Abdominal wall hernia and aortic injury secondary to blunt trauma: Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) and traumatic abdominal aortic injury (TAAI) are two uncommon complications secondary to blunt trauma. In both TAWH and TAAI, reported cases are often associated with poly-trauma. TAWH may be initially missed if more pressing issues are identified during the patient''s primary survey. TAAI may be an incidental finding on imaging or, if severe, a cause of an acute abdomen and hemodynamic abnormality.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 54-year-old white male suffered a TAWH and TAAI (pseudoaneurysm) due to severe blunt trauma. TAWH was apparent on physical exam and the TAAI was suspected on computed tomography (CT). The patient''s TAWH was managed with a series of abdominal explorations and the TAAI was repaired with endovascular stenting.

DISCUSSION

TAWH and TAAI are commonly due to severe blunt trauma from motor vehicle collisions. Diagnosis is made through physical exam, imaging studies, or surgical exploration. A variety of surgical techniques achieve technical success.

CONCLUSION

The patient with blunt trauma to the abdomen is at risk for TAWH and TAAI, which are often associated with other injuries. Investigations should include thorough clinical exam through secondary survey and radiologic imaging in the hemodynamically normal patient.     

Endoclip Closure of a Large Colonic Perforation Following Colonoscopic Leiomyoma Excision

Background and Objective:

Endoscopic removal of large colonic submucosal lesions can lead to a higher risk of perforation. Although not as common following diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy, it does occur more often following therapeutic colonoscopy. We present a case of a large submucosal mass excised endoscopically, resulting in a large perforation that was closed using endoclips. While endoclips are typically used for smaller perforations, we have found that they can be used safely on a larger defect.

Methods:

A 68-y-old woman presented with a 2.9-cm benign submucosal mass found in the hepatic flexure. It was removed via endoscopic polypectomy, leaving a perforation of 3cm x 3cm. The perforation was closed with endoscopic clips.

Results:

Histology of the specimen showed clear margins. At 4-wk follow-up, the patient had no complications. A colonoscopy at 6-mo follow-up showed only a scar at the procedure site with no complaints.

Conclusions:

Large iatrogenic colonic perforations can be managed successfully using endoclips, particularly in a prepped colon.     

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy for the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Masses in Children

Background and Objectives:

Video-assisted thoracoscopy has been successfully used for several different thoracic procedures in adults. However, its use in children has been limited. The present study evaluated our experience with video-assisted thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses in children.

Methods:

Nine children (age range, 3 to 18 years) with undiagnosed mediastinal masses underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy. The operation was performed using general anesthesia, with the patient intubated with a single lumen endotracheal tube.

Results:

In all cases adequate tissue for diagnosis was obtained. Three patients had tuberculosis, two had Hodgkin''s disease, two had granuloma, one had metastatic Wilms1 tumor, and one had thymic hyperplasia. There were no complications related to the operative procedure.

Conclusions:

Video-assisted thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses in children is a safe procedure. It provides good visualization, access to the mediastinum and adequate tissue for diagnosis. Further, postoperative discomfort is tolerable and cosmetic results are excellent.     

Alcohol skin preparation causes surgical fires

INTRODUCTION

Surgical fires are a rare but serious preventable safety risk in modern hospitals. Data from the US show that up to 650 surgical fires occur each year, with up to 5% causing death or serious harm. This study used the National Reporting and Learning Service (NRLS) database at the National Patient Safety Agency to explore whether spirit-based surgical skin preparation fluid contributes to the cause of surgical fires.

METHODS

The NRLS database was interrogated for all incidents of surgical fires reported between 1 March 2004 and 1 March 2011. Each report was scrutinised manually to discover the cause of the fire.

RESULTS

Thirteen surgical fires were reported during the study period. Of these, 11 were found to be directly related to spirit-based surgical skin preparation or preparation soaked swabs and drapes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite manufacturer''s instructions and warnings, surgical fires continue to occur. Guidance published in the UK and US states that spirit-based skin preparation solutions should continue to be used but sets out some precautions. It may be that fire risk should be included in pre-surgical World Health Organization checklists or in the surgical training curriculum. Surgical staff should be aware of the risk that spirit-based skin preparation fluids pose and should take action to minimise the chance of fire occurring.     

Colonoscopic Lesions in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Background/Objective:

In spinal cord injury (SCI), loss of central or peripheral neural control causes neurogenic bowel. Patients may not exhibit the typical signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disease. Few studies have looked at the risk of gastrointestinal disease in this group and the indications for preventive screening. The objective of this study was to study colonoscopic lesions in patients with SCI and determine whether there are any differences in the prevalence of lesions between SCI and control patients.

Design:

Case control study.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with SCI were compared with 41 control patients who received colonoscopy at the same time. Mann-Whitney test for continuous variable, and Fisher exact test for frequency variables were used.

Outcome Measures:

Demographic information, duration of SCI, and colonoscopy findings were gathered.

Results:

Colonic lesions were observed in 52% of patients with SCI and in 41.5% of control patients. Most frequent lesions in SCI group were inflammatory bowel disease (16%) and polyp (16%), followed by proctitis (12%) and hemorrhoid (12%). In the control group, hemorrhoid (17.1%) was most common, followed by polyp (12.2%) and melanosis coli (9.8%). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups. In the SCI group, no significant differences in lesions were found among the patients with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar SCI in the SCI group. Duration of SCI did not affect the pattern of colonoscopic lesions.

Conclusion:

Patients with SCI had the same incidence of colonoscopic lesions as control patients. Inflammatory bowel disease, which is a risk factor for cancer, was the most common findings in the SCI group, although there was no significant difference from the control group. In patients with SCI, colonoscopy screening is warranted at the same frequency as for the general population.     

Splenic Injury Following Colonoscopy – An Underdiagnosed,But Soon to Increase,Phenomenon?

INTRODUCTION

We present a case of splenic rupture in a 71-year-old woman admitted 6 days following a diagnostic colonoscopy. She underwent an open splenectomy and made a delayed, but complete, recovery.We proceeded to perform a retrospective review of all relevant literature to assess the frequency of similar post-colonoscopy complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using relevant keywords, we identified 63 further PubMed reports of splenic injury associated with colonoscopy that were reported in English.

FINDINGS

We have described only the fourth report of splenic injury secondary to colonoscopy from a UK centre. Literature review reveals a mean age of 63 years and a female preponderance for this complication.Most patients present on the day of their colonoscopy with abdominal pain, anaemia, elevated white cell count and Kehr''s sign. CT is the investigation of choice and splenectomy the definitive management of choice. Most patients make a routine recovery, with mortality rates of approximately 8%.There is likely to be an under-reporting of this complication from UK-based centres,with the majority of reports originating from Europe and US.This points to a possible under-diagnosis or under-recognition of this potentially fatal complication. The incidence of such post-colonoscopic complications may increase with the forthcoming introduction of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.     

22-year longitudinal study of repetitive colonoscopy in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer

Introduction

We report the outcomes of a long-term surveillance programme for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Methods

The details of patients undergoing a colonoscopy having been referred on the basis of family history of colorectal cancer were entered prospectively into a database. Further colonoscopy was arranged on the basis of the findings. The outcomes assessed included incidence of cancer and adenoma identification at initial and subsequent colonoscopy.

Results

The records of 2,293 patients (917 men; median patient age: 51 years) were entered over 22 years, giving data on 3,982 colonoscopies. Eight adverse events (0.2%) were recorded. Twenty-seven cancers were found at first colonoscopy and thirteen developed during the follow-up period. There were significantly more cancers identified in those with more than one first-degree relative with cancer than in other groups (p=0.01). The number of adenomas identified at subsequent surveillance colonoscopies remained constant with between 9.3% and 12.0% of patients having adenomas that were removed. Two-thirds (68%) of patients with cancer and three-quarters (77%) with adenomas fell outside the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2006 guidelines.

Conclusions

Repeated colonoscopy continues to yield significant pathology including new cancers. These continue to occur despite removal of adenomas at prior colonoscopies. The majority of patients with cancers and adenomas fell outside the BSG 2006 guidelines; more would have fallen outside the 2010 guidelines.     

Ileocecal Valve Lipoma With Refractory Hemorrhage

Background:

Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, with the colon being the most prevalent site. Intestinal lipomas are usually asymptomatic. Tumors >2 cm in diameter may occasionally cause nonspecific symptoms, including change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, but with resection the prognosis is excellent. Herein, we describe the case of an elderly male who presented with painless hematochezia.

Methods:

Both colonoscopy and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed the presence of a mass near the ileocecal valve. Because of continuing bleeding, the patient required laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy to resect the mass.

Results:

Both gross and microscopic pathology were consistent with lipoma at the ileocecal valve.

Conclusion:

Previous cases of ileocecal valve lipomas have been reported in the English literature, with the majority presenting as intussusception or volvulus. We present a rare case of an ulcerated ileocecal valve lipoma presenting as lower gastrointestinal bleeding that was treated successfully with laparoscopic resection.     

Office Single Puncture Laparoscopy Sterilization with Local Anesthesia

Background and Objectives:

Recently there has been a renewed interest in office based laparoscopy sterilization utilizing local anesthesia with conscious intravenous sedation. The safety of performing the procedure outside of a hospital environment has been questioned. The author attempts to determine the incidence of major complications with a review of the literature and a retrospective chart review of his personal cases.

Methods:

During the period from 1971 to 1995, the author performed 1,753 laparoscopic procedures, utilizing local anesthesia in 1,562 cases and general anesthesia in the remainder. The focus of this chart study is the 1,190 laparoscopy sterilization cases performed in an office exam room setting, utilizing local anesthesia and conscious intravenous analgesia. Conventional 10 mm single puncture laparoscopy equipment was used. Major complications were defined as requiring laparotomy, blood transfusion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or emergency transfer to the hospital.

Results:

The author''s series contained one major complication, which was easily handled in the office environment. A review of the literature, including the author''s series, revealed a major complication incidence of 5 out of 20,568 cases reviewed. None of these five complications would have required immediate laparotomy or blood transfusion to prevent a fatality.

Conclusion:

The author proposes that there is no documented evidence that office laparoscopy places the patient at increased risk for a life-threatening complication and should be considered by experienced gynecologic laparoscopists who are interested in cost containment.     

Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An International Tertiary Care Center Survey

Background

Prevention strategies are critical to reduce infection rates in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but evidence-based consensus guidelines on prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) remain heterogeneous and do not necessarily represent this particular patient population.

Questions/Purposes

What infection prevention measures are recommended by consensus evidence-based guidelines for prevention of periprosthetic joint infection? How do these recommendations compare to expert consensus on infection prevention strategies from orthopedic surgeons from the largest international tertiary referral centers for TJA?

Patients and Methods

A review of consensus guidelines was undertaken as described by Merollini et al. Four clinical guidelines met inclusion criteria: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''s, British Orthopedic Association, National Institute of Clinical Excellence''s, and National Health and Medical Research Council''s (NHMRC). Twenty-eight recommendations from these guidelines were used to create an evidence-based survey of infection prevention strategies that was administered to 28 orthopedic surgeons from members of the International Society of Orthopedic Centers. The results between existing consensus guidelines and expert opinion were then compared.

Results

Recommended strategies in the guidelines such as prophylactic antibiotics, preoperative skin preparation of patients and staff, and sterile surgical attire were considered critically or significantly important by the surveyed surgeons. Additional strategies such as ultraclean air/laminar flow, antibiotic cement, wound irrigation, and preoperative blood glucose control were also considered highly important by surveyed surgeons, but were not recommended or not uniformly addressed in existing guidelines on SSI prevention.

Conclusion

Current evidence-based guidelines are incomplete and evidence should be updated specifically to address patient needs undergoing TJA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-013-9369-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Malignant sigmoidoduodenal fistula

INTRODUCTION

Duodenocolic fistula is a rare complication of malignant colonic disease especially when involving and originating from the sigmoid colon. We aim to discuss the unusual clinical presentation of this case as well as the investigation and management of duodenocolic fistulas.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 91 year old lady presented as an emergency to a general surgical service at a District General Hospital with diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss. Computed Tomography (CT) reported a large ovarian cyst elevating the sigmoid colon into immediate proximity of the duodenum. Adenocarcinoma was confirmed on histology obtained by colonoscopy. A classic apple core lesion with fistulating tract from the sigmoid colon to the duodenum was synchronously demonstrated on barium enema.

DISCUSSION

Sigmoido-duodenal fistulae represent a complex manifestation of gastrointestinal pathologies.

CONCLUSION

Management options must be considered in the context of patient wishes, their co-morbidities, and predicted post-operative outcome. In most cases this is likely to represent a non-operative approach, however surgical resection may benefit selected cases on occasion.     

Colonic perforation by a large gallstone: A rare case report

INTRODUCTION

Herein we present the case of an 86-year-old woman with gallstone perforation of the sigmoid colon.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An 86-year-old woman with known cholelithiasis presented to our office with one week of abdominal pain and nausea. X-rays taken at presentation demonstrated pneumobilia, and CT scan showed a 3.5 cm gallstone in the sigmoid colon. Medical management was unsuccessful in passing the stone, and a colonoscopy on day 4 was unsuccessful in incorporating the stone. Subsequent clinical deterioration prompted a laparotomy, where a perforation was discovered. A Hartmann''s procedure was performed and the patient recovered after a complicated post-operative course.

DISCUSSION

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon, but medically important, cause of bowel obstruction. This presentation is considered a surgical emergency and thus prompt identification and removal is essential. Obstructions tend to occur in either the stomach or along the various segments of the small intestine but have been reported in the colon as well.

CONCLUSION

In cases of gallstones that manage to pass into the large intestine, it is prudent to attempt conservative measures for passage. Failure to do so should raise suspicion of a possible stricture, either benign or malignant, preventing its evacuation. Earlier surgical intervention should be considered in these cases.     

Surgical rates in subprovincial areas across Canada: rankings of 39 procedures in order of variation

Objective

To rank 39 surgical procedures in order of variation of inpatient surgical rates, according to a new index of variation and to test the hypothesis that there is greater variation for primarily discretionary operations than for primarily non-discretionary operations.

Design

A population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nine provinces (99.19% of Canada’s population).

Participants

All hospital inpatients who underwent any of 39 types of surgery and were separated from hospital between Apr. 1, 1988 and Mar. 31, 1990 (the most recent time period for which Canada-wide data were available at the subprovincial level analysed).

Main Outcome Measure

Rankings of the 39 procedures according to the index of variation, calculated from inpatient surgery rates in 255 census divisions across Canada.

Results

The 13 procedures with the greatest variation were all primarily discretionary. Thirteen of the 14 procedures with the lowest variation were primarily non-discretionary. All but one of the procedures whose degree of discretion was deemed intermediate were in the middle third of the rankings.

Conclusions

The greatest variation is found in primarily discretionary operations. Further investigation should be focused on identified geographical locations where rates for operations that are primarily discretionary are unusually high or low, and particularly on those operations for which there is disagreement regarding the indications for surgery.     

Obstructing adenocarcinoma of the descending colon in a 31-year-old pregnant woman

INTRODUCTION

Colon cancer in pregnant women is rare and tends to produce unspecific symptoms until advanced stage. Therefore common manifestations during pregnancy must be properly evaluated to avoid delayed diagnosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 31-year-old pregnant woman presented with nausea, vomiting and obstipation. An obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed distended colon and the consecutive colonoscopy with biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of stenosing carcinoma of the descending colon. Left sided hemicolectomy was performed 10 days after initial presentation. Tumor histology confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the descendo-sigmoidal junction. Adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil was started in the 29th gestational week. The patient had an uneventful delivery of a healthy baby in her 39th gestational week.

DISCUSSION

Colorectal carcinoma during pregnancy is a rare event and its diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms are unspecific until the disease is advanced. Although constipation in pregnancy is a common symptom differential diagnosis of a mechanical stenosis should always be contemplated, especially when conservative treatment of constipation fails. MRI is the imaging tool of choice as abdominal computed tomography (CT) is contraindicated in pregnancy. Endoscopic confirmation should be obtained to gain pathological diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma. Surgery is the gold standard of treatment. In relation to the stage of the disease chemotherapy is of great importance.

CONCLUSION

Obstructing colorectal cancer can be a rare reason for the common problem of constipation in pregnancy. Beside clinical examination, MRI scan and colonoscopy will reveal the tumor in most cases and should be followed by surgical treatment and chemotherapy according to the stage of disease.     

Modified Lapidus Procedure with Joint Compression,Meticulous Surface Preparation,and Shear-Strain-Relieved Bone Graft Yields Low Nonunion Rate

Background

The modified Lapidus procedure is widely used to correct hallux valgus but has been reported with high nonunion rates. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the nonunion rate of the modified Lapidus procedure performed with rigid cross screw fixation, meticulous joint preparation, and shear-strain-relieved calcaneal bone graft.

Questions/Purposes

Does the performance of the Lapidus procedure with rigid cross screw fixation, complete joint preparation, and shear-strain-relieved calcaneal bone graft achieve higher union rates than currently reported? If nonunion does occur, what is the clinical course?

Methods

We reviewed both radiographic and clinical results of the modified Lapidus procedure with the above technique in 171 patients (182 feet). Evaluation included age, gender, tobacco use, diabetic status, and radiographic analysis at least 3 months postoperatively.

Results

The modified Lapidus procedure described above resulted in a union rate of 97.3% (177 of 182 feet). Three of the five feet with radiographic nonunions were clinically symptomatic.

Conclusions

The union rate of the modified Lapidus procedure is higher than previously reported when performed with rigid cross screw fixation, meticulous joint preparation, and shear-strain-relieved bone graft. Nonunion of the first tarsometatarsal joint should be considered an infrequent occurrence.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11420-015-9462-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Right ventricular myxoma in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary cardiac tumour in adulthood and may present in the context of Carney''s complex.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 32-year-old male with a history of repaired tetralogy of Fallot in childhood was admitted with severe pulmonary valve regurgitation and a mobile mass in the right ventricle. The patient underwent pulmonary valve replacement and mass excision. Pathology examination showed myxoma.

DISCUSSION

In the majority of cases myxomas originate in the atria, nevertheless they can also be found in a ventricular cavity. Myxoma is a prevalent feature of Carney''s complex, an inherited, autosomal disease, characterised by multiple tumours in several organs. Tetralogy of Fallot has also been described in association with Carney''s complex.

CONCLUSION

Coexistence of tetralogy of Fallot with a cardiac ventricular myxoma in a patient not affected from Carney''s complex or other familial syndrome.     

Information technology implementing globalization on strategies for quality care provided to children submitted to cardiac surgery: International Quality Improvement Collaborative Program - IQIC

Introduction

Congenital heart diseases are the world''s most common major birth defect, affecting one in every 120 children. Ninety percent of these children are born in areas where appropriate medical care is inadequate or unavailable.

Objective

To share knowledge and experience between an international center of excellence in pediatric cardiac surgery and a related program in Brazil.

Methods

The strategy used by the program was based on long-term technological and educational support models used in that center, contributing to the creation and implementation of new programs. The Telemedicine platform was used for real-time monthly broadcast of themes. A chat software was used for interaction between participating members and the group from the center of excellence.

Results

Professionals specialized in care provided to the mentioned population had the opportunity to share to the knowledge conveyed.

Conclusion

It was possible to observe that the technological resources that implement the globalization of human knowledge were effective in the dissemination and improvement of the team regarding the care provided to children with congenital heart diseases.     

Cervical instability presenting as thoracic pain: case report and literature review

Study design

Case report.

Objective

To report a case of cervical instability from an os odontoideum that presented as posterior thoracic pain and to present a review of the literature.

Background

Thoracic posterior paraspinal spasms and pain are common chief complaints in individuals with spinal abnormalities.

Methods

A 19-year-old man presented with posterior thoracic pain for nearly 1 year following a college sports-related injury (lacrosse). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any significant thoracic or lumbar spinal cord or nerve root pathology, but did reveal an incidental finding of an os odontoideum.

Results

Surgical stabilization of the atlantoaxial instability resulting from the os odontoideum resulted in complete resolution of the patient''s thoracic pain.

Conclusions

Thoracic back pain without a clear thoracic spine etiology warrants further workup to rule out the possibility of spinal instability.     

Evaluating Mechanical Bowel Preparation Prior to Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) has been used prior to total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), but evidence for its use is lacking. Our study seeks to assess whether or not completion of preoperative MBP prior to TLH improves visualization of the surgical field, bowel handling, or overall ease of the operation.

Methods:

Women aged 18–65 years undergoing TLH for benign indications at a level 1 trauma center were randomized to a bowel preparation (BP; n = 39) or non–bowel preparation (NP; n = 39) regimen. After each operation, the surgeon completed a survey about intraoperative visualization of the surgical field, bowel handling, and the overall ease of the operation. The surgeon was also asked whether or not he thought the patient had completed MBP. The patient completed a survey about pre- and postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort. The surgeon was blinded to whether MBP was completed before the operation.

Results:

There was no difference in intraoperative visualization, bowel handling, or overall ease of the operation between the BP and NP groups. Comfort levels before and after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. The surgeon was able to correctly predict whether the patient performed MBP in 59% of cases.

Conclusion:

The routine use of MBP before TLH does not improve intraoperative visualization, bowel handling, or overall ease of performing the procedure. It also has no significant effect on patient comfort levels. MBP is not indicated before TLH for benign indications.