Nonoperative management of perforated appendicitis without periappendiceal mass

BACKGROUND

Initial nonoperative treatment for patients with periappendiceal mass has been shown to be safe and effective. Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of initial nonoperative management for perforated appendicitis not accompanied by a palpable mass.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 77 patients with appendicitis treated initially nonoperatively between 1992 and 1998. All had localized abdominal tenderness and computed tomography findings of abscess or phlegmon. None had a palpable abdominal mass. Outcome parameters evaluated were rate of failure, complication, and recurrence.

RESULTS

There were 49 males and 28 females with a mean age of 35 years (range 16 to 75). Initial nonoperative management was successful in 95% of patients. Complications occurred in 12% of patients. Recurrent appendicitis developed in 6.5% of patients after an average follow-up of 30 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Perforated appendicitis patients with localized abdominal tenderness and abscess or phlegmon can safely and effectively be treated in an initial nonoperative fashion.

Spiral CT of colon cancer: imaging features and role in management

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is valuable in planning surgery for colon cancer because it can demonstrate regional extension of tumor as well as adenopathy and distant metastases. At CT, colorectal cancer typically appears as a discrete soft-tissue mass that narrows the colonic lumen. Colorectal cancer can also manifest as focal colonic wall thickening and luminal narrowing. Complications of primary colonic malignancies such as obstruction, perforation, and fistula can be readily visualized with CT. At CT, local extension of tumor appears as an extracolic mass or simply as thickening and infiltration of pericolic fat. Extracolic spread is also suggested by loss of fat planes between the colon and adjacent organs. The liver is the predominant organ to be involved with metastases from colorectal cancer. At CT, hepatic metastases usually appear as hypoattenuating masses, which are best visualized during the portal venous phase of liver enhancement. Other common sites of metastases from colon cancer include the lungs, adrenal glands, and bones. Use of CT is critical for identifying recurrences, evaluating anatomic relationships, documenting "normal" postoperative anatomy, and confirming the absence of new lesions during and after therapy.

Gut perforation caused by biliary endoprosthesis

Two cases are reported of perforation of the gut caused by biliary endoprosthesies in the three-year period 1993-1995. The first patient was an 81-year-old man who had perforation of the terminal ileum caused by a straight 10 French/7 cm stent which had been dislodged from the bile duct; he underwent laparotomy but did not recover. The second patient was an 86-year-old man who had perforation of the sigmoid colon caused by a straight 7 French/5 cm stent left in the duodenum during a stent exchange procedure; he was successfully treated laparoscopically. Two cases of gut perforation in a three-year period is a rather high rate of this rare complication of placement of biliary endoprostheses.

Pediatric duodenal perforation demonstrated by hepatobiliary imaging

The diagnosis of intestinal perforation in children is difficult. Computed tomography has been a useful investigative modality. A case of duodenal perforation is presented in which radionuclide hepatobiliary imaging was useful.

Enema-induced perforation of the rectum in chronically constipated patients

INTRODUCTION

The use of retrograde irrigation enemas is common in the treatment of chronic constipation, especially in the elderly. Perforation of the rectum and sigmoid colon caused by cleansing enemas, used by chronically constipated patients, has not been previously described.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with colorectal perforations caused by irrigation enemas admitted to our service in the three-year period between January 1995 and December 1997.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were treated by our surgical service because of perforations of the rectum and sigmoid colon related to a previous retrograde irrigation enema. Ten of these patients came from nursing homes, and the other three lived at home. The relevant information relating the enema administration to the patient's condition was given in only two of the ten patients referred to the emergency room by the institution's nursing or medical staff. In the other eight the information was vague and sometimes misleading. The diagnosis of colorectal perforation was made by history, plain abdominal x-rays, and CT scan with or without meglumine diatrizoate enemas. Ten patients survived, regardless of age, previous diseases, or operative findings. In all of them, diagnosis was made within 36 hours from the perforation. The three deaths occurred in patients in whom the diagnosis was made late.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of the possible injury from enemas administered to chronically constipated patients should be stressed. A high degree of suspicion by the attending physician is extremely important, because prompt diagnosis and early surgical treatment carries a relatively good prognosis.

Computed tomography scanning for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis

The optimal initial treatment for perforated appendicitis may be nonoperative. For this reason it is important to be able to reliably distinguish between acute and perforated appendicitis. CT scanning has been shown to be highly accurate for the diagnosis of appendicitis, but it has not been specifically evaluated for perforated appendicitis. Our objective was to evaluate CT for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Our study population comprised 84 patients who underwent appendectomy between 1993 and 1997 and who had CT scanning performed preoperatively. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. CT scans were reviewed in a blinded fashion. CT findings were correlated with pathologic and clinical factors. Sixteen patients with acute appendicitis, 59 patients with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, and 9 patients with normal appendices or other diagnoses were evaluated. For patients with pathologic documentation of appendicitis, CT findings that independently predict perforation or gangrene included abscess (P<0.001), phlegmon (P<0.001), extraluminal gas (P = 0.01), and terminal ileal wall thickening (P = 0.03). CT findings of an abscess, extraluminal gas, or phlegmon have a sensitivity of 92 per cent, specificity of 88 per cent, positive predictive value of 96 per cent, and negative predictive value of 74 per cent for perforated or gangrenous appendicitis. We conclude that CT can reliably distinguish between acute and perforated appendicitis.

[CT findings of non-traumatic colorectal perforation]

We retrospectively analyzed CT scans from 23 patients with non-traumatic colorectal perforation. We compared the sensitivity of CT and plain film radiography in the detection of free gas. Free gas was observed in 7 of the 23 cases (30.4%) on plain film radiography and 16 of the 23 cases (69.6%) on CT. Retroperitoneal abscess was demonstrated in 6 of the 7 patients without free gas on CT. Extraluminal air and abscess covered by the omentum and mesenterium were demonstrated in the remaining one patient. The site of perforation was identified in 19 of the 23 patients (82.6%) on CT. CT was useful for demonstrating retroperitoneal free gas, changes in mesenteric fat, extraluminal feces, and tumors. We conclude that CT is indicated in cases of suspected colorectal perforation.

Acute diverticulitis of the small bowel: CT findings

We present the computed tomographic (CT) findings in two cases of small bowel diverticulitis, one affecting the jejunum and the other a Meckel's diverticulum. The main CT finding was that of a mass with an air-fluid collection in contiguity with small bowel loops.

Impact of CT in patients with sepsis of unknown origin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic relevance of CT in patients with sepsis of unknown origin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive intensive care patients with suspicion of an abscess and negative or inconclusive previous radiological examinations were included. CT was performed using the helical technique. A total of 45 abdominal and 38 chest examinations were evaluated.

RESULTS

5/38 examinations of the chest revealed the source of sepsis (pleural empyema 2, lung abscess 1, mediastinitis 1, retrosternal abscess 1). 7/45 abdominal CT examinations showed the source of sepsis (intraabdominal abscess 2, hepatic abscess 3, intestinal perforation 1, gangrenous colitis 1).

CONCLUSION

CT is useful for the evaluation of patients with fever or sepsis without a known source. Due to the detection of a septic focus by CT, 19% of the patients in our study could be immediately referred to causal therapy as percutaneous drainage or surgery.

Perforated jejunal diverticulitis as a rare cause of acute abdomen

Jejunal diverticula is rare and in most cases without any symptoms. They become clinically relevant when complications, such as diverticulitis, malabsorption caused by bacterial overgrowth, intestinal hemorrhage, or obstruction, occur. In this case report a case of perforated jejunal diverticulitis is presented and the problems in finding the correct diagnosis are discussed.

Perforation of jejunal lymphoma--ultrasonographic diagnosis of free air over left flank area

Acute abdomen due to perforation of one of the hollow organs is one of the major challenges for clinicians. Traditionally, pneumoperitoneum shown on X-ray film taken of the decubitus view or in the standing position, is the major key to making a diagnosis of perforation. However, free air is not shown on X-ray film in about one third of cases and sometimes, a standing X-ray cannot be taken in weak patients or for various reasons. In such conditions, abdominal ultrasonography (US) plays a complementary role. Free air is usually detected between the anterior surface of the liver and the anterior abdominal wall by US. However, if free air is not detected on an erect X-ray or not demonstrated over the anterior surface of the liver by US, the diagnosis of perforation of the hollow organ will be difficult. We treated a patient with perforation of a small intestinal lymphoma, which presented as free air over the left flank area by US rather than the anterior surface of liver as is usually the case. Moreover, we located the perforated site pre-operatively by US, which detected focal thickening of a segment of small intestine with intramural slits. Lymphoma of the jejunum with perforation was finally diagnosed after surgery. The value of US is justified in such a condition.

A shaggy dog story? A trichobezoar presenting with gastrointestinal perforation

A 12-year-old Caucasian girl was admitted urgently with a 2-week history of intermittent left upper quadrant pain. The pain had worsened, radiated to the left shoulder blade and was eased with ibuprofen. There were no other associated symptoms and no history of trauma. A similar episode a year before had resolved spontaneously after several days.

On examination she looked well but was pyrexial (temperature 37.7°C). There was a firm, smooth, tender mass extending from the epigastrium to the umbilicus which was not indentable. There was no crepitus, bowel sounds were normal and there were no signs of peritonism.

There was a mild neutrophil leucocytosis but a full blood count and electrolytes were otherwise unremarkable. A chest radiograph suggested free gas under both hemi-diaphragms (Figure 1) with a large central soft tissue mass on the plain abdominal radiograph (Figure 2).

On ultrasound a gas-filled viscus obscured the epigastrium. Gastrograffin swallow characterized this as a dilated stomach with a large granular filling defect completely filling the body and antrum (Figure 3). There was no obvious ulceration and no gastrograffin leak into the peritoneum. These appearances were highly suggestive of a gastric bezoar.

A more detailed dietary history helped to elucidate the nature of the bezoar. Until 2 years previously the family had kept a German shepherd dog and the patient had eaten its hair for most of her childhood. There were no other unusual dietary habits or behavioural problems.

Laparotomy and gastrotomy of the dilated stomach delivered a large trichobezoar, cast in the shape of the stomach (Figure 4). There was a 2 cm sealed perforation of benign appearance on the upper greater curve of the stomach, consistent with a pressure ulcer. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery.

[Colonic perforation in percutaneous surgery of the kidney. Report of two cases]

We show our experience about iatrogenic damage of colon secondarily to percutaneous surgery of the kidney. One of them treated by means of open surgery, the other by conservative procedures. Making discussion on risk factors, as well as the diagnostic therapeutical aspects.

Introduction of appendiceal CT: impact on negative appendectomy and appendiceal perforation rates

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of appendiceal computed tomography (CT) availability on negative appendectomy and appendiceal perforation rates.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Appendiceal CT is 98% accurate. However, its impact on negative appendectomy and appendiceal perforation rates has not been reported.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records of 493 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy between 1992 and 1995, 209 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy in 1997 (59% of whom had appendiceal CT), and 206 patients who underwent appendiceal CT in 1997 without subsequent appendectomy.

RESULTS

Before appendiceal CT, 98/493 patients (20%) taken to surgery had a normal appendix. After CT availability, 15/209 patients (7%) taken to surgery had a normal appendix; 7 patients did not have CT, 5 patients had surgery despite a negative CT, and 3 patients had a false-positive CT. Negative appendectomy rates were lowered overall (20% to 7%), in men (11% to 5%), in women (35% to 11%), in boys (10% to 5%), and in girls (18% to 12%). Appendiceal perforation rates dropped from 22% to 14% after CT availability. CT excluded appendicitis in 206 patients in 1997 who avoided appendectomy and identified alternative diagnoses in 105 of these patients (51%).

CONCLUSION

The availability of appendiceal CT coincided with a drop in the negative appendectomy rate from 20% to 7% in all patients, and to only 3% in patients with a positive CT. Perforation rates decreased from 22% to 14%. Appendiceal CT can be advocated in nearly all female and many male patients.

[Is ultrasound examination in acute appendicitis dispensable? Acute Abdominal Pain Study Group]

In a prospective multicenter observational trial, the performance and clinical benefit of ultrasound of the appendix was evaluated in the clinical routine. Ultrasound of the appendix was performed in 870 of 2280 patients (38%); the overall sensitivity was 55% (range: 13 to 90%), specificity 95%, positive and negative predictive value 81 and 85%. There was no correlation between the frequency or accuracy of ultrasound and the accuracy of the clinician, the negative appendectomy or perforation rate.

Ultrasonography for diagnosis of acute appendicitis: results of a prospective multicenter trial. Acute Abdominal Pain Study Group

A prospective multicenter observational trial was performed to assess the performance and clinical benefit of ultrasonography of the appendix in the routine clinical examination. Included in the study were 2280 patients with acute abdominal pain from 11 surgical departments in Germany and Austria. Ultrasonography of the appendix was performed in 870 (38%) of the patients (range 16-85%). The overall sensitivity of ultrasonography of the appendix was 55% (13-90%), the specificity 95% (range 82-100%), positive predictive value 81% (50-100%), and negative predictive value 85% (68-96%). With respect to single ultrasound scan findings, adequate sensitivity (44%) was achieved only with the target phenomen, not with the other criteria. There were no correlations between the ultrasound findings of the appendix and the diagnostic accuracy of the clinician, the negative appendectomy rate, or the perforated appendix rate. From the study it can be concluded that there is no proven clinical benefit of ultrasound scanning of the appendix in the routine clinical diagnosis.

[Indications for appendectomy from the ultrasound-clinical viewpoint]

From 1.1.1993 to 30.9.1997 1149 patients with right-sided abdominal pain were examined by an experienced sonographer. The specificity of the sonographic diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 98.7%, sensitivity 95.6%, PPV 96.5%, NPV 98.3%, OA 97.8%. The negative laparotomy rate in 1996 was 5.4% (appendix not inflamed by histological examination), perforation rate 11.5%. 25 wrong sonographic diagnoses were made. Out of 530 Patients examined 1995 and 1996 181 alternative diagnoses could be made by ultrasonography. Under not corresponding clinical and sonographic results patients were observed in hospital and clinical and sonographic examination were repeated within 6 hours. Under definite positive sonographic result and questional clinical result operation was preferred. Under recurrent attacks of abdominal pain diagnostic laparoscopy was recommended. Sonographic diagnosis of right sided abdominal pain helped to reduce the risk of restricted indication for diagnostic laparoscopy respectively appendectomy by reducing the number of unnecessary operations without relevant change of perforation rate.