Analyzing the Role of Anal Sphincter Pressure in Rectocele Formation

Purpose@#Constipation is a common entity in society with various factors in the etiology. In this study, we evaluated the role of anal sphincter pressure of patients who refer to surgery clinic with complaint of constipation. @*Methods@#Sixty patients who refer to surgery clinic with complaint of constipation and were diagnosed with constipation due to Rome III criteria between July 2010 and September 2014. These patients were evaluated with defecography and were divided into 2 groups based on presence of rectocele. Both groups’ anal sphincter pressures were evaluated using anal manometry and findings were compared. @*Results@#The patients with rectocele and without rectocele using defecography were inspected with anal manometry regarding resting tone pressure, squeeze pressure, maximum squeeze pressure and simulated defecation response pressure, first sensation volume, urge sensation volume, and maximum tolerable volume. Results were compared and no significant difference was found regarding groups with rectocele and without rectocele (P > 0.05). @*Conclusion@#We have proved the hypothesis arguing that increased sphincter pressures do not play a role in the formation of rectocele by inducing an obstruction and the formation of dilation in proximal bowel, and demonstrated that the presence of rectocele is not dependent on an increase in sphincter pressures.

Gastropleural Fistula: A Rare Complication of Ewing Sarcoma

Gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a rare condition that can occur as a consequence of prior pulmonary surgery, trauma, or malignancy. Conservative management usually fails, and gastrectomy and even thoracotomy is often required, especially in debilitated patients. We present a patient with GPF who had a history of Ewing's sarcoma. Diagnosis of GPF was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy and radiographic contrast examination, and the patient underwent a laparoscopic wedge resection of the fistula. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a GPF, in the formation of which recurrence of Ewing's sarcoma had played a role and in the treatment of which wedge resection of the fistula was performed. Laparoscopic treatment of GPF may be associated with less morbidity and should be considered as the initial procedure of choice.

Intramural hematomas of the gastrointestinal system: a 5-year single center experience / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Although spontaneous intramural hematomas of the gastrointestinal tract are very rare, they may be observed with the use of oral anticoagulant, though less frequently in cases of hematological malignancy and other bleeding disorders. Cases diagnosed as spontaneous intramural hematoma have been assessed in our clinic. METHODS: The cases, which were diagnosed as spontaneous intramural hematoma in the gastrointestinal tract (SIHGT) following anamnesis, physical examination, biochemical, radiological and endoscopic findings from July 2008 to July 2012, have been assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Seven out of 13 cases were women and the mean age was 65.1 years (34 to 82 years). The most frequent complaint on admission was abdominal pain. The most frequent location of SIHGT was the ileum (n = 8). Oral anticoagulant use was the most common cause of etiology (n = 12). In 10 cases, International normalized ratio values were higher than treatment range (2 to 3, where mechanical valve replacement was 2.5 to 3.5) and mean value was 7.6 (1.70 to 23.13). While 12 cases were discharged without problems with medical treatment, one case with acute myeloid leukemia died in the intensive care unit following cerebrovascular attack. CONCLUSION: Spontaneus bleeding and hematomas that may arise in connection with bleeding diathesis may be fatal in cases with long-term oral anticoagulant treatment and insufficient follow-up. In management of these cases, it may be necessary to arrange conservative follow up and/or initialize low molecular weight heparin, and administer vitamin K as well as replace blood products and coagulation factors when indicated.

A rare reason of abdominal compartment syndrome: non-Hodgkin lymphoma / 대한외과학회지

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is characterized by intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) which affects all body systems. In healthy individuals, normal intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is <5 to 7 mmHg. The upper limit of IAP is generally accepted to be 12 mmHg. ACS has been classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary subtypes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a rare reason for ACS. We report here one case of NHL as a primary retroperitoneal mass in an 80-year-old male patient who presented with IAH.