Accuracy of Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score & Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Criteria in Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Surgical Patients With Suspected Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Due to the mixed population enrolled in different studies i.e., medical and surgical cases, conflicting data exists about the accuracy of quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with suspected sepsis presenting to the surgical emergency. METHOD: A prospective observational study was done in the department of surgery of a tertiary teaching hospital, India from June 2018 to July 2019. Consecutive patients who visited the surgical emergency department with suspected sepsis were included. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge or death. RESULTS: Of the 410 patients screened, 287 were included in the analysis. The median age was 52 years (interquartile range, 41 to 61years) and 208 (72.8%) were men. Around 56.8% of patients had intra-abdominal pathology, and 43.2% had skin and soft -tissue infection. Sixty-nine (24%) patients died during their hospitalization, 98 (34.1%) patients had organ dysfunction, and 168 (58.5%) patients needed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). A higher qSOFA score (≥2) was associated with organ dysfunction, ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality. The specificity, positive predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of qSOFA for organ dysfunction (85.7%, 67.8%, 76.3%), ICU admission (92.4%, 89.3%, 64.5%), and in-hospital mortality (81.6%, 52.4%, 77.4%) was higher than SIRS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for qSOFA for these variables was also higher than for SIRS (0.826 vs. 0.524, 0.823 vs. 0.577, and 0.823 vs. 0.555, respectively). CONCLUSION:  qSOFA is a better model for predicting adverse outcomes and mortality, organ dysfunction, and ICU admission in surgical patients. However, SIRS indicates intervention requirements in a surgical patient better than qSOFA.

Strangulated Falciform Hernia.

Internal hernias are rare, and a delayed diagnosis can lead to dangerous complications. A 75-year-old male with no previous surgical history presented with right upper abdominal pain and vomiting. On examination, he had guarding in the right hypochondrium with a positive Murphy's sign. However, ultrasonography of the gall bladder was normal with dilated bowel loops. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) revealed a falciform hernia with evidence of obstruction. Segmental resection of the gangrenous ileum was done with a double-barrel stoma. Later on, stoma reversal was also done with no complications.

Omphalic Bleed.

Portosystemic collateralization is usually seen in patients with portal hypertension. Bleeding from the ectopic varices is reportedly rare. We present a case of a 55-year-old gentleman who presented with complaints of bleeding from the umbilicus. On examination, he was tachycardic, hypotensive, and in hypovolemic shock. Bleeding was suspected to be from the umbilical varices. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen with abdominal angiography revealed a cirrhotic liver with partial thrombosis of the portal vein with collaterals in the perigastric, lower esophageal, peripancreatic, splenic and mesenteric, umbilical and paraumbilical collaterals with recanalization of the umbilical vein. The bleeder was identified to be the collateral at the umbilical region from the superior mesenteric vein. The patient was treated with a Doppler-guided injection of a sclerosant into the collateral, thereby achieving successful hemostasis.

Comparison of Postoperative Port-Site Pain After Gallbladder Retrieval From Epigastric Versus Umbilical Port in Patients of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Symptomatic Cholelithiasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Gallbladder (GB) retrieval is an important cause of postoperative pain (POP) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Retrieval is through the epigastric or umbilical port based on the surgeon's preference. There is limited evidence to support the superiority of one port over the other in terms of POP. This study was done to compare POP between epigastric and umbilical ports after GB retrieval in LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis.  Material and methods All patients who underwent elective LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis were randomized for GB retrieval either through the umbilical (n = 15) or epigastric (n = 15) port. Postoperatively, the retrieval difficulty score by the operating surgeon, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, and surgical site infection (SSI) by postoperative day (POD) 10 and 30 were assessed. Results The mean visual analog scores at the umbilical port at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours postoperatively were 5.20 ± 0.86, 4.60 ± 0.74, 4.00 ± 0.53, 3.40 ± 0.08, and 2.73 ± 0.82, which were significantly less than the visual analog scores at the epigastric port at the same time intervals, measuring 6.06 ± 1.34, 5.87 ± 1.30, 5.27 ± 1.16, 4.73 ± 1.10, and 3.93 ± 1.03, respectively. The difference was statistically significant between the two arms (p-value < 0.05). The mean retrieval difficulty score was significantly less for the umbilical port (4.40 ± 0.74) when compared with the epigastric port (5.13 ± 0.55). The overall SSI rate in the present study was 10%, and three (20%) patients in the epigastric port group developed SSI by POD 10, while none in the umbilical port group developed SSI. Conclusion GB retrieval from the umbilical port is associated with less POP, SSI, and retrieval difficulty when compared with GB retrieval from the epigastric port after elective LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Titration of analgesic use can also be done appropriately, reducing the dose of analgesics after 12-24 hours.

A Comparative Study of Fine-Needle Aspiration and Nonaspiration Cytology Diagnosis in Thyroid Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration cytology is one of the first-line diagnostic tests in thyroid malignancies. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in thyroid lesions causes hemorrhagic smear and cell trauma, often leading to the repetition of smear and delay in diagnosis. This study was conducted to identify the diagnostically superior technique with regard to thyroid swelling and to assess the quality of smears obtained from FNAC and fine-needle nonaspiration cytology (FNNAC). METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective diagnostic study carried out for 2 years in a tertiary care center from South India. All patients with complaints of thyroid swellings, after examination, underwent FNNAC, followed by FNAC of the lesion. They underwent thyroidectomy when indicated. The final postoperative biopsy reports were compared with the preoperative reports of these two techniques (FNNAC and FNAC). The quality of smears was compared using Mair's score. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy in diagnosing malignancy were 93.4%, 100%, 100%, 98.78%, and 98.96% for FNNAC and 94.12%, 100%, 100%, 98.82%, and 99% for FNAC, respectively, which were comparable. Regarding the quality of smears, FNNAC had more smears with less blood in the background. FNAC had more smears with adequate cellularity. The difference in overall Mair's score between the two techniques was not significant (P = 0.28). CONCLUSION: No difference was found in the accuracy of FNAC and FNNAC in diagnosing thyroid lesions. Furthermore, the smear quality of both techniques was comparable. Hence, either can be used based on the operator's preference and experience.

Delayed Presentation of Complete Ileal Transection Following Blunt Trauma Abdomen: A Condition to Cognize.

Isolated small bowel perforation is a rare presentation of blunt abdominal trauma, and most cases present immediately following the trauma. Delayed presentation of such cases beyond one week of trauma is extremely rare, and various pathophysiological mechanisms were described for the same. We present a 20-year-old male patient who sustained blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma, underwent open reduction and internal fixation for right acetabular fracture, and later developed features of acute peritonitis after one month. On laparotomy, complete terminal ileal transection was found and an ileostomy was done. Delayed perforation of the intestine following trauma occurs due to ischemic necrosis, either through direct trauma to the intestinal wall or indirectly by injury to the mesenteric vessels. Direct trauma to the bowel can result in large hematomas on the bowel wall, which can later perforate due to ischemia. Surgeons should be aware of this rare presentation as the management is challenging and it poses significant medico-legal sequel. Close monitoring of the patient's vitals and examination for the development of abdominal signs along with repeat imaging at the onset of abdominal signs are cornerstones for successful management of these patients.

A Surgical Conundrum in Feeding Jejunostomy-Jejunojejunal Intussusception: A Case Series.

Intussusception is a common cause of intestinal obstruction in the pediatric population. Usually, it is primary and benign and can be managed by nonoperative interventions in 80% of the cases. Adult intussusception accounts for only 5% of all cases of intussusception and 1%-5% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. Unlike in the pediatric population, intussusception in adults is usually caused by a pathologic lead point. The initial investigation to diagnose it is an ultrasound abdomen followed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen. The placement of an intestinal tube for feeding purposes has been rarely reported as a cause of intussusception. Here, we present a case series of four patients who had jejunojejunal intussusception following the placement of feeding tubes into the jejunum. Three patients were operatively managed and one was managed conservatively.

Role of C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell Counts, Bilirubin Levels, and Imaging in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis as a Cause of Right Iliac Fossa Pain.

Background Right iliac fossa (RIF) pain is one of the most common modalities of presentation to surgical emergency. It remains a challenge to the treating clinicians to accurately diagnose or to rule out appendicitis. Objective The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of clinical impression, biochemical markers, and imaging in the diagnosis of RIF pain with special reference to appendicitis and their implication in reducing the negative appendicectomy rates. Methods All patients presenting to casualty with RIF pain were included in the study. Blood investigations including C-reactive protein (CRP), serum bilirubin, white blood cell counts (WBC), and ultrasound (USG) were done. Based on the clinical impression, patients were either posted for appendicectomy or observed in equivocal cases. Patients who had recurrent pain on follow-up underwent appendicectomy or underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in equivocal cases. Patients who only had a single self-limiting episode with no other alternative diagnosis or had a normal CECT report were included in a non-specific RIF pain group. Results The negative appendicectomy rate was 8.2%. The mean value of WBC counts (9.57x109/L vs 7.88x109/L; p<0.05) and that of serum bilirubin (1.37 mg/dl vs 0.89mg/dl; p<0.05) in the appendicitis and non-appendicitis group, respectively, were statistically significant. The percentage of CRP positivity was higher in the appendicitis group (51.9% vs 15%; p<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for USG (84.2%, 77.17%, 85.4%, and 75.5%), for CRP (51.8%, 85%, 82%, and 57%), for WBC count (45.1%, 88%, 86.6%, and 48.3%), and for serum bilirubin (69.2%, 75%, 81.4%, and 60.5%) were statistically significant between the groups. Conclusion Imaging and biochemical investigations including bilirubin can act as useful adjuncts to the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis.

Clinico-microbiological Profile of Septic Diabetic Foot with Special Reference to Anaerobic Infection.

Introduction Diabetic foot infections are a major cause of non-traumatic amputations. The role of anaerobes in the prognosis of these infections is particularly unclear. This study was conducted with the aim of correlating microbiological profiles with clinical outcomes in these diabetic foot ulcer patients. Methodology This prospective observational study was done in a tertiary care centre in South India. All patients admitted with diabetic foot ulcers for two years were included in the study. Tissue biopsies were collected from the ulcer for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. The patients were grouped as those with aerobic infection alone (anaerobe negative) and those with mixed aerobic and anaerobic infections (anaerobe positive). Anaerobic culture was performed using the Robertson cooked meat (RCM) medium. The ulcer of the foot was described with respect to site, size, duration, history of previous amputation(s), and history of number and class of antibiotic intake prior to hospitalization. Clinical course and Wagner's grades of the diabetic foot ulcers were compared for aerobic and anaerobic infections. Results A total of 104 patients were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regards to duration of diabetes, random blood sugar (RBS) at the time of admission, compliance to drugs, and mode of blood sugar control and prior intake of antibiotics. Patients with anaerobic infections were found to have a higher incidence of fever in this study (38.1% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.0057), as compared to patients with aerobic infections. More than half of the patients in the anaerobic infection group presented with Wagner's grade IV and above, as compared to the aerobic infection group (59.5% vs. 32.2%; p = 0.0059), which was statistically significant. Patients with anaerobic infections also had high numbers of major and minor amputations when compared to patients with aerobic infections. Conclusion Septic diabetic foot patients with fever at the time of admission and a high Wagner's grade have a greater chance of harbouring anaerobic infections. Drugs for anaerobic coverage should be considered for wounds beyond Wagner's grade III. Anaerobic infections resulted in increased risk of morbidity in diabetic foot ulcer patients but did not have any influence on mortality.

Clinical Significance of Candida in an Intraoperative Peritoneal Specimen with Perforation Peritonitis: An Institutional Perspective.

Introduction Fungal infection of the peritoneum has become more common in recent years, the most common cause of which is Candida. Candida peritonitis is considered as a severe disease and is regarded as an independent risk factor for mortality in postoperative peritonitis. This study was planned to find out the clinical significance of Candida isolation on the outcome of the patients with peritonitis in terms of morbidity and mortality. Methods This prospective study included consecutive patients admitted and operated for secondary peritonitis over a two-year period in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The time delay was assessed from the onset of symptoms to surgery. The intraoperative peritoneal fluid aspirate was analyzed for culture sensitivity (fungal and bacterial). Patients were followed until their discharge from the hospital or death. This study analyzed the clinico-microbiological profile in patients with perforation peritonitis with special reference to Candida isolation. The analysis also looked the results of antifungal therapy (fluconazole) in patients positive for Candida isolation. Results The study included 407 consecutive patients with hollow viscus perforation diagnosed intraoperatively. Fungal organisms were identified in 153 patients (37.6%). Old age (> 50 years), high lag period (≥ 48 hours), peritoneal contamination, length of hospital stay, the presence of co-morbidities, shock at presentation, and postoperative complications were found to be significantly associated with fungal infection (p < 0.05). The study noted a significant decrease in the perioperative complications in patients who were started on antifungal treatment early (within 72 hours after surgery). There were significant reductions in the length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ventilator support, and inotropic support in the postoperative period. However, we did not find any difference in mortality due to early treatment with fluconazole. Conclusion Candida peritonitis was associated with an increase in the mortality and morbidity, especially when associated with diabetes mellitus and fungemia. Early antifungal therapy (within 72 hours after surgery) reduced the morbidity due to Candida peritonitis but did not affect the mortality.