The squelching hip: a sign of life-threatening sepsis following haemorrhoidectomy

We report a case of fulminating infection tracking from the left ischiorectal fossa to the popliteal fossa as a consequence of rectal perforation 11 days following traditional Milligan–Morgan haemorrhoidectomy. The case presented as a loud squelching noise coming from the hip on walking. Extensive cellulitis was evident over the posterior aspect of the thigh, with a deep fluctuant collection in the left buttock that communicated with the posterior compartment of the thigh. Per rectal examination revealed a defect in the rectal wall, with a foul-smelling discharge. Extensive thigh incision and drainage, defunctioning colostomy, multiple washouts, and split skin grafting procedures were performed. The patient has now recovered.     

The Gonzalez hernia revisited: Use of the ischiorectal fat pad to aid in the repair of rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulae

Introduction

During the development of the posterior sagittal approach to anorectal malformations a vital technical challenge was a precise midline dissection, which if off, allowed for the ischiorectal fat pad to bulge into the wound. This occurrence became affectionately known as a “Gonzalez hernia”, after a trainee of Dr Pena’s (and a co-author of this paper). We describe here an innovative use of the ischiorectal fat pad to aid in the repair of acquired rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulae.

Methods

Patients with recurrent vaginal or urethral fistulae were selected for review. The ischiorectal fat pad was deliberately mobilized (via a posterior sagittal or transanal approach) and used to buttress the repair of the posterior vagina or urethra.

Results

The ischiorectal fat pad technique was used in 9 patients. All had an acquired fistula (6 rectovaginal fistula, 3 rectourethral fistulas). We used the posterior sagittal approach in 7 and in 2 the transanal approach. Six patients had had at least two prior attempts at fistula repair. Six patients had a stoma, and 3 did not. There were no recurrences in greater than six month follow-up.

Discussion

The ischiorectal fat pad is easily visualized and mobilized, either via a posterior sagittal or transanal approach, providing excellent coverage with native, well-vascularized tissue, in an area that is difficult to heal. It is an excellent option for recurrent rectovaginal and rectovaginal fistulae and may have other additional creative applications.     

Recurrent obturator abscess with spontaneous expulsion of the mesh after transobturator tape operation

The transobturator tape operation has been the most popular method of SUI surgery worldwide owing to its low complication rate and high success rate. However, erosions and abscesses secondary to transobturator tape have been observed. Here we report a 36-year-old woman referred to our unit with fever, persistent swelling in the left groin, difficulty in walking, and a tape that came through the vagina, 4 years after the transobturator tape operation. She had a history of ischiorectal abscess and rectovaginal fistula. A recurrent obturator abscess with fistula formation and spontaneous expulsion of the mesh was diagnosed. The patient underwent antibiotic therapy, incision through the fistula tract, drainage of the abscess, and removal of the necrotic material. Patients should be informed about risks of erosion and infection and that pain and foul smelling vaginal discharge might be the first signs of severe infectious morbidities after transobturator tape operation.     

Colpopéxia transcoccígea con malla de polipropileno con orificios facilitadores de la integración en la corrección del prolapso de la pared posterior de la vagina: resultados anatómicos y funcionales

ObjectiveThe creation of neo utero-sacral neoligaments, decribed by Petros, evolved into a new procedure allowing for the anatomical reconstruction of the three levels proposed by DeLancey. The aim of this study is evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of this minimally invasive procedure.Patients and MethodFrom December 2004 to March 2007, a total of 34 patients with posterior defect grade III or higher underwent this procedure. The minimum follow up was 13 months Mean age was 63 years. The site of fixation was the Sacrospinous ligament.Surgical TechniqueThe ischiorectal fossa is dissected. Next two small skin incisions are made 3 cm lateral and inferior to the center of the anus. A proper needle is introduced, vertically towards the sacrospinal ligament at the level of the ischial spine, guided by the surgeon index finger, 2 cm medially avoiding the Alcok canal. The armpit of the mesh is connected to the tip of the needle and brought to the perineal region. No site specific correction is made.ResultsThe cure rate was 94,7% and recurrence rate was 5,3%. No visceral, nerurovascular injuries were observed. The mesh exposure rate (less than 1 cm²) was (14.7%) and all patients were treated conservatively with no impact on the outcome. There were transient dyspareunia in 2 (11.8%) of the 17 sexually active patient and persistent in 1 case (5.9%).ConclusionsThis procedure is an attractive minimally invasive alternative for the anatomical and functional reconstruction of the posterior and apical defects.     

Surgery of cryptoglandular anorectal fistula and abscess. With special reference to complicated infections

In an unselected personal consecutive series of anal fistulous abscesses (n = 253) 21 patients (8%) had a complex fistula, i.e. a translevatoric pelvirectal extension of an ischiorectal track (n = 7), a high intersphincteric fistulous abscess with an intramural or a pelvirectal extension (n = 7), a suprasphincteric fistula (n = 2), an intralevatoric fistulous abscess (n = 5). Treatment procedures were an ischiorectal laying open with translevatoric coring out, an intraluminal laying open into the lower rectum, and partial external sphincter division with seton drainage, respectively, as proposed in the literature. For the posterior levator space abscesses circular laying open into the anal canal lead to healing. In 2 patients with an anterior extension of an intralevatoric and with a suprasphincteric fistulous abscess, respectively, a posterior approach with a transsphincteric longitudinal excision of the diseased anosphincteric tissue was employed, with primary suture of the anorectum and of the sphincters, and with a covering colostomy. The procedure revealed to be useful with respect to exposure, fistula healing, and repair of previously transsected muscle.     

Modification of the radial procedure in a patient with partial atrioventricular septal defect

We successfully cured atrial fibrillation while preserving internodal conduction in a patient with a partial atrioventricular septal defect. Because the anterior and middle internodal tracts are interrupted by the defect, the lower right atrial incision of either the maze or the radial procedure may interrupt the remaining posterior tract, resulting in internodal conduction block. We deleted the posterior septal incision from the radial procedure and replaced it with a right-side left atriotomy. The patient resumed normal sinus rhythm with significant contraction of the right and left atria. The preserved internodal pathway through the posterior interatrial septum was confirmed by electrophysiologic study.     

腹腔镜直肠悬吊固定术治疗直肠重度脱垂

目的探讨腹腔镜直肠悬吊固定术治疗直肠脱垂的临床应用价值。方法1998年3月至2007年2月,对4例完全性直肠脱垂患者进行了腹腔镜直肠悬吊固定术。1例采用缝合固定法,将直肠后壁分离、提高,用丝线缝闭直肠前陷凹,并将直肠后壁悬吊固定于骶骨岬前筋膜上,再将乙状结肠缝合固定在左侧腰大肌筋膜。3例采用网片固定法,将直肠游离到肛提肌水平,用1张6cm×9cm的T字型聚丙烯网片置于直肠后方,网片下缘在肛提肌水平环绕直肠,在直肠前方用丝线缝合网片和直肠浆肌层,再将网片上端在直肠后用疝修补钉夹固定于骶骨岬前筋膜,缝合关闭盆底腹膜。再将乙状结肠缝合固定在左侧腰大肌筋膜。结果4例患者手术均顺利,无中转开腹者。手术时间92.5(80-100)min,出血量6.5(5～10)ml。无并发症发生。术后尿失禁和肛门失禁的症状缓解,术后随访2个月至3年均未见复发与便秘出现。结论腹腔镜下行腹腔镜直肠悬吊固定术创伤小、恢复快和安全有效。     

Small bowel perforation in a hernia sac after TVT placement at the time of colpocleisis

Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is commonly considered as the first line of treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with demonstrated efficacy and limited complications. An 82-year-old woman with complete uterine procidentia and SUI underwent a Le Forte colpocleisis, TVT, posterior repair, and cystoscopy. A 4-cm bulge was noted over the site of the left TVT incision on postoperative day 1. On postoperative day 3, she developed bilious vomiting with slight abdominal distention. Computed tomography scan showed a strangulated left inguinal hernia. An immediate exploratory laparotomy noted an inguinal hernia displaced medially with loops of small bowel in the hernia sac. Although properly positioned, one loop of bowel was perforated by the sling mesh. A small bowel resection was performed and the mesh trimmed below the resection on involved side. At 2 months postoperative visit, the patient was asymptomatic, denied stress or urge incontinence. Vaginal examination noted well-supported vaginal walls.     

Traumatic L4-5 Spondylolisthesis: case report and literature review

We report a case of traumatic L4/L5 spondylolisthesis caused by fall of heavy weight on the back of a construction worker. CT scan showed dislocation of left L4/5 facet with fracture of right L5 facet. MRI showed ruptured intervertebral disc suggestive of acute lesion. The patient was treated surgically 7 days after the injury and posterior L3/4/5 instrumentation with posterolateral and posterior lumbar interbody fusion using mesh cage. At 18-month follow-up, reduction was maintained and solid fusion of interbody and posterolateral grafts was achieved.     

狭长U形槽状切口在坐骨直肠间隙脓肿和坐骨直肠间隙肛瘘手术中的应用价值

为探讨狭长U形槽状切口在坐骨直肠间隙脓肿和坐骨直肠间隙肛瘘手术中的应用价值,回顾分析采用常规底小口大切口手术（对照组,205例）和狭长U形槽状切口手术（治疗组,232例）治疗的脓肿及肛瘘患者资料,对比分析两种切口对创面愈合的影响。结果显示,两组患者均痊愈出院。治疗组平均创面愈合时间（22．4d）明显短于对照组（27．7d）,P〈0．05。随访半年以上,治疗组创口无异常;对照组21例（10．2％）创口表层组织颜色变黑,7例（3．4％）创口愈合后又自行坏死溃烂。结果表明,狭长U形槽状切口有利于切口较深的坐骨直肠间隙脓肿和坐骨直肠间隙肛瘘的痊愈;     

What is the Gold Standard for Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Repair: Mesh or Native Tissue?

Reports in the literature of high recurrence rates after native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse led to the development of alternative techniques, such as those using synthetic mesh. Transvaginal mesh (TVM) delivery systems were implemented in search of better outcomes. Despite reported recurrence as low as 7.1 % after posterior colporrhaphy, mesh kits were developed to correct posterior compartment prolapse. There is a paucity of data to substantiate better results with TVM for rectocele repair. Three randomized controlled trials comparing native tissue repair to synthetic mesh reported posterior compartment outcomes and two of these failed to show a significant difference between groups. Complications of TVM placement are not insignificant and mesh extrusion was reported in up to 16.9 %. Based on currently available data, native tissue repairs have similar outcomes to synthetic mesh without the risks inherent in mesh use and remain the standard of care for the typical patient.     

Abdominal colposacroplexy for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse with or without urinary stress incontinence]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the factors of success in abdominal colposacropexy (CSP) procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed 271 consecutive CSP between 1986 and 1997 (mean age: 48.8 years +/- 11.1). We reviewed 217 patients (80.1%). Mean duration of follow-up was 5.5 years (1-136 months). We performed: 18 CSP with Goretex mesh, 3 with resorbable mesh and 196 with Mersilene; 179 CSP with posterior colporraphy and 38 without; 208 CSP with culdoplasty (Moschowitz's procedure) and 9 without; 182 CSP with anterior and posterior meshes, 26 with posterior mesh only and 9 with anterior mesh only. RESULTS: 97.7% (212/217) of patients were cured for prolapse. 58% (125/217) had urinary stress incontinence totally cured and 82% (178/217) had urinary stress incontinence improved. Rejected grafts were 16.7% (3/18) with Goretex mesh and 1.1% with Mersilene mesh (p = 0.004). Recurrent prolapses were 1.1% (2/196) with CSP with posterior colporrhaphy and 7.9% (3/38) in CSP without (p = 0.009; OR = 0.14, CI = 0.02-0.86); 4/208 with CSP with culdoplasty and 1/9 with CSP without (p = 0.04; OR = 0.17, CI = 0.02-1.58). Recurrent stress incontinence was observed in 4/9 cases with CSP with anterior mesh only and 28/182 with CSP with anterior and posterior meshes (p = 0.03; OR = 0.34, CI = 0.12-0.97). CONCLUSION: CSP must use anterior and posterior Mersilene mesh. The CSP must be systematically combined with posterior colporraphy and culdoplasty (Moschcowitz's procedure).     

Visualization of synthetic mesh utilizing optical coherence tomography

Introduction and hypothesis

Owing to the recent upsurge in adverse events reported after mesh-augmented pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs, our aim was to determine whether the location and depth of synthetic mesh can be measured postoperatively within the vaginal tissue microstructure using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Seventeen patients with prior mesh-augmented repairs were recruited for participation. Patients were included if they had undergone an abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) or vaginal repair with mesh. Exclusion criteria were a postoperative period of <6 months, or the finding of mesh exposure on examination. OCT was used to image the vaginal wall at various POP-Q sites. If mesh was visualized, its location and depth was calculated and recorded.

Results

Ten patients underwent ASC and 7 patients had 8 transvaginal mesh repairs. Mesh was visualized in 16 of the 17 patients using OCT. In all ASC patients, mesh was imaged centrally at the posterior apex. In patients with transvaginal mesh in the anterior and/or posterior compartments, the mesh was visualized directly anterior and/or posterior to the apex respectively. Mean depth of the mesh in the ASC, anterior, and posterior groups was 60.9, 146.7, and 125.7 μm respectively. Mesh was visualized within the vaginal epithelial layer in all 16 patients despite the route of placement.

Conclusion

In this pilot study we found that OCT can be used to visualize polypropylene mesh within the vaginal wall following mesh-augmented prolapse repair. Regardless of abdominal versus vaginal placement, the mesh was identified within the vaginal epithelial layer.     

阴道前后壁修补联合补片治疗女性盆腔脏器脱垂14例临床分析

目的探讨阴道前后壁修补联合补片治疗女性盆腔脏器脱垂的有效性和安全性。方法回顾性分析14例行阴道前后壁修补联合补片治疗的女性盆底功能障碍患者的病例资料及随访结果。结果所有患者均一次性手术成功,手术平均时间为132.8（90～200）min,术中平均出血112.4（70～300）ml,平均住院时间8.2（7～10）d。术后随访4～28个月,无盆底膨出或尿失禁复发。其中1例患者出现阴道前壁补片侵蚀1,例患者术后出现左下肢轻度疼痛2,例出现膀胱颈过度活动症,1例出现轻微性交疼痛。结论阴道前后壁修补联合补片治疗盆腔脏器脱垂安全有效,经济可行,近期效果满意,并发症少,值得临床推广应用。     

Gluteo-vaginal fistula after posterior intravaginal slingplasty: a case report

In patients with posthysterectomy prolapse of the vaginal vault, the posterior intravaginal slingplasty (posterior IVS, Tyco Healthcare, USA) has been suggested as an alternative to traditional vaginal vault suspensions. The goal of this technique is to recreate the uterosacral ligaments and to reinforce the rectovaginal fascia with the use of prosthetic material. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with a history of 27 months of perineal suppurative discharge after she underwent a vaginal vault prolapse and rectocele repair using a posterior IVS (Tyco Healthcare®, USA). The IVS tape was reinforced by interposing a rectovaginal monofilament polypropylene mesh (Parietex®, Sofradim®, France). Imaging studies and surgical exploration confirmed infection of the IVS mesh with the formation of a gluteo-vaginal fistula while the rectovaginal mesh was intact.     

Laparoscopic promontory sacral colpopexy: is the posterior, recto-vaginal, mesh mandatory?

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of our retrospective study was to determine if systematic placement of a posterior mesh, in addition to an anterior vesico-vaginal mesh, is necessary for laparoscopic treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: A laparoscopic promontory sacral colpopexy was performed in 108 patients, including 55 patients with a concurrent laparoscopic Burch procedure (50.9%). We compared 33 patients treated with a single anterior mesh (SAM) and 71 treated with a double, anterior and posterior, mesh (DM). RESULTS: The difference between the SAM and DM groups was statistically significant in terms of posterior compartment failure (rectocele and/or enterocele): 31.3% and 5.9%, respectively (p=0.0006). This significant difference persisted in the Burch (B) group (p=0.001), but not in the non-Burch (NB) group (p=0.98). Among the SAM group, this difference between the B and NB groups, was significant (57.1% versus 0%; p=0.0015) and above all not a single posterior failure was observed in the NB group. CONCLUSION(S): The placement of a posterior mesh, if highly effective, appeared unnecessary in the absence of an associated Burch procedure or a patent posterior prolapse. The posterior mesh also increased risk of postoperative complications and side effects.     

Surgery for the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in 73 consecutive patients: what have we learnt from intraoperative mapping?

Intraoperative epicardial mapping data obtained in 73 consecutive patients operated upon for the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome were reviewed. Fifty-six patients had single and 17 patients had multiple accessory pathways. Except for right free wall pathways, all bypass tracts were divided using an endocardial approach. There were 2 operative deaths, 1 of which occurred after a concomitant mitral valve replacement. A total of 78 of the 87 pathways present in the 71 survivors were successfully ablated (90%). All failures occurred in patients with left posterior septal pathways. Epicardial mapping performed prior to bypass was found helpful in identifying multiple distinct accessory pathways which had been missed preoperatively. This occurred in 6 patients and led to appropriate combinations of classic operative approaches which resulted in all of these pathways being successfully divided. Further, by demonstrating that Kent bundles often presented as multiple closely-spaced or arborized accessory pathways, intraoperative mapping led to widening of the margins of surgical dissection, and in particular to an additional left atriotomy in all cases of left posterior septal accessory pathways which resulted in a substantial improvement in our rate of success.     

Thoracic kidney: congenital or traumatic origin?

The discovery of a thoracic kidney in adult patients can lead to three diagnoses, yielding different prognoses and treatment. It can either mean traumatic or congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or a congenital ectopic kidney. Intrathoracic herniation of the left kidney trough a left diaphragmatic rupture is an exceptional discovery. We report the case of a 44 year-old man who met with a car accident 20 years ago, and presented abdominal pain. CT-scan showed an intrathoracic herniation of the left kidney trough a left posterior diaphragmatic rupture. Laparoscopic approach in lateral position showed a traumatic hernia of the left costo-diaphragmatic hiatus only containing the left kidney and its pedicle. After reduction of herniated left kidney into the abdomen, the hiatus was closed by non-resorbable prosthetic mesh. Postoperative course was uneventful.     

The Gore-Tex biomaterial mesh as temporary divisor in two times surgery for spinal and pelvic tumors

In muscular skeletal spine and pelvic tumor, surgery can be performed by a double anterior and posterior approach to decrease the risk of bleeding and opening the tumor; in first one, neurovascular bundles are divided by the mass; in second one, the tumor is resected by posterior or postero-lateral approach. A Gore-Tex mesh could be used as divisor between neurovascular bundles and the tumor to decrease the adhesion formation risk and facilitate tumor removal during second operation if performed after more days. The cohort was composed by a consecutive series of 11 patients underwent to surgery for spine and pelvic tumor where Gore-Tex mesh spacer was placed. In this study, efficiency and tolerability of Gore-Tex mesh were evaluated. No case of adhesion between Gore-Tex mesh and surrounding structures is reported, no case of migration or complications occurred. Gore-Tex mesh use can be considered a useful and safe procedure to decrease the risk of adhesion formation between tumor and surrounding tissue so that to allow the tumor removal easier.     

Use of the titanium vertical ribs osteosynthesis system for reconstruction of large posterolateral chest wall defect in lung cancer

We report a case of reconstruction of a large full-thickness posterolateral defect of the chest wall after resection of a stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) using the combination of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium device and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh. A 40-year-old female presented with a NSCLC classified as type IIIA and required both neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. An en bloc resection including the left upper lobe, posterolateral segments of five ribs (K3-K7) and vertebral bodies (T3-T6) was performed through a posterior J-shaped approach. A vertical rib osteosynthesis system was used to ensure thoracic wall stability and mechanical organ protection, prevent ventilatory impairment, avoid incarceration of the tip of the scapula, and maintain an acceptable cosmetic aspect. The device was locked onto the middle arch of the second and eighth ribs. We hung the PTFE mesh from the titanium bars with multiple non-absorbable sutures under maximal tension. Final pathological classification was T4N0M0 with an R0 final resection status. After an uneventful course, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. This first experience indicates that vertical rib osteosynthesis combined with a PTFE mesh can be used safely and easily in a one-stage procedure for major posterior chest wall defects.