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.

Ultrasound assessment of abdominal adhesions in neonates: data over dogma for re-operative timing.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal abdominal reoperation is difficult and can be complicated by abdominal adhesions. Identifying patients who could safely undergo early reoperation would save TPN and central line days, decrease associated infection and liver injury, and NICU and hospital length of stay. We sought to determine if ultrasound (US) could accurately assess the location and severity of adhesions in neonates as an objective dynamic marker capable of informing reoperation timing. METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a prospective observational study including neonates undergoing abdominal operations. Patients received surgeon-performed US approximately every 2 weeks until reoperation or discharge. Adhesions were assessed in five zones: right upper quadrant (RUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), left lower quadrant (LLQ) and peri-incision (INC). RESULTS: Over a 6-month study period, 16 neonates were enrolled. Median gestational age was 34 weeks at birth and median weight 2.2 kg. 6 underwent reoperation within initial NICU admission. At time of operation US correctly identified the absence or presence and severity of adhesions in: RUQ (3/3); RLQ (6/6); LUQ (4/5); LLQ (6/6); and INC (5/5). CONCLUSION: US can identify location and severity of post-operative adhesions in neonates, potentially identifying patients who can safely undergo reoperation earlier than predetermined wait periods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Recurrent Colic: Diagnosis, Management, and Expectations.

Most recurrent episodes of non-specific colic are self-limiting, and the results of clinical examinations are unremarkable. Differentiating these cases from serious diseases can be difficult, but repeated evaluations are warranted. Horses presenting with very frequent bouts of colic are more likely to have serious diseases and a higher mortality rate compared to horses presenting with less frequent bouts of transient colic. Horses with recurrent bouts of prolonged colic are more likely to have motility issues or partial intestinal obstruction. Non-gastrointestinal diseases can also cause recurrent bouts of pain ("false colic"). Adhesions are common causes of colic following abdominal surgery.

Clinical Benefits of Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis during Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion: A Single-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: In peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy, intra-abdominal adhesions (IAAs) can cause catheter insertion failure, poor dialysis function, and decreased PD adequacy. Unfortunately, IAAs are not readily visible to currently available imaging methods. The laparoscopic approach for inserting PD catheters enables direct visualization of IAAs and simultaneously performs adhesiolysis. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the benefit/risk profile of laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients receiving PD catheter placement. This retrospective study aimed to address this issue. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 440 patients who received laparoscopic PD catheter insertion at our hospital between January 2013 and May 2020. Adhesiolysis was performed in all cases with IAA identified via laparoscopy. We retrospectively reviewed data, including clinical characteristics, operative details, and PD-related clinical outcomes. Results: These patients were classified into the adhesiolysis group (n = 47) and the non-IAA group (n = 393). The clinical characteristics and operative details had no remarkable between-group differences, except the percentage of prior abdominal operation history was higher and the median operative time was longer in the adhesiolysis group. PD-related clinical outcomes, including incidence rate of mechanical obstruction, PD adequacy (Kt/V urea and weekly creatinine clearance), and overall catheter survival, were all comparable between the adhesiolysis and non-IAA groups. None of the patients in the adhesiolysis group suffered adhesiolysis-related complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with IAA confers clinical benefits in achieving PD-related outcomes comparable to those without IAA. It is a safe and reasonable approach. Our findings provide new evidence to support the benefits of this laparoscopic approach, especially in patients with a risk of IAAs.

[Safety of mesh with fluoropolymer coating during intra-abdominal placement in large animals: results of the pilot study]. / Bezopasnost' setchatykh endoprotezov s ftorpolimernym pokrytiem: rezul'taty pilotnogo issledovaniya.

OBJECTIVE: When performing laparoscopic intraperitoneal hernioplasty (IPOM), endoprostheses made of fluoropolymers are often used. However, there is no data in the literature on the intra-abdominal use of inexpensive polyester prostheses with a fluoropolymer coating compared to composite implants. Thus, the aim of the pilot study was a preliminary assessment of the safety profile of FTOREX mesh endoprostheses during intra-abdominal placement in large animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 6 endoprostheses were installed laparoscopically intraperitoneally in each of the 3 pigs: 1) FTOREX; 2) FTOREX with a layer of carboxymethylcellulose; 3) REPEREN-16-2; 4) SYMBOTEX; 5) VENTRALIGHT ST; 6) decellularized pork peritoneum. Fixation was performed with a herniator, transfascial sutures were not used. Relaparoscopy was performed after 45 days, and withdrawal from the experiment was performed after 90 days. Performance characteristics, signs of deformation and retraction, parameters of spike formation were evaluated. RESULTS: All the animals survived, no complications were observed. There were no clinical manifestations or behavioral reactions indicating the presence of adhesions. The most convenient to use were the SYMBOTEX and FTOREX implants (5.0 points each). By the end of the experiment, deformation and retraction were noted in both variants of the FTOREX implants and the REPEREN prosthesis. These changes were completely absent only when using the SYMBOTEX endoprosthesis. According to the number of implants with adhesions, by the end of the observation, both variants of FTOREX prostheses occupied an intermediate position between the Reference (the worst indicator) and VENTRALIGHT ST (the best indicator). However, both FTOREX endoprostheses showed the best performance among all implants in the integral assessment of adhesions, as well as in terms of parameters such as the area and appearance of adhesions, and in terms of the strength of the joints, they were second only to the VENTRALIGHT ST endoprosthesis (0.67 vs. 0.5 points). During the study, there was no reliable dependence of deformation, retraction and adhesion formation indicators on the type of implant. CONCLUSION: The results of the pilot study showed that all the implants used did not cause any clinically significant adverse reactions or complications. FTOREX endoprostheses with their intraperitoneal installation have anti-adhesive properties that are not inferior to VENTRALIGHT ST or SYMBOTEX composite implants. However, having less rigidity, they are more often deformed and subjected to retraction.

Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Prevention of Abdominal Adhesions: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, abdominal adhesions constitute a significant burden of morbidity and mortality. They represent the commonest complication of abdominal operations with a lifelong risk of multiple pathologies, including adhesive small bowel obstruction, female infertility, and chronic pain. Adhesions represent a problem of the entire abdomen, forming at the time of injury and progressing through multiple complex pathways. Clinically available preventative strategies are limited to barrier technologies. Significant knowledge gaps persist in the characterization and mitigation of the involved molecular pathways underlying adhesion formation. Thus, the objectives of this scoping review are to describe the known molecular pathophysiology implicated in abdominal adhesion formation and summarize novel preclinical regenerative medicine preventative strategies for potential future clinical investigation. METHODS: A literature review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Extension for Scoping Reviews. Included peer-reviewed publications were published within the last 5 y and contained in vivo preclinical experimental studies of postoperative adhesions with the assessment of underlying mechanisms of adhesion formation and successful therapy for adhesion prevention. Studies not involving regenerative medicine strategies were excluded. Data were qualitatively synthesized. RESULTS: A total of 1762 articles were identified. Of these, 1001 records were excluded by the described screening criteria. Sixty-eight full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility, and 11 studies were included for review. CONCLUSIONS: Novel and reliable preventative strategies are urgently needed. Recent experimental data propose novel regenerative medicine targets for adhesion prevention.

3D laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus 2D in choledocholithiasis patients: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate whether 3D laparoscopic common bile duct (LCBDE) could improve surgical outcomes in choledocholithiasis patients compared with 2D LCBDE. METHOD: Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to balance the bias in baseline characteristic between two groups. RESULTS: 213 patients underwent 3D LCBDE and 212 patients receiving 2D LCBDE were enrolled in this study. The operation time and blood loss in 3D group were significantly less than that in 2D group. After propensity score matching, a total of 114 paired cases were selected from the two groups. The operation time and blood loss in 3D group remain significantly lower than in 2D group. In the end, the subgroup analysis based on abdominal adhesion level was performed and it was observed that for patients with adhesion level 1 and level 2, 3D surgery could obviously decrease the operation time and intraoperative blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: 3D LCBDE would significantly reduce operation time, blood loss, and conversion rate to laparotomy in choledocholithiasis patients versus 2D LCBDE. For patients with abdominal adhesions level 1 and level 2, 3D LCBDE could provide better surgical outcomes than 2D LCBDE.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations.

BACKGROUND: A history of abdominal biliary tract surgery has been identified as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and there are very few reports about laparoscopic procedures in patients with a history of abdominal biliary tract surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 227 consecutive patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations at our institution between December 2013 and June 2019. A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE, and 117 consecutive patients underwent open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The LCBDE group performed significantly better than the OCBDE group with respect to estimated blood loss [30 (5-700) vs. 50 (10-1800) ml; p = 0.041], remnant common bile duct (CBD) stones (17 vs. 28%; p = 0.050), postoperative hospital stay [7 (3-78) vs. 8.5 (4.5-74) days; p = 0.041], and time to oral intake [2.5 (1-7) vs. 3 (2-24) days; p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences in the operation time [170 (60-480) vs. 180 (41-330) minutes; p = 0.067]. A total of 19 patients (17%) in the LCBDE group were converted to open surgery. According to Clavien's classification of complications, the LCBDE group had significantly fewer postoperative complications than the OCBDE group (40 vs. 57; p = 0.045). There was no mortality in either group. Multiple previous operations (≥ 2 times), a history of open surgery, and previous biliary tract surgery (including bile duct or gallbladder + bile duct other than cholecystectomy alone) were risk factors for postoperative adhesion (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION: LCBDE is ultimately the least invasive, safest, and the most effective treatment option for patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations and is especially suitable for those with a history of cholecystectomy, few previous operations (< 2 times), or a history of laparoscopic surgery.

[Two Cases of Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Sophisticated and Complicated Situations (with Video)].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the individualized surgical strategies and surgical methods which can greatly improve the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in difficult and complicated situations, such as pancreatic head malignant tumors invade the major vascular and chronic pancreatitis with severe abdominal adhesions. METHODS: Case 1：A 65-year-old man with jaundice was diagnosed preoperatively with a pancreatic acinus process with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) invasion. In order to ensure R0 resection, the patient underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with SMV resection and reconstruction, taking the way of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach. The length of SMV removed was 2 cm (see the Video 1 in Supplemental Contents, http://ykxb.scu.edu.cn/article/doi/10.12182/20200760501). The portal vein (PV)-SMV occlusion time was 26 min, the reconstruction time was 17 min. The duration of the surgery was 340 min, with 200 mL of blood loss and no transfusion. Case 2: A 47-year-old man with abdominal pain was admitted with preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic head mass with obstructive jaundice. His past medical history included small bowel resection and bowel anastomosis for abdominal trauma, open Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy for acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice. In the operation, we used ultracision harmonic scalpel, hook electrode, laparoscopic scissors, and other means to separate the adhesion of different parts of the abdominal, adjusted traditional modular surgical procedure for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with Easy First strategy to perform surgical resection (see the Video 2 in Supplemental Contents, http://ykxb.scu.edu.cn/article/doi/10.12182/20200760501). Emergencies such as mass bleeding，used Two Chief Surgeons Model to control bleeding and suture the bleeding site. The duration of the surgery was 400 min, with 500 mL of blood loss and no transfusion. RESULTS: Case 1: The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with a hospital stay of 9 d. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a 3.6 cm×2.4 cm×1.8 cm pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor (R0 and lymph nodes 1/26, AJCC 8th T 2N 1M 0, stage ⅡA). The removed SMV layer was invased and the cut edges were negative. The patient underwent 6 cycles of GS (gemcitabine+tegio) chemotherapy. The patient was asymptomatic 1 year later, with no tumor recurrence and no pancreatic insufficiency. Case 2: The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, with a hospital stay of 11 d. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a 6 cm pancreatic inflammatory mass. The patient was asymptomatic 20 months later, with no recurrence of acute pancreatitis again. CONCLUSION: With different surgical methods and individualized surgical strategies, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in difficult and complicated situations is safe and feasible in the experienced pancreas minimally invasive center.

[Existing and forward-looking ways to prevent adhesions in IPOM hernia repair. A research overview]. / Profilaktika obrazovaniya spaek pri intraperitoneal'noi gernioplastike (IPOM).

IPOM intraperitoneal hernia repair, in comparison with other abdominal wall reconstruction methods, has a number of significant advantages. Among them are a reduction in operative time, low rate of surgical site infections, quick rehabilitation, and good cosmetic results. At the same time, one of the main constraining factors for its widespread use is the rather high frequency of adhesion formation between the implant and the abdominal organs. The first way to solve this serious problem is to improve the structure of the implant itself, and in the first place, its anti-adhesive layer. The second is the search for adjuvant tools that work in «problematic¼ areas, prone to adhesions formation, such as the points of implant fixation, its edges, or the areas of damage to antiadhesive layer due to a violation of the operative technique. It is desirable that they could exert their effect also in other parts of the abdominal cavity, which, despite the absence of a zone of «active¼ intervention, can also undergo adhesions. Based on this, the purpose of this review was to summarize modern data on the anti-adhesive activity of both composite implants and specialized membranes and liquid agents.

The Efficacy of an Ultrapure Alginate Gel in Reducing Adhesion Formation in a Rat Model of Blood Contamination.

BACKGROUND: Formation of peritoneal adhesions is the most frequent complication of abdominal and pelvic surgery and comprises a lifelong risk of adhesion-related morbidity and mortality. Some of the existing antiadhesive barriers are less effective in the presence of blood. In this study, we investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrapure alginate gel in the presence of blood. METHODS: In experiment 1 (30 rats), 1 mL ultrapure alginate gel was compared with no intervention in a model of cecal abrasion and persisting peritoneal bleeding by incision of the epigastric artery. In experiment 2 (30 rats), 2 mL ultrapure alginate gel was compared with no intervention in a model where a 1 mL blood clot was instilled intra-abdominally and a cecal resection was performed. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of adhesions after 14 d. RESULTS: In experiment 1, seven of 15 rats in the experimental group had intra-abdominal adhesions compared with 13 of 15 rats in the control group (P = 0.05); 3 of 15 rats had adhesions at the site of injury compared with 12 of 15 rats in the control group (P < 0.01). The severity and extent of adhesions was also reduced (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, 12 of 13 rats had adhesions compared with 13 of 14 rats in the control group (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrapure alginate gel reduces the incidence and severity of adhesion in the presence of persisting bleeding, but not in a model of cecal resection and blood clot.

Severity of Diverticulitis Does Not Influence Abdominal Complaints during Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Diverticulitis can lead to localized or generalized peritonitis and consequently induce abdominal adhesion formation. If adhesions would lead to abdominal complaints, it might be expected that these would be more prominent after operation for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis than after elective sigmoid resection. AIMS: The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of abdominal complaints in the long-term after acute and elective surgery for diverticulitis. METHODS: During the period 2003 through 2009, 269 patients were operated for diverticular disease. Two hundred eight of them were invited to fill out a questionnaire composed of the gastrointestinal quality of life index and additional questions and finally 109 were suitable for analysis with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years. RESULTS: Analysis did not reveal any significant differences in the incidence of abdominal complaints or other parameters. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study on patients after operation for diverticulitis shows that in the long term, the severity of the abdominal complaints is influenced neither by the stage of the disease nor by the fact of whether it was performed in an acute or elective setting.

Trametinib prevents mesothelial-mesenchymal transition and ameliorates abdominal adhesion formation.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity after abdominal or gynecologic surgery. However, knowledge about the pathogenic mechanism(s) is limited, and there are no effective treatments. Here, we investigated a mouse model of bowel adhesion formation and the effect(s) of an Federal Drug Administration-approved drug (trametinib) in preventing adhesion formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used to develop a consistent model of intra-abdominal adhesion formation by gentle cecal abrasion with mortality rates of <10%. Adhesion formation was analyzed histologically and immunochemically to characterize the expression of pro-fibrotic marker proteins seen in pathologic scaring and included alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin EDA (FNEDA) which arises from alternative splicing of the fibronectin messenger RNA resulting in different protein isoforms. Trichrome staining assessed collagen deposition. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of RNA isolated from adhesions by laser capture microscopy was carried out to assess pro-fibrotic gene expression. To block adhesion formation, trametinib was administered via a subcutaneous osmotic pump. RESULTS: Adhesions were seen as early as post-operative day 1 with extensive adhesions being formed and vascularized by day 5. The expression of the FNEDA isoform occurred first with subsequent expression of αSMA and collagen. The drug trametinib was chosen for in vivo studies because it effectively blocked the mesothelial to mesenchymal transition of rat mesothelium. Trametinib, at the highest dose used (3 mg/kg/d), prevented adhesion formation while at lower doses, adhesions were usually limited, as evidenced by the presence of FNEDA isoform but not αSMA. CONCLUSIONS: Cecal abrasion in mice is a reliable model to study abdominal adhesions, which can be ameliorated using the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib. While blocking adhesion formation at the cell and molecular levels, trametinib, at the therapeutic doses utilized, did not impair the wound healing at the laparotomy site.

Sliding sign in third-trimester sonographic evaluation of intra-abdominal adhesions in women undergoing repeat Cesarean section: a novel technique.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-abdominal adhesions are associated with an increased risk of complications during repeat Cesarean section (CS), such as bladder and bowel injury, hemorrhage, infection and hysterectomy. We present a simple sonographic marker, the 'sliding sign' of the uterus, for the prediction of intra-abdominal adhesions in the third trimester of pregnancy in women undergoing repeat CS. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of pregnant women with a history of at least one Cesarean delivery evaluated by transabdominal ultrasound during the third trimester of an ongoing pregnancy. In order to diagnose intra-abdominal adhesions, we assessed a sonographic sign, the sliding of the uterus under the inner part of the fascia of the abdominal muscles during deep breathing. Women were considered to be at high risk for severe adhesions if uterine sliding was absent and at low risk in the presence of obvious or moderate uterine sliding. A comparison between sonographic findings and intra-abdominal adhesions observed during surgery was performed. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients with one or more previous CS examined, 59 completed the study and underwent CS at our institution. In 16 of the 19 cases assigned to the high-risk group for severe adhesions due to absence of sliding of the uterus, the suspicion was confirmed at surgery. The prediction of low risk for adhesions was confirmed in 35 out of 40 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the sliding sign in predicting presence of intra-abdominal adhesions in women undergoing repeat CS were 76.2% and 92.1%, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver correlation using Cohen's kappa coefficient were 0.52 and 0.77, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data show that a simple sonographic sign might be able to discriminate between high and low risk for intra-abdominal adhesions in patients with a history of Cesarean delivery. This technique may aid clinical decisions in patients undergoing repeat CS. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The role of oral fluvastatin on postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation in an experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a momentousness complication after abdominal surgery. Although varied means have been used to prevent and treat adhesions, the effects have not been satisfactory. Fluvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluvastatin on postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation. METHODS: Seventy-five male Wistar rats weighting 220-250g were randomly assigned equally to three groups. Group A was given sham operation without treatment, Group B was the model group in which postoperative peritoneal adhesion model was created without medication, and Group C was given oral fluvastatin treatment after postoperative peritoneal adhesion model created. After laparotomy on day 7, macroscopic and pathological assessment were evaluated, IL-1ß and t-PA in plasma were performed to measure, and tissue samples were taken to measure MMP-9 protein. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups on adhesion grade (p < .05), IL-1ß content of the plasma and t-PA activity of the adhesions (p < .05). The grading of adhesion demonstrated significant differences between all groups. The levels of the IL-1ß content of plasma, t-PA activity and MMP-9 of adhesion showed pivotal changes in Group B compared with Group A and C, while the difference between Group A and C was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Oral fluvastatin application could reduce formation of intra-abdominal adhesion by promoting expression of MMP-9 level, lowering the levels of IL-1ß and increasing the activity of t-PA after abdominal surgery.

Comparison of the prevalence of adhesions at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility between patient who had open myomectomy and those who had no previous pelvic-abdominal surgery or pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and patterns of adhesions in infertile women with prior open myomectomy compared with women without prior pelvic-abdominal surgery. METHODS: A nested case-control study of infertile women who had diagnostic laparoscopy after open myomectomy between January 2008 and June 2015 in Life Institute for Endoscopy Limited, Nnewi Nigeria, was conducted. At diagnostic laparoscopy, the presence, site, and quality (density) of adhesions was noted and recorded. Women with endometriosis and documented prior pelvic infections were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 348 women who were eligible, 121 women had prior open myomectomy (study group) while 227 had none (control group). Of the 121 women, adhesions were detected in 97 women; thus, the prevalence of adhesion after open myomectomy was 80.2% versus 20.3% (46/227) in controls (odds ratio [OR] =15.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] =8.86-28.76; P < 0.001). Compared with controls, adhesions were statistically higher in these sites: uterus (68.6% vs. 14.5%), fallopian tubes (77.7% vs. 16.7%), ovaries (62.8% vs. 20.3%), cul-de-sac (66.1% vs. 16.3%), bladder (45.5% vs. 7.9%), and bowel (53.7% vs. 6.2%) (P < 0.001, for all). Cohesive form of adhesions was also statistically higher, 54 (44.6%) vs. 32 (14.1%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In infertile women, post-open myomectomy adhesions have a high prevalence of 80.2% with high predilection in fallopian tubes and uterus, compared with women without prior abdominopelvic surgery at 20.3%. Cohesive form of adhesion predominates.

Laparoscopic surgery for choledocholithiasis concomitant with calculus of the left intrahepatic duct or abdominal adhesions.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been widely promoted in recent years as a safe and effective treatment for choledocholithiasis. However, there are no standard guidelines for the treatment of patients who have concomitant hepatolithiasis of the left liver and abdominal adhesions. The aim of the current research was to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with left hepatectomy (OCBDH vs. LCBDH) in patients with choledocholithiasis concomitant with left-sided hepatolithiasis, and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for choledocholithiasis in patients with abdominal adhesions. METHODS: Between October 2012 and October 2015, a total of 321 consecutive patients with choledocholithiasis underwent surgical treatment. LCBDE was performed in 107 patients, and open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE) was performed in 111 patients. Further, 31 patients and 72 patients underwent LCBDH and OCBDH, respectively. A total of 133 patients who underwent LCBDE or OCBDE had abdominal adhesions, which were classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to an abdominal adhesion scoring system, which was validated in the LCBDE group and OCBDE group. The perioperative results were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the mild adhesion group, blood loss, postoperative recovery in the LCBDE group was lesser than those in the OCBDE group. In the moderate adhesion group, the postoperative recovery was significantly shorter in the LCBDE group than in the OCBDE group. In the severe adhesion group, the operation time and blood loss in the LCBDE group were higher than those in the OCBDE group. The postoperative recovery was significantly better in the LCBDH group than in the OCBDH group. CONCLUSION: LCBDH can obviously improve recovery and shorten the hospitalization period. Further, LCBDE is safe and feasible for patients of choledocholithiasis with mild and moderate abdominal adhesions.

Risk factors for future repeat abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: Today, 40 to 66 % of elective procedures in abdominal surgery are reoperations. Reoperations show increased operative time and risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications, mainly due to the need to perform adhesiolysis. It is important to understand which patients will require repeat surgery for optimal utilization and implementation of anti-adhesive strategies. Our aim is to assess the incidence and identify risk factors for repeat abdominal surgery. METHODS: This is the long-term follow-up of a prospective cohort study (Laparotomy or Laparoscopy and Adhesions (LAPAD) study; clinicaltrials.gov NCT01236625). Patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were included. Primary outcome was future repeat abdominal surgery and was defined as any operation where the peritoneal cavity is reopened. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Six hundred four (88 %) out of 715 patients were included; median duration of follow-up was 46 months. One hundred sixty (27 %) patients required repeat abdominal surgery and underwent a total of 234 operations. The indication for repeat surgery was malignant disease recurrence in 49 (21 %), incisional hernia in 41 (18 %), and indications unrelated to the index surgery in 58 (25 %) operations. Older age (OR 0.98; p 0.002) and esophageal malignancy (OR 0.21; p 0.034) significantly reduced the risk of undergoing repeat abdominal surgery. Female sex (OR 1.53; p 0.046) and hepatic malignancy as indication for surgery (OR 2.08; p 0.049) significantly increased the risk of requiring repeat abdominal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: One in four patients will require repeat surgery within 4 years after elective abdominal surgery. Lower age, female sex, and hepatic malignancy are significant risk factors for requiring repeat abdominal surgery.

[Laparoscopic adhesiolysis and prevention of abdominal adhesions by using mechanical barriers]. / Laparoskopicheskii adgeziolizis i bar'ernaia profilaktika spaechnogo protsessa briushnoi polosti.

Adhesions commonly result from abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures and may result in intestinal obstruction, infertility, chronic pain, or complicate subsequent operations. Laparoscopy produces less peritoneal trauma than does conventional laparotomy and may result in decreased adhesion formation. We present a review of the available data on laparoscopy and adhesion formation, as well as laparoscopic adhesiolysis. We also review current adjuvant techniques that may be used by practicing laparoscopists to prevent adhesion formation.

Electroacupuncture ST36 prevents postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions formation.

BACKGROUND: We have recently proved electroacupuncture (EA) ST36 exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the early phase of intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Evidences indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of EA ST36 involves a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway-dependent mechanism via the vagus nerve. However, the exact effects and accurate vagal modulation of acupuncture in prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation has not been thoroughly evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to abdominal adhesion lesions operation at the cecum and abdominal wall were randomly divided into six groups as follows: (a) EAN: EA non-channel acupoints; (b) EA: EA ST36 after abdominal lesions; (c) VGX/EA: vagotomy (VGX) after abdominal lesions, then EA ST36; (d) VGX/EAN: VGX after abdominal lesions, then EAN; (e) α-BGT/EA: intraperitoneal injection of α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT, an antagonist of α7 subunit of cholinergic nicotinic receptor) before EA ST36, and (f) α-BGT/EAN group: α-BGT injection before EAN. Seven days after abdominal surgical lesions, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the adhesive tissue were evaluated, macroscopic observation and histopathologic evaluation of adhesion formation and assessment of angiogenesis by immunohistochemical staining of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) were performed. RESULTS: EA ST36 reduced TNF-α and VEGF levels in adhesive tissue homogenates 7 d after surgery, whereas vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection of α-BGT before EA ST36 reversed its suppressive effects. EA at non-channel acupoints with or without vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection of α-BGT before EA had no suppressive effects on TNF-α and VEGF levels. EA ST36 alleviated the adhesion formation, with both of macroscopic and histopathologic adhesion scores significantly lower than those of the EAN group (1.56 ± 0.29 versus 3.00 ± 0.82, 1.35 ± 0.4 versus 3.91 ± 0.8, respectively, both P < 0.05). Compared with the EAN group, EA ST36 significantly decreased angiogenesis evidenced by reduced CD31 positive microvessel density in adhesive tissue. CONCLUSIONS: EA ST36 might reduce the postoperative local inflammatory response, attenuate the angiogenesis, and alleviate the adhesion formation partly via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanism.