Snapshot quiz – recurrent right iliac fossa pain in the patient with a previous history of appendicitis

A low threshold for computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with previous appendicectomy and right iliac fossa pain helps facilitate timely diagnosis and exclusion of other differential diagnoses. Here, we present a rare cause which has significant medicolegal ramifications and is accurately diagnosed with CT.     

Evaluation of a laparoscopic liver resection in the setting of cirrhosis

Introduction: Patients presenting with cirrhosis and hepatic tumours represent a fragile group that have typically been avoided in early series of laparoscopic liver resection. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of a laparoscopic hepatectomy in the setting of cirrhosis.Methods: Subgroup analysis of patients with cirrhosis within a series of 327 patients undergoing a laparoscopic resection was performed. Comparisons were made with patients without cirrhosis where appropriate to highlight differences in patient selection and outcomes. Specific variables assessed included operative details and short-term outcomes including length of stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality. Outcomes specific to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were also assessed.Results: There were 52 patients with cirrhosis undergoing a laparoscopic hepatic resection. Ninety per cent of patients were Childs class A, with a median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of 8. Hepatitis C was the most common cause of cirrhosis (88.5%), whereas the most common indication for an operation was HCC (71.2%). Resections were generally limited, with the median number of segments resected being 2 (range: 1–4). Complications occurred in 13 (25%) patients, with a 90-day mortality of 5.8%. The median LOS was 3 days.Conclusions: A laparoscopic hepatectomy is safe in the setting of cirrhosis, provided the application of appropriate selection criteria and sufficient experience with the procedure.     

Antibiotics and lactation: An overview of relative infant doses and a systematic assessment of clinical studies

Breastfeeding is important for the development of the child. Many antibiotics are considered safe during breastfeeding. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of lactation studies with antibiotics using the FDA and International Lactation Consultant Association quality guidelines for lactation studies. The secondary goal was to determine the exposure of the breastfed infant to antibiotics in relation to bacterial resistance and the developing microbiome. A literature search was performed and the included studies were scored on methodology, parameters concerning maternal exposure to antibiotics, maternal plasma and milk sampling. The infant exposure has been calculated and expressed as a percentage of a normal infant therapeutic dose. Sixty‐six studies were included in five antibiotic groups (broad‐spectrum penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and lincosamides, quinolones and sulphonamides). Cephalosporins were the most studied group of antibiotics (n = 21). Fifteen studies met all the criteria of “mother exposure to antibiotic”. Six studies met every criterion related to “plasma sampling”. Only one case report met all listed criteria for lactation studies. The correct calculation of infant exposure to antibiotics via the milk:plasma ratio (AUC) varies between 13% for macrolides and 38% for broad‐spectrum penicillin. The highest assessed exposure as a percentage of infant therapeutic dose was for metronidazole (11%). The studies meet to a limited extent with the quality standards for lactation research. The breastfed infants are exposed to a subtherapeutic concentration of antibiotics.