Hepatic or cystic artery pseudoaneurysms following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy - literature review of aetiopathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis and management

Pseudoaneurysms [PSAs] of the hepatic and/or cystic artery are a rare complication following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC]. Generally, PSA cases present with haemobilia several weeks following the procedure. Transarterial embolisation [TAE] is considered the optimal management approach. We report a 70-year-old woman who presented to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2016 with massive hemoperitoneum two weeks after undergoing a LC procedure in another hospital. She was successfully managed using coil TAE. An extensive literature review revealed 101 cases of hepatic or cystic artery PSAs following a LC procedure. Haemobilia was the main presentation [85.1%] and the mean time of postoperative presentation was 36 days. The hepatic artery was involved in most cases [88.1%], followed by the cystic artery [7.9%] and a combination of both [4.0%]. Most cases were managed with TAE [72.3%], with a 94.5% success rate. The overall mortality rate was 2.0%

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: review

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis [SEP] is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the peritoneum with an unknown aetiology. Also known as abdominal cocoon, the condition occurs when loops of the bowel are encased within the peritoneal cavity by a membrane, leading to intestinal obstruction. Due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical features, it is often misdiagnosed. The condition presents with recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction and can be idiopathic or secondary; the latter is associated with predisposing factors such as peritoneal dialysis or abdominal tuberculosis. In the early stages, patients can be managed conservatively; however, surgical intervention is necessary for those with advanced stage intestinal obstruction. A literature review revealed 118 cases of SEP; the mean age of these patients was 39 years and 68.0% were male. The predominant presentation was abdominal pain [72.0%], distension [44.9%] or a mass [30.5%]. Almost all of the patients underwent surgical excision [99.2%] without postoperative complications [88.1%]

Porcelain gallbladder decoding the malignant truth

Gallbladder calcification, also referred to as porcelain gallbladder, has received significant attention in the medical literature due to its perceived role in increasing the risk of developing a gallbladder carcinoma. However, recent reports raise questions challenging this purported high risk. While previous studies reported a concomitant incidence of gallbladder cancer in porcelain gallbladder ranging from 7-60%, more recent analyses indicate the incidence to be much lower [6%]. Based on evidence in the current literature, a prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended for all patients with porcelain gallbladder and should be restricted to those with conventional indications, such as young patients. However, it is important to note that a nonoperative approach may require prolonged follow-up. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with porcelain gallbladder, although some researchers have indicated a higher incidence of complications and conversion due to technical difficulties

Splenic flexure volvulus presenting with gangrene

Volvulus of the splenic flexure is very rare cause of colonic obstruction constituting 2% of cases of colonic segmental volvulus. Primary splenic flexure volvulus [SFV] is due to congenital absence or laxity of the phrenocolic, gastro colic, and splenocolic ligaments while secondary volvulus is due to other causes including some prior surgery releasing these ligaments. A preoperative diagnosis can be established based on the characteristic radiological findings on plain x-ray abdomen and CT scan. We present a case of SFV in a young man who presented with acute abdominal pain, and distension, and illustrate the usefulness of CT scan, and plain x-ray of the abdomen in making a preoperative diagnosis. Laparotomy revealed a gangrenous SFV, which was resected and primary anastomosis was carried out. Literature is reviewed with regards to predisposing factors, presentation, investigation, and management among the more than 32 cases reported so far

Sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy managed by resection and primary anastomosis: case report with literature review

Sigmoid volvulus is an extremely rare cause of intestinal obstruction in pregnancy. The rarity of the condition and the fact that pregnancy itself clouds the clinical picture invariably leads to a delay in diagnosis with an increased risk of gangrene of the gut. The majority of these patients would then require resection and colostomy. However, an early diagnosis and intervention as in our patient, which would require a high index of clinical suspicion, could significantly improve the outcome of the foetus and the mother. A case of sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy is reported which was managed by resection and primary anastomosis. A review of literature revealed no previous reports of sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy managed by primary anastomosis following resection of the sigmoid volvulus. The literature is also reviewed regarding predisposing factors, management options and the outcome of sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid presenting primarily as cervical lymphadenopathy: an approach to management

Papillary carcinoma of thyroid usually presents as a palpable thyroid mass. This could be associated with pain, hoarseness, stridor or dysphagia. Rarely, it presents solely as cervical lympadenopthy in the presence of an otherwise grossly normal thyroid gland. This could pose management problems. We report here a middle-aged lady who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy which on fine needle aspiration cytology was confirmed as metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. The thyroid gland was, however, normal on clinical examination and radiological investigations. Neck exploration confirmed a grossly normal thyroid gland; however, the cervical lymph node was found to invade the internal jugular vein. She underwent a total thyroidectomy and unilateral functional block dissection with resection of the involved segment of the internal jugular vein. Histopathology confirmed metastasis in the lymph node and a 2mm sized microcarcinoma in the resected thyroid gland. A radioactive iodine scan in the postoperative period revealed no other metastasis. The patient was prescribed lifelong thyroxine. She is on regular follow-up and 4 years following surgery continues to do well