during this period. These patients had a significantly higher incidence of leak, morbidity and mortality when compared to those with smaller perforations. CONCLUSION: There are three distinct types of perforations of duodenal ulcers that are encountered in clinical practice. The first, are the 'small' perforations that are easy to manage and have low morbidity and mortality. The second are the 'large' perforations, that are also not uncommon, and omental patch closure gives the best results even in this subset of patients. The word 'giant' should be reserved for perforations that exceed 3 cms in diameter, and these are extremely uncommon.

Herniation of colon following transhiatal esophagectomy.

We report a 38-year-old man with intestinal obstruction following transhiatal esophagectomy for carcinoma esophagus; it occurred secondary to herniation of the transverse colon through the esophageal hiatus into the mediastinum. The patient is asymptomatic after reduction of the hernia and repair of the disphragmatic hernia.

Calvarial tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial tuberculosis is rare, even in areas where tuberculosis is endemic. Primary calvarial tuberculosis, with no evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body is a rarer entity. METHODS: Seven cases of calvarial tuberculosis are presented. The relevant clinicoradiological features and management are discussed. RESULTS: Two cases of primary calvarial tuberculosis could only be diagnosed after surgery. The other cases were diagnosed with the help of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biopsy. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion and awareness of this condition may lead to more cases being diagnosed early. Surgery may be avoided in selected cases that can be treated primarily with antitubercular therapy.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia.

A traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare type of hernia, which follows blunt trauma to the abdomen, where disruption of the musculature and fascia occurs, with the overlying skin remaining intact. The case of a sixty five year old female that developed a TAWH, following the collapse of the roof of her house, is reported. She underwent a laparotomy for suspected liver injury, followed by repair of the hernia using a fascia lata graft taken from the thigh. The etiology, pathogenesis and management of this rare hernia are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma in horseshoe kidney.

An adenocarcinoma arising in a horseshoe kidney (HK) is rare. The case of a forty five-year-old male patient, presenting with a recurrent, painless hematuria, is reported. On investigation the patient was found to have a horseshoe kidney, with an adenocarcinoma in the left hemi-kidney, which was treated surgically, with a hemi-nephrectomy, of the involved part, being performed to excise the tumor. A brief review of the relevant literature is also presented.

Corrosive-induced gastric outlet obstruction.

Ten patients with gastric scarring and an outlet obstruction secondary to ingestion of corrosive substances were referred to our department for surgical management, between May 1999 and April 2003. Hydrochloric acid was the most common corrosive ingested (4 cases), although many were not aware of the nature of the ingested substance. An associated esophageal stricture was present in 5 cases (50%). All the patients initially underwent feeding jejunostomy, with definitive surgery performed at a later date. A partial gastrectomy was found to be the most satisfactory procedure, and was performed in 90% of the cases (9 patients).