Low Hartmann's procedure versus abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer, a propensity score matching cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare low Hartmann's procedure (LHP) with abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer (RC) regarding postoperative complications. METHOD: RC patients receiving radical LHP or APR from 2015 to 2019 in our center were retrospectively enrolled. Patients' demographic and surgical information was collected and analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline information. The primary outcome was the incidence of major complications. All the statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22.0 and R. RESULTS: 342 individuals were primarily included and 134 remained after PSM with a 1:2 ratio (50 in LHP and 84 in APR). Patients in the LHP group were associated with higher tumor height (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two groups for the incidence of major complications (6.0% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.290), and severe pelvic abscess (2% vs. 0%, P = 0.373). However, the occurrence rate of minor complications was significantly higher in the LHP group (52% vs. 21.4%, P < 0.001), and the difference mainly lay in abdominal wound infection (10% vs. 0%, P = 0.006) and bowel obstruction (16% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.028). LHP was not the independent risk factor of pelvic abscess in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated a comparable incidence of major complications between LHP and APR. LHP was still a reliable alternative in selected RC patients when primary anastomosis was not recommended.

Stenosis of the colorectal anastomosis after surgery for diverticulitis: A national retrospective cohort study.

AIM: The aim of this work was to investigate the association between early postoperative anastomotic leakage or pelvic abscess (AL/PA) and symptomatic anastomotic stenosis (SAS) in patients after surgery for left colonic diverticulitis. METHOD: This is a retrospective study based on a national cohort of diverticulitis surgery patients carried out by the Association Française de Chirurgie. The assessment was performed using path analyses. The database included 7053 patients operated on for colonic diverticulitis, with surgery performed electively or in an emergency, by open access or laparoscopically. Patients were excluded from the study analysis where there was (i) right-sided diverticulitis (the initial database included all consecutive patients operated on for colonic diverticulitis), (ii) no anastomosis was performed during the first procedure or (iii) missing information about stenosis, postoperative abscess or anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Of the 4441 patients who were included in the final analysis, AL/PA occurred in 327 (4.6%) and SAS occurred in 82 (1.8%). AL/PA was a significant independent factor associated with a risk for occurrence of SAS (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.75-6.66), as was the case for diverting stoma for ≥100 days (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.32-5.82), while central vessel ligation proximal to the inferior mesenteric artery was associated with a reduced risk (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19-0.88). Diverting stoma created for <100 days or ≥100 days was also a factor associated with a risk for AL/PA (OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 2-4.75 and OR = 12.95, 95% CI = 9.11-18.50). Interestingly, no significant association between radiological drainage or surgical management of AL/PA and SAS could be highlighted. CONCLUSION: AL/PA was an independent factor associated with the risk for SAS. The treatment of AL/PA was not associated with the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis. Diverting stoma was associated with an increased risk of both AL/PA and SAS, especially if it was left for ≥100 days. Physicians must be aware of this information in order to decide on the best course of action when creating a stoma during elective or emergency surgery.

Incidence and risk factors of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann's procedure: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The literature reports a varying occurrence (3-33%) of blowout of the rectal remnant after Hartmann's procedure, and there is a lack of multivariate analyses on potential risk factors for blowout following Hartmann's procedure. We aimed to estimate the incidence of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann's procedure and to identify potential risk factors for blowout through multivariate analysis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, a Danish primary and tertiary hospital. Patients who underwent primary surgery with Hartmann's procedure irrespective of surgical setting and indications between September 2016 and August 2021 were included. Blowout was defined as a defective closure line of the rectal stump or a pelvic abscess. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included, and blowout occurred in 30 patients (16.9%) within 90 days after a primary Hartmann's procedure. Multivariate analysis showed increased risk of blowout among patients with Hinchey IV diverticulitis (relative risk 6.32 (95% CI 4.09-9.75)), previous radiotherapy (relative risk 3.35 (95% CI 1.67-6.74)), and alcohol overconsumption (relative risk 1.69 (95% CI 1.05-2.72)). Intraoperative insertion of a Foley catheter in the rectal remnant significantly reduced the risk of blowout within 90 days after a primary Hartmann's procedure (relative risk 0.18 (95% CI 0.05-0.65)). CONCLUSION: Blowout remains a severe and common complication within 90 days after a primary Hartmann's procedure. Hinchey IV diverticulitis, pelvic radiotherapy, and alcohol overconsumption are risk factors. An intraoperatively inserted rectal Foley catheter is a protective factor and can be considered used in all patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure.

Endometriosis is a risk factor for recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease after tubo-ovarian abscess surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) and identify risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) recurrence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis including 98 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for TOA at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Bern University Hospital from January 2011 to May 2021. The primary outcome studied was the recurrence of PID after TOA surgery. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and surgical outcomes were examined as possible risk factors for PID recurrence. RESULTS: Out of the 98 patients included in the study, 21 (21.4%) presented at least one PID recurrence after surgery. In the univariate regression analysis, the presence of endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and the isolation of E. coli in the microbiology cultures correlated with PID recurrence. However, only endometriosis was identified as an independent risk factor in the multivariate analysis (OR (95% CI): 9.62 (1.931, 47.924), p < 0.01). With regard to the time of recurrence after surgery, two distinct recurrence clusters were observed. All patients with early recurrence (≤ 45 days after TOA surgery) were cured after 1 or 2 additional interventions, whereas 40% of the patients with late recurrence (> 45 days after TOA surgery) required 3 or more additional interventions until cured. CONCLUSION: Endometriosis is a significant risk factor for PID recurrence after TOA surgery. Optimized therapeutic strategies such as closer postsurgical follow-up as well as longer antibiotic and hormonal therapy should be assessed in further studies in this specific patient population.

Endoscopic ultra-sound (EUS) guided management of symptomatic pelvic collections: puncture-aspiration or drainage? Results from mono-centric retrospective experience with therapeutic algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic collections may occur after surgery or in medical diseases. EUS transmural (TM) treatment has been shown as highly effective and safe, becoming an alternative to surgery or radiology. We aimed to assess the results of EUS management of pelvic collections. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center observational study conducted between 2004 and 2018. Patients with symptomatic collections treated by EUS-TM approach were enrolled. The procedures were performed with a therapeutic EUS-scope, following two possible options: puncture-aspiration-injection of antibiotics PAIA (group 1) or EUS-drainage by plastic double pigtail stents (DPS) with an ano-cavitary drain (ACD) or lumen-apposing metal Stent (LAMS) (group 2). The main objective was to assess the clinical effectiveness based on symptoms and collection resolution. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were included. Mean age was 42.5 years [12-87]. 30 patients in group 1 (41%) underwent PAIA and 43 in group 2 (59%) underwent DPS ± ACD in 41 patients (95%) and LAMS in 2. The collection was postoperative in 58%. The mean size was 48.9 mm [8-120], 33 +/- 17 mm in group 1, compared to 67 ± 21 mm in group 2 (p < .0001). All the procedures were technically successful. Overall clinical success was 96% (93% in group 1 (28/30), 98% (42/43) in group 2). Failures occurred in 2 post sigmoiditis abscesses and 1 ileo-colic Crohn's disease. No adverse event was reported. During the median follow-up of 7.5 years [4.4-8.9], no patient had recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-TM with either PAIA or drainage depending on the collection size is confirmed to be highly effective and safe.

Impact of early surgical management on tubo-ovarian abscesses.

This 5-year retrospective study aimed to investigate whether early surgical management improves outcomes in patients presenting with a tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). Patient characteristics, investigation results and treatment outcomes were compared. 50 women were diagnosed with a TOA during the study period. Nineteen (38.0%) were treated with antibiotics (medical group) and thirty one (62.0%) were treated surgically on admission (early surgical group). The early surgical group was associated with a high success rate of 96.8% and the lowest risk of readmission within 12 months (16.1%). There was no significant difference in the length of stay between the early surgical and the successful medical group.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is an inflammatory mass that forms most commonly as a complication of untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Traditionally, TOAs are treated first with broad-spectrum intra-venous antibiotics, with surgical intervention considered after 72 h. It is not known whether early surgical intervention would be beneficial to patient outcomes compared to traditional management.What do the results of this study add? In this study, we have demonstrated a high success rate with early surgical management. Readmission rate was lowest in the early surgical group compared to the medical and late surgical group. This suggests that early surgical intervention may be beneficial, compared to the standard management of trialling antibiotics and then proceeding to surgery 72 h later.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study suggests that early surgery may be beneficial in the management of TOAs. Although we were unable to demonstrate statistical significance, our data suggest that it would be worthwhile to investigate white blood cell (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) further as a potential predictor for failure of medical management. In the future, more studies comparing early surgical management with medical and late surgical management could inform clinicians of the best mode of treatment for these patients.

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Anastomotic Leak.

Chronic anastomotic leaks present a daunting challenge to colorectal surgeons. Unfortunately, anastomotic leaks are common, and a significant number of leaks are diagnosed in a delayed fashion. The clinical presentation of these chronic leaks can be silent or have low grade, indolent symptoms. Operative options can be quite formidable and highly complex. Leaks are typically diagnosed by radiographic and endoscopic imaging during the preoperative assessment prior to defunctioning stoma reversal. The operative strategy depends on the location of the anastomosis and the specific features of the anastomotic dehiscence. Low colorectal anastomosis (i.e. following low anterior resection) may require a transanal approach, transabdominal approach, or a combination of the two. While restoration of bowel continuity is encouraged, it is not infrequent for a permanent ostomy to be required to maximize patient quality of life.

C-reactive protein assessment to predict early septic complications after laparoscopic bowel resection for endometriosis: a diagnostic study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) level for early septic complications after laparoscopic bowel resection for endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study using data prospectively recorded in the CIRENDO database. SETTING: University tertiary referral centre. POPULATION: Three hundred and three women managed by segmental resection or disc excision for colorectal endometriosis in 40 consecutive months. METHODS: C-reactive protein was routinely measured at postoperative days 4, 5, and 6. Bowel fistula, pelvic abscess, and pelvic infected haematoma were prospectively recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built to assess the best cut off CRP value to predict early septic complications. RESULTS: The incidence of bowel fistula and pelvic abscess/infected hematoma were 2 and 7.9%, respectively. The CRP cut-off value of 100 mg/l at postoperative day 4 predicts early septic pelvic complications (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of, respectively, 76, 83, 30.2, and 90.4%), and the area under the curve was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.92). CONCLUSION: Postoperative CRP monitoring is useful in the prediction of early septic pelvic complications following bowel endometriosis surgery, with possible impact on the management of postoperative outcomes and hospitalisation stay. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Levels of CRP ≥100 mg/l at day 4 after bowel resection or excision for endometriosis are associated with early septic pelvic complications.

Complicated Clinical Course and Poor Reproductive Outcomes of Women with Tubo-Ovarian Abscess after Fertility Treatments.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical course and surgical and fertility outcomes of patients diagnosed with tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) after fertility treatment. DESIGN: Parallel case series over 10 consecutive years (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven women who were diagnosed with TOA after fertility treatments (in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination) were compared with 313 women who were diagnosed with TOA not associated with fertility treatments during the same time period. INTERVENTION: Medical records search, chart review, and phone survey were used to assess clinical course and surgical and reproductive outcomes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Women with TOA after fertility treatments had significantly higher inflammatory markers upon admission compared with the nonfertility treatment group (mean white blood cell count, 16.1 × 1000/mm3 [standard deviation [SD], ±4.3] vs 13.8 × 1000/mm3 [SD, ±6.3], p = .001, respectively; and mean C-reactive protein, 149 mg/L [SD, ±78.3] vs 78.2 mg/L [SD, ±68.5], p = .001, respectively). In addition, TOA after fertility treatments was associated with a significantly higher surgical intervention rate and a more complicated clinical course, as evidenced by a shorter time interval from admission to surgery (2.1 days vs 3.2 days, p = .01), higher rates of antibiotic failure, higher conversion rate from laparoscopy to laparotomy (14.2% vs 3.2%, p = .005), increased perioperative complications rate (25.0% vs 3.8%, p = .0001), and a longer hospitalization stay (7.2 days vs 4.8 days, p = .01). Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle in women with TOA after fertility treatments was 9%, and 1 case of live birth was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that TOA after fertility treatment has a substantial effect on the clinical course and surgical outcome. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment before ovum retrieval and deferral of embryo transfer should be considered in patients at risk of infection.

Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Early Laparoscopic Therapy versus Conservative Treatment for Tubo-Ovarian or Pelvic Abscess: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to assess the value of early laparoscopic therapy in management of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) or pelvic abscess. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who were initially diagnosed with TOA or pelvic abscess at the local hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. The risks of operation and recurrence were analyzed using logistic analyses. RESULTS: The durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p = 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001) were longer in the conventional group versus the early laparoscopy group. In the conventional group, 15 (50%) patients finally underwent laparoscopic exploration. The abscess size in the late laparoscopic group was significantly larger than the successful antibiotic treatment group (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 4.9 ± 1.2 cm, p = 0.010). Abscess > 5.5 cm was independently associated with antibiotic failure (OR 4.571; 95% CI 1.612-12.962). Compared with late laparoscopy, early laparoscopy was associated with a shorter operation time (p = 0.037), less blood loss (p = 0.035), and shorter durations of body temperature > 38.0°C (p < 0.001) and hospitalization (p < 0.001). The cost was the lowest in the patients successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic treatment is associated with shorter time of fever resolution, shorter hospitalization, and less blood loss compared with conventional treatment for TOA or pelvic abscess.

Fertility outcomes in patients with tubo-ovarian abscesses after an oocyte retrieval: a longitudinal cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of pelvic inflammation caused by tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) on ovarian response to stimulation. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis that was carried out in a tertiary university-affiliated medical center included 15 women with TOA during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The ovarian response to stimulation and the pregnancy rate were compared in two subsequent cycles, the initial IVF cycle that was complicated by TOA after oocyte retrieval (first treatment cycle) and the following IVF treatment (second treatment cycle) that occurred within a period of a year from the first cycle. RESULTS: The mean number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the first IVF cycle compared to the second cycle (8.1 ± 3.2 vs. 5.4 ± 2.5, P = .003], corresponding to a 30% reduction in ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. Fertilization rates were significantly lower in the second cycle (4.1 ± 2.9 vs. 2.9 ± 1.7, P = .015). Twelve women (80%) reached embryo transfer in the first cycle compared to 14 women (93.3%) in the second cycle. The mean number of transferred embryos was similar between the two cycles. There were no clinical pregnancies following the first cycle, and only one patient (6.6%) had a clinical pregnancy in the second treatment cycle. CONCLUSIONS: TOA following fertility treatment has a detrimental effect on ovarian function. The pregnancy rate in the immediate period following TOA is poor. Current data for recommending the deferral of fertility treatment following a TOA episode are insufficient, calling for more studies to address these issues.

Low Hartmann's procedure or intersphincteric abdominoperineal resection in the primary treatment of low rectal cancer; a survey among surgeons evaluating current practice.

BACKGROUND: Low Hartmann's procedure (LHP) and intersphincteric abdominoperineal resection (iAPR) are both surgical options in the treatment of distal rectal cancer when there is no intention to restore bowel continuity. This study aimed to evaluate current practice among members of the Dutch Association of Coloproctology (WCP). METHODS: An online survey among members of the WCP who represent 66 Dutch hospitals was conducted. The survey consisted of 15 questions addressing indications for surgical procedures and complications. RESULTS: Surgeons from 37 hospitals (56%) responded. Thirty-six percent does not distinguish low from high Hartmann's procedures based on estimated length of the rectal remnant. Overall, iAPR was the preferred technique in 86%. If asking whether operative approach would be different in tumours at 1 cm from the pelvic floor compared to 5 cm distance, 62% stated that they would consider a different technique. The incidence of pelvic abscess after LHP was thought to be higher, equal or lower than iAPR in 36%, 36% and 21%, respectively, with the remaining respondents not answering this question. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the respondents considers iAPR as the preferred non-restorative procedure for rectal cancer not invading the sphincter complex, which contradicts with population based data from 2011.

What to do with the rectal stump during sphincter preserving rectal cancer resection with end colostomy: a collaborative snapshot study.

AIM: Low Hartmann's resection (LHR) and intersphincteric abdominoperineal excision (iAPR) are both feasible options in the treatment of rectal cancer when restoration of bowel continuity is not desired. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of pelvic abscess and associated need for re-intervention and readmission after LHR and iAPR. METHOD: From a snapshot research project in which all rectal cancer resections from 71 Dutch hospitals in 2011 were evaluated, patients who underwent LHR or iAPR were selected. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were included: 139 LHR and 46 iAPR. No differences in baseline characteristics were found except for more multivisceral resections in the iAPR group (22% vs 10%; P = 0.041). Pelvic abscesses were diagnosed in 17% of the LHR group after a median of 21 days (interquartile range 10-151 days), compared to 11% in the iAPR group (P = 0.352) after a median of 90 days (interquartile range 44-269 days; P = 0.102). All 28 patients with a pelvic abscess underwent at least one re-intervention. Four patients (9%) in the iAPR group and nine (7%) after LHR were readmitted because of a pelvic abscess over a median 39 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional multicentre study suggests that cross-stapling and intersphincteric resection of the rectal stump, during non-restorative rectal cancer resection, are associated with an equal risk of pelvic abscess formation and have a similar need for re-intervention and readmission.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided versus surgical transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic abscesses are common but only small case series reporting outcome of either endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided or surgical transrectal drainage have been reported. METHODS: We performed a retrospective consecutive cohort study, assessing effectivity and safety of EUS guided or surgical transrectal drainage of previously untreated pelvic abscesses from all causes, diagnosed using CT scan between 09/2010 and 06/2014 in a Dutch teaching hospital. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with comparable demographics, apart from stoma presence (p = .016), were included. The success rate after a single intervention was 83% in the EUS guided compared to 48% in the surgical transrectal drainage group (p = .013). However, the mean duration of drainage was threefold in the EUS group [42 versus 13 days (p = .001)]. The length of stay in hospital was similar for both EUS and surgical group [24 versus 20 days (p = .56)] as was abscess resolution during follow-up [78% versus 74%]. We recorded a total of 12 anastomotic leaks [3 versus 9]. In the occurrence of leakage, only one stoma was finally closed in each group. CONCLUSION: EUS guided and surgical transrectal drainage of pelvic abscesses from any cause are safe, nonetheless EUS guided drainage(if feasible) seems more effective after a single treatment, with high overall cure rates.

Low Hartmann's procedure or intersphincteric proctectomy for distal rectal cancer: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: Two non-restorative options for low rectal cancer not invading the sphincter are the low Hartmann's procedure (LH) or intersphincteric proctectomy (IP). The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity with emphasis on pelvic abscesses after LH and IP. METHODS: All patients that had LH or IP for low rectal cancer were included in three centres between 2008 and 2014 in this retrospective cohort study. Follow-up was performed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were included: 40 LH and 12 IP. Median follow-up was 29 months (IQR 23). There were no differences between groups in gender, age and ASA classification. Seven patients in the LH group (18%) and four patients in the IP group (33%) developed a complication within 30-day postoperative with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or higher (P = 0.253). Four out of 40 patients (10%) in the LH group and two out of 12 patients (17%) in the IP group developed a pelvic abscess (P = 0.612). Reinterventions were performed in 11 (28%) patients in the LH group and five (42%) patients in the IP group (P = 0.478), with a total number of reinterventions of 13 and 20, respectively. Six and 15 interventions were related to pelvic abscesses, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pelvic abscesses seem to occur in a similar rate after both LH and IP. Previous reports from the literature suggesting that IP might be associated with less infectious pelvic complications compared to LH are not supported by this study, although numbers are small.

Outpatient Appendectomy in an Emergency Outpatient Surgery Unit 24 h a Day: An Intention-to-Treat Analysis of 194 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of patients operated on for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UAA) in our 24-h emergency outpatient surgery unit. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study with intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. From 12/2013 to 03/2015, all consecutive patients admitted for acute appendicitis (AA) were prospectively screened. A computed tomography or abdominal ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of AA. Eligibility criteria for outpatient appendectomy were: UAA, no comorbidity, no physical or mental condition preventing participation in the study, absence of pregnancy, age older than 15 years, an accompanying adult person available for the hospital discharge and place of residence within 1 h of our hospital. In the case of intraoperative complication (abscess, local or general peritonitis) or complication of general anesthesia, patients were excluded from the outpatient pathway. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of outpatient appendectomy among all consecutive patients admitted for UAA. RESULTS: Of the 194 screened patients, 150 (77%) presented an UAA and 102 (68%) were eligible for an outpatient procedure. Thirteen eligible patients (13%) were excluded from the outpatient circuit (7 intraoperative and 6 postoperative contraindications). Outpatient appendectomy was performed in 89 patients, representing 59% (89/150) of the ITT population and 87% (89/102) of the eligible patients. The median length of hospital stay was 13 h. Postoperative complications were observed in six patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a safe and feasible management of UAA. Our organization allows a short hospitalization for postoperative recovery without using conventional surgery beds and enables discharge throughout the night.

Pelvic abscess caused by a slow growing anaerobic bacterium, Eggerthella lenta: First case report from Pakistan.

We report a case of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) related pelvic abscess caused by a challenging to grow anaerobic Gram positive rod named Eggerthella lenta. A middle aged lady presented with complaints of lower abdomen pain, intermittent vaginal bleeding since two weeks. Ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis showed right adnexal mass involving fallopian tubes, right ovary and gut omentum. She underwent removal of adnexal mass and total abdominal hysterectomy and was treated empirically with vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. Histopathological examination disclosed adenomyosis and chronic non-specific endometritis. Microbiological evaluation of pus aspirate grew Eggerthella lenta.

A Pelvic Abscess and a Pelvic Stone Secondary to a Ureteral Calculus.

The patient presented with abdominal pain for the first time 10 years ago and was diagnosed with a left ureteral calculus, left hydronephrosis, and hydroureter. The patient's abdominal pain disappeared after palliative treatment, but he refused any treatment measures for his calculus and hydrops. He was readmitted due to chronic pelvic pain 8 years ago and was diagnosed with a pelvic abscess and left renal atrophy after imaging examination. We performed pus aspiration treatment under the guidance of transrectal B-mode ultrasound and used antibiotic fluid for purulent cavity rinse, followed by intravenous injection of antibiotics. The abscess shrank in follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the pain symptom disappeared in his pelvic. We followed up with the patient for 6 months, and he had no symptoms related to his pelvic abscess that was diagnosed before. Recent abdominal computed tomography (CT) images revealed that his left kidney atrophy still exists, and a pelvic stone was found at the site of the original abscess. This case once again proves that a ureteral calculus should be treated in time; otherwise, it can lead to serious complications such as a pelvic abscess and renal atrophy. A pelvic stone can be caused by a ureteral calculus migration. Minimally invasive treatments have minimal damage to the body and are widely applicable, and the patient was cured by one of them, abscess aspiration, which implies that they can also be used for patients who cannot tolerate surgical procedures.

Application of a Malecot drain in the management of a vaginal cuff dehiscence: A case report and review of the literature.

Background: Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) in the setting of acute infection is an uncommon but serious complication of total hysterectomy without clear guidelines for management. There is a need for further documentation of best practices around treatment, particularly when it comes to surgical drain utilization and placement. Case description: We present a case of a 68-year-old with primary peritoneal carcinoma who underwent a robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy as part of an interval debulking surgery and had a VCD. The cuff was repaired vaginally in the operating room with placement of a Malecot catheter for pelvic abscess drainage. Discussion: The literature is sparse in regard to clear guidelines for management of VCD. Surgical and expectant management approaches are dependent on patient stability, surgical experience, local practice norms, and evidence of intra-abdominal injury. Interventional radiology has become a primary source of drain placement in management of VCD and vaginal cuff abscess. Malecot drains are a low cost, and effective intervention for such management and an important resource for the gynecologic surgeon.

Obstructive uropathy in STAT 3 hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome: A 5 year old Middle Eastern boy.

Autosomal dominant hyper immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome is a rare inborn error of immunity that affects approximately one in a million individuals worldwide. It presents with various symptoms owing to multisystem involvement (immunological and non-immunological). Recurrent infections (mainly in the skin and lungs) are common presentations. A 5-year-old Middle Eastern boy presented with symptoms suggestive of obstructive uropathy secondary to multiple large pelviabdominal abscesses and acute kidney injury with hyperkalemia that necessitated admission to the intensive care unit. Upon further investigation, the patient's genetic test (whole exome sequencing) demonstrated a heterozygous missense variant in the STAT3 gene. The patient completely recovered and did not require further admission after initiating prophylactic antibiotics. Although deep-seated infections are uncommon in STAT3 hyper IgE syndrome, skin and lung infections are most commonly observed. Multiple deep collections can occur and require prompt intervention and aggressive treatment.