[Complications after laparoscopic Ladd operation for intestinal malrotation in neonates]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze complications after laparoscopic Ladd operation for intestinal malrotation, related causes and possible solutions.

METHODS

Clinical data of 81 neonates who underwent laparoscopic Ladd operations for intestinal malrotation in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2015 and January 2018 were reviewed. The abdominal complications and findings during operation and reoperation were analyzed.

RESULTS

Operations were successfully completed in all patients, and there was no patient converted to open surgery. The annular pancreas in 6 cases and duodenal diaphragm in 4 cases were confirmed during the operation. The recurrent volvulus developed in 3 patients (3.7%), of whom 2 cases were confirmed to have midgut necrosis during open surgery 1 week and 3 months after laparoscopic Ladd operation, and both finally died; 1 case was corrected by second laparoscopic operation. Cecal perforation occurred in 1 patient (1.2%), which was caused by intensive high frequency coagulation of the appendiceal stump. One patient (1.2%) developed chylous ascites and improved after conservative treatment. Adhesive small bowel obstruction was observed in 3 cases (3.7%), and all relieved after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Ladd operation for intestinal malrotation in neonates was effective, and the incidence of abdominal complications may be minimized by experienced skills and strict perioperative management.

Enterocutaneous fistula treatment: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to evaluate the treatment strategies for a common major surgery complication like the enterocutaneous fistula (ECFs). Since there is not any standard treatment for this common disease and since new therapies, like NPWT and fibrin sealants, have come up a review of all their indications seemed useful. We also present two clinical cases treated in this way.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A research was made in the principle databases such as: "Cochrane", "Pubmed", "Google Scholar" and "Google" using the following Key words "enterocutaneous fistula", "fibrin glue", "VAC", "VAC treatment", "fistula", "conservative treatment", "surgery" and using the MESH Function to search similar key words and expand the research. When two or more article with the same design were encountered (e.g. systematic reviews or case reports etc.) the newest one was chosen as data source.

RESULTS

As far as somatostatine and its analogues are concerned, they showed a significant reduction of both time (13.95 vs 20.5 days) and percentage (72% vs 44%) of fistula closure against placebo in 2 meta-analysis. NPWT showed a high success rate between 90% and 100% but longer closure time between 4 weeks and 6 months. Fibrin glues showed heterogeneous results due to the great differencies in fistulas anatomy and treatment technique in the various studies, with 64-100% success rate in closure and a median 11,25 vs 23,25 days against total parenteral nutrition (TPN) alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of ECFs often come up in patient in bad conditions who are not fitted for surgery and because of their high Mortality and Morbidity, a multimodal approach is necessary. Although TPN is a cornerstone of their treatment, NPWT showed is superiority in reducing fistula output and in some cases leading to fistula closure, nevertheless it often needs long treating time. Fibrin glues often needs complex devices and are nota s good as NPWT in treating the around tissues, but they can be useful when fistulas are only accessible from a little external orifice or they show a complex branched tract; thus they are good when surgery is not possible and the fistula has a mid- or low- output. The lack of prospective randomized studies or meta analysis and systematic review to compare the different methodics makes it impossible to show any evidence of superiority, but the combined application seems reasonable for a tailored treatment.

Distal Duodenogastrostomy or Proximal Jejunogastrostomy in the Management of Ultra-Short Bowel

Inflammatory bowel disease, vascular disease, volvulus, adhesions, or abdominal trauma may necessitate extensive small-bowel resection resulting in an ultra-short distal duodenal or jejunal stump. If this distal duodenal or short jejunal stump is too short for stoma creation and bowel continuity restoration is hazardous or not possible at all, a distal duodenogastrostomy or proximal jejunogastrostomy in combination with drainage of the stomach is an option to prevent stump leakage. Although successful, this distal duodenogastrostomy has been described only in very few patients and in older records. We reintroduced this technique and describe a recent series of patients that confirms its usefulness in certain conditions. The technique of the distal duodenogastrostomy or proximal jejunogastrostomy with gastric drainage was used for the management of the difficult distal duodenum stump in five critically ill patients undergoing extensive bowel resection. Four patients with small-bowel ischemia and one patient suffering from perforating Crohn's disease and small-bowel volvulus were treated  successfully. The gastrostomies were subsequently converted to a duodenotransversostomy (in two patients) or the patients underwent small-bowel transplantation (two patients). One patient still has a jejunogastrostomy just after the duodenal-jejunal transition. In all five patients, the distal duodenogastrostomy or proximal jejunogastrostomy in combination with gastric drainage functioned well up to restoration of bowel continuity. In one patient, distal duodenogastrostomy and transabdominal gastric drainage functioned well for 5 years. No anastomotic leakage occurred. This procedure provides a feasible solution for an ultra-short bowel at emergency laparotomy. It enhances the surgical armamentarium and provides treatment options for these patients that were perhaps previously deemed unsalvageable.

Worsening anemia associated with volvulus in a stable neonate with intestinal obstruction

Intrauterine intestinal obstruction complicated by midgut volvulus is a serious life-threatening diagnosis. Immediate surgical intervention is generally the course of action upon diagnosis to prevent morbidity and mortality. We report a case of intrauterine intestinal obstruction where the neonate then presented with an unusual onset of volvulus within the first 12 hours of life. The patient was born with generalized edema, a distended abdomen, and pallor. Unlike many cases, the patient did not present with typical signs of volvulus. Diagnostic imaging preceding delivery and the stable postnatal clinical course did not offer a justification for immediate laparotomy. Less than 24 hours later, the patient's hemoglobin significantly dropped leading to an emergent laparotomy. Findings included a volvulus of the terminal ileum and large amounts of intraluminal blood. Our case report includes an analysis of clinical observations that should be considered so that patients presenting with similar signs receive earlier surgical intervention.

A case report and literature review of sigmoid volvulus in children

RATIONALE

Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is an exceptionally rare but potentially life-threatening condition in children.

CHIEF COMPLAINT

Abdominal distention for 1 week.

DIAGNOSES

Sigmoid volvulus.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present a case of a 12-year-old boy with mechanical ileus who was finally confirmed to have SV with the combination of abdominal plain film, sonography, and computed tomography (CT) with the finding of mesenteric artery rotation.

INTERVENTIONS

Because bowel obstruction was suspected, abdominal plain film, sonography, and CT were performed. The abdominal CT demonstrated whirlpool sign with torsion of the sigmoid vessels. In addition, lower gastrointestinal filling study showed that the contrast medium could only reach the upper descending colon. Therefore, he received laparotomy with mesosigmoidoplasty for detorsion of the sigmoid.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative recovery was smooth under empirical antibiotic treatment with cefazolin. A follow-up lower gastrointestinal series on the seventh day of admission showed no obstruction compared with the previous series. He was finally discharged in a stable condition 8 days after admission.

LESSONS

SV is a congenital anomaly and an uncommon diagnosis in children. Nevertheless, case series and case reports of SV are becoming more prevalent in the literature. Failure to recognize SV may result in life-threatening complications such as sigmoid gangrene/perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, and death. Thus, if the children have persistent and recurrent abdominal distention, abdominal pain, and vomiting, physicians should consider SV as a "do not miss diagnosis" in the differential diagnosis.

[Andean megacolon and sigmoid volvulus in the high altitude. Presentation of 418 cases between 2008 - 2012 at C. Monge Hospital, Puno, Peru]

OBJECTIVE

The present study describes the medical and surgical management of sigmoid volvulus due to Andean dolicomegacolon in a hospital at an altitude above 3000 m.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive, observational, crosssectional study of 418 patients diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus; Admitted initially due to intestinal obstruction, in the Hospital of Juliaca Carlos Monge. Puno-Perú, during the period 2008-2012. The data were processed through the SPSS software version 21.

RESULTS

A total of 418 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 60 years, range 18-89 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.5/1. Nonsurgical management was done in 64 (15.4%), the treatment used was saline enema 20 cases (31%) and rectal catheter 44 (69%), recurrence was present in 27 patients (45%), who had surgery with primary anastomosis resection, of which the mortality corresponded to 8 patients (30%). Of the 354 patients undergoing emergency surgical management, 325 were submitted to sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (92%), while 29 had Hartmann's colostomy (8%), the morbidity for both procedures was 52 cases (14.7%), Mortality for both procedures was 45 cases (12.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with sigmoid volvulus due to Andean megacolon the mean age was 60 years. The 15.4% had non-surgical management, the recurrence rate was 45%, and mortality 30%. Patients with surgical management was 84.7%, from this group; 92% had primary anastomosis resection and 8% Hartmann colostomy, morbidity was 14.7% and mortality was 12.7%.

Organo-axial volvulus of the small intestine: radiological case report and consideration for its mechanism

Gastrointestinal volvulus is mainly classified into two subtypes, mesentero-axial volvulus and organo-axial volvulus. The detailed imaging findings of organo-axial volvulus of the small intestine have never been reported as far as we know. In this article, we report a case of organo-axial volvulus of the small intestine, focusing on the computed tomography (CT) findings. An 80-year-old man was radiologically diagnosed as having organo-axial volvulus of the terminal ileum and it was confirmed by open surgery without adhesion or any other anatomical abnormalities. CT showed two specific findings, split-bowel sign and rotating-C sign, which we think reflect pathophysiologic features of organo-axial volvulus. We think the pathogenic mechanism of organo-axial volvulus can be explained by the convergence of the reversed-rotational twist following the formation of a twisted but non-obstructive circular loop, even if there is no adhesion. Radiologists should be aware that organo-axial volvulus can occur even in the small intestine, and in the case of small bowel obstruction with single transition point, the two pathophysiologic signs mentioned above must be looked for to diagnose the possibility of organo-axial volvulus.

Antenatal diagnosis and management of foetal intestinal volvulus

In-utero intestinal volvulus is a rare but potential life threatening foetal complications. It is a surgical emergency and delay in diagnosis or treatment can increase the morbidity and mortality to the foetus. We report a case of mild foetal bowel dilatation diagnosed at 21 weeks of gestation. She was closely follow up and at 31 weeks of gestation, in-utero intestinal volvulus was diagnosed with the characteristic 'whirlpool' sign on ultrasound examination. This case emphasises the importance of early recognition and quick decision to delivery when intestinal volvulus is diagnosed. This enabled early surgical intervention to prevent further foetal morbidity.

[Congenital mesenteric band simulating a small-bowel volvulus in a mesenteric rotation anomaly]

A congenital mesenteric band is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. We describe a case of upper gastrointestinal obstruction on a jejunal congenital band in a 2-year-old child. The challenge is to make the diagnosis in a patient with no history of previous surgery.

Bilateral robotic transabdominal adrenalectomy in a patient with intestinal malrotation

Bilateral adrenalectomy is the preferred surgical approach for patients with failed treatments for pituitary-based Cushing's syndrome. Intestinal malrotation (IM) is a rare congenital anatomic variant that rarely affects adults. The abnormal abdominal anatomy is concerning to surgeons planning elective procedures in such patients. Here, we describe a bilateral robotic transabdominal adrenalectomy (RTA) in a patient with IM. A 29-year-old female presented with refractory pituitary-based Cushing's syndrome and was found to have IM on preoperative CT scan. The RTA was performed using one 10-12 mm camera trocar, two 8 mm robotic trocars per side and two midline 5 mm assistant ports. The 8 mm robotic cardiere forceps and the 8 mm robotic cautery hook were used on the left and right ports, respectively. Total operation time was 165 min (62 min on the right, 93 min on the left and 21 min for re-positioning). Total console time was 114 min (45 min on the right and 69 min on the left). Blood loss was minimal and there were no complications. She was discharged on post-operative day one. Anatomic variations were noted and the procedure modified. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral RTA in a patient with IM. Surgeons should always review the anatomy on preoperative imaging. During the procedure, care should be taken to avoid damage to the multiple loops of small bowel located in the right upper quadrant. On the left side, the colonic splenic flexure is not encountered making access to the underlying left adrenal and kidney easier. The vascular anatomy was normal.

An Unusual Case of Caecal Volvulus due to Appendicitis, Successfully Managed by Caecopexy

Caecal volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Caecal volvulus precipitated by acute appendicitis is even rarer. We report an unusual case of caecal volvulus with acute appendicitis as a cause. A 55-year female presented in surgical emergency with 3 days history of abdominal pain, distension and absolute constipation; and 2 days history of vomiting. Her past surgical history was significant for hysterectomy 5 years back. On examination, abdomen was distended and bowel sounds exaggerated. X-ray abdomen erect showed a single large air fluid level in the right hemiabdomen. A preoperative diagnosis of intestinal obstruction due to adhesions was made and patient prepared for exploratory laparotomy. On exploration, a huge caecum was lying in the midline and was twisted around a band arising from the appendix and attached deep into the pelvis. The appendix was densely inflammed. The volvulus was de-twisted in a counter clockwise manner. Viability of the caecum was confirmed and appendectomy was done. Caecopexy was performed and abdomen was closed. Postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful and she was safely discharged on 5th postoperative day.

Small Gut Volvulus, A Rare Twist, In The Setting Of An Even Rarer Entity; Multiple Giant Jejuno Ileal Diverticula

Small gut volvulus with multiple Jejuno-ileal diverticulosis is an unusual pathology of the small intestine with a scarce number of cases reported so far. It usually goes unnoticed because it is often asymptomatic but complications like diverticulitis, perforation, bleeding or intestinal obstruction can occur in 10-30% of the cases. Mechanical obstruction, if it occurs, can be caused by adhesions or stenosis due to diverticulitis, intussusception at the site of the diverticulum and volvulus of the segment containing the diverticula. Acute volvulus of the small bowel is a serious abdominal emergency that poses a difficulty in diagnosis and delayed operative intervention can lead to dire consequences. We herein report the case of a 42-yearold man presented at the emergency department with acute abdominal pain, absolute constipation and vomiting. Preoperative investigations followed by laparotomy revealed small gut volvulus and multiple giant jejunal and ileal diverticula.

[Gallbladder volvulus]

INTRODUCTION

Volvulus of the gallbladder is one of very rare diseases ranked among acute abdomen conditions. Only case reports are described in the literature. The disease presents with acute biliary ailments, often reminiscent of acute cholecystitis. It is more common in frail elderly women and its preoperative diagnosis is very difficult, and therefore this finding is encountered intraoperatively in most cases.

CASE REPORT

In our case report we present the case of a female patient where the volvulus of the gallbladder was found as a surprising discovery during surgery.

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder volvulus is a rare disease that presents as acute abdomen. It is most often diagnosed intraoperatively. Cholecystectomy is the most appropriate therapeutic method.Key words: gallbladder volvulus - acute abdomen - floating gallbladder.

[A woman with symptoms of an ileus]

An 84-year-old woman was seen with symptoms of an obstructive ileus. CT imaging revealed a volvulus of her intrathoracic stomach. This was successfully treated with gastroscopic detorsion. The patient recovered well.

Color Doppler-An effective tool for diagnosing midgut volvulus with malrotation

BACKGROUND

Malrotation with midgut volvulus is a common surgical emergency in children. A diagnostic tool for malrotation with characteristics ideal in emergency settings such as non-invasiveness and rapidity remains a keenly debated issue among surgeons and radiologists alike.

METHODS

Fifty-two pediatric patients of suspected malrotation with midgut volvulus were studied between 1998 and 2016. All patients underwent plain abdominal X-ray and Color Doppler; contrast upper gastrointestinal (GI) studywas done in some patients. All cases were operated and diagnosis was confirmed. A subset of 60 pediatric patients with nonspecific GI complaints were also examined to see relative position of superior mesenteric vein (SMV)/superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in control population.

RESULT

A total of 52 suspected cases of malrotation were admitted from May 1998 to November 2015, 43 had inversion of SMA/SMV and nine had SMV anterior of SMA in Color Doppler. All 43 cases of inversion of SMA/SMV were cases of malrotation after surgical confirmation; while five out of nine cases of SMV anterior to SMA had malrotation.

CONCLUSION

In appropriate clinical settings, Color Doppler documenting the reversal or aberrant SMV/SMA axis is not only predictive but also diagnostic of malrotation of gut.

Acute gastrointestinal compromise in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia prior to repair

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) affects 1 in 3000 live births. Modern management strategies include delayed repair of the diaphragm to permit pre-operative optimization of cardiorespiratory status. We describe a cohort of neonates in whom early emergency operative intervention was required for potentially fatal intestinal compromise.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all neonatal CDH patients managed at a tertiary center in an 8-year period (2005-2012).

RESULTS

A total of 126 CDH patients were managed during the 8-year period. Five neonates (male - 1; gestation 37+4-39+7; birth weight 2.9-3.7kg; left CDH - 5) required emergency operative intervention for presumed gastrointestinal compromise. All five neonates demonstrated systemic hypotension despite inotropic support, raised serum lactate (>2mmol/L), and abnormal radiographic findings. Operative intervention occurred within 3days of birth (1-3days). Findings included gastric volvulus, jejunal volvulus, and perforated caecum. All patients underwent primary diaphragmatic repair without a patch. Temporary ileostomy was required in 1 patient. All patients remain alive.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal compromise is a rare, but potentially catastrophic, complication of CDH. Emergency operative intervention may be required in a select cohort of patients. Early deterioration following birth should alert clinicians to the possibility of significant intestinal pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV case series with no comparison group.

Proximal duodenoileal anastomosis for treatment of small intestinal obstruction and volvulus in a green iguana (Iguana iguana)

CASE DESCRIPTION A 13-year-old female green iguana (Iguana iguana) was examined because of a 6-day history of vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy and a 4-day history of decreased fecal and urate output. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen, signs of depression, pallor, tachycardia, harsh lung sounds, and vomiting. Abdominal radiographs revealed gas distention of the stomach and small intestine with fluid lines evident on the lateral view. Plasma biochemical analysis indicated hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a diagnosis of small intestinal entrapment and 170° volvulus involving approximately 80% (20 to 30 cm) of the small intestine. The portion of the small intestine extending from the middle portion of the duodenum to the caudal extent of the ileum was resected, and end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining small intestine was performed. The iguana recovered without apparent complications and was reportedly doing well 1 year after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that iguanas, as hindgut fermenters, may tolerate > 70% resection of the small intestine with a good outcome and no clinical evidence of residual gastrointestinal dysfunction.

[A Case of Ascending Colon Cancer with Intestinal Malformation Treated via Laparoscopic Surgery]

A 66-year-old man attended a health check-up after a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy revealed a 2 cm type 2 lesion near the ascending colon and the upper lip ofBauhin 's valve. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography ofthe abdominal region revealed aplasia ofthe ligament ofTreitz, with the duodenum running through the center. Three-dimensional vascular construction revealed intestinal malrotation, in which the superior mesenteric artery was present on the right side of the superior mesenteric vein. A diagnosis ofascending colon cancer(T2N0M0, cStage I )was made, and a laparoscopic ileocecal resection was performed. The ascending colon was not fixed to the abdominal wall, and the colon was widely depressed within the pelvis. Because no adhesion was noted, vascular processing was performed after converting to extracorporeal manipulation via a small incision in the umbilical region. The controlling vessel was the ileocolic artery, and D2 dissection was performed. The patient suffered no postoperative complications and was discharged on hospital day 13. Most reports ofintestinal malrotation concern pediatric patients, and reports ofadult cases are relatively rare. The intestinal malrotation was confirmed intraoperatively, and the procedure was performed safely. This suggests that if intestinal malrotation can be confirmed, laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed.

A Novel Approach to Minimally Invasive Management of Sigmoid Volvulus

Resection is the most common treatment choice for sigmoid volvulus, a common complication in our region. A new minimally invasive technique for sigmoid resection with local anesthesia was done in this study. This method is invented to avoid general on regional anesthesia in high-risk patients. Nineteen patients were evaluated and then 14 were enrolled in this study. Sigmoidectomy with a left lower quadrant incision was performed and demographic data, the length of hospital stay, complications and procedure time were recorded. The mean age of participants was 65.68, and the male to female ratio was 1:2.7. The mean duration of the operation was 91.42 min. Complications include one case each of wound hematoma and wound infection. The intraoperative pain score was 1.2/10 and postoperative pain score was 2.35/10. The mean hospital staying was 8.3 days. By meticulous patient selection, sigmoidectomy under local anesthesia for sigmoid volvulus could be a surgeons' armamentarium in special situations.

Small bowel volvulus due to torsion of pedunculated uterine leiomyoma: CT findings

Torsion of a uterine leiomyoma is a rare complication that can be life threatening because of ischemia or necrosis. This condition may also lead to gastrointestinal complications such as obstruction or, more rarely, small bowel volvulus. Its diagnosis is difficult and can be facilitated with the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment is based on emergency surgical resection of the twisted uterine leiomyoma and detorsion of the small bowel volvulus.

Subclavian Vein Central Line Catheter Mistakenly Placed in the Aorta: A Case Report and How to Avoid Complications

An 85-year-old female with multiple medical problems presented with a sigmoid volvulus. While in the ICU, the patient required a central line because of poor peripheral access. The central line was mistakenly placed in the aorta while attempting to use the subclavian approach. In this manuscript we discussed ways of reducing complications and successfully placing subclavian vein catheters.