Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. An extrapancreatic loco-regional site and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare, low malignancy and predominantly affect young women, but it may be locally aggressive. Pancreatic resection is the main treatment for SPTs. However, low malignancy SPT may give insidious extrapancreatic invasions.

CASE REPORT

A 20-year-old woman was admitted with non-specific abdominal pain and diarrhea. A 9-cm SPT of the pancreas was discovered with extra-pancreatic invasion of the left adrenal gland and the spleen, in close contact with the body-tail of the pancreas, proximal portion of the jejunum, splenic flexure of the colon and the gastric fundus, with no signs of infiltration. For the young patient, a pancreas-preserving tumor excision was performed, with en-bloc resection of the spleen and adrenal gland, lymphadenectomy of the splenic vessels (13 lymph-nodes) and pre-pancreatic lymph node dissection, with no need for distal pancreatectomy. The duration of the surgery was 145 min, with no transfusion. The woman's postoperative course was complicated by a splenic lodge abscess treated via CT-guided percutaneous drainage, and a left pleural effusion treated medically, with a hospital stay of 16 days. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a 9- cm low-grade SPT of the pancreas. In a close follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic 21 months later, with no tumor recurrence and good health.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-grade SPT of the pancreas with extra-pancreatic invasion of loco-regional organs can be treated by a pancreas-preserving approach to avoid a pancreatectomy. Moreover, still few cases of extra-pancreatic SPT are reported in the literature and there is an urgent need for more relevant evidence.

KEY WORDS

Extrapancreatic, Frantz's tumor, Pancreas preserving, Pancreas, Pancreatic neoplasm, Solid pseudopapillary tumor, Solid pancreatic tumor.

Primary ovarian abscess in virginal young woman with huge endometriosis cyst: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary ovarian abscess which develops as an isolated lesion without simultaneous tubal infection is a rare entity. Ovarian abscess (OA) is a serious complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) rarely seen in virginal girls. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further sequela including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 19-year-old virginal girl who presented with abdominal pain and pelvic mass with no risk factors.

DIAGNOSES

Laparoscopic surgery was performed to confirm a primary ovarian abscess in the adolescent virginal female with a huge endometriosis cyst.

INTERVENTION

Ovarian abscess with extensive intestinal adhesions was determined during the laparoscopic operation. Abscess drainage and postoperative antibiotic therapy cured the patient.

OUTCOME

After the surgery, the CRP level on the day of discharge was 3.18 mg/d. The histological findings revealed a cystic tissue sample with the fibrous wall infiltrated by neutrophilic granulocytes, and ectopic endometrium, suggesting abscess formation in the ovary and endometriosis cyst.

LESSONS

Although primary ovarian abscess in an adolescent virginal female is rare, given the severity of outcomes following ovarian abscess, this pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of virginal adolescents with fever and abdominal pain.

Combined endoscopic and radiologic intervention for management of acute perforated peptic ulcer: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer perforation is a common life-threatening surgical emergency. Graham omental patch is performed for plugging of perforated peptic ulcer. Many endoscopic methods have been used to treat acute perforated peptic ulcer such as over the scope clips, standard endoscopic clips, endoscopic sewing and metallic stents. The main idea in endoscopic management of acute perforated peptic ulcer is early decontamination and decrease sepsis by interventional radiologic drainage.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. This study included patients who were developed acute perforated peptic ulcer manifestations and were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and August 2021. Sample size was 100 patients divided into 2 equal groups. Endoscopic group (EG): included 50 patients who were subjected to endoscopic management. Surgical group (SG): included 50 patients who were subjected to surgical management.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were randomized into 2 groups: SG (50) and EG (50). Median age of patients was 36 (range 27:54) and 47 (range 41:50) years-old in SG and EG, respectively. Males constituted 72% and 66% in SG and EG, respectively. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 1 (range: 1-2) days in EG, while in SG was 7 (range 6-8) days. Postoperative complications in SG patients were 58% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (11%, 5%, 5%, 3%, 2% and 3%, respectively). Postoperative complications in EG patients were 24% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (10%, 0%, 2%, 0%, 0% and 0%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Combined endoscopic and interventional radiological drainage can effectively manage acute perforated peptic ulcer without the need for general anesthesia, with short operative time, in high risk surgical patients with low incidence of morbidity & mortality.

Abcès mésentérique du au Chryseobacterium meningosepticum révélant la maladie de Castleman à localisation mésentérique chez un jeune adulte immunocompétent

Un abcès mésentérique causé par le Chryseobacterium meningosepticum est une entité clinique extrêmement rare, le plus souvent retrouvé sur un terrain d´immunodéficience et la maladie de Castleman peut être révélée par un abcès mésentérique. Nous présentons le cas d´un patient de 23 ans admis pour péritonite aiguë généralisée évoluant depuis 2 semaines. L´échographie abdominale montrait une masse hypoéchogène dans les anses grêles sans donner des plus amples détails. A la laparotomie, du pus avait été retrouvé dans la grande cavité et un abcès mésentérique présent dans le mésentère jéjunal à 35 cm de l´angle de Treitz sans aucune ouverture de l´anse en regard mais également une adénopathie mésentérique en regard de l´abcès. La pyoculture a isolé le Chryseobacterium meningosepticum et l´adénopathie mésentérique enlevée a montré à l´analyse histologique des anomalies structurales évoquant le type vascularisation hyalinisée de la maladie de Castleman. Le traitement a consisté en une incision et drainage de l´abcès avec résection de la coque et un nettoyage de la cavité abdominale au sérum physiologique. La Ciprofloxacine était le seul antibiotique sensible au Chryseobacterium meningosepticum. Les suites post-opératoires étaient simples avec sortie du patient au 10^e jour post-opératoire. Un suivi clinique et paraclinique du patient pendant 12 mois n´a objectivé aucune autre adénopathie ni aucune récidive. Le but de cette publication est de présenter un cas extrêmement rare associant un abcès mésentérique à Chryseobacterium meningosepticum et une maladie de Castleman unicentrique à localisation mésentérique chez un immunocompétent ainsi que les modalités de cette prise en charge.

Thigh Abscess Secondary to Intra-abdominal Pathologic Conditions: Three Cases Progressing to Necrotizing Fasciitis

INTRODUCTION

Necrotizing fasciitis results in progressive destruction of the fascia and overlying tissue. Mortality primarily depends upon the timing of medical care and the extent of infection.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents a case series of thigh abscesses originating from intra-abdominal pathologic conditions and progressing to necrotizing fasciitis due to delayed diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data concerning 3 patients with thigh abscess originating from an intra-abdominal pathologic condition and progressing to necrotizing fasciitis are presented.

RESULTS

All patients had undergone previous colorectal surgery for malignancy and were admitted to the hospital with pain concentrated in the lower back and spreading down to the buttock, sacrum and coccyx, and leg. Patients had received symptomatic therapy, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 1 patient had undergone diskectomy for a herniated disk in the lumbar region. All 3 patients subsequently developed thigh abscesses (initially treated by percutaneous and/or surgical drainage) and received antibiotic therapy. One patient underwent percutaneous drainage, and 2 patients underwent abdominal surgery to address the abdominal abscess. During the course of treatment, thigh abscesses progressed to necrotizing fasciitis, which was treated by surgical debridement with or without negative pressure wound therapy. All patients died of overwhelming sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Thigh abscess may spontaneously arise from surrounding soft tissues, or it may be a sign of intraperitoneal, retroperitoneal, or pelvic pathologic conditions. Deep, vague pain in the back or hip area that spreads downward to the buttock and leg may be an early symptom of these pathologic conditions. Clinical suspicion may be effective in reducing mortality by enabling early surgical intervention, especially in the patient with a previous history of abdominal surgery, radiotherapy, or inflammatory or malignant disease.

Current management of pediatric appendicitis: A Central European survey

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis is one of the most common diagnoses in pediatric populations. Although new recommendations for the treatment of pediatric appendicitis were published, management varies among different institutions.

OBJECTIVES

To determine current practices in 4 (n = 4) representative pediatric surgical departments in Central Europe.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One department from each of the 4 countries was surveyed using an online questionnaire. Questions focused on preoperative, operative and postoperative practices in 2018, particularly those related to antibiotic (ATB) therapy and laparoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 519 appendectomies were performed, among which 413 (79.6%) were laparoscopic appendectomies (LAs), with a conversion rate of 5.1%. Appendectomy, as an elective procedure, was performed in 43 (8.3%) patients. One-quarter (129 patients) had complex appendicitis and 72.3% of these were operated laparoscopically. In 3 departments, ATB prophylaxis was administered, based on the decisions of the operating surgeon. One department used standard ATB prophylaxis (metronidazole). Whenever phlegmonous appendicitis was detected, ATB were administered therapeutically in 2 departments. Two other departments administered ATB based on surgeon decision. The choice of ATB was not standardized. If complex appendicitis was detected, all sites administered ATB therapeutically. The type of ATB treatment was standardized in complex cases in 2 departments. Thirty-four complications (6.6%) at surgical sites were recorded - 4.1% (16/390) after uncomplicated and 14% (18/129) after complex appendicitis. Thirty-two occurred after acute surgeries and 26 of these followed laparoscopic procedures. Postoperatively, intra-abdominal abscesses occurred in 3.5% of laparoscopic and in 2.9% of open appendectomy (OA) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This questionnaire study showed that treatment outcomes for appendicitis in children in Central Europe are comparable with data reported in the literature. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the predominant surgical method, but there is a little consensus for ATB treatment in the management of appendicitis at our 4 pediatric surgical departments.

Abdominal abscess associated with salmonellosis case report

INTRODUCTION

Although gastroenteritis is considered to be a non-surgical disease, rare complications necessitating surgical intervention may occur.

CASE REPORT

We present a patient who underwent acute small bowel resection due to an abdominal abscess, which developed in association with Salmonella enteritis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus - IL-8 and IL-10 profile in patients with intraabdominal postoperative abscesses

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To assess of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and anti-inflammatory IL-10 serum concentration in patients with T2DM with intraabdominal postoperative abscesses in perioperative period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The 48 participants, aged 40 - 75 years, among them 24 males and 24 females. All patients were divided into groups: group 1 - 12 patients with T2DM and intra-abdominal postoperative abscesses, group 2 - 12 patients without T2DM but with intra-abdominal postoperative abscesses and 24 healthy individuals. The level of IL-8and IL-10 serum was determined on the day before surgery, on the 2-3rd and 5-7th day after surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes and intra-abdominal postoperative abscesses.

RESULTS

Results and conclusions: The trajectories of the level of interleukins in patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus were different from the trajectories of their level in patients without diabetes, which indicates a special immune response to nosocomial infection and surgical trauma. The mechanism of changes in serum levels of IL-8 and IL-10 in patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus and postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses should be further studied in future studies on the specific causative agent of nosocomial infection and the cytokine response to it.

Gallic Acid Attenuates Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesion by Inhibiting Inflammatory Reaction in a Rat Model

Background

Intra-abdominal adhesion is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery. The efficacy of current treatments for intra-abdominal adhesion is unsatisfactory. In this study, we investigated the effect of gallic acid on the prevention and treatment of intra-abdominal adhesions after abdominal surgery using an intra-abdominal adhesion rat model.

Material/Methods

The experimental rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, the control group, the chitosan group, and 3 gallic acid groups of different concentrations. All rats except those in the sham operation group received cecal abrasion to induce adhesion. From the first postoperative day, the rats in the gallic acid groups were administered different concentrations of gallic acid in a 2-ml gavage daily. All rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, and the degree of intra-abdominal adhesion was evaluated by the naked eye. The amount of collagen deposited between the injured peritoneal tissues was assessed by Sirius red staining. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the level of NF-κB phosphorylation in the injured peritoneal or adhesion tissues of the rats.

Results

Compared with the control group, the scores of intra-abdominal adhesions in the rats treated with larger doses of gallic acid were significantly decreased, and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis was also significantly decreased. Gallic acid significantly reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 serum levels. NF-κB phosphorylation in the higher gallic acid groups was significantly reduced.

Conclusions

Gallic acid inhibits the formation of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in rats by inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and fibrogenesis. Gallic acid is a promising drug for preventing intra-abdominal adhesions.

[Risk factors of early surgical intervention in Crohn's disease patients with spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors of early surgical intervention in Crohn's disease (CD) patients with spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess.

METHODS

Clinical data of 94 CD patients with spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess admitted to The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between May 2008 and Dec 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to evaluate the early surgery risk of CD patients with spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess using logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 94 eligible patients were identified from our registry, including 70 males and 24 females. The mean age at the diagnosis of CD and at development of abscess was 28.4 years and 30.4 years old, respectively. The median duration of CD between the diagnosis and development of an abscess was 3 years. According to the Montreal classification, L3 (ileocolonic) was the most common disease location (81.9%) in these patients. Most of the patients(76.6%) developed a single abscess, while multiple abscesses were detected in 22 patients(23.4%). Forty-four patients(46.8%) underwent surgery within 60 days after hospitalization due to spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess complicating CD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that history of abdominal surgery(OR=3.23, 95%CI:1.12 to 9.31, P=0.030), concomitant intestinal stenosis (OR=3.52, 95%CI:1.26 to 9.85, P=0.017) and concomitant intestinal fistula (OR=4.31, 95%CI:1.25 to 14.80, P=0.020) were the independent risk factors of early surgical intervention, while enteral nutrition (OR=0.18, 95%CI:0.05 to 0.62, P=0.007) was the independent protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of CD patients with spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess will undergo early surgical intervention. Patients with history of abdominal surgery, concomitant intestinal stenosis and concomitant intestinal fistula have higher risk of early surgical intervention, and appropriate application of enteral nutrition may reduce the risk.

Wandering Spleen. A Case of Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in an HIV-positive Patient with Recurrent Tuboovarian Abscess

BACKGROUND

Wandering spleen is a rare and potentially devastating condition that can present in a variety of ways. Here we present a case that led to acute abdomen and hemoperitoneum in a young woman.

CASE

A 27-year-old woman with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pelvic inflammatory disease, and tuboovarian abscess was readmitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment. When her clinical picture did not improve, she underwent placement of a pelvic drain for abscess drainage. Overnight she developed an acute abdomen and hemorrhagic shock. She was taken to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a ruptured spleen with a single, elongated vascular pedicle.

CONCLUSION

Wandering spleen is a rare diagnosis, more common in reproductive-aged women, with potentially fatal complications. It is a necessary component of a differential diagnosis for acute abdomen in reproductive-aged women.

Technical and social challenges of laparoscopic appendectomy performed in a rural setting

AIM

The current study reports technical and social details aiming to evaluate difficulties faced while performing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in a rural hospital as well as providing solutions.

METHODS

Patients who underwent LA with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis between April 2009 and December 2010 were included in this study. Demographic details, operative findings and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one consecutive patients (28 male and 23 female) underwent LA. The median age was 23 years (range, 13-74); the median operative time was 45 minutes (range, 20-75). Appendiceal base securing was performed either endoloops in 4 (7.8%), or via intracorporeal knot tying in 46 (90.2%) patients and 1 was sutured. Complicated/technically difficult appendicitis was faced in 20 (39.2%) patients. One patient underwent conversion to open procedure (2%). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.4 ± 0.8 days. Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess occurred in 1 (2%) patient.

CONCLUSION

LA can be performed safely in a rural hospital, even for complicated cases. In this study, we have discussed some technical and social difficulties encountered and the solution methods adopted when performing LA in rural settings.

Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy vs. Standard Whipple's Procedure in Case of Carcinoma head of the Pancreas and Periampullary Carcinoma

Pancreatic carcinoma is a life threatening condition. Surgical resection is the only hope of cure. Advances in surgical technique have reduced the mortality rate. Nevertheless, operative complications related with morbidity still remains high. Two operation techniques in the treatment of periampullary and pancreatic head cancer: the Standard Whipple operation (SW) and Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) are performed predominantly. This study was performed to compare the results of Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with that of the Standard Whipple's (SW) procedure. This prospective study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, BSMMU in two years duration. All admitted patient's with periampullary carcinoma and carcinoma of the head of the pancreas were included and randomized for a SW or a PPPD resection. Data regarding patients demographics, preoperative assessment, intraoperative and postoperative findings were collected and analyzed. Less blood loss (2.67±0.65 units in Group I and 2.88±0.64 units in Group II), fewer need of blood transfusions and shorter hospital stay in the PPPD group were observed. Gastrointestinal leakage was similar in both groups of patients (1:1). One pancreatic fistula (8.3% in Group I) was observed in PPPD group and one intra-abdominal abscess developed in Standard Whipple's procedure (00.0% in Group I and 12.5% in Group II). Bile leakage was higher in standard Whipple procedure (8.3% in Group I and 37.5% in Group II). Morbidity was more or less similar in both groups (58.0% in Group I and 50.0% in Group II) but one patient (12.5% in Group II) died in standard Whipple's resection. PPPD procedure is more effective treatment for periampullary carcinoma and cancer of the pancreatic head region than the standard Whipple's operation.

[Management of colonic injuries in the setting of damage control surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety of anastomosis and ostomy following 2-stage definitive colonic resection when severe colonic injuries treated in the setting of damage control surgery(DCS).

METHODS

Clinical data of 67 patients with severely traumatic colonic injuries undergoing DCS at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 2005 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into the anastomosis group undergoing colonic resection and anastomosis (n=40), and the ostomy group undergoing anastomosis with a protecting proximal ostomy (n=27). Postoperative complications were compared between these two groups. The risk factors of colonic anastomosis leakage were analyzed.

RESULTS

Demographics, injury severity, physiological imbalance on admission, transfusion during the first operative procedure were similar in the two groups (all P>0.05). Rates of anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal abscess, enterocutaneous fistula, and would infection after definitive resection were not statistically different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Colonic anasomotic leakage rates were 15.0% (6/40) in anastomosis group and 11.1% (3/27) in ostomy group without significant difference (P>0.05). Left-sided colon injuries occurred in 7 out of 9 patients with anatomotic leakage, whose proportion was significantly higher than that in those without anastomotic leakage (7/9 vs. 24/58, 77.8% vs. 41.4%, P<0.05). A prolonged peritoneal closure was also observed in patients with anastomotic leakage (median, 10 days vs. 2 days, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A strategy of diverting ostomy is not the first choice for patients suffering from severe colonic injuries in the setting of DCS. Peritoneal closure at early stage may decrease the risk of colonic anastomotic leakage.

[Assessment of the diagnostic value of CT and X-ray enterography for small intestinal Crohn disease]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of CT and X-ray enterography in the diagnosis of small intestinal Crohn disease(CD).

METHODS

Data of 39 CD cases confirmed by surgery and pathology who underwent CT and X-ray enterography were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients had complete CT data, 28 cases had X-ray intestinal barium meal data, and 18 had sinus tract enterography.

RESULTS

CT enterography showed mural thickening(>4 mm) in 34(87.2%) patients, mural gas in 7(17.9%), mural edema in 7(17.9%), mural fat in 4(10.3%), increased enhancement of bowel wall(>10 HU) in 37(94.9%), multiple segmental lesions in 33(84.6%), single segmental lesions in 6(15.4%), mesenteric lymphadenopathy(>5 mm) in 13(33.3%), vascular bundle thickening in 9(23.1%), cellulitis in 12(30.8%), peritoneal abscess in 10(25.6%), phlegmon in 8(20.5%), incomplete intestinal obstruction in 14(35.9%), seroperitoneum in 22(56.4%), and fistulization in 4(10.3%). CT enterography did not demonstrate the change of mucosa such as strip ulcer or cobblestone. Among the 28 cases of small bowel X-ray enterography, 23 cases(82.1%) presented with multiple segmental lesions, 5(17.9%) with single segmental lesions, 18(64.3%) with strip ulcer, 16(57.1%) with cobblestones, 4(14.3%) with intestinal fistula, while no bowel wall and extraintestinal complication of CD disease was observed. Among the 18 cases of sinus tract enterography, 13 cases (72.2%) presented with intestinal fistula, 12(66.7%) with peritoneal abscess, 8(44.4%) with sinus tract.

CONCLUSIONS

CT enterography can demonstrate exactly the diseased bowel wall and extraintestinal complication of CD disease, which is important to evaluate the extent of CD and guide the treatment, however strip ulcer and cobblestone sign cannot be demonstrated. The X-ray enterography is available to demonstrate the characteristic changes of CD such as trip ulcers and cobblestones, but is difficult to show the bowel wall and extraintestinal inflammatory mass and abscesses. The sinus tract enterography is easy to demonstrate the intestinal fistula and intra-abdominal abscess. Combination of these methods is more beneficial to guild the diagnosis and treatment.

A rare case of colon cancer with splenic abscess

Cancer of the colon does not always present with the familiar symptoms. Perforation and penetration of adjacent organs, with abscess formation as the initial presentation, is uncommon. Splenic abscess is a rare clinical entity. The four causes of a splenic abscess described are: primary pyogenic infection, splenic trauma, hemoglobinopathies and contiguous disease. In this paper we report a case of splenic abscess from colon cancer in an 50-year-old man who had a left lower chest contusion two-week before and review pertinent literature. Only 11 reported cases of splenic abscess from colorectal cancer were found in Medline.

Intra-abdominal abscess in older patients: two atypical presentations to the Acute Medical Unit

An abscess is a localised collection of necrotic tissue, white cells and bacteria, collectively forming pus. Intra-abdominal abscesses can occur viscerally (e.g. hepatic abscess), retroperitoneally (e.g. psoas abscess) or intraperitoneally (e.g. subphrenic abscess).(1, 2) Clinical presentation is variable and largely depends on the site of abscess. Fever and abdominal pain are the classic symptoms although in older people presentation can be non-specific. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention are vital for good outcomes.(3) We present two cases of older women whose presentation with atypical symptoms resulted in a delay in diagnosis.

[Diagnostic image (345). A woman with abdominal pain and purulent vaginal discharge]

A 41-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and purulent vaginal discharge several months after a complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MRI revealed a rectovaginal pouch abscess which at laparotomy contained 41 gallstones that had been spilled.

Venocutaneous fistula

This is the first description of venocutaneous fistula, a late complication of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy that arose 18 months after the initial operation. Postoperatively, the patient twice developed an abscess in the abdominal wall at the former site of the umbilical trocar. The first abscess occurred on the 6th postoperative day; the second, after 14 months. After an additional 4 months, a fistula opening appeared just below the umbilicus. Fistulography revealed a connection with the venous system of the omentum majus. During subsequent resection of the fistula, a pigment gallstone was retrieved from the base of the fistula.