Analysis of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of fetal meconium peritonitis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to improve diagnostic and therapeutic standards by examining the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of fetal meconium peritonitis (FMP), as well as the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for FMP.

METHODS

The clinical data of 41 infants and pregnant women diagnosed with meconium peritonitis (MP) and treated at the Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2013 to January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical data, imaging data, complications, treatment strategies, pregnancy outcomes, neonatal prognoses, and follow-up outcomes were all analyzed.

RESULTS

The MP prenatal diagnosis rate was 56.1% (23/41), the neonatal surgery rate was 53.7% (22/41), and the survival rate was 85.4% (35/41). Intraperitoneal calcification (23 pregnant women, 56.1%), intestinal dilatation (13 pregnant women, 31.7%), peritoneal effusion (22 pregnant women, 53.7%), intraperitoneal pseudocyst (7 pregnant women, 17.1%), and polyhydramnios were diagnosed via prenatal ultrasound (18 pregnant women, 43.9%). Twenty-two pregnant women were assigned to the surgical treatment (operation) group, while 18 were assigned to the conservative treatment group. In the operation group, there were 9 cases of ileal atresia (40.9%), 7 cases of jejunal atresia (31.8%), 2 cases of atresia at the jejunum-ileum junction (9.1%), 2 cases of ileal perforation (9.1%), 1 case of ileal necrosis (4.5%), and 1 case of adhesive obstruction (4.5%). There was no statistically significant difference (p > .05) in the occurrence of various prenatal ultrasound findings by etiology.

CONCLUSION

Multiple prenatal ultrasound markers have been identified for MP. To improve the efficacy of newborn treatment for FMP and reduce neonatal mortality, dynamic monitoring of ultrasound image alterations and strengthened integrated perinatal management are necessary.

Perforation of barium sulfate enterography in an infant: A case report

RATIONALE

Barium peritonitis is an inflammatory response that occurs when barium accidentally enters the abdominal cavity during a barium test. In extreme circumstances, it has the potential to harm various organs and even result in death.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 3-month-old infant was diagnosed with multiple organ failure after severe barium peritonitis.

DIAGNOSIS

Multiple organ dysfunction is associated with barium peritonitis.

INTERVENTIONS

The infant underwent surgical intervention and received ventilator support, anti-infection therapy, myocardial nutrition, liver and kidney protection, rehydration, circulation stabilization, and other symptomatic supportive care.

OUTCOMES

The patient experienced clinical death after treatment and resuscitation was unsuccessful.

LESSONS

Barium enema perforation complications are uncommon, but can lead to fatal injuries with a high mortality rate. This case highlights the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about the risks of gastroenterography in infants and children and actively preventing and avoiding similar serious complications. The mortality rate can be reduced by timely multidisciplinary consultation and joint management once a perforation occurs.

Magnets and children: a dangerous combination

BACKGROUND

Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in children. Fortunately, the gastrointestinal tract is quite resilient to foreign bodies. On the other hand, the ingestion of magnets can result in enormous morbidity. Because of their natural tendency to firmly adhere they can cause intestinal obstruction, pressure necrosis, fistula formation or perforation. With this case report, we aim to raise awareness of the risks that these magnets pose to children.

METHODS

We describe a case of intestinal perforation caused by the separate ingestion of multiple magnets from a children's toy (buckyballs, Neodymium spheres) by a two-year-old boy. A search in the Pubmed database showed some publications and varied management guidelines.

RESULTS

The boy was treated with an exploratory laparoscopy converted to a mini-laparotomy. We removed the four magnets through separate enterotomies. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The boy was discharged on a postoperative day five and had no complications at three months follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

Accidental ingestion of multiple magnets is rare but can create a life-threatening situation in children. If the magnets are still in the stomach, endoscopic retrieval is needed. If they are beyond the stomach, in asymptomatic cases close clinical and radiographic vigilance is mandatory. When symptomatic we advise urgent removal. If treated on time, the surgical outcome is good and fast recovery is expected.

Prediction of surgical outcomes in severe encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis using a computed tomography scoring system

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare and potential lethal complication of peritoneal dialysis characterized by bowel obstruction. Surgical enterolysis is the only curative therapy. Currently, there are no tools for predicting postsurgical prognosis. This study aimed to identify a computed tomography (CT) scoring system that could predict mortality after surgery in patients with severe EPS.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients with severe EPS who underwent surgical enterolysis in a tertiary referral medical center. The association of CT score with surgical outcomes including mortality, blood loss, and bowel perforation was analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients who underwent 37 procedures were recruited and divided into a survivor and non-survivor group. The survivor group had higher body mass indices (BMIs, 18.1 vs. 16.7 kg/m2, p = 0.035) and lower CT scores (11 vs. 17, p < 0.001) than the non-survivor group. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that a CT score of ≥15 could be considered a cutoff point to predict surgical mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.93, sensitivity of 88.9%, and specificity of 82.1%. Compared with the group with CT scores of <15, the group with CT scores of ≥15 had a lower BMI (19.7 vs. 16.2 kg/m2, p = 0.004), higher mortality (4.2% vs. 61.5%, p < 0.001), greater blood loss (50 vs. 400 mL, p = 0.007), and higher incidence of bowel perforation (12.5% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The CT scoring system could be useful in predicting surgical risk in patients with severe EPS receiving enterolysis.

Delayed Presentation of Bowel Injury Associated with Pelvic Fragility Fracture in Patient with Bladder Sling: A Case Report

CASE

An 85-year-old woman with a history of bladder mesh sling placement sustained a pelvic fracture and extraperitoneal bladder rupture after a ground-level fall. The patient underwent cystorrhaphy and percutaneous anterior column screw placement. Free air was identified on abdominal computed tomography scan on postoperative day 5. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a sigmoid colon perforation and extensive bowel adhesions to the anterior pelvis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report describing bowel injury and associated bladder rupture in a pelvic fragility fracture related to a prior bladder mesh sling. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a thorough surgical history when treating pelvic injuries.

Duodenal Diverticular Perforation Treated Conservatively: Reassessing Indications for Treatment

A 59-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of melena. She had no abdominal findings, such as tenderness or tapping pain. Laboratory tests revealed a white blood cell count of 5,300 cells/μL and C-reactive protein level of 0.07 mg/dL. Inflammation and anemia (hemoglobin 12.4 g/dL) were denied. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple duodenal diverticula and air surrounding a descending duodenal diverticulum. Based on these findings, duodenal diverticular perforation (DDP) was suspected. Oral food intake was stopped, and nasogastric tube feeding and conservative treatment with cefmetazole, lansoprazole, and ulinastatin were begun. On day 8 of hospitalization, follow-up CT revealed the disappearance of the air surrounding the duodenum, and the patient was discharged on day 19 after the resumption of oral feeding.

Incarcerated hernia with ileal perforation in an extreme preterm infant

We describe a case of a premature 24 weeks gestation infant who presented with clinical lability and abdominal distention with initial concerns of necrotising enterocolitis. On further examination, a right inguinal hernia was noted and serial abdominal X-rays showed bowel loop dilatation with intramural air and no perforation. However, the hernia was recurrent and later found to be not reducible. He underwent right groin exploration. Intraoperatively, distal ileal perforation was noted and he was found to have an additional five sites of perforation. He had a stoma sited at the left iliac fossa as well as primary anastomosis at the site of the second to fifth perforations. He had a stormy postoperative period but is currently doing well. Although obstructed hernias are rare in the initial course of an extreme preterm infant, it should not be missed as a cause of intestinal obstruction and early surgical opinion should be sought.

Laparoscopic management of iatrogenic colon perforation

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic colon perforation (ICP) due to colonoscopy is a severe complication and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The global estimated incidence of ICP is 0.03% and up to 3% for diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies, respectively. Treatment options include endoscopic repair, conservative therapy, and surgery. Treatment decision is based on the time and the setting of the diagnosis, the type, and location of the perforation, the presence of related pathologies, the clinical status and characteristic of the patient, and surgeon's skills. We present our experience in the treatment of ICPs.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients suffering from ICP at Bnai-Zion Medical Center between 1/1/2010 and 1/3/2021. Clinical presentation, therapeutic approach, and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 51 cases of ICPs. Fourteen (27%) were diagnosed by the gastroenterologist during the procedure, 2 of whom were treated with endoscopic clips. The rest of the patients (72.5%) were diagnosed in the ER after a CT scan. Forty-three patients (84%) went on to operative management: 5 (11%) operations started with laparotomy-all were conducted in the early study period (until 2013). All other operations (88%) started with a diagnostic laparoscopy, 4 of whom (10%) were converted to laparotomy. Out of the 38 laparoscopic cases 29 (80%) were treated with primary suturing. Seven patients went on to colon resection (5 of whom with primary anastomosis). Six patients required ICU admission-with 1/38 (2%) from the laparoscopic cases, and 5/9 (55%) from the laparotomy cases. A total of 49/51 (96%) patients recovered and were discharged after 5 ± 2 for conservative and laparoscopic cases, and 12 ± 9 for open cases.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic treatment of ICP is safe and feasible in most cases. Our data supports a laparoscopic attempt at any such scenario.

Causes and Management of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Related Perforation: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential for diagnosing and treating biliopancreatic disease. Because ERCP-related perforation can result in death, therapeutic decisions are important. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of ERCP-related perforation and suggest appropriate management.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and August 2022, 7,896 ERCPs were performed in our hospital. We experienced 15 cases (0.18%) of ERCP-related perforation and conducted a retrospective review.

RESULTS

Of the 15 patients, 6 were female and 9 were male, and the mean age was 77.1 years. According to Stapfer's classification, the 15 cases of ERCP-related perforation comprised 3 type I (duodenum), 3 type II (periampullary), 9 type III (distal bile duct or pancreatic duct), and no type IV cases. Fourteen of 15 (92.6%) were diagnosed during ERCP. The main cause of perforation was scope-induced damage, endoscopic sphincterotomy, and instrumentation penetration in type I, II, and III cases, respectively. Four patients with severe abdominal pain and extraluminal fluid collection underwent emergency surgery for repair and drainage. One type III patient with distal bile duct cancer underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy on day 6. Three type III patients with only retroperitoneal gas on computed tomography (CT) performed immediately after ERCP had no symptoms and needed no additional treatment. Seven of the 15 patents were treated by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (n=5) or CT-guided drainage (n=2). There were no deaths, and all patients were discharged after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in managing ERCP-related perforation.

Small Intestinal Perforation Caused by Enteric-coated Low-dose Aspirin

A 77-year-old man presented with abdominal pain for 1 week. He was taking enteric-coated low-dose aspirin (LDA) to prevent secondary cardiovascular events and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Computed tomography indicated a small intestinal perforation; thus, small intestine resection was performed. Two months after surgery, he experienced a recurrence of the perforation. Since his repeated perforation was suspected to be due to LDA, LDA was discontinued. He has experienced no further recurrence since then. This is the first case of small intestinal perforation caused by enteric-coated LDA. Enteric-coated LDA may cause small intestinal perforation in patients with severe atherosclerosis under PPI administration.

Dilemma of Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Patients with Crohn's Disease, Can Intestinal Perforation be Missed?

Background

Isolated intestinal injury after blunt abdominal trauma is a rare challenging clinical entity. Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are considered more prone to spontaneous intestinal perforation rather than normal population However, spontaneous intestinal perforation remains rare. In the literature, there are few cases reports discussing intestinal perforation after blunt abdominal trauma in CD patients.

Objective

Herein, we report a young male patient with CD who had missed traumatic intestinal perforation along with literature review of similar cases.

Case Presentation

A young male patient, known to have CD, was brought to the emergency department after a road traffic accident. He had mild tenderness over his right iliac fossa with no signs of peritonitis. His chest X-rays revealed right-sided pneumothorax. His pan-computed tomography revealed thickened terminal ileum and minimal collection between the intestinal loops that were interpreted as interval regression of his Crohn's disease. On the second day, he remained hemodynamically-stable with no signs of peritonitis but his chest X-rays showed air under diaphragm. A repeated CT showed pneumoperitoneum, air foci around the terminal ileum and mild free fluid. An ileal perforation was found around 25 cm from the ileo-cecal valve. The involved ileal segment was completely resected with double-barrel ileostomy.

Conclusion

Traumatic intestinal injury in patients with Crohn's disease represent both diagnostic and management dilemma. Inaccurate interpretation of radiological signs may lead to a delayed or missed diagnosis and surgical intervention. Abdominal CT scan should be routinely repeated, within 24 hours, for such patients, regardless absence of symptoms or signs suggestive of intestinal perforation.

Insidious Onset of Localised Small Intestinal Perforation by Ingested Plastic Fork

Ingestion of a foreign body is generally observed in the psychiatric patients and children. Healthy adult individuals may also swallow a foreign body unintentionally. Here, we report a case of a patient who swallowed a plastic fork and treated with laparoscopic repair. A 46-year man was admitted to the emergency room with the abdominal pain. His physical evaluation and diagnostic imaging revealed free air in the abdomen. Further imaging with CT scan showed a foreign body in the proximal ileum. On taking details of his swallowing history, he remembered swallowing a broken part of a plastic fork unwittingly during dinner. Following the removal of the foreign body, the perforation area was primarily repaired in double layers. The postoperative course was uneventful. An accurate diagnosis of the small intestinal perforation caused by the ingested foreign bodies, particularly in cases where the patient is unaware of the ingestion, can be difficult. CT scan is a useful tool when available to establish the diagnosis before the surgical intervention. Key Words: Small intestine, Perforation, Foreign body, Laparoscopic surgery.

Metastatic osteosarcoma bowel perforation secondary to chemotherapy-induced tumour necrosis

Osteosarcoma is the most common paediatric and adolescent primary bone malignancy and is highly chemosensitive. Gastrointestinal metastases from osteosarcomas are rare. Bowel perforation secondary to chemotherapy is a potential serious complication reported in ovarian, colorectal and haematological malignancies. We report the first documented case of chemotherapy-mediated bowel perforation in an osteosarcoma patient with gastrointestinal metastases. A man in his 20s, with a history of resected osteosarcoma in remission, presented with abdominal pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a large calcified intrabdominal mass (15×13×9 cm) consistent with new peritoneal disease. After one cycle of palliative ifosfamide and etoposide chemotherapy, he developed a large bowel perforation and neutropenic sepsis consequently requiring resection of the perforated mass. Chemotherapy-induced bowel perforation is a rare but serious complication that should be considered in patients with osteosarcoma, and other chemosensitive malignancies, with intra-abdominal metastases. Recommencement of systemic therapies after bowel complications must be assessed cautiously on a case-by-case basis.

Fetal Meconium Peritonitis - Prenatal Findings and Postnatal Outcome: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

 To describe the postnatal outcome of fetal meconium peritonitis and identify prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery.

METHODS

 We retrospectively reviewed all fetuses with ultrasound findings suspicious for meconium peritonitis at a single center over a 10-year period. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed pooling our results with previous studies assessing prenatally diagnosed meconium peritonitis and postnatal outcome. Prenatal sonographic findings were analyzed to identify predictors for postnatal surgery.

RESULTS

 34 cases suggestive of meconium peritonitis were diagnosed at our center. These were pooled with cases from 14 other studies yielding a total of 244 cases. Postnatal abdominal surgery was required in two thirds of case (66.5 %). The strongest predictor of neonatal surgery was meconium pseudocyst (OR [95 % CI] 6.75 [2.53-18.01]), followed by bowel dilation (OR [95 % CI] 4.17 [1.93-9.05]) and ascites (OR [95 % CI] 2.57 [1.07-5.24]). The most common cause of intestinal perforation and meconium peritonitis, found in 52.2 % of the cases, was small bowel atresia. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 9.8 % of cases. Short-term neonatal outcomes were favorable, with a post-operative mortality rate of 8.1 % and a survival rate of 100 % in neonates not requiring surgery.

CONCLUSION

 Meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites are prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery in cases of meconium peritonitis. Fetuses with these findings should be delivered in centers with pediatric surgery services. Though the prognosis is favorable, cystic fibrosis complicates postnatal outcomes.

Rare case of an 83-year-old woman with transrectal small bowel evisceration caused by spontaneous rectal perforation

Spontaneous rectal perforation with transanal small intestinal evisceration is a rare condition. We report the case of an 83-year-old woman with a rectal perforation and transanal prolapse of small intestine through the rectal opening who was treated with transanal reposition under general anaesthesia and open Hartmann's procedure. As part of the Hartmann's procedure, segmental resection of the perforated colon was performed. This case illustrates that spontaneous rectal perforation is a severe surgical emergency, which needs immediate reposition and resection of the perforated rectum.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Evaluate the Acute Abdomen: A Case of Bowel Perforation After Unknown Single Magnet Ingestion

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented to the pediatric emergency department in undifferentiated shock with an acute abdomen. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed viscous perforation with a large amount of free fluid. Intraoperatively, a single magnet was discovered as the likely cause of bowel perforation and the resulting state of shock.

[A case of duodenal perforation due to ingested fishbone with retroperitoneal abscess formation where surgical drainage was necessary after endoscopic removal]

A female in her 60s was referred to our institution with epigastric pain and abdominal fullness persisting for one week. She was afebrile and mild abdominal tenderness was found on physical examination. Computed tomography (CT) revealed free air, and the dirty fat sign outside the duodenal wall. Her previous CT had not shown causative findings such as duodenal diverticula. A slightly high-attenuated linear structure penetrating the duodenal wall at the second portion was suspected after review of present CT images. Based on the history of her current illness, the possibility of mackerel bone ingestion was considered. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a fishbone sticking out of the duodenal wall, which was extracted with biopsy forceps. Although antibiotic treatment under fasting was continued, the formation of retroperitoneal abscess was detected by CT on the 6th postprocedural day. Given that she also developed a high fever, surgical drainage was performed. The patient was discharged on the 15th postoperative day. Thus, in cases of duodenal perforations, a fishbone should be taken into account as a possible cause. Even if endoscopic removal was initially selected, careful observation is mandatory and an additional treatment should be considered depending on the clinical course.

Imaging manifestations of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis to predict timing of surgery

BACKGROUND

To find the predictor of optimal surgical timing for neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) patients by analyzing the risk factors of conservative treatment and surgical therapy.

METHODS

Data were collected from 184 NEC patients (Surgery, n=41; conservative treatment, n=143) between the years 2015 and 2019. Data were analyzed by univariate analysis, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that statistically significant differences between the surgery and conservative treatment groups. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated intestinal wall thickening by B-ultrasound and gestational age were independent factors to predict early surgical indications of NEC (p < 0.05). The true positive rate, false positive rate, true negative rate and false negative rate in the diagnosis of necrotic bowel perforation guided by DAAS (Duke abdominal X-ray score) ≥7 and MD7 (seven clinical metrics of metabolic derangement) ≥3 were 12.8%, 0.0%, 100.0% and 87.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the ultrasound examination in NEC children showing thickening intestinal wall and poor intestinal peristalsis indicated for early operation.

[Management of a perforated duodenal diverticulum using an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube:a case report]

A man in his 70s visited our hospital for abdominal pain. Upon admission, abdominal computed tomography findings suggested a duodenal diverticular perforation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an incarcerated enterolith in the periampullary diverticulum. We achieved conservative management by inserting an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube into the duodenal diverticulum to aid drainage. The patient was discharged without serious complications 35 days after admission. We report a case of duodenal diverticular perforation with an incarcerated enterolith managed conservatively using endoscopic therapy.

Case series: isolated small bowel perforations, secondary to blunt abdominal traumas

Isolated small bowel trauma after blunt abdominal trauma is rare and diagnosis may be difficult. The method used in the diagnostic is computed tomography so there is no consensus on this issue. Difficulty in diagnosis and delay in treatment can cause increased morbidity and mortality. We present the diagnosis and treatment modalities of interesting three cases, admitted to the Emergency Service with the complaint of blunt abdominal trauma and were found to have isolated small bowel perforations. Isolated small bowel perforation is secondly seen in cases with blunt abdominal trauma. To this end, a careful examination and the way of the trauma that occurs are crucial for diagnosis. Of note, we postulate that a physician should remain vigilant whether taking the decision of immediate operation to be able to attenuate the morbidity and mortality for a blunt trauma phenomenon. KEY WORDS: Trauma, Blunt trauma; Small bowel perforation; Emergency.

Jejunal perforation secondary to kick during kick-boxing practice: laparoscopic management

Small bowel injury in a sports setting is a rare occurrence with a paucity of reported cases. A 30-year old male patient consulted for generalized abdominal pain subsequent to secondary blunt abdominal trauma during kick-boxing practice. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a moderate amount of free fluid in both the parietocolic space and the rectovesical pouch, with perihepatic pneumoperitoneum. Emergency laparoscopy was indicated and a closure of small bowel defect was performed. Diagnosis of small bowel injuries is difficult, resulting in delayed treatment and increased mortality and morbidity.

Obstructive Colitis with Minor Perforation Induced by Double Sigmoid Adenocarcinoma

A 72-year-old women was referred to our hospital because of lower left abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed prominent sigmoid colon dilation and double tumors on both the oral and anal sides. Surgical resection revealed an expanded sigmoid colon involved in double cancer that showed strong adhesion to the surrounding tissues. The pathological findings revealed obstructive colitis and minor perforation in the dilated colon. The minor perforation was considered to have been caused by fecal impaction in the closed cavity between the two tumors, resulting in an increase in colon pressure.

Perforation rate after a diagnosis of uncomplicated appendicitis on CT

Background

Appendicectomy is a common emergency operation. The aim of this analysis was to study the effect of preoperative delay on disease progression, and whether a novel scoring system (Atema score) could be useful in predicting complicated appendicitis.

Methods

Patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis on CT and who underwent appendicectomy in 2014–2015 were analysed for patient characteristics, preoperative delay and outcomes.

Results

Of 837 patients with uncomplicated appendicitis on CT, 187 (22.3 per cent) were found to have complicated appendicitis at surgery. The median time estimate for perforation was 25.4 h after CT, with an hourly rate of perforation of 2 per cent. Patients with an Atema score of 6 or less and those with no appendicolith on CT and a C-reactive protein level below 51 mg/l were the slowest to develop perforation, reaching a perforation rate of 5 per cent in 7.1 and 7.6 h respectively.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis on CT have complicated appendicitis at surgery. However, in patients with no risk factors, surgery can be postponed safely for up to 7 h.

Perforation of descending colon diverticulum by swallowed rabbit bone - a case report

Authors present a case of a 58-year old pacient that underwent acute surgery for perforation of descending colon diverticulum by swallowed rabbit bone. The thesis focuses only on foreign bodies swallowed by adult patients. Comprehensive spectrum of foreign bodies that have entered the digestive tract in another way is omitted.

Multiple small bowel perforation in a young adult female due to Rapunzel Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Rapunzel's syndrome is the state of the gastric trichobezoar (hair ball) extending to the small intestine. Although it is seen very rarely, it is a psychiatric and mental illness especially in young women. We present here, a young female with recurrent trichotillomania.

CASE PRESENTATION

In a 24-year-old patient who underwent laparotomy due to recurrent trichobezoar, which completely filled the stomach and extended to the small intestine, caused perforation in two places in the small intestine, was removed by gastrotomy and enterotomy. One of the perforated areas was very close to ligament of Treitz, and perforation occurred due to the ulcer caused by trichobezoar. Post-operative central total parenteral nutrition was given and oral intake was started at the end of the first week. The patient was referred to psychiatry and antipsychotic medication was started. She was discharged on the 9th postoperative day without any problem.

CONCLUSION

Although there are no signs of peritonitis in such Rapunzel syndrome cases, a detailed exploration should be made by keeping in mind that trichobezoar will cause ulceration and perforation. In addition, as the primary cause is the underlying psychiatric disorder, patients should be referred to the psychiatry clinic to prevent recurrence.

KEY WORDS

Adult, Rapunzel syndrome, Surgery, Trichobezoar, Trichotillomania.

Esophageal stent migration leading to distal small bowel perforation

Covered oesophageal stents are often used to treat dysphagia in patients with inoperable oesophageal cancer. Stent migration is a well-known but usually benign complication. We report the case of a patient whose esophageal stent migrated into the distal ileum with perforation hereof. A laparoscopic stent extraction and intestinal repair was necessary to treat the perforation.

Laparoscopic treatment of Meckel's diverticulum perforation caused by a chicken bone. A case report

We describe an uncommon case of a Meckel's diverticulum perforation by a chicken bone in a patient with symptoms of acute appendicitis. Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence is approximately 2% of the population. Most patients are asymptomatic, only 4-16% presenting complications, including bleeding, obstruction, and diverticulitis. The perforation due to a foreign body is a very infrequent complication and may have a bad prognosis in case of a delayed diagnosis. Only in a few cases, a careful evaluation of the CT scan leads to correct preoperative diagnosis. Definitive treatment is surgical intervention and should not be delayed in patients with peritonitis. Laparoscopy is a safe diagnostic and therapeutic tool to treat complicated Meckel's diverticulum. In our case, a stapled laparoscopic diverticulectomy has been performed with an excellent outcome. KEY WORDS: Laparoscopy, Meckel's diverticulum, Perforation.

Emergency CT of abdominal complications of ingested fish bones: what not to miss

Fish bones are the most commonly ingested structures and the most common cause of foreign body perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Clinical presentation of foreign body GIT perforation is nonspecific, in many cases with clinical signs of acute abdomen, which can mimic appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcer peptic disease, and other common inflammatory conditions. Besides, patients commonly do not refer that a fish bone was swallowed. Since this condition is usually not suspected by referring physicians of the emergency department (ED), radiologists play a key role in this diagnosis; the spectrum of these imaging features must be known in order to be accurately reported in the ED.

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is performed by a physician at the bedside and is standard practice in obstetric, emergency, and musculoskeletal medicine. When compared with formal sonography, POCUS is equivalent in screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm and as accurate in diagnosing deep venous thrombosis. POCUS has high accuracy for diagnosing pneumonia and detecting acute decompensated heart failure but is less accurate than computed tomography for identifying pulmonary embolism. POCUS confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy rules out an ectopic pregnancy. In the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies, umbilical artery Doppler ultrasonography can improve perinatal outcomes. Musculoskeletal POCUS is used to diagnose and guide treatment of many joint and soft tissue conditions. It is as accurate as magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of complete rotator cuff tears. Ultrasound guidance improves outcomes in the placement of central venous catheters and fluid drainage from body cavities and lumbar punctures. Ultrasonography can reduce the use of CT for diagnosis of appendicitis; however, negative scan results do not rule out disease. POCUS can accurately diagnose and rule out gallbladder pathology, and is effective for diagnosing urolithiasis. Focused cardiac ultrasonography can detect pericardial effusion and decreased systolic function, but is less accurate than lung ultrasonography at diagnosing acute heart failure. Limited evidence demonstrates a benefit of diagnosing testicular and gynecologic conditions. The American College of Emergency Physicians, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the American College of Radiology, and others offer POCUS training. Training standards for POCUS have been defined for residency programs but are less established for credentialing.

Diagnostic performance of standardized ultrasound protocol for detecting perforation in pediatric appendicitis

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical trials in adults and children have shown that uncomplicated acute appendicitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics alone. As treatment strategies for acute appendicitis diverge, accurate preoperative diagnosis of complicated appendicitis and appendiceal perforation has become increasingly important for clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

To examine diagnostic performance of ultrasound for detecting perforated appendicitis in a single institution using a standardized technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective single-center study we evaluated 113 ultrasounds from pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy between November 2014 and December 2015. All ultrasounds were performed using a standardized US protocol including still and cine images of all four abdominal quadrants, with more targeted evaluation of the right lower quadrant (RLQ) using graded compression technique. We compared US findings to intraoperative diagnosis of non-perforated or perforated acute appendicitis.

RESULTS

The standardized image protocol generated a reproducible set of ultrasound images in all cases. The most common primary appendiceal finding on US in perforated appendicitis was appendix wall thickening >3 mm (54%, 171/314) and most common secondary finding was echogenic mesenteric fat (75%, 237/314). Thinning of the appendix wall and loculated fluid collection in the right lower quadrant were both highly specific (>90%) for perforation.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of ultrasound using a standardized US technique was similar to that reported in prior studies for detecting perforated appendicitis. Despite low sensitivity, individual ultrasound findings and overall diagnostic impression of "evidence of appendix perforation" remain highly specific.

Analysis of the use of upright abdominal radiography for evaluating intestinal perforations in handlebar traumas: Three case reports

RATIONALE

Intestinal perforations due to blunt abdominal handlebar trauma are difficult to diagnose. This report presents a retrospective analysis of 3 patients with intestinal perforations due to abdominal bicycle handlebar trauma who were diagnosed via upright abdominal radiography.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

All the patients lost their balance while riding a bicycle for leisure and had fallen on the handlebar tip. The patients were initially misdiagnosed at different-level health centers despite various radiologic investigations performed.

DIAGNOSIS

The patients' intestinal perforations were diagnosed via plain upright abdominal X-ray radiography (UAXR) in our institution.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The children underwent exploratory laparotomy due to intestinal perforations. All the perforations were repaired either with primary closure or bowel resection and anastomosis with successful outcomes.

LESSONS

Pneumoperitoneum due to intestinal perforation can be diagnosed via UAXR with appropriate patient positioning and timing. This case series shows that to accurately diagnose intestinal perforations, upright plain X-ray should be routinely performed, carefully evaluated, and repeated in patients with enduring abdominal complaints.