Spectrum of elective pancreatic surgeries with short term outcomes at a tertiary hospital in North India

Background: Pancreatic surgeries have undergone substantial changes over the last few decades and are now being attempted by many surgeons not limited to specialised centres. The study has attempted to document the indications for elective pancreatic surgeries and its outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality.Methods: This observational study included 42 patients over a period of 12 months. The data were recorded in a predesigned proforma to assess the indication for elective pancreatic surgery, to describe the number and kind of pancreatic operation undertaken and to evaluate the short-term outcome of various pancreatic surgeries in terms of complications, morbidity and mortality.Results: Authors studied 42 patients, who underwent the elective pancreatic surgeries for various indications in hospital. Histopathological studies revealed that the majority (50%) were carcinoma of the head of pancreas. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was done in all the sixteen cases. The most important complications of PD were delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (50%), surgical site infection (SSI) (43.7%), post pancreatic haemorrhage (PPH) (31%), post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (25%) and intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) (12.5%). Of the 26 patients operated for benign conditions of pancreas, 19 (73%) had pancreatic pseudocyst, in majority of cases as a sequela of alcohol induced pancreatitis. Partington Rochelle procedure was the commonest surgical procedure in chronic pancreatitis.Conclusions: Carcinoma of head of pancreas was the most common periampullary malignancy necessitating major pancreatic resections. DGE, POPF and PPH were the most common and significant post-operative complications.

Adjuvant urokinase: percutaneous drainage of post lower segment cesarean section intra-abdominal abscess

The mortality in abdominal abscess is high, however the outcome has improved due to advances in image guided percutaneous interventional techniques. The main indications for the catheter drainage include treatment or palliation of sepsis associated with an infected fluid collection, and alleviation of the symptoms that may be caused by fluid collections by virtue of their size, and site.  The single abscesses may be drained with ultrasound guidance only, whereas the multiple abscesses usually require computed tomography (CT) guidance and placement of multiple catheters.  Percutaneous drainage provides an effective and safe alternative to more invasive surgical drainage but the success rate is lower for abscesses that have septa and are multilocular. Several clinical and in vitro studies suggest urokinase may be useful in such cases. To the knowledge, however, there has been no case of post LSCS intra-abdominal abscess in which intracavitary urokinase was administered. Therefore, we report a case of post LSCS multiseptated intra-abdominal abscess occurring in a 21-year-female. Conventional percutaneous tube drainage failed, but the use of transcatheter intracavitary urokinase was successful.  Our results showed no significant change in hematologic studies and no bleeding complications. Intracavitary urokinase can be given safely during percutaneous drainage of an abscess, with no associated bleeding complications or changes in coagulation parameters.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transgastric Drainage of an Intra-Abdominal Abscess following Gastrectomy

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transgastric drainage has been performed as a less invasive procedure for pancreatic fistulas and intra-abdominal abscesses occurring after surgery in recent years. However, there are no reports of EUS-guided transgastric drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses following gastrectomy. This case report describes 2 patients who developed an intra-abdominal abscess following gastrectomy and underwent EUS-guided transgastric drainage. Both patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction for gastric cancer. The intra-abdominal abscesses were caused by postoperative pancreatic fistula that developed following gastrectomy. One patient underwent naso-cystic drainage and the other underwent only a needle puncture of the abscess cavity. EUS-guided drainage was performed safely and effectively, although 1 patient developed gastroduodenal anastomotic leakage related to this procedure. In summary, EUS-guided transgastric drainage is safe and technically feasible even in post-gastrectomy patients. However, it is necessary to be careful if this procedure is performed in the early period following gastrectomy.

Study of technique, advantages and effectiveness of percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses

Background: Intra-abdominal abscess remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the patient population. Despite therapeutic advances, it is a perplexing diagnostic and management challenges and remains a dreaded complication of surgery. Materials and methods: Forty eight patients underwent fifty one percutaneous drainage procedures in the Barnard Institute of Radiology at the General Hospital, Chennai. There were 44 men and 7 women. The youngest of the patients was 13 years old and the oldest 56 years old. Results: Of the 51 drainage, 35 were done under CT guidance and 16 under US guidance. Successful drainage of the collection with avoidance of operation was achieved in 43 of the 48 abscesses (89.5%). If the total number of drainages were considered, the success rate was 84.3% (43 out of 51). Conclusion: Percutaneous catheter drainage is an important treatment option for management of intra-abdominal abscesses. It is especially valuable in patients at high risk for general anesthesia. It is also an effective alternative to operative drainage in other healthier patients. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice for percutaneous abscess drainage.

Absceso intrabdominal secundario a tuberculosis intestinal en el Hospital General Dolisie de la República del Congo / Intra-abdominal abscess secondary to intestinal tuberculosis in general hospital Dolisie, Republic of Congo

La incidencia de TB intestinal es desconocida, ya que puede ser asintomática y por su naturaleza a menudo resulta en diagnósticos erróneos, por lo que se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha en poblaciones de alto riesgo. Los abscesos intrabdominales en el curso de esta es una complicación poco frecuente, con una incidencia entre 2 y 30 por ciento. Presentamos un paciente masculino de 52 años de edad, con masa abdominal en mesogástrio, asociada a dolor abdominal y pérdida de peso. Se comienza su estudio con Rx. de tórax y ecografía abdominal, el cual reporta masa de 90 x 47 mm en el peritoneo, es intervenido quirúrgicamente y drenado por absceso intrabdominal. Se diagnostica TB intestinal, su evolución fue satisfactoria después de iniciado el tratamiento antituberculoso. Ante un paciente con síntomas de abdomen agudo, es importante realizar un diagnóstico temprano de TB intestinal. Esto evitaría una intervención innecesaria, porque el diagnóstico de la TB intestinal es médico. Si se realiza la intervención, puede confirmarse el diagnóstico mediante las lesiones encontradas; acción que impediría una resección intestinal innecesaria pues el tratamiento antituberculoso resolvería la TB. Generalmente, el diagnóstico se realiza durante una cirugía o por procedimientos invasivos con otros propósitos, por ser esta de difícil diagnóstico clínico y que la irregularidad del tratamiento antituberculoso es un importante factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones en la TB intestinal diagnosticada. Esta es altamente efectivo en la resolución de complicaciones de moderada gravedad como la obstrucción intestinal y los abscesos intrabdominales(AU)

The incidence of intestinal tuberculosis is unknown since it may be symptom-free and lead to frequent misdiagnoses, so one should highly suspect of intestinal tuberculosis in high risk populations. The intra-abdominal abscesses are rare complications, with an incidence rate of 2 to 30 percent. Here is the case of a 52 years-old male patient who had an abdominal in her mesogastrium associated to abdominal pain and weight loss. The first testing was thorax X-ray and abdominal ultrasound, which revealed the presence of a 90x74mm mass in the peritoneum. As a result, he was operated on including intrabdominal abscess drainage. The final diagnosis was intestinal tuberculosis, being the recovery satisfactory after the anti-tuberculosis treatment. It is fundamental to make emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in patients with acute abdomen symptoms in risk groups since this may avoid surgical treatment. The diagnosis based on macroscopic findings in case of surgical treatment may also avoid unnecessary intestinal resections. Generally speaking, the diagnosis is made during a surgery or by invasive procedures with other purposes since the clinical diagnosis is difficult; irregular anti-tuberculosis treatment is a significant risk factor for the development of complications in diagnosed intestinal tuberculosis. It is highly effective in the resolution of moderate-severity complications such as intestinal obstruction and intra-abdominal abscesse(AU)

Three level risk assessment for pancreatic fistula formation after distal pancreatectomy with a strategy for prevention.

Background: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) has a high post-operative morbidity predominantly due to pancreatic fistula though the mortality is very low. Data on distal pancreatectomy was reviewed to analyse the risk factors that contribute to this morbidity. Methods: Thirty three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with sutured closure of the remnant, over a 5-year period between May 2006 and April 2011. Pancreatic fistula (PF) was defined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition. Patient and surgical risk factors were subdivided as those reflecting a poorer pre-morbid status, those associated with increased complexity of surgery and those related to pancreas gland and were analyzed for incidence of pancreatic fistula. Results: Indications for DP included 16 (51.5%) pancreatic tumours, 13 (39.4%) chronic pancreatitis and 3 (9.1%) trauma. Spleen was preserved in 12 patients (36.4 %).There was no mortality while the morbidity rate was 45.5% (n=15). Incidence of pancreatic fistula was 30.3% (n=10); eight were grade A (80%) and two were grade C (20%). Incidence of clinically significant pancreatic fistulae was 6.1%. PF was significantly more common if the pancreatic duct was not identified (p=0.024) was significantly less with extensive peri-pancreatic adhesions (p=0.036). Conclusions: Identification and ligation of main pancreatic duct can help reduce the incidence of pancreatic fistulae. The identification of patients at high risk of developing a PF helps to implement prevention strategies.

An Intra-Abdominal Abscess as a Late Complication of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한내과학회지

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for cholelithiasis. It is used more commonly than open cholecystectomy because of the convenience of a short hospital stay and earlier return to work, and for aesthetic reasons. Nevertheless, there are complications that are encountered more frequently than in open cholecystectomy due to the smaller operating window. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old woman who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 15 years earlier and now presented with abrupt abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a past cholecystectomy with an abscess pocket abutting the abdominal wall, with a stone inside it. Incision and drainage were done and the stone was removed laparoscopically. This case shows that late complications, such as abscess formation due to lost GB stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, can occur, even after 15 years.

Absceso lumbar secundario a colelitiasis retenida / Lumbar abscess secundary to retained gallstones

Los cálculos abandonados tras apertura accidental durante una colecistectomía, generalmente laparoscópica, pueden producir complicaciones tardías, siendo el absceso intraabdominal la más frecuente. El diagnóstico se basa en la prueba de imagen (ecografía/tomografía computerizada), siendo el drenaje y la extracción quirúrgica de los cálculos la mejor opción terapéutica, ya que el drenaje percutáneo presenta una elevada tasa de fracasos. Sin embargo, el absceso en pared abdominal posterior como manifestación inicial de un absceso intraabdominal debido a colelitiasis retenida es poco frecuente, por lo que reportamos este caso.

Lost gallstones after accidental opening of the gallbladder during cholecystectomy usually under laparoscopy, can cause late complications. Intra-abdominal abscess is the most frequent and the diagnosis is based on imaging techniques (abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan). Surgical drainage with gallstones removal seems to be the best approach, due to the fact that a simple percutaneous drainage has a high failure rate. However, a posterior abdominal wall abscess as the initial manifestation of intra-abdominal abscess due to retained gallstones is uncommon, and this prompted us to report this case.

Peritoneal Saline Irrigation and Infective Complications in Perforated Appendicitisin at a Single Center

PURPOSE: Until recently, the surgical treatment of perforated appendicitis in South Korea showed a relatively high incidence of postoperative infectious complications compared with centers having protocols for managements. Authors have been performing appendectomies for perforated cases under the principle of massive irrigation of the peritoneal cavity and primary closure of incision wound that leaves a suction drain from pelvic cavity, expecting reducing chance of infective complications and thus reducing the stress faced by operators. METHODS: Among 788 cases of appendicitis from September 1997 to December 2002, 172 patients showing perforation and peritonitis in the operative field were reviewed retrospectively. All the operations were performed by the principle mentioned above, and data were collected on various major complications, especially infective wound and intra-abdominal complications. RESULTS: There were 7 cases of suppurative wound infection, and 5 cases of intra-abdominal abscess, representing a total incidence of 7.0% (n=12) in 172 patients. Other major complications such as adhesive ileus (n=3), intestinal fistula (n=1), or remote organ infective event (n=1) were also recognized. CONCLUSION: Massive saline irrigation during appendectomy of perforated appendicitis-without antibiotic mixture-that leaves a negative suction drain from the pelvic cavity and the primary closure of incision wounds have yielded satisfactory results concerning various aspects, especially in lessening infective postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic Versus Open for Complicated Appendicitis

BACKGROUND: For complicated appendicitis, in contrast to simple appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is considered a relative or absolute contraindication because of the higher postoperative complication rate than that of open appendectomy (OA), especially, high incidence of intra-abdominal abscess. The purpose of this article is to assess the feasibility of LA for complicated appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of 35 LA and 128 OA for the cases of gangrenous, perforated appendicitis, and periappendiceal abscess between May 1995 and June 1997 was performed. Patients were identified through the hospital pathology registry. We compared data from both groups with respect to operative times, postoperative pain, duration of ileus, length of hospital stay, and complication rate, with special attention to the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess. RESULTS: 1) The male:female ratio of LA (1:1.2) was significantly lower than that of OA (1:0.45) (p0.05). But LA was associated with higher incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (3/35, 8.6%) than OA (3/128, 2.3%) (p=0.114). There was one serious intra-abdominal abscess in the LA, which required reoperation. The rest 2 cases in the LA and all 3 cases in the OA were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: LA for complicated appendicitis could afford the merits of shorter hospital stay, reduced incidenceof wound infection, and comparable incidence of overall complication rate. To reduce the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess, copious irrigation and adequate drainage should be recommended.