Unusual Metastasis of Signet-Ring Cell Gastric Cancer That Could Not Be Detected With 18 F-FDG PET But With 68 Ga-FAPI PET/CT

ABSTRACT

A 70-year-old man who was scheduled for surgery because of the recurrence of gastric cancer was referred to our clinic preoperatively. The patient underwent a comprehensive evaluation through 18 F-FDG and 68 Ga-FAPI ( 68 Ga-labeled FAP inhibitors) PET/CT scans. The 68 Ga-FAPI PET/CT scan was particularly valuable in this case because of its ability to detect recurrent mass lesions and identify unusual metastatic sites compared with the 18 F-FDG PET/CT scan.

Effect of pre-incisional and peritoneal local anesthetics administration on colon anastomosis and wound healing

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that levobupivacaine is as effective as bupivacaine but carries a lower risk of cardiac and central nervous system toxicity. This study explores whether levobupivacaine and bupivacaine are preferable for all patients, includ-ing those with comorbidities, particularly focusing on their effects on colonic anastomosis. The primary objective is to examine the influence of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on colonic anastomosis. Additionally, the study will assess their impact on wound healing and their anti-adhesive properties.

METHODS

Conducted between July 28, 2022, to August 4, 2022, at the Hamidiye Animal Experiments Laboratory, this study was approved by the University Science Health, Hamidiye Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee. This study was conducted using 21 male Sprague rats aged 16-20 weeks. The rats were allocated into three equal groups of seven each: Group C: pre-incisional isotonic; Group B: pre-incisional bupivacaine; and Group L: pre-incisional levobupivacaine. Macroscopic adhesion scores (MAS) were recorded during laparotomy and tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination and hydroxyproline levels measurement. Wound tensile strength along the middle incision line and anastomotic burst pressure were also assessed.

RESULTS

MAS was statistically significantly lower in Groups B and L compared to Group C (p<0.001). The wound histopathology score (WHS) was significantly higher in Group L than in Group B (p=0.021). Colon histopathology scores (CHSs) were also signifi-cantly higher in Group L compared to Group C (p=0.011).

CONCLUSION

TThe study found that bupivacaine and levobupivacaine did not significantly enhance wound healing, although le-vobupivacaine significantly improved WHS relative to bupivacaine. According to the findings of this study, levobupivacaine can enhance clinical practice by being used in patients undergoing colon anastomosis. It contributes significantly to the durability of colon anasto-mosis, has a more positive effect on wound healing compared to bupivacaine, and exhibits anti-adhesive properties. Additional clinical trials are necessary to validate these results further.

Is Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Sufficient in the Treatment of Sump Syndrome? A 25-Year Experience

Background: Sump syndrome is one of the rare long-term complications of side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy (CD) leading to attacks of cholangitis due to accumulation of food and debris in the common bile duct distal to the anastomosis is one of the rare long-term complications after CD. Methods: Fifteen patients treated with the Sump syndrome in our institution between 1996 and 2023 were retrospectively evaluated for long-term outcome. Results: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and bile duct clearance was done in 11 patients, while four were subjected to revisional surgery in the form of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. No complications were recorded. There were 5 (38%) recurrences in a median follow-up period of 8 years (10 months-23 years). Of those, 3 patients were treated surgically and two with repeat ERCP. None of the patients developed any cholangiocarcinoma during follow-up. Conclusion: We conclude that although a high recurrence rate was observed, endoscopic treatment may be a valid approach in the treatment of Sump syndrome, with revisional surgery in the form of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy as salvage therapy in recurrences.

Choledochal cysts: Management and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts are congenital anomalies that can occur at any level of the biliary tree. They carry long-term risk of biliary complications and cancer development. Complete excision of all involved bile ducts is recommended.

METHODS

Patients treated between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty patients; 46 female and 14 male with a median age of 41 years (range 13-83) were included in the study. Mild abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (60%). Majority of the patients had Todani type I cysts (67%). Concomitant biliary malignancy was diagnosed in five patients (9%). Eight patients were followed-up conservatively (13%). Twenty-five patients were treated by excision of the extrahepatic bile ducts and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, liver resection was added in seven, pancreatoduodenectomy was done in three and liver transplantation in one. There was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative complications developed in 17 patients (34%), two requiring surgical treatment. Four of the five patients with malignancies died at a median 42 months (range 6-95) following surgery. Median 62 months (range 8-280) follow-up was available in 45 surgically treated patients, 19 followed-up for more than 10 years. None of the patients developed malignancy during follow-up. Four patients (17%) were readmitted for anastomotic strictures requiring treatment.

CONCLUSION

The majority of choledochal cysts are Todani type-I and early cyst excision is the mainstay of management, which may decrease the risk of malignant transformation.

Duodenal intramural hematoma due to early postoperative anticoagulant treatment after a renal transplant: A case report

A spontaneous intramural duodenal hematoma is a rare complication in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. Presently described is a case of intramural duodenal hematoma in a patient with a cadaveric renal transplant who was under oral anticoagulant treatment due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The patient was admitted with intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and a total obstruction of duodenum. After a diagnosis of intramural hematoma, a good prognosis was achieved with conservative care.