Clinical spectrum, investigations and treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome

The clinical presentation, investigations, therapeutic modalities, prognosis and outcome of 44 patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) were reviewed. There were 27 women and 17 men. Median age at presentation was 37 years (range 14-60). Possible aetiological factors were identified in 31 patients (70%). Myeloproliferative disorders were the commonest aetiology. Abdominal pain and swelling were the commonest presenting symptoms. Sixteen patients underwent a shunt operation (14 mesocaval, 2 mesoatrial). Ten patients had liver transplantation. Eleven patients had angioplasty/stent as their only treatment, and seven were treated medically or died before any treatment was instituted. Radiological intervention was comparable to mesocaval shunt in relieving patients' symptoms and in achieving good long-term results. Medical treatment and liver transplantation both yielded poor results. Radiological intervention in the form of balloon angioplasty or stent placement gives good results in a subgroup of BCS patients, and should be tried first to relieve the hepatic outflow obstruction. Mesocaval shunts provide good results in selected cases. Underlying haematological causes should be intensively investigated and promptly treated.

Management of appendiceal mass: controversial issues revisited

PURPOSE

Although appendix mass occurs in 10% of patients with acute appendicitis, its surgical management is surrounded with controversy. This article reviews some of the controversial issues in the management of appendix mass.

METHODS

A search of the English literature was conducted for "appendiceal mass," "interval appendicectomy," and "laparoscopic appendicectomy" and manual cross-referencing.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The majority of the studies were small and retrospective. Emergency appendicectomy for appendix mass is emerging as an alternative to conventional conservative treatment. It is feasible, safe, and cost-effective, allowing early diagnosis and treatment of unexpected pathology. However, the appropriate timing for emergency surgery is not clear. After successful conservative management, interval appendicectomy is not necessary and can safely be omitted, except in patients with recurrent symptoms. In patients over 40 years of age, other pathological causes of right iliac mass must be excluded by further investigations (colonoscopy and computerized tomography scan), and a close follow-up is needed. Laparoscopic appendicectomy whether in emergency or interval settings is feasible and safe and should replace the conventional open method. Large prospective, randomized controlled trials are lacking, and therefore, such trials are needed to scientifically compare emergency surgery vs conservative management without interval appendicectomy.

Evidence-based surgery: The obstacles and solutions

Surgeons are often accused of lagging behind their medical colleagues in embracing evidence based medicine and utilizing new research tools to conducting high quality randomized controlled trials. Although there has been a noticeable improvement in the quantity and quality of high quality studies in surgical journals, the widespread practice of evidence based surgery is still poor. Unlike evidence based medicine, the practice of evidence based surgery is hampered by inherent problems and obstacles. This article reviews these difficulties and the limitations of randomized controlled trials in surgical practice. It also outlines some solutions that may help remedy this ongoing problem.

Controversy of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Laparoscopically assisted colorectal procedures are time-consuming and technically demanding and hence have a long steep learning curve. In the technical demand, surgeons need to handle a long mobile organ, the colon, and have to operate on multiple abdominal quadrants, most of the time with the need to secure multiple mesenteric vessels. Therefore, a new surgical innovation called hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was introduced in the mid 1990s as a useful alternative to totally laparoscopic procedures. This hybrid operation allows the surgeon to introduce the non-dominant hand into the abdominal cavity through a special hand port while maintaining the pneumoperitoneum. A hand in the abdomen can restore the tactile sensation which is usually lacking in laparoscopic procedures. It also improves the eye-to-hand coordination, allows the hand to be used for blunt dissection or retraction and also permits rapid control of unexpected bleeding. All of those factors can contribute tremendously to reducing the operative time. Moreover, this procedure is also considered as a hybrid procedure that combines the advantages of both minimally invasive and conventional open surgery. Nevertheless, the exact role of HALS in colorectal surgery has not been well defined during the advanced totally laparoscopic procedures. This article reviews the current status of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a minimally invasive procedure in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

Standard formula for liver volume in Middle Eastern Arabic adults

OBJECTIVES

To determine a formula for estimating the standard liver volume (SLV) in Middle Eastern Arabic adults and to compare it with the 12 standard liver volume (SLV) formulas reported for eastern and western populations.

METHODS

Liver volume measured using computed tomography (CTLV) was determined in 351 Saudi Arabian adults older than 16 years without liver or body build abnormality. This measurement was correlated with body indices including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area to derive a new formula using multiple-step linear regression analysis. The CTLV was compared with the 12 SLV formulas using the t test, with error % as (SLV - CTLV)/CTLV × 100.

RESULTS

Body weight was the only significant factor that correlated with CTLV, that is, 12.26 × body weight (kg) + 555.65 (R(2) = .37; P = .000). Only the Vauthey formula (1267.28 × body surface area (m(2)) - 794.41) yielded an estimation of SLV that did not differ significantly from CTLV (P = .26), and had the least mean % error of +1% (underestimation by 15.7 mL) and the closest agreement, that is, 62.4% demonstrated less than ±16% error). Other formulas also yielded acceptable agreement with mean % error less than 12%, although the differences from actual measurements were statistically significant. The Chengdu and Chouker formulas were the exceptions, with more than 16% underestimation or overestimation.

CONCLUSIONS

Either the formulas derived in the present study and the Vauthey formula could be used to estimate SLV in Middle East Arabic adults. However, the moderate coefficient of determination (R(2) = .37) suggested wide interindividual variation. Caution must be exercised when using these formulas in preoperative planning.

Adult intussusception caused by a lipoma in the small bowel: report of a case

Adult intussusception represents only about 5% of all intussusceptions and is usually caused by a malignant small bowel lesion acting as the apex of intussusception. We report an unusual case in a male patient of adult intussusception caused by a lipomatous lesion located in the terminal ileum, very close to the ileocecal valve, acting as the lead point. After repeated admissions to several hospitals for investigation of nonspecific abdominal symptoms, the possibility of intussusception was finally raised by a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. The patient underwent a limited right hemicolectomy, which achieved long-lasting cure of his symptoms. This case highlights the difficulties of diagnosing adult intussusception promptly, and the fact that it can also be caused by a benign lesion.

Blood transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgery in patients with sickle cell disease is associated with high morbidity. To reduce this high morbidity, different preoperative transfusion regimens were introduced. However, blood transfusion is associated with problems. This prospective study aims to establish the safety of conducting laparoscopic cholecystectomy without transfusion in sickle cell disease patients.

METHODS

Forty patients (16 males and 24 females; mean age 26.6 years) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis were divided into 2 matched groups: Group I "no transfusion" (n=24 patients; 60%) and Group II "transfusion" (n=16; 40%). In Group II, 9 patients (22.5%) received a simple transfusion and 7 (17.5%) a partial exchange transfusion.

RESULTS

Group II patients had significantly higher levels of Hb-S prior to transfusion. They developed a significantly higher complication rate (25% vs. 0%) and subsequently longer hospital stay (3.9±2 vs. 2.1±1.4). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the complications between the simple transfusion and partial exchange transfusion subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Surgery in SCD patients is safe without a preoperative blood transfusion. Moreover, preoperative blood transfusion is associated with significantly higher postoperative complications and longer hospital stay. Hence, a "no transfusion" policy is recommended.

Leiomyosarcoma of the infra-renal inferior vena cava

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare slow-growing retroperitoneal tumor. Two percent of leiomyosarcomas are vascular in origin, and tumors of the IVC account for the majority of the cases. The diagnosis is frequently delayed, because affected patients remain asymptomatic for a long period. It has an extremely poor prognosis, with 5-year actuarial malignancy-free survival rates of 30% to 50% after a wide surgical resection. The authors present the case of a patient with IVC leiomyosarcoma who underwent en bloc resection of the tumor along with the involved segment of the infrarenal IVC without caval reconstruction. Complete surgical resection offers the only potential of long-term survival, but survival of unresected patients is generally measured in months. Palliative resections may temporarily improve symptoms but do not offer long-term survival.

Duodenal and ampullary obstruction by a Peutz-Jeghers polyp

We report a case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome presenting with obstruction of the second part of the duodenum and the ampulla of Vater by a large intra-luminal polyp leading to duodenal obstruction and obstructive jaundice. CT scan of the abdomen showed a large polypoidal lesion, a caecal polyp and jejuno-jejunal intussusception. At surgery, two intussusceptions were reduced and leading polyps were excised via two enterotomies; the caecal polyp was excised via caecotomy. The duodenal polyp was excised by limited duodenectomy after frozen section has shown no evidence of malignancy. Histopathological study of all the excised polyps including that of the duodenum showed hamartomatous polyps with no malignant changes. Apart from acute bleeding, this case highlights many of the surgical gastrointestinal complications of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. It also highlights the unusual combined duodenal and common bile duct obstruction by a large Peutz-Jeghers polyp. The controversial association of this syndrome with cancer and management options is also discussed.

Laparoscopic diagnosis of splenic tuberculosis

Isolated tuberculous splenic microabscesses are uncommon except in immunocompromized patients. The diagnosis is often made after splenectomy and histologic examination of the spleen. We report here a case of splenic tuberculosis in an immuno-competent patient. The diagnosis was made solely by laparoscopic biopsy of the spleen without the need for splenectomy. The patient was started on antituberculosis therapy with marked recovery. We believe that this might be the first reported case of isolated splenic tuberculosis ever diagnosed by laparoscopy only.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery: initial experience of a single surgeon

BACKGROUND/AIM

As totally laparoscopic colorectal surgery is considered challenging and technically demanding with a long steep learning curve, we adopted hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a bridge to totally laparoscopic assisted colorectal surgery. This prospective study aims to highlight the initial experience of a single surgeon with this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective analysis of the first 25 cases of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resections which were performed by a single surgeon over a 15-month period. There were 15 males and 10 females with a mean age of 55.5 (range 20-82) years.

RESULTS

The indication in majority of cases was cancer (76%). The procedures consisted of 18 (72%) various colectomies and 7 (28%) anterior resections. The operative time ranged between 110-400 (mean 180) min. There was one conversion (4%) and the mean operative blood loss was 80 (range 60-165) ml. The number of lymph nodes retrieved in the cancer cases was 5-31 (mean 15) nodes. The mean length of hospital stay was five (range 3-10) days. The total number of short-term complications was six (24%) and there was one death due to anastomatic leak and multiorgan failure. Long-term complications after a maximum follow up of 30 months were two incisional hernias at the hand port site, but none of the patients developed adhesive small bowel obstruction or late anastomotic stricture. Currently all our colorectal procedures are conducted laparoscopically.

CONCLUSION

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal procedures are easy to learn as a good bridge to master totally laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Appendiceal mass: is interval appendicectomy "something of the past"?

The need for interval appendicectomy (I.A) after successful conservative management of appendiceal mass has recently been questioned. Furthermore, emergency appendicectomy for appendiceal mass is increasingly performed with equal success and safety to that performed in non-mass forming acute appendicitis. There is an increasing volume of evidence -although mostly retrospective- that if traditional conservative management is adopted, there is no need for routine I.A except for a small number of patients who continue to develop recurrent symptoms. On the other hand, the routine adoption of emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) in patients presenting with appendiceal mass obviates the need for a second admission and an operation for I.A with a considerable complication rate. It also abolishes misdiagnoses and deals promptly with any unexpected ileo-cecal pathology. Moreover, it may prove to be more cost-effective than conservative treatment even without I.A due to a much shorter hospital stay and a shorter period of intravenous antibiotic administration. If emergency LA is to become the standard of care for appendiceal mass, I.A will certainly become 'something' of the past.

Daflon for haemorrhoids: a prospective, multi-centre observational study

BACKGROUND

Daflon, a phlebotropic agent, is of proven efficacy in the treatment of various venous disorders. Although it has been tried in the treatment of haemorrhoids, its efficacy in alleviating various haemorrhoidal symptoms has not been assessed properly. The aim of this study was to confirm the efficacy of Daflon in the treatment of haemorrhoidal symptoms.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty eight patients presenting with haemorrhoidal symptoms were recruited. This was a multicentre non-randomised observational study with no placebo arm. After establishing the extent of their symptoms and determining the position, size and degree of haemorrhoids by proctoscopy, all patients were started on Daflon, four tablets per day, in two divided doses for four weeks. Patients were seen weekly during the study period and carefully questioned as regard to symptoms, and a proctoscopy was carried out.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in all haemorrhoidal symptoms (pain, heaviness, bleeding, pruritus and anal discharge) and in the proctoscopic appearance of the 'piles,' comparing baseline visit findings with the last visit four weeks after treatment with Daflon.

CONCLUSIONS

Daflon has been shown to be effective in alleviating (variable degree) haemorrhoidal symptoms and improving the proctoscopic appearance of haemorrhoids. Therefore, it should be considered initially for patients presenting with haemorrhoidal symptoms. However, prospective randomised trials and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the findings of this study and delineate more precisely the role of Daflon in the management of haemorrhoidal disease

A case of sigmoid colon duplication in an adult woman

Colonic duplication is a rare congenital anomaly that is often diagnosed in childhood, but may go unrecognised until adulthood. It often presents with chronic abdominal pain and constipation, and the preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. We present a case of sigmoid duplication in a 33-year-old Indonesian woman who presented with right-sided colicky abdominal pain and vomiting. Clinical examination was unremarkable and radiological investigations raised the possibility of a giant colon diverticulum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy that revealed a tubular sigmoid duplication. A sigmoid colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. She was discharged a week later and remained well at 1 year follow-up. Colon duplications rarely present in adult life and the accurate diagnosis is often made at laparotomy.

A rare cause of small bowel obstruction: Abdominal cocoon

INTRODUCTION

The clinical manifestations of abdominal 'cocoon' are non-specific and hence its diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively and the management is often delayed. Surgery remains the main stay of treatment with satisfactory outcome and comprises excision of the fibrous membrane, meticulous adhesionolysis and release of the entrapped small bowel.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 45-year-old male patient presented with 6-month history of progressive subacute small bowel obstruction. After initial radiological investigations, he underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and was misdiagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis. He was started on anti-tuberculous therapy, but exploratory laparotomy was carried out after failure to respond to anti-tuberculous therapy. At laparotomy, the abdominal 'cocoon' which was encapsulating the entire small bowel was excised, and the adhesions were carefully lysed. The patient remained well and without recurrence at 1-year follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Abdominal 'cocoon' is a rare cause of subacute, acute and chronic small bowel obstruction. Its diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal 'cocoon' should be thought of as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It may be mistaken with abdominal tuberculosis. Surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment.

The safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in sickle cell disease: An update

As surgery in sickle cell patients is associated with high morbidity, this study aims to establish the safety of minimally invasive surgery in this high-risk group. Over a four-year period, 71 sickle cell patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for cholelithiasis. Five patients had asymptomatic gallstones. Preoperative gastroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography were performed in 7 and 14 patients, respectively. Forty-two patients were given simple blood transfusions, while 13 received partial exchange transfusions. The mean operative time was 80 minutes and the conversion rate was 5.6%. There were 10 (14%) postoperative complications, the majority of which were respiratory and wound-related. One patient (1.4%) died as a result of postoperative vaso-occlusive crisis. The median hospital stay was 2.5 days. We believe that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe in patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathy who are particularly at risk of developing pigmented gallstones. Therefore, the use of minimally invasive surgery is encouraged in any sickle cell patient undergoing operative intervention.

Colonic lymphoma presenting acutely with perforated colo-splenic fistula

INTRODUCTION

Primary colonic lymphoma is rare. It comprises less than 1% of large bowel malignancies. Affected patients often present with non-specific vague symptoms with subsequent delays in diagnosis and management.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An immuno-competent 35-year-old male presented with left iliac fossa pain, fever and constipation. Clinical examination revealed left-sided abdominal peritonism. After the initial radiological and endoscopic investigations, a provisional diagnosis of a localized perforation of a splenic flexure diverticulum was made and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of the abscess was performed. The patient failed to settle on conservative treatment and therefore exploratory laparotomy was carried out. An inflammatory phlegmon consisting of a left paracolic gutter abscess, the spleen and the splenic flexure of the colon was resected en-bloc and a primary colo-colic anastomosis was performed. His operative recovery was complicated by wound infection which was treated conservatively. The histopathology revealed colo-splenic fistula secondary to a perforated colonic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The spleen contained multiple metastatic lymphomatous deposits. He was started on chemotherapy and remained well at 5-year follow up.

DISCUSSION

Colon non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may present initially with an acute abdomen due to perforation. It mimics any acute surgical condition. Perforation and fistulaization into the spleen is very rare.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the delay and difficulty in diagnosing primary colonic lymphoma without resorting to surgical resection.

Schistosomal appendicitis in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A clinicopathological study

BACKGROUND

In cases of schistosomiasis, the appendix is commonly infested. It is not known if this is a predisposing factor for appendicitis, or a mere coincidental histological finding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 56 patients (51 males and 5 females) underwent appendectomy for schistosomal appendicitis over a 10-year period at Dammam Central Hospital. The histological slides of 41 of the patients (73.2%) were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

The highest incidence of schistosomal appendicitis was recorded in the 21-40-year age group. Ova were seen in the submucosal layers of all the excised appendices. The most common tissue responses were submucosal fibrosis (92.7%) and eosinophilia (87.8%), followed by the presence of suppurative inflammation (80.5%). Granulomatous reaction was evident in only 13 cases (31.7%). A striking feature was atrophy of submucosal lymphoid follicles in 70.7% of the cases. Hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles and serosal granulomas were rare (2.4%). Similar tissue responses were histologically seen in four normal appendices examined.

CONCLUSION

Appendiceal infestation may predispose to appendicitis in the majority of affected cases, but in others, it may well be a mere coincidental histological finding. However, preoperative knowledge bears no clinical significance and does not alter management.

A rare approach to entero-atmospheric fistula

PATIENT

Female, 60 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Recurrent incisional hernia Symptoms: -

MEDICATION

- Clinical Procedure: Limited ileo-cecal resection Specialty: Surgery.

OBJECTIVE

Diagnostic/therapeutic accidents.

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic entero-atmospheric fistula is devastating and its management is extremely difficult because it is often associated with fluid and electrolyte disturbances, nutritional problems, and life-threatening sepsis.

CASE REPORT

A 60-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic repair of a recurrent incisional hernia that was complicated by iatrogenic cecal injury necessitating a limited ileocecal resection and onlay prosthetic mesh repair of the hernia. Postoperatively, sloughing of the overlying skin led to mesh exposure. An attempted rotational flap coverage was complicated by small bowel injury, which was recognized and repaired. However, an entero-atmospheric fistula developed after the removal of contaminated mesh. The fistula was initially treated by vacuum-assisted closure dressing and later was converted to a 'stoma'. Six months later, the small bowel segment bearing the fistula was excised and bowel continuity was restored.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected cases, the conversion of entero-atmospheric fistula to a 'stoma' allows the patient to be discharged home early and maintain good nutritional status while awaiting the definitive surgical intervention.

Boerhaave's Syndrome: Delayed Management Using Over-the-Scope Clip

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of Boerhaave's syndrome is often missed or delayed. This subsequently leads to a high mortality rate, which could be greatly reduced if treatment is instituted early, within 24 hours of perforation. Treatment ranges from conservative management to operative intervention depending on the time of presentation and the patient's clinical condition. Endoscopic intervention in the form of over-the-scope clip (OTSC) application is gaining popularity with very promising results. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old male was diagnosed with Boerhaave's syndrome and treated initially by insertion of bilateral chest drainage, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition. He was transferred to our facility 9 days later. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 1.5 cm deep longitudinal ulcer involving the distal esophagus and extending to the Z-line. Due to the perforation site, a size 12 OTSC clip was used. Application of a second clip was needed to achieve complete closure of the perforation site. Contrast swallow was done 4 days later showed no leak. The patient was started on oral intake and was discharged home in good general condition after a hospital stay of 16 days. CONCLUSIONS Delayed presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome can be treated safely by an over-the-scope clip. This endoscopic method hastens recovery and shortens the hospital stay.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with extensive osteosarcomatous and chondrosarcomatous differentiation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is an uncommon tumor of the peripheral nerves. The commonest presenting symptom is soft tissue mass and pain with local neurological findings. Imaging modalities are unhelpful in making a reliable diagnosis. Treatment is radical resection with adequate clear resection margins. Radiotherapy improves the local control, but the prognosis remains poor especially in those with divergent differentiation.

SUMMARY

A 23-year-old man with no history of neurofibromatosis presented with a swelling on the back which has been gradually increasing in size and causing him discomfort. The tumor was surgically excised and the histopathological examination revealed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with extensive osseous and cartilaginous differentiation. He developed pulmonary metastases one year after the surgical resection. Pulmonary metastatectomy was therefore performed and the histopathology of the metastatectomy specimen revealed metastatic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, but without any osseous or cartilaginous differentiation. He remained well with no recurrence or metastases at 9-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a malignant tumor that behaves aggressively despite adequate radical resection. This case also illustrates extensive osseous and cartilaginous divergent differentiation of the primary tumor which was surprisingly absent in the metastatic lesions. This finding warrants further research.