Laparoscopic Resection of an Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Splenic Sarcoma

Background:

Splenic tumors are rare. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the spleen is one of the least common primary splenic tumors. Review of the literature shows that a laparoscopic resection has never been tried.

Method:

We discuss the case of a 76-year-old man with a 7-cm MFH in the spleen and present a review of splenic sarcomas.

Results:

The patient underwent a successful laparoscopic splenectomy; pathology revealed a rare undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the spleen. A review of the international literature identified 15 additional cases of primary splenic MFH. Survival was rarely longer than 15 months.

Conclusion:

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the spleen is an exceedingly rare tumor with a poor prognosis. In experienced hands, laparoscopic splenectomy is a feasible operative choice for primary splenic sarcoma.     

Left-sided portal hypertension: Successful management by laparoscopic splenectomy following splenic artery embolization

INTRODUCTION

Left-sided portal hypertension is a rare clinical condition most often associated with a pancreatic disease. In case of hemorrhage from gastric fundus varices, splenectomy is indicated. Commonly, the operation is carried out by laparotomy, as portal hypertension is considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Although some studies have reported the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach in the setting of cirrhosis-related portal hypertension, experience concerning LS in left-sided portal hypertension is lacking.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 39-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Department for haemorrhagic shock due to acute hemorrhage from gastric fundus varices. Diagnostic work up revealed a chronic pancreatitis-related splenic vein thrombosis causing left-sided portal hypertension with gastric fundus varices and splenic cavernoma. Following splenic artery embolization (SAE), the case was successfully managed by LS.

DISCUSSION

The advantages of laparoscopic over open splenectomy include lower complication rate, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay. Splenic artery embolization prior to LS has been used to reduce intraoperative blood losses and conversion rate, especially in complex cases of splenomegaly or cirrhosis-related portal hypertension. We report a case of complicated left-sided portal hypertension managed by LS following SAE. In spite of the presence of large varices at the splenic hilum, the operation was performed by laparoscopy without any major intraoperative complication, thanks to the reduced venous pressure achieved by SAE.

CONCLUSION

Splenic artery embolization may be a valuable adjunct in case of left-sided portal hypertension requiring splenectomy, allowing a safe dissection of the splenic vessels even by laparoscopy.     

Idiopathic spontaneous haemoperitoneum due to a ruptured middle colic artery aneurysm

Introduction

Idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage is a rare, but challenging condition, associated with high mortality if not managed appropriately. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult, despite the recent advances in imaging. We present the clinical manifestations of this condition, as well as the available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Presentation of case

We report a case of a spontaneously ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the middle colic artery, which was managed with an emergency laparotomy and aneurysmatectomy. Interestingly, no evidence of vasculitis, infection or collagen disease was discovered during the histopathology examination of the specimen.

Discussion

The treatment of idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage revolves around patient resuscitation and management of the source of bleeding. In case of a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery, the surgical management includes emergency laparotomy, arterial ligation and resection of the aneurysm. Transarterial embolisation has been suggested as a safe and less invasive alternative approach.

Conclusion

A ruptured middle colic artery aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Aneurysmatectomy is the treatment of choice, with radiologic interventional techniques gaining ground in the management of this entity.     

Case report of rare chronic myelogenous leukemia related multibacterial splenic abscess presenting with scrotal swelling

INTRODUCTION

Splenic abscesses associated with leukemia are rare. Most reported cases of splenic abscesses occur after chemotherapy and are related to the immunosuppressive effects of the chemotherapy. Their etiology is most frequently fungal.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 58-year-old male presented with splenomegaly and scrotal swelling secondary to a multibacterial splenic abscess which required a splenectomy. Upon investigation he was found to suffer from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and epididymitis.

DISCUSSION

Splenic abscesses are rarely found in leukemic patients. Reported cases are fungal and commonly occur after chemotherapy due to immunosuppression. Scrotal swelling with concurrent splenomegaly can be found in other pathologies including brucellosis, Lyme disease and even non-Hodgkin primary testicular lymphoma. Scrotal swelling in our case was likely secondary to epididymitis and exacerbated by the effects of splenomegaly upon the systemic circulation promoting venous congestion.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrated an unusual presentation of CML because the patient presented with splenomegaly, a multibacterial splenic abscess, and scrotal swelling.     

Splenic cyst during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Splenic cyst during pregnancy is rare and may result in spontaneous rupture during the third trimester, which increases perinatal morality.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a 27-year-old healthy Caucasian female who presented at 18 weeks gestation with left flank pain, early satiety and weight loss. Imaging studies demonstrated a large complex multiloculated splenic cyst. The patient underwent a successful laparoscopic splenectomy and delivered a healthy child at term without complication.

DISCUSSION

Spontaneous rupture of a splenic cyst during the third trimester incurs a perinatal mortality rate as high as 70%. Surgical management includes open or laparoscopic splenectomy or fenestration and preservation of the spleen.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic splenectomy during the second trimester appears to be safe and offers definitive management of a large symptomatic splenic cyst during pregnancy.     

Post-splenectomy splenosis presenting as hepatocellular carcinoma in the left lateral section of the liver: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Defined as heterotrophic autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenic trauma or surgery.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a case of 45 years old female patient with past history of splenectomy for haemolyticanaemia. Complaining of abdominal pain the patient was investigated by abdominal CT scan which revealed a focal lesion in the left lateral section of the liver suspicious to be hepatocellular carcinoma and gall bladder stones. Serum α-fetoprotein was within normal range. Exploration revealed a well encapsulated lesion completely separable from the liver and the diaphragm. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of splenosis. Although it is a rare condition, we recommend that the diagnosis of splenosis should be put in consideration in every patient with past history of splenectomy for proper management.

DISCUSSION

Although several cases of hepatic splenosis have been reported in the literature, supra-hepatic splenosis as our case has been rarely described.

CONCLUSION

Considering patients past history of splenectomy or splenic trauma should add splenosis to the list of possible differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.     

Laparoscopic Management of Massive Hemobilia From an Intrahepatic Aneurysm

Background:

Intrahepatic arterial aneurysms are rare and typically related to trauma, transplantation, iatrogenic injury, or infection. They account for approximately 10% of clinically significant hemobilia.

Case Report:

We present the case of a 49-year-old man with an intraparenchymal hepatic artery aneurysm that presented as massive hemobilia following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aneurysm could not be managed by interventional embolization and required a left hepatic lobectomy, which was performed laparoscopically.

Discussion:

Evaluation of hemobilia requires a multidisciplinary team approach. The diagnosis of hepatic artery aneurysm can be most readily made by MRI or CT scan. Interventional embolization of the aneurysm may be effective treatment but is not always possible due to anatomic considerations. Where indicated, surgical resection in a manner that preserves a maximal amount of normal hepatic parenchyma is the treatment of choice.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of laparoscopic liver resection performed for bleeding from a hepatic artery aneurysm and adds an effective treatment modality to the surgical armamentarium.     

Accessory wandering spleen: Report of a case of laparoscopic approach in an asymptomatic patient

INTRODUCTION

Accessory wandering spleen is a rare but dangerous condition. Abnormalities of the ligamentous apparatus of an accessory spleen may evolve into torsion of its vascular axis, which can lead to a splenic infarct making surgery necessary. Patients are often asymptomatic and the diagnosis can be accidental. An early diagnosis and a correct treatment are fundamental.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this case report a young woman underwent laparoscopic surgery after an incidental finding at a Pelvic Ultrasound of an accessory wandering spleen.

DISCUSSION

In literature are reported cases of asymptomatic patients with an accessory wandering spleen treated with a conservative approach. However, a torsion or infarct of the accessory wandering spleen leads to emergency surgery. The presence of an independent vascular axis of the accessory spleen reduces the risk of postoperative complications (e.g. thrombocytosis) and the administration of low molecular weight heparin should prevent the risk of portal thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

We suggest performing surgery with a laparoscopic approach in patients with accessory wandering spleen, though asymptomatic, because of the risk of serious complications in case of accessory spleen torsion.     

Bilateral persistent sciatic arteries complicated with chronic lower limb ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare vascular anomaly associated with a higher rate of aneurysm formation or thromboembolic complications causing lower extremity ischemia.

PRESENTATION Of Case

A 15-year-old female patient with bilateral PSA presented with lower extremity ischemia. Considering the age and symptoms of the patient, we did not perform any intervention, but continued surveillance with duplex ultrasonography in case of the high incidence of aneurysmal formation or thromboembolic event.

DISCUSSION

Epidemiology, development, anatomical structure, diagnosis and treatments of PSAs are discussed.

CONCLUSION

PSAs, are prone to early atheromatous degeneration and aneurysm formation. Treatment of a PSA mainly dependent on the symptoms is either by surgical procedures or by endovascular interventions.     

Management of splenic injuries in a Canadian trauma centre

Objectives

To document the current practice pattern for the treatment of splenic injuries in one Canadian trauma centre and to identify factors that determined which method was employed.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

A Canadian lead trauma centre.

Patients

A cohort of 100 patients with splenic injury treated at one trauma hospital over 5 years was identified from a prospective trauma database.

Main Outcome Measures

The success rate and failure rate for splenic salvage by splenectomy, splenorrhaphy or observation. Volume of blood transfused, injury severity score (ISS) and method of diagnosis.

Results

The median ISS for the cohort was 34 (36 for splenectomy, 38 for splenorrhaphy and 35 for observation). A blunt mechanism of injury was present in 96%. The diagnosis was made by computed tomography (CT) in 55%. Splenic salvage was accomplished in 51 patients; of these, 44 (86%) were in the observation group, and the success rate was 90% (within the range reported in the literature). Only seven patients underwent splenorrhaphy. CT was performed more frequently in the observation group than in the splenectomy group (82% v. 25%, p < 0.0001). The splenectomy group had more blood tranfused than the successful observation group (mean units 15 v. 3, p = 0.0001) and had a higher median ISS (36 v. 29, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that the method of diagnosis (CT v. diagnostic peritoneal lavage) was the strongest factor associated with how the splenic injury was treated.

Conclusions

The finding in this report of an increase in observational treatment of splenic injuries represents a shift in practice from a previous Canadian report and is in keeping with recent published trends from the United States. Future studies are needed to assess whether any strong regional practice pattern variations in the management of blunt splenic injuries exists in other trauma centres across Canada.     

Torsion of a huge accessory spleen in a 20-year-old patient

INTRODUCTION

Accessory spleen is a rare condition. Torsion of accessory spleen can lead to acute abdomen.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We describe a young woman with an acute abdomen caused by torsion of accessory spleen. Abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) demonstrated an ischemic giant accessory spleen with a twisted vascular pedicle. An emergency laparotomy was performed with resection of the infarcted accessory spleen.

DISCUSSION

Accessory spleen is a rare and asymptomatic condition. Torsion of accessory spleen is also uncommon. Abdominal pain is the main symptom. CTA is effective in reaching a diagnosis. Definitive treatment of an acute abdomen due to accessory splenic torsion is emergency accessory splenectomy.

CONCLUSION

Elective accessory splenectomy should be recommended for known giant accessory spleen to prevent complications in future.     

Inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm following incisional hernia repair

Introduction

We report a case of IEA false aneurysm following a mesh repair of a large incisional hernia. We emphasize the importance to consider the diagnosis to help avoid inappropriate interventions which could increase patient morbidity.

Case report

A 68-year-old male patient, who 4 weeks previously had had a mesh repair of a large incisional hernia, presented with a painful left iliac fossa swelling. This was found to be an IEA false aneurysm. This was treated successfully with percutaneous thrombin injection.

Conclusions

We feel an inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm must be included in the differential diagnosis when investigating the cause of any lateral swelling following incisional hernia repair. This would help reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis and avoid any inappropriate interventions which may cause increased patient morbidity.     

Spontaneous conus medullaris infarction in a 79 year-old female with cardiovascular risk factors: a case report

Objective:

To detail the case of a 79 year-old female who presented with sudden bilateral neurological deficits of the lower extremities and was later diagnosed with non-traumatic conus medullaris infarction. The purpose of this case report is to inform primary contact practitioners of the presentation, diagnosis and the associated risk factors of this condition in order to facilitate prompt management.

Clinical Features:

Spinal cord infarction presenting as low back pain with a high degree of bilateral loss of motor strength, sensation and reflexes in the lower extremities and bowel/bladder dysfunction, in a patient with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery and renal insufficiency.

Intervention and Outcome:

Referral to emergency within hours of symptom onset allowed for immediate assessment, management and relatively favourable partial recovery.

Summary:

Although rare, conus medullaris infarction is potentially devastating and requires an appropriate clinical index of suspicion for timely diagnosis, treatment and optimal neurological recovery.     

Right sided transmesentric hernia: A rare cause of acute abdomen in adults

INTRODUCTION

Transmesenteric mesocolic hernias are a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults with few reported cases in published literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a rare case of a 30-year-old male with right-sided transmesenteric hernia of ileum due to a congenital mesocolic defect resulting in acute abdomen, presenting as acute abdomen. The hernia was reduced, small bowel inspected for gangrene and mesenteric hernia repaired, following which the patient made a good recovery and was discharged 5 days later.

DISCUSSION

The insidious onset of transmesenteric herniae and lack of specific radiological or laboratory investigations reaffirms the importance of surgeons maintaining a high index of suspicion for this surgical emergency.

CONCLUSION

Transmesentric hernia though rare can present as a case of acute abdomen in an emergency. The diagnosis is purely by a CT scan and close monitoring of the patient''s general condition in cases of non-specific abdominal pain is essential to identify the rare deteriorating patient for early surgical intervention and optimal outcome.     

Entrapment of the saphenous nerve at the adductor canal affecting the infrapatellar branch – a report on two cases

Objective:

To present 2 cases of entrapment of the saphenous nerve at the adductor canal affecting the infrapatellar branch, and to provide insight into the utilization of nerve tension testing for the diagnosis of nerve entrapments in a clinical setting.

Rationale:

Saphenous nerve entrapments are a very rare condition within today’s body of literature, and the diagnosis remains controversial.

Clinical Features:

Two cases of chronic knee pain that were unresponsive to previous treatment. The patients were diagnosed with an entrapment of the saphenous nerve at the adductor canal affecting the infrapatellar branch using nerve tension techniques along with a full clinical examination.

Intervention and Outcome:

Manual therapy and rehabilitation programs were initiated including soft tissue therapy, nerve gliding techniques and gait retraining which resulted in 90% improvement in one case and complete resolution of symptoms in the second.

Conclusion:

Nerve tension testing may prove to be an aid in the diagnosis of saphenous nerve entrapments within a clinical setting in order to decrease time to diagnosis and proper treatment.     

Oversized pseudocysts of the spleen: Report of two cases: Optimal management of oversized pseudocysts of the spleen

INTRODUCTION

Pseudocysts of the spleen are usually asymptomatic and associated with a history of trauma, infection or infarction. In this report, we present two uncommon cases of solitary, oversized pseudocysts of the spleen.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Two patients (cases A and B), with symptoms of abdominal pain, were investigated. The laboratory and ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis of a large, non-parasitic splenic cyst in both cases. Computed tomography described an oversized pseudocyst occupying almost the entire splenic parenchyma in both cases and in patient A, the cyst was located in the splenic hilum. The medical history revealed a previous abdominal injury only in case A. The two patients underwent an open total splenectomy. The pathology examination verified the diagnosis of a non-parasitic splenic pseudocyst.

DISCUSSION

Both patients presented with symptoms, in contrast to the majority of patients with splenic cysts. The medical history of patients with splenic pseudocysts does not always reveal the cause of the pseudocyst formation. Any type of spleen-sparing procedure is not easy to perform in cases of surgical and anatomical difficulty, because of recurrence and the risk of intractable bleeding from the spleen.

CONCLUSION

Partial splenectomy is the recommended method for parenchymal preservation, but total splenectomy is preferred when the splenic cyst is oversized or cannot be excised with safety.     

Laparoscopic Duodenojejunostomy for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Background:

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also called Wilkie''s syndrome, is a rare clinical phenomenon believed to be caused by compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the overlying superior mesenteric artery. We present the case of a 32-year-old female who presented with epigastric pain, weight loss, and vomiting.

Methods:

Her workup included a normal upper endoscopy as well as an abdominal CT scan and upper GI contrast study that confirmed the diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery syndrome. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent successful treatment with laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy.

Results:

The patient achieved complete relief of her symptoms and is able to eat a regular diet without difficulty. SMA syndrome is a real anatomic clinical pathology resulting in chronic, consistent obstructive symptoms. An upper GI series and CT scan with contrast can confirm the diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy should be considered the treatment of choice for these patients, because it offers a high likelihood of excellent outcome based on the current literature.     

Portal Vein Thrombosis After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction:

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relatively uncommon complication after abdominal surgery.

Case Report:

We report an even more unusual case of PVT 10 days after an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, believed to be only the fourth reported case in the literature of this rare complication.

Conclusion:

Albeit extremely rare, PVT should be included in the differential diagnosis for abdominal symptoms and/or elevated hepatic function tests after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Rupture of posterior gastric artery after vomiting: A rare cause of acute abdomen

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in healthy males is an extremely rare, life threatening emergency condition with high mortality and morbidity, if not diagnosed and managed early.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a 33-year-old male who presented with hemoperitoneum following self-induced vomiting.

DISCUSSION

To suspect and diagnose the condition is a challenge for clinician if ambiguity in presentation prevails.

CONCLUSION

The most important strategy in management of equivocal cases is early surgical exploration to establish the diagnosis and treat accordingly.