Parasitic twin with major cardiac defect: a case report

Parasitic twins are an extremely rare form of asymmetrical conjoined monochorial monoamniotic twins where one of them has a mostly intact body that is able to survive and which is referred to as 'autosite', while the counterpart, referred to as 'parasite', is only rudimentarily developed being physically attached to and nourished by the other twin. Our case is a baby boy with Single Ventricle Heart defect with a thoraco-abdominal mass (epigastric heteropagus twin) attached to the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus with minimal visceral sharing. The twins had two external genitalia both in host and parasite micturating separately. After high risk surgery the parasite could be separated completely from the host and postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Recommendation of an ideal mixed fluid preparation to be used as partial parenteral nutrition in surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: This study was conducted to assess the role of Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) and a specially prepared 'mixed fluid formula' used as PPN in sick surgical neonates.Methods: This single institution based Randomised Control Trial was performed in Surgical NICU of a tertiary care Centre. Surgical neonates who required bowel rest for >3 days like Esophageal Atresia (22), Duodenal Atresia (38), Jejuno-Ileal Atresia (50), Necrotising Enterocolitis (29) and others (11), were chosen. As a CONTROL population half (75) neonates were allowed maintenance fluid only (Isolyte P) and rest (75) were given a combination of maintenance fluid (Isolyte P) and PPN (specially prepared mixed fluid). This mixed fluid each 100 ml was prepared with 65ml Isolyte P, 15 ml 25% Dextrose, 10 ml Normal Saline, 7 ml Astymin 3, 2 ml Multivitamin and 1 ml Injection KCl. Fluid was continued till enteral feeding was established.Results: Neonates according to their body weight were divided in three groups <1 kg (50), 1-2.5 kg (71) and >2.5 kg (29) and their post-operative outcome was assessed as Clinical Positive/Negative and Laboratory Positive/Negative. Results were separately assessed in 3 body weight groups under 'Control' and 'Study' which showed both Clinical and Biochemical improvement in 'Study group'.Conclusions: The composition of mixed fluid, its nutritional value, calorie supplementation, compatible osmolarity for peripheral venous administration and most importantly its easy and cost-effective preparation were assessed thoroughly and we recommend this 'mixed fluid' preparation as a very useful PPN for sick surgical neonates.

Low pressure versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a comparative study

Background: With the establishment of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as gold standard management of cholelithiasis, the current stress is being given on increasing patient safety and reducing the post-operative morbidity associated with this procedure. An emerging trend is to use of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in an attempt to lower the impact of pneumoperitoneum while providing adequate working space.Methods: In this prospective randomized study 66 participants were allocated into two arms i.e. low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) and standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP). The necessary data were collected using laboratory investigations, clinical examination and perioperative findings. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical software.Results: Mean duration of surgery, surgical difficulty and field visualization difficulty were insignificantly greaterin LPP group than SPP group. CO2 consumption was significantly less in LPP. Incidence of bile spillage, usage of drain was insignificantly increased in LPP. Post-operative pain was significantly greater in SPP group. Time for per oral tolerance of food and incidence of nausea were significantly greater in SPP group. Standard pressure group needed significantly more tramadol injection than LPP. There were no significant haemodynamic changes in SPP group compared to LPP group. Length of hospital stay was significantly greater in SPP.Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low pressure pneumoperitoneum is safe and feasible. Intra-operative complications like operative field visualization, operative difficulties, conversion rates, duration of surgery are not affected moreover, low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, decreases consumption of intra-operative CO2, post-operative pain, shoulder tip pain, need of analgesia, nausea and promotes early per oral feeding, thus reduces hospital stay.

Series of rare diagnosis and presentations of abdominal mass in children: a great learning experience

Abdominal mass is a common finding in children, either palpable or radiologically evident surprisingly. Some of them are rare tumors. Functional active tumors are rarely palpable but present with varied arrays of symptoms. In this series authors are discussing few rare cases with atypical presentations such as- teratoma arising from adrenal gland, teratoma presenting with hypertension, fetus in fetu (Girl and Boy child), adrenocortical tumor presenting as precocious puberty and adrenal pheochromocytoma with features of cushing's syndrome. These atypical presentations may have pose a challenge in diagnosis and management for the treating team with first time occurrence specifically if they are handling them for first time.

Ileal duplication cyst: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in infants

Ileal duplication cyst (IDC) is a rare congenital anomaly where there is an abnormal portion of intestine attached to or intrinsic with the normal bowel. A 6-month-old male child presented with obstipation and bilious vomiting at emergency. X-ray abdomen showed multiple air fluid level suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Laparotomy was performed. Diagnosis of IDC was made and resection with primary anastomosis was done. Post-operative period was uneventful, and patient did well during 3 month follow-up checkup. IDC is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction which can present with different clinical symptoms posing a diagnostic dilemma. Diagnostic laparotomy is a suitable approach for both diagnosis and treatment to avoid delays in treatment where imaging method is unavailable for exact diagnosis.

A rare form of domestic accident: blast abdominal injury with evisceration of abdominal viscus

Evisceration of abdominal viscus following 'Flowerpot firecracker' (tubri) blast injury to the abdomen is a rare but dangerous form of domestic accident. Lack of knowledge and non-compliance of safety measures is the major reason for firecracker eventualities. A 10-year male child presented three hours post-injury with a wound over the upper abdomen. On examination there was evisceration of part of stomach along with colon through supraumbilical abdominal wound. Resuscitation and repair following exploratory laparotomy performed. Patient recovered well postoperatively. Public awareness and safety measures need to be taken to prevent the fatal outcomes of firecracker misuse.