Combination of a Glissonean Approach and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging to Perform a Laparoscopic Right Anterior Sectionectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy (LRAS) remains a technically demanding procedure as it requires two transection planes where the middle and right hepatic veins run; however, the main difficulty is locating these two planes1-3. The aim of this video was to show the technique of an LRAS performed with a transparenchymal glissonean pedicle approach and guided by indocyanine green (ICG) staining. METHODS: This was the case of an 80-year-old man with a history of hemochromatosis and normal liver function. He was diagnosed with a 6 cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located at segment 8, close to the right anterior pedicle. RESULTS: The technique consisted of parenchymal transection along the main portal fissure along the right border of the middle hepatic vein. Opening the liver facilitated access to the right anterior glissonean pedicle and selective transparenchymal clamping. A negative-stain ICG test permitted to demarcate the transection line along the right lateral portal fissure. The parenchymal transection was carried out in a caudal approach, along two perfectly marked planes, preserving the middle and right hepatic veins. The duration of the procedure was 200 min and blood loss was 300 mL. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Guidance during resection, and protection of the right posterior pedicle and right hepatic vein are the key points of the LRAS. The glissonean approach and the ICG imaging technology are of great help in resolving these difficulties.

Resection Postradioembolization in Patients With Single Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) to convert to resection initially unresectable, single, large (≥5 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BACKGROUND: TARE can downsize cholangiocarcinoma to resection but its role in HCC resectability remains debatable. METHODS: All consecutive patients with a single large HCC treated between 2015 and 2020 in a single tertiary center were reviewed. When indicated, patients were either readily resected (upfront surgery) or underwent TARE. TARE patients were converted to resection (TARE surgery) or not (TARE-only). To further assess the effect of TARE on the long-term and short-term outcomes, a propensity score matching analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among 216 patients, 144 (66.7%) underwent upfront surgery. Among 72 TARE patients, 20 (27.7%) were converted to resection. TARE-surgery patients received a higher mean yttrium-90 dose that the 52 remaining TARE-only patients (211.89±107.98 vs 128.7±36.52 Gy, P <0.001). Postoperative outcomes between upfront-surgery and TARE-surgery patients were similar. In the unmatched population, overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was similar between upfront-surgery and TARE-surgery patients (83.0%, 60.0%, 47% vs 94.0%, 86.0%, 55.0%, P =0.43) and compared favorably with TARE-only patients (61.0%, 16.0% and 9.0%, P <0.0001). After propensity score matching, TARE-surgery patients had significantly better overall survival than upfront-surgery patients ( P =0.021), while disease-free survival was similar ( P =0.29). CONCLUSION: TARE may be a useful downstaging treatment for unresectable localized single large HCC providing comparable short-term and long-term outcomes with readily resectable tumors.

A retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma of the appendix: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma (RP) is a rare condition characterized by mucinous tumor growth within the retroperitoneal space, commonly originating from the appendix or other abdominal organs. RP presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Due to its rarity and symptom overlap with other conditions, RP requires careful management by a multidisciplinary healthcare team. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old female with a three-month history of abdominal pain and an abdominal mass underwent diagnostic imaging, revealing a retroperitoneal cystic mass. Exploratory laparotomy identified gelatinous masses originating from the retrocaecal appendix, which were resected. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma with mucinous appendicular low-grade cystadenoma as the primary source. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and remained disease-free at a 12-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: RP's exact cause is unknown but often originates from the appendix, leading to mucinous fluid accumulation in the retroperitoneal cavity. This condition presents with varied symptoms, including abdominal pain and distension, mimicking other abdominal diseases. Diagnosis involves clinical, radiological, and pathological assessments, with imaging showing characteristic features. Treatment comprises surgical resection, potentially combined with HIPEC, aiming for complete cytoreduction. Prognosis depends on factors like tumor grade, extent, and cytoreduction completeness. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma is a rare condition with challenging diagnosis due to its non-specific symptoms. Early recognition, surgical resection, and appropriate adjuvant therapies like HIPEC or chemotherapy can improve outcomes in patients with this uncommon disease.

Dieulafoy's lesion: Is there still a place for surgery? About 2 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Dieulafoy's lesion, a rare but life-threatening condition accounting for a small percentage of acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases, has historically posed diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we present two cases that required surgical intervention due to unsuccessful attempts with endoscopy. Case 1 involved a 40-year-old patient with a history of treated duodenal ulcers, while Case 2 featured a 74-year-old woman with no notable medical history. Both patients exhibited severe bleeding, necessitating urgent surgical procedures. The surgical approach involved wide gastrotomy, careful inspection, and successful suturing of the bleeding vessel. DISCUSSION: Dieulafoy lesions, discovered by French surgeon Georges Dieulafoy in 1885, constitute 1-2 % of acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases. These anomalies involve enlarged submucosal arteries, predominantly in the stomach, but occurrences in other sites are documented. Endoscopic methods, surpassing surgical intervention, are preferred for treatment, boasting success rates over 90 %. Surgical measures become a last resort for uncontrolled bleeding, with laparoscopic surgery emerging as a minimally invasive alternative, facilitated by various intra-operative localization techniques. Laparoscopic wedge resection, in particular, exhibits lower re-bleeding rates than traditional oversewing methods, although feasibility depends on lesion location. CONCLUSION: While endoscopic methods are preferred, surgery remains a vital option when bleeding persists or endoscopic intervention fails. This report highlights the significance of surgical management in selected cases of Dieulafoy's lesion.

A case report of intestinal acute intussusception secondary to a lipoma: Imagery has a great value.

INTRODUCTION: Acute intestinal intussusception (AII) in adults, unlike in children, is a rare manifestation that is frequently secondary to malignant or benign tumors and intestinal intussusception on a lipoma is more exceptional. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of AII caused by a lipoma in a previously healthy 44-year-old man. He experienced severe right lower quadrant pain and constipation. An abdominal CT scan revealed ileocecal intussusception, displaying the classic "sandwich" and "cocarde" images. Additionally, a Caecal lipoma was identified. The patient underwent midline laparotomy, revealing significant small bowel distention upstream of the ileocolic intussusception. Subsequently, a right hemicolectomy with ileocolostomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed colonic ischemic necrosis attributed to AII originating from a submucosal caecal lipoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: AII is a rare cause of abdominal pain and accounts for 1 to 5 % of adult intestinal obstructions. In adults, an organic cause is found in 70 to 90 % of cases, often secondary to an endoluminal lesion of malignant nature. Pure colonic intussusception on a lipoma is exceptional. CT scan, can show characteristic images and confirms the fatty nature of the lipoma. Surgical intervention is necessary as treatment for intussusception and anatomopathological examination is required for diagnostic confirmation. CONCLUSION: Intestinal intussusception caused by an intestinal lipoma is rare. Imaging, mainly ultrasound and CT scan, plays a crucial role in providing a positive and etiological diagnosis of the condition by showing characteristic images. Treatment is always surgical, and there is no place for reduction under radiological control.

Incidental pneumoperitoneum due to pneumatosis intestinalis: A rare case of benign pneumoperitoneum.

INTRODUCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), the presence of gas within the intestinal wall, is a rare but significant gastrointestinal condition. It may be associated with underlying gastrointestinal disorders or detected incidentally, posing diagnostic challenges. This article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing this condition conservatively when appropriate. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 40-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with left lumbar fossa pain, initially suggestive of renal colic. Physical examination revealed stable vital signs and a soft abdomen. Laboratory tests showed no signs of inflammation or renal abnormalities. Abdominal CT scan ruled out urinary lithiasis but identified pericolonic pneumoperitoneum on the left side. Due to the absence of peritonitis signs, surgical intervention was deferred. Over 72 h of close monitoring, the patient remained stable without clinical deterioration. Subsequent CT scans confirmed pneumatosis intestinalis. The patient remained asymptomatic and underwent a confirming colonoscopy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Pneumatosis intestinalis can manifest with varying severity and is often linked to underlying gastrointestinal conditions. It can mimic life-threatening conditions like bowel perforation, necessitating careful differentiation. Non-surgical pneumoperitoneum, exemplified in this case, may result from benign causes like PI, warranting meticulous evaluation to prevent unnecessary surgery. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need to recognize and manage asymptomatic PI. A multidisciplinary approach and CT imaging play pivotal roles in ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Vigilance among healthcare professionals is essential to consider PI in asymptomatic patients, mitigating the risk of undue surgical interventions, and facilitating timely diagnosis and intervention when necessary.

Torsion of funiculocele presenting as an incarcerated hernia: A rare case.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia is common, but the groin area can host various pathologies. Distinguishing clinically between hernias and rare conditions like torsion of funiculocele poses challenges due to similar presentations. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man, with a 10-year-history of a groin mass, presented with a painful groin mass, initially diagnosed as a strangulated hernia. In surgery, a torsion of a cyst was identified, and it was attached to the spermatic cord. A detorsion of the cyst and an excision were successfully performed. The patient recovered well with no recurrence. DISCUSSION: The most common causes of acute groin pain are injury, incarcerated hernia, kidney stone and bone fracture. Additionally, funiculocele can cause groin pain or discomfort. Funiculocele, a rare congenital anomaly, typically affects pediatric patients. A torsion of funiculocele is easily confused with an incarcerated hernia. Ultrasonography plays a crucial role in confirmation. Although unusual, a torsion of a cyst can occur, necessitating surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Funiculocele in adults, mimicking hernias, is rare but requires timely surgical intervention to prevent complications. Awareness of this anomaly is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Abdominal pseudohernia as an exceptional complication of herpes-zoster.

INTRODUCTION: Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by the reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus, is typically characterized by sensory complications. However, motor complications, such as abdominal pseudohernia, are rare and exceptional. This report presents a case of post-herpes zoster pseudo-hernia in a previously healthy 54-year-old man. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old Caucasian patient developed an abdominal wall protrusion over two weeks, following a resolved herpes zoster infection. Physical examination revealed healed skin lesions and a painless protrusion on the right flank, triggered by coughing, suggesting an abdominal wall hernia. Abdominal CT scan ruled out parietal but noted asymmetry in the abdominal wall muscles, particularly thinning on the right side. The diagnosis of post-herpes zoster pseudo-hernia was established, with spontaneous resolution occurring after four months. DISCUSSION: Herpes zoster typically manifests as a sensory condition. However, motor complications can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Pseudo-herniation is a rare motor complication, affecting less than 1 % of cases. It must be differentiated from true abdominal wall hernias, which require surgical intervention. Pseudo-hernia typically presents as painless abdominal bulging, often asymptomatic, but can lead to gastrointestinal issues if visceral nerves are affected. Imaging studies and EMG may be employed for diagnosis. Treatment for pseudo-hernia is conservative, addressing the underlying HZ, and the prognosis is favorable, with most cases resolving within 3 to 12 months. CONCLUSION: Abdominal post-herpes zoster pseudo-hernia is a rare HZ complication. Recognizing this entity is crucial, as it typically resolves spontaneously without surgical intervention. This case aims to enhance awareness of this exceptional clinical manifestation.

Jejunogastric intussusception associated with jejunojejunal intussusception (double telescoping) occurring 20 years after gastrojejunostomy.

INTRODUCTION: Jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) is a rare but potentially lethal complication following gastrectomy or gastrojejunostomy surgeries. Diagnosis of this condition can be challenging due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms. This article presents a case report of a 60-year-old male with a history of trans mesocolic gastrojejunostomy who developed acute symptoms of JGI. CASE REPORT: The patient presented with acute epigastric pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. Physical examination and laboratory tests indicated dehydration, tachycardia, and leukocytosis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed intussuscepted loops within the stomach. Emergency laparotomy was performed, and the intussusception was manually reduced without the need for resection. The patient recovered well and was discharged five days post-surgery. DISCUSSION: Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception is a rare complication, often occurring years after gastric surgery. It can be classified into acute and chronic forms, with the former presenting with intense pain and potential hematemesis. The condition can arise in different surgical contexts and even spontaneously. The cause of JGI remains unclear, but factors such as hyperacidity, abnormal motility, and increased intra-abdominal pressure have been implicated. Diagnosis can be made through endoscopy or alternative imaging modalities such as CT. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice, with various options available based on intraoperative findings. CONCLUSION: Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception is challenging to diagnose and treat due to its rarity and lack of understanding of its causes. Imaging techniques and endoscopy play important roles in diagnosis, while surgery remains the primary treatment option. Vigilance is necessary among medical professionals to consider JGI in cases of acute abdominal pain and vomiting following gastric surgery, allowing for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent bowel necrosis. Further research is needed to establish optimal surgical strategies and evaluate recurrence rates.

Dropped gallstone-related perihepatic abscess 20 years after open cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone spillage during cholecystectomy is a recognized complication that can lead to various postoperative complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a gallstone abscess that developed 20 years after an open cholecystectomy. An 80-year-old woman with a history of high blood pressure and previous gallbladder removal presented with severe abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a large abscess with a suspicious calcification, indicating a lost gallstone. Surgical intervention was performed, resulting in the removal of multiple gallstone fragments from the abscess cavity. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Gallbladder perforations and the spillage of gallstones are common complications during cholecystectomies, with laparoscopic procedures being more prone to stone spillage. Studies show a significant difference between open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies, with laparoscopy having a higher risk of spilled stones. Complications from spilled gallstones are rare but can vary in presentation and location. They may lead to long-term issues such as abscesses and even erosion into other organs. These complications can manifest years after surgery. Treatment involves evacuating the abscess and addressing the gallstone. Surgical intervention, like laparotomy or laparoscopy, is required for retrieval. Ensuring proper traction during surgery is crucial to prevent gallbladder perforation and stone spillage. Consideration of alternative, gentler instruments for traction may be beneficial. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be vigilant, proactive, and employ prophylactic measures to minimize complications related to gallstone spillage, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

An uncommon way of revelation of a primary diaphragmatic hydatid cyst: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Diaphragmatic hydatid cyst is a misdiagnosed condition. The challenge is to suspect this rare entity on nonspecific clinical features and to localize the cyst on imaging in order to determine the surgical approach. Surgery is the only curative treatment and confirmation is set on pathology examination. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a twenty-six-year-old patient, with no medical history, who complained of recurrent right thoracic pains rebel to opioids. All radiological items lead to suspect a diaphragmatic hydatid cyst. Surgery permitted a complete resection of the cyst and a total relief of the pains. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hydatid cyst is a real challenge. Several diagnoses can be evoked such as hydatid disease depending from the liver, cystic lymphangioma or neural intercostal benign tumor. The phrenic origin of the cyst can only be identified through surgery. However, it is very important to clearly characterize the lesion to well conduct surgical approach. CONCLUSION: It is important for surgeons to suspect diaphragmatic hydatid cysts despite its rarity. CT-scan and MRI are helpful tools to localize the disease and to conduct the surgical procedure. Final diagnosis is only set on pathology examination after curative surgery.

Inferior vena cava resection for a leiomyosarcoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava are scarce. Surgery is the only potential curative treatment. Such a surgery is complex and technically demanding, requiring a huge experience in both visceral and vascular surgery. Indeed, enlarged visceral resection may be needed to achieve a free tumor margins as the tumor may invade the duodenum, the head of the pancreas and the liver. Moreover, vascular reconstruction is mandatory which might be complex as both venal reins are usually invaded by the tumor like in our case below. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old woman presented with abdominal vague pain. Imaging consisting in abdominal CT-scan with contrast and magnetic resonance angiography were suggestive of the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. A surgical complete resection with free margins was conducted. A primary repair of the inferior vena cava and the right renal vein walls. End-to-side anastomosis with a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) prosthesis was mandatory to reconstruct the renal left vein to the inferior vena cava. Postoperative outcomes were uneventful. Pathology examination confirmed the diagnosis. DISCUSSION: The optimal management of leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava is controversial. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, not all patients are qualified for surgical resection. The prognosis depends on the early diagnosis and histology type. CONCLUSION: The management of leiomyosarcomas of inferior vena cava requires a multidisciplinary consensus involving experienced surgery and oncology teams.

Establishment and external validation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in excluding postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Factors excluding postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), facilitating early drain removal and hospital discharge represent a novel approach in patients undergoing enhanced recovery after pancreatic surgery. This study aimed to establish the relevance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in excluding POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent PD at two high-volume centres was used. Patients were divided into three cohorts (training, internal, and external validation). The primary endpoints of this study were accuracy, optimal timing, and cutoff values of NLR for excluding POPF after PD. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2020, in a 2:1 ratio, 451 consecutive patients were randomly sampled as training (n = 301) and validation (n = 150) cohorts. Additionally, the external validation cohort included 197 patients between 2018 and 2020. POPF was diagnosed in 135 (20.8 per cent) patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 4.1 per cent. NLR less than 8.5 on postoperative day 3 (OR, 95 per cent c.i.) was significantly associated with the absence of POPF in the training (2.41, 1.19 to 4.88; P = 0.015), internal validation (5.59, 2.02 to 15.43; P = 0.001), and external validation (5.13, 1.67 to 15.76; P = 0.004) cohorts when adjusted for relevant clinical factors. Postoperative outcomes significantly differed using this threshold. CONCLUSION: NLR less than 8.5 on postoperative day 3 may be a simple, independent, cost-effective, and easy-to-use criterion for excluding POPF.

Risk stratifying patients with non-varicosic upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage using the Glasgow-Blatchford score: A case series of 91 patients.

Introduction: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) often leads to systematic hospitalization and emergency endoscopy. However, in most cases, it does not constitute an immediate life threat. This study aimed to evaluate the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) in predicting the need for transfusions, and/or endoscopic or surgical treatments. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study including 91 patients admitted in the general surgery department of the Hospital La Rabta Tunis for a NVUGIH.Univariate analysis was performed with the Student t-test for continuous variables and with the Chi-square test for categorical variables. For a cut-off point of 9, we calculated the sensibility and the sensitivity of the GBS to predict the need for transfusions and/or hemostatic procedure. Results: During the study period, 91 patients were admitted for NVUGIH. Sixty-one patients (67%) were transfused. Seven patients (7.7%) underwent emergency surgery and two patients had endoscopic hemostasis.The predictive factors for the use of transfusion and/or hemostasic treatments were: Age >50 years, ASA score, HR ≥ 90 bpm, pallor, Hb ≤ 9,5 g/dl, Urea ≥9,7 mmol/L.For a cut-off of 9 points of the GBS, sensitivity was 85.71% and specificity 92.86%. The positive predictive value was 96%. The negative predictive value was 74%. Conclusion: The main interest of the GBS lies in dispatching the patients between intensive care units for therapeutic intervention (if GBS> = 9) and ordinary hospitalization for surveillance (if GBS <9). It then makes it possible to rationalize the management of patients with digestive hemorrhage to identify those requiring hospital treatments (transfusion, endoscopic treatment, or surgery).