Intrarectal negative pressure system in the management of open abdomen with colorectal fistula: A case report

INTRODUCTION

To present the management of open abdomen with colorectal fistula by application of intrarectal negative pressure system (NPS) in addition to abdominal NPS.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Twenty-year old man had a history of injuries by a close-range gunshot to the abdomen eight days ago and he had been treated by bowel repairs, resections, jejunal anastomosis and Hartman''s procedure. He was referred to our center after deterioration, evisceration with open abdomen and enteric fistula in septic shock. There were edematous, fibrinous bowels and large multiple fistulas from the edematous rectal stump. APACHE II, Mannheim Peritoneal Index and Björck scores were 18, 33 and 3, respectively (expected mortality 100%). After intensive care for 5 days, he was treated by abdominal and intrarectal NPS. NPS repeated for 5 times and the fistula was recovered on day 18 completely. Fascial closure was facilitated with a dynamic abdominal closure system (ABRA) and he was discharged on day 33 uneventfully. There was no herniation and any other problem after 12 months follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Management of fistula in OA can be extremely challenging. Floating stoma, fistula VAC, nipple VAC, ring and silo VAC, fistula intubation systems are used for isolation of the enteric effluent from OA. Several biologic dressings such as acellular dermal matrix, pedicled flaps have been used to seal the fistula opening with various success. Resection of the involved enteric loop and a new anastomosis of the intestine is very hard and rarely possible. In all of these reports, usually patients are left to heal with a giant hernia. In contrast to this, there is no hernia in our case during one year follow up period.

CONCLUSION

Combination of intra and extra luminal negative pressure systems and ABRA is a safe and successful method to manage open abdomen with colorectal fistula.     

Management of the open abdomen using combination therapy with ABRA and ABThera systems

Background

The open abdomen is an increasingly used technique that is applied in a wide variety of clinical situations. The ABThera Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System is one of the most common and successful temporary closure systems, but it has limited ability to close the fascia in approximately 30% of patients. The abdominal reapproximation anchor system (ABRA) is a dynamic closure system that seems ideal to manage patients who may not achieve primary fascial closure with ABThera alone. We report on the use of the ABRA in conjunction with the ABThera in patients with an open abdomen.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with an open abdomen managed with the ABThera and ABRA between January 2007 and December 2012 at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Science Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Results

Sixteen patients had combination therapy using the ABRA and ABThera systems for treatment of the open abdomen. After removing patients who died prior to closure, primary fascial closure was achieved in 12 of 13 patients (92%).

Conclusion

We observed a high rate of primary fascial closure in patients with an open abdomen managed with the ABThera system in conjuction with the ABRA. Applying mechanical traction in addition to the ABThera should be considered in patients predicted to be at high risk for failure to achieve primary fascial closure.     

Use of dynamic wound closure system in conjunction with vacuum-assisted closure therapy in delayed closure of open abdomen

Aim

Definitive abdominal closure may not be possible for several days or weeks after laparotomy in damage-control surgery, abdominal compartment syndrome and intraabdominal sepsis, until the patient has stabilized. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC therapy^®, KCI, San Antonio, TX, USA) and abdominal re-approximation anchor system (ABRA, Canica, Almonte, Ontario, Canada) are novel techniques in delayed closure of open abdomen. Our aim is to present the use of these strategies in the management of 7 patients with open abdomen.

Methods

Between August 2010 and December 2011, 7 patients with severe peritonitis were stabilized by laparotomy and treated with either ABRA system or ABRA system in conjunction with VAC dressing. VAC dressing applied to 4 patients initially and followed by ABRA. ABRA was applied alone to remaining 3 patients. Demographic data and patient characteristics, timing of VAC dressing and ABRA system were recorded. ICU and hospital stay and development of incisional hernia were also recorded. Stage of open abdomen, width of abdominal defect, extent to damage to fascia, and pressure sores were staged.

Results

The mean duration with VAC dressing before ABRA application was 18 days. The mean duration of ABRA application was 53 days. The average width of the abdominal defect was 18 cm. The average length of defect was 20.8 cm. Delayed primary abdominal closure was accomplished in 6 patients without further surgery. Incisional hernia with a small abdominal defect developed in 2 patients.

Conclusion

Abdominal re-approximation anchor system and VAC dressing can be used separately or in conjunction with each other for closure of delayed open abdomen successfully.     

Treatment of small-bowel fistulae in the open abdomen with topical negative-pressure therapy

Background

An open abdomen (OA) can result from surgical management of trauma, severe peritonitis, abdominal compartment syndrome, and other abdominal emergencies. Enteroatmospheric fistulae (EAF) occur in 25% of patients with an OA and are associated with high mortality.

Methods

We report our experience with topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy in the management of EAF in an OA using the VAC (vacuum asisted closure) device (KCI Medical, San Antonio, TX). Nine patients with 17 EAF in an OA were treated with topical TNP therapy from January 2006 to January 2009. Surgery with enterectomy and abdominal closure was planned 6 to 10 weeks later.

Results

Three EAF closed spontaneously. The median time from the onset of fistulization to elective surgical management was 51 days. No additional fistulae occurred during VAC therapy. One patient with a short bowel died as a result of persistent leakage after surgery.

Conclusions

Although previously considered a contraindication to TNP therapy, EAF can be managed successfully with TNP therapy. Surgical closure of EAFs is possible after several weeks.     

Initial Experience of Laparostomy with Immediate Vacuum Therapy in Patients with Severe Peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

To report our initial experience of laparostomy and immediate intra-abdominal vacuum therapy in patients with severe peritonitis due to intra-abdominal catastrophes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients underwent emergency laparotomy and laparostomy formation with the application of immediate intra-abdominal TRAC–VAC® therapy (male:female ratio, 1:1.2; median age, 73 years; range, 34–84 years). Predicted mortality was assessed using the P-POSSUM score and compared with clinically observed outcomes.

RESULTS

Ten patients (37%) with a mean predicted P-POSSUM mortality of 72%, died of sepsis and multi-organ failure. Seventeen patients (mean P-POSSUM 48% expected mortality) survived to discharge. One patient with pancreatitis died from small bowel obstruction 1-year post discharge, two patients developed a small bowel fistula. One patient had an allergic reaction to the VAC dressing. Our patients, treated with laparostomy and TRAC VAC therapy, had a significantly improved observed survival when compared to P-POSSUM expected survival (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparostomy with immediate intraperitoneal VAC therapy is a robust and effective system to manage patients with intra-abdominal catastrophes. There were significantly improved outcomes compared to the mortality predicted by P-POSSUM scores. Damage control surgery with laparostomy formation and intra-abdominal VAC therapy should be considered in patients with severe peritonitis.     

Ileosigmoid knotting—A disastrous double closed loop obstruction

INTRODUCTION

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare entity which needs prompt recognition and immediate surgical intervention to avoid catastrophic complications caused by gangrenous bowel and subsequent peritonitis. Preoperative investigations are only diagnostic of obstruction and CT findings are helpful but are not always available.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This case report describes a 22 year old male presenting with acute abdomen managed with emergency exploration in view of findings of peritonitis. Intra-operatively an ileal segment was wrapped around the base of sigmoid colon with gangrenous ileal segment suggesting ISK. Resection of gangrenous ileal segment with double barrel ileostomy was done. Patient tolerated procedure well.

DISCUSSION

Patients with ileosigmoid knotting present with frank obstruction and require immediate medical and surgical treatment. This condition rapidly progresses to gangrenous bowel, generalized peritonitis and sepsis with very high mortality.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis, prompt fluid resuscitation, preoperative antibiotics and immediate surgical exploration are keys for optimal management of this condition.     

Salpingo-ureteric fistula—A rare complication following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

We report the management and outcome of the case of a 57-year old woman with adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Following neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection of her tumour she developed a right salpingo-ureteric fistula.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Three weeks following laparoscopic anterior resection of the tumour she presented with urinary frequency and incontinence. A ureteric stent was inserted and left in-situ for five months but the fistula did not heal. The patient underwent exploration and open repair of the salpingo-ureteric fistula which resolved her symptoms.

DISCUSSION

There have not been many reported cases in the literature of salpingo-ureteric fistulae but after initial trial of management with ureteric stents all eventually required open exploration and repair.

CONCLUSION

we advocate open repair of salpingo-ureteric fistulae as the definitive management following intra-operative injury.     

Laparoscopic management of cholecystocolic fistula

Introduction

Cholecystocolic fistula is a rare complication of gallbladder disease. Its clinical presentation is variable and nonspecific, and the diagnosis is made, mostly, incidentally during intraoperative maneuver. Cholecystectomy with closure of the fistula is considered the treatment of choice for the condition, with an increasingly reproducible tendency to the use of laparoscopy.

Aim

To describe the laparoscopic approach for cholecystocolic fistula and ratify its feasibility even with the unavailability of more specific instruments.

Technique

After dissection of the communication and section of the gallbladder fundus, the fistula is externalized by an appropriate trocar and sutured manually. Colonic segment is reintroduced into the cavity and cholecystectomy is performed avoiding the conversion procedure to open surgery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy for resolution of cholecystocolic fistula isn''t only feasible, but also offers a shorter stay at hospital and a milder postoperative period when compared to laparotomy.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: a prospective randomized trial of 81 patients

Objective

To compare the efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) in the treatment of acute appendicitis.

Design

A prospective randomized trial.

Setting

A university teaching hospital.

Patients

Eighty-one patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis were prospectively randomized to undergo either LA or OA. The two groups were matched for age and sex.

Interventions

LA or OA.

Main Outcome Measures

Number of days in hospital and time to full recovery.

Results

The mean hospital stay for LA was 3.23 days compared with 3.03 days for OA (p < 0.001). The mean number of narcotic injections required for patients in the LA group was 4.05 compared with 5.58 for patients in the OA group (p < 0.001). The mean time to complete recovery for patients in the LA group was 9.0 days compared with 16.2 days for patients in the OA group (p < 0.001). The mean operative time for LA was 73.8 minutes compared with 45.0 minutes for OA (p < 0.001). Three patients in the LA group had intra-abdominal abscesses (p > 0.25). No significant difference in wound infection rates was demonstrated (p > 0.05). Similarly, pain scores at 7 and 28 days showed no significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

With LA significantly fewer narcotic injections are required and there is a more rapid return to normal activities. LA takes longer to perform and was associated with three intra-abdominal abscesses. In cases of simple acute appendicitis the hospital stay for LA is significantly shorter.     

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for gallstone ileus: An alternative surgical procedure

INTRODUCTION

Gallstone ileus (GI) results from the passage of a stone through a cholecystoenteric fistula, subsequently causing a bowel obstruction. The ideal treatment procedure for GI remains controversial.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 63-year-old female was admitted to our hospital following persistent nausea and vomiting for 7 days. Computed tomography revealed a partially calcified 4-cm circular object in the jejunum, and the proximal intestine was dilated, with concomitant pneumobilia. Based on the preoperative diagnosis of GI, enterotomy with stone extraction by single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was performed. The patient''s postoperative course was uneventful, and the cholecystoduodenal fistula closed spontaneously 4 months after the surgery.

DISCUSSION

Recent studies have reported that enterotomy with stone extraction alone is associated with better outcomes than with more invasive techniques. This case also suggests that enterotomy with stone extraction alone and careful postoperative follow-up is feasible for the management of GI. Although the use of laparoscopy in the management of GI has been described previously, laparoscopic surgery has not been widely performed, and SILS is not generally performed. When only this less demanding procedure is required, laparoscopic surgery, including SILS, can be a viable option.

CONCLUSION

SILS can be an alternative surgical procedure for the management of GI.     

Alvimopan addition to a standard perioperative recovery pathway

Background and Objectives:

Alvimopan, a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, decreased time to gastrointestinal recovery and hospital length of stay in open bowel resection patients in Phase 3 trials. However, the benefit in laparoscopic colectomy patients remains unclear.

Methods:

A retrospective case series review was performed to study addition of alvimopan to a well-established standard perioperative recovery pathway for elective laparoscopic colectomy. The main outcome measures were length of stay and incidence of charted postoperative ileus. Wilcoxon and chi-square tests were used to calculate P values for length of stay and postoperative ileus endpoints, respectively.

Results:

Demographic/baseline characteristics from the 101 alvimopan and 64 pre-alvimopan control patients were generally comparable. Mean length of stay in the alvimopan group was 1.55 days shorter (alvimopan, 2.81±0.95 days; control, 4.36±2.4 days; P<.0001). The proportion of patients with postoperative ileus was lower in the alvimopan group (alvimopan, 2%; control, 20%; P<.0001).

Conclusion:

In this case series, addition of alvimopan to a standard perioperative recovery pathway decreased length of stay and incidence of postoperative ileus for elective uncomplicated laparoscopic colectomy. The improvement in the mean length of stay for patients who receive alvimopan is a step forward in achieving a fast-track surgery model for elective laparoscopic colectomies.     

AIR SCORE ASSESSMENT FOR ACUTE APPENDICITIS

Background:

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen. Approximately 7% of the population will be affected by this condition during full life. The development of AIR score may contribute to diagnosis associating easy clinical criteria and two simple laboratory tests.

Aim:

To evaluate the score AIR (Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score) as a tool for the diagnosis and prediction of severity of acute appendicitis.

Method:

Were evaluated all patients undergoing surgical appendectomy. From 273 patients, 126 were excluded due to exclusion criteria. All patients were submitted o AIR score.

Results:

The value of the C-reactive protein and the percentage of leukocytes segmented blood count showed a direct relationship with the phase of acute appendicitis.

Conclusion:

As for the laboratory criteria, serum C-reactive protein and assessment of the percentage of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes count were important to diagnosis and disease stratification.     

Volvulus of ileal S-pouch: A rare complication of ileal pouch anal anastomoses

INTRODUCTION

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) after total proctocolectomy is a frequently performed surgery for medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Volvulus of the ileal pouch as a complication of IPAA is extremely rare. We present a case of volvulus of S-type ileal pouch.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 28 year old male, with history of total proctocolectomy with IPAA for severe UC in 2009 presented with signs of bowel obstruction. Emergency laparotomy was done and a volvulus of the S-type ileal pouch was derotated and pouchpexy done.

DISCUSSION

The IPAA has a wide spectrum of complications, with obstruction of proximal small bowel occurring frequently. Volvulus of the ileal pouch is extremely rare with only 3 reported cases. Early diagnosis and intervention is important to salvage the pouch. Computed tomography (CT) may aid the diagnosis in stable patients.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of ileal pouch volvulus although rare, should be kept in mind when dealing with patients complaining of recurrent obstruction following IPAA.     

Managing the open abdomen in a district general hospital

Introduction

The need to manage an open abdomen is becoming more common in general surgical practice and a variety of methods of temporary abdominal closure (TAC) are available. The evidence for the efficacy of the various forms of TAC as well as the subsequent definitive fascial closure (DFC) rates and complications comes mainly from large trauma series in the US, which represent a different patient population to those in the UK in whom TAC is usually required.

Methods

All cases of open abdomen management in our hospital over a five-year period were reviewed to ascertain the methods of TAC used, our success in achieving DFC and the applicability of managing such cases in a district hospital environment.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent TAC, with two deaths (10.5%) and an overall DFC rate at hospital discharge of 12/17 (70.6%). The median lengths of critical care and hospital stays were 19.5 and 38.0 days respectively. Thirteen out of seventeen survivors had at least one significant complication.

Conclusions

The management of the open abdomen can be achieved safely in a district general hospital setting with acceptable outcomes for the non-trauma patients commonly seen in UK practice but it is a resource intensive and expensive undertaking.     

The Use of Biologic DMARDS Identifies Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with More Optimistic Expectations of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Preoperative expectations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) correlate with postsurgical satisfaction, and are linked to outcomes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other chronic diseases, may lower expectations, although new biologic medications have greatly enhanced patients’ quality of life.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative expectations of RA to those of matched osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing TKA, and examine the subset of RA on biologic DMARD therapy.

Methods

For a cross-sectional study, RA and OA identified from an institutional TKA registry were matched on age, sex, prior TKA, and preoperative function. Expectations were measured using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Expectations Survey. Expectations and quality of life measures were assessed preoperatively and scores were compared between RA and OA.

Results

One hundred fourteen RA cases, 46.5% on biologics, were matched to 228 OA cases. The average expectations score was not significantly lower for RA compared to OA (72.9 ± 20.7 vs. 77.2 ± 18.3, p = 0.040. RA on biologics had expectations similar to OA (total expectation score 76.3 ± 18.1 vs. 77.4 ± 17.4, p = 0.71), while RA not on biologics had expectations that were significantly lower (69.9 ± 22.4 vs. 77.1 ± 19.0, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Use of biologics in RA patients was associated with higher expectations, similar to those of OA patients, but the effect on outcomes is not known. Further studies should assess the effect of higher expectations in RA patients on outcomes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-014-9380-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Patient Selection Criteria for Periacetabular Osteotomy or Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy

Background

Hip dysplasia is the most common cause of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) or rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) has been used as a joint-preserving procedure. However, the patient selection criteria are not clearly defined.

Questions/purposes

Based on a systematic review, we identified reported patient selection criteria for PAO or RAO.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of RAO and 18 studies met our inclusion criteria. For the PAO, the systemic review performed by Clohisy et al. was used.

Where Are We Now?

For patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia, lateral center-edge angle less than 10° to 30°, radiographic pre- or early OA, mean age at the time of surgery of 18 to 45 years, and improvement in joint congruency on AP radiograph with hip abduction, radiographic deformity correction consistently improved hip function in all studies. Radiographic OA progression was noted in 5% to 33% at 3.2 to 20 years postoperatively. Clinical score and prevention of radiographic OA progression of patients 50 years or older or with advanced stage were worse in younger patients or those with early stage.

Where Do We Need to Go?

The key challenges are (1) preoperative evaluation of articular cartilage; (2) indication for older patients; (3) prevention of secondary femoroacetabular impingement; and (4) intraarticular treatment combined with PAO or RAO.

How Do We Get There?

Future prospective, longitudinal cohort studies need to determine optimal patient selection criteria, risk factors for clinical failure, optimal deformity correction parameters, and the role of adjunctive surgical procedures.     

Carpometacarpal Joint Fracture Dislocation of Second to Fifth Finger

Background

Carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation of the second to fifth finger is a rare hand injury associated with high energy trauma. Due to severe swelling and overlapping of bones on the radiograph of wrist-hand, dislocations are missed. We reported a series of six patients with rare carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation treated with open reduction.

Methods

We retrospectively studied six cases of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire. Functional assessment was done with Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (Quick DASH score) at regular intervals.

Results

Average Quick DASH score was improved from 75.76 to 1.9 from 6 weeks to 18 months of duration. Of the six patients, three patients had a Quick DASH score of 0 at the end of 18 months.

Conclusions

Careful hand examination and radiographic assessment is necessary to avoid missed diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. Early open reduction and internal fixation lead to excellent recovery of hand function.