Small bowel obstruction by water beads in a 12-month-old girl presenting with acute hyponatremia with seizure

Although foreign body ingestion is relatively common in children aged 6 months-3 years, small bowel obstruction rarely develops, and few cases require surgical interventions. We report a case of 12-month-old girl who presented to the emergency department with new-onset seizure after projectile bilious vomiting. The initial diagnosis was seizure caused by hyponatremia based on laboratory findings, plain abdominal radiograph, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography. Despite fluid resuscitation, clinical manifestations did not improve, and severe ileal obstruction was found on computed tomography. Emergency laparoscopy showed a foreign body (a water bead [superabsorbent polymer], 3 cm in diameter) that was subsequently removed by enterotomy. After the surgery, bilious vomiting continued, and gastrografin did not pass on fluoroscopy. The second laparoscopy showed a residual foreign body that was crushed and then removed by minimal enterotomy. She was discharged in good condition 5 days after the second surgery. This case suggests a particular danger of water beads as foreign bodies and the need for differential diagnosis of multiple foreign bodies in children with poor communication skills.

Anastomotic Sinus That Developed From Leakage After a Rectal Cancer Resection: Should We Wait for Closure of the Stoma Until the Complete Resolution of the Sinus?

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to identify the clinical characteristics of an anastomotic sinus and to assess the validity of delaying stoma closure in patients until the complete resolution of an anastomotic sinus. METHODS: The subject patients are those who had undergone a resection of rectal cancer from 2011 to 2017, who had a diversion ileostomy protectively or therapeutically and who developed a sinus as a sequelae of anastomotic leakage. The primary outcomes that were measured were the incidence, management and outcomes of an anastomotic sinus. RESULTS: Of the 876 patients who had undergone a low anterior resection, 14 (1.6%) were found to have had an anastomotic sinus on sigmoidoscopy or a gastrografin enema before their ileostomy closure. In the 14 patients with a sinus, 7 underwent ileostomy closure as scheduled, with a mean closure time of 4.1 months. The remaining 7 patients underwent ileostomy repair, but it was delayed until after the follow-up for the widening of the sinus opening by using digital dilation, with a mean closure time of 6.9 months. Four of those remaining seven patients underwent stoma closure even though their sinus condition had not yet been completely resolved. No pelvic septic complications occurred after closure in any of the 14 patients with an anastomotic sinus, but 2 of the 14 needed a rediversion due to a severe anastomotic stricture. CONCLUSION: Patients with an anastomotic sinus who had been carefully selected underwent successful ileostomy closure without delay.

A Case of a Patent Omphalomesenteric Duct Presenting with Meconium Discharge from the Umbilicus

The omphalomesenteric duct is a link between the primitive midgut and the yolk sac. Normally, the duct obliterates around 6 weeks of gestation, yet varying degrees of incomplete obliteration can take place in 1%–4% of infants. This study described the case of a newborn with a patent omphalomesenteric duct remnant fistula identified at birth with meconium in the umbilical cord. At birth, the infant presented meconium staining and meconium discharged within the umbilical cord. Physical examination and other examinations showed no other specific findings. The omphalomesenteric duct fistula was confirmed through the imaging study (abdominal ultrasonography, gastrografin enema). A surgery was carried out where the remnant was resected. The patient did well and was discharged soon after without complication.

Successful Ultrasound-Guided Gastrografin Enema for Very Low Birth Weight Infants with Meconium-Related Ileus

PURPOSE: Meconium-related ileus is common in preterm infants. Without proper management, it can cause necrotizing enterocolitis and perforation requiring emergent operation. This study was conducted to describe the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided Gastrografin enema at bedside for preterm infants with meconium-related ileus. METHODS: Between March 2013 and December 2014, this study enrolled preterm infants with birth weight < 1,500 g, who were diagnosed with meconium-related ileus requiring ultrasound-guided Gastrografin enema refractory to glycerin or warm saline enemas. Gastrografin was infused until it passed the ileocecal valve with ultrasound guidance at bedside. RESULTS: A total of 13 preterm infants were enrolled. Gestational age and birth weight were 28.6 weeks (range, 23.9–34.3 weeks) and 893 g (range, 610–1,440 g), respectively. Gastrografin enema was performed around postnatal day 8 (range, day 3–11). The success rate was 84.6% (11 of 13 cases). Three of these 11 infants received a second procedure, which was successful. Among 2 unsuccessful cases, one failed to pass meconium while the other required surgery due to perforation. The time required to pass meconium was 2.8±1.5 hours (range, 1–6 hours). The time until radiographic improvement was 2.8±3.4 days (range, 1–14 days) after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided Gastrografin enema at bedside as a first-line treatment to relieve meconium-related ileus was effective and safe for very low birth weight infants. We could avoid unnecessary emergent operation in preterm infants who have high postoperative morbidity and mortality. This could also avoid transporting small preterm infants to fluoroscopy suite.

High grade anorectal stricture complicating Crohn's disease: endoscopic treatment using insulated-tip knife

Endoscopic treatments have emerged as an alternative to surgery, in the treatment of benign colorectal stricture. Unlike endoscopic balloon dilatation, there is limited data on endoscopic electrocautery incision therapy for benign colorectal stricture, especially with regards to safety and long-term patency. We present a case of a 29-year-old female with Crohn's disease who had difficulty in defecation and passing thin stools. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan, gastrograffin enema, and sigmoidoscopy showed a high-grade anorectal stricture. An endoscopic insulated-tip knife incision was successfully performed to resolve the problem. From our experience, we suggest that endoscopic insulated-tip knife treatment may be a feasible and effective modality for patients with short-segment, very rigid, fibrotic anorectal stricture.

Impact of Meconium Obstruction-Related Risk Factors on Surgical Intervention in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: This study investigated the risks of development and surgical complications of meconium obstruction (MO) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: We performed a retrospective medical record review of VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Haeundae Paik hospital and diagnosed with MO of prematurity (MOP) between March 2010 and August 2013. RESULTS: Of 267 VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, 28 were diagnosed with MOP. Perinatal factors including maternal pregnancy-induced hypertension and small for gestational age were associated with MOP development (P<0.05). Over two-thirds of VLBW infants with MOP were successfully treated with a gastrografin enema. The remaining eight VLBW infants required surgery. Although small for gestational age was more frequent in the medical treatment group, specific risk factors associated with MOP development did not affect the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: MOP is common in VLBW infants, as most VLBW infants have risk factors for MOP. Identifying risk factors permits early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate medical treatment, reducing the necessity for surgery. However, the presence of specific risk factors does not increase risk of surgical complications.

Role of the small intestinal decompression tube and Gastrografin in the treatment of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the role of the small intestinal decompression tube (SIDT) and Gastrografin in the treatment of early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction (EPISBO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve patients presented EPISBO after abdominal surgery in our department from April 2011 to July 2012. Initially, nasogastric tube decompression and other conventional conservative treatment were administrated. After 14 days, obstruction symptom improvement was not obvious, then the SIDT was used. At the same time, Gastrografin was injected into the small bowel through the SIDT in order to demonstrate the site of obstruction of small bowel and its efficacy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 11 patients after this management, obstruction symptoms disappeared, bowel function recovered within 3 weeks, and oral feeding occurred gradually. Another patient did not pass flatus after 4 weeks and was reoperated. After postoperative follow-up of 6 months, no case relapsed with intestinal obstruction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For severe and long course of early postoperative inflammatory intestinal obstruction, intestinal decompression tube plus Gastrografin is safe and effective, and can avoid unnecessary reoperation.</p>

Extracorporeal Worm Extraction of Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense with Amidotrizoic Acid in a Child

Infection cases of diphyllobothriid tapeworms are not much in the below teen-age group. We report a case of Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense infection in a 13-year-old boy. He presented with severe fatigue, occasional abdominal pain at night time. He also had several episodes of tapeworm segment discharge in his stools. By his past history, he had frequently eaten raw fish including salmon and trout with his families. Numerous eggs of diphyllobothriid tapeworm were detected in the fecal examination. We introduced amidotrizoic acid as a cathartic agent through nasogastroduodenal tube and let nearly whole length (4.75 m) of D. nihonkaiense be excreted through his anus. After a single dose of praziquantel, the child's stool showed no further eggs, and his symptoms disappeared. The evacuated worm was identified as D. nihonkaiense by mitochondrial cox1 gene analysis. Here we report a successful extracorporeal worm extraction from an infection case of D. nihonkaiense by the injection of amidotrizoic acid.

Endoscopic Management for Colocutaneous Fistula as a Complication of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become a safe and effective technique for enteral feeding. Colocutaneous fistula, which is a rare complication of PEG, is thought to be formed during insertion of the original PEG tube when the colon becomes interposed between the stomach and the abdominal wall. We present a patient who developed colocutaneous fistula after PEG tube exchange. Three years ago, a PEG tube for enteral feeding was placed in a 27-year-old male with cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis. Two months after PEG tube exchange, he was admitted to our hospital because fecal material was observed in the tube and exit site. The diagnosis of colocutaneous fistula was made after injection of gastrografin in the fistula opening of the abdominal wall. Endoscopic management for the fistula opening of the colon was successfully performed using metal-clips and we were able to avoid surgical therapy for the fistula.

Evaluation of bowel distension and mural visualisation using neutral oral contrast agents for multidetector-row computed tomography

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>We compared the effectiveness of different types of non-commercial neutral oral contrast agents for bowel distension and mural visualisation in computed tomographic (CT) enterography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>90 consecutive patients from a group of 108 were randomly assigned to receive water (n = 30), 3.8% milk (n = 30) or 0.1% gastrografin (n = 30) as oral contrast agent. The results were independently reviewed by two radiologists who were blinded to the contrast agents used. The degree of bowel distension was qualitatively scored on a four-point scale. The discrimination of bowel loops, mural visualisation and visualisation of mucosal folds were evaluated on a 'yes' or 'no' basis. Side effects of the various agents were also recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>3.8% milk was significantly superior to water for bowel distension (jejunum, ileum and terminal ileum), discrimination of bowel loops (jejunum and ileum), mural visualisation and visualisation of mucosal folds (ileum and terminal ileum). It was also significantly superior to 0.1% gastrografin for bowel distension, discrimination of bowel loops, mural visualisation and visualisation of mucosal folds (jejunum, ileum and terminal ileum). However, 10% of patients who received 3.8% milk reported immediate post-test diarrhoea. No side effects were documented for patients who received water and 0.1% gastrografin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>3.8% milk is an effective and superior neutral oral contrast agent for the assessment of the jejunum, ileum and terminal ileum in CT enterography. However, further studies are needed to explore other suitable oral contrast agents for CT enterography in lactose- or cow's milk-intolerant patients.</p>

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Meconium Intestinal Obstruction in Preterm Infants / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of meconium intestinal obstruction (MIO) in preterm infants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records and radiologic images was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 3-year period (2009-2011). In addition, birth year- and gestational age-matched babies were selected by random sampling with twice the number as the control group. RESULTS: There were 43 infants with MIO who were appropriate as subjects. In perinatal factors, a maternal history of hypertension and the use of magnesium sulfate were more frequent in patients with MIO, but not significant. Feeding intolerance was more common in the MIO group than the control (86% vs. 24.4%; P<0.001). The frequency of gastrografin enema was once in all but one of the patients, and the microcolon was detected in 7 cases (16.3%. Radiographic change after enema was seen earlier than clinical improvement (P<0.05).The patients with MIO took longer to achieve full enteral feeding, and had a more prolonged hospital stay (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Feeding intolerance in preterm infants may be an early clinical finding of MIO. Meconium obstruction causes a delay of full enteral feeding and extension of hospital stay.

Acquired Ileal Atresia in a Preterm Infant

Acquired ileal atresia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur after recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. We present an unusual case of acquired ileal atresia in the distal ileum injured by ischemia after intestinal perforation in an extremely low-birth-weight infant. A 900 g (25 weeks gestation) premature infant developed a pneumoperitoneum without the radiologic manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis on day 9 of life. Primary peritoneal drainage without further need for surgery was performed in the neonatal intensive care facility. Gastrointestinal gastrografin studies confirmed normal intestinal continuity and regular stools. Several weeks later, while the patient was receiving all nutrition orally with no medical problems, the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, along with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction including emesis of bilious contents and stools. Laparotomy (on day 45 of life) revealed ileal atresia with V-shaped gap mesenteric defect.

Acquired Ileal Atresia in a Preterm Infant

Acquired ileal atresia is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur after recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. We present an unusual case of acquired ileal atresia in the distal ileum injured by ischemia after intestinal perforation in an extremely low-birth-weight infant. A 900 g (25 weeks gestation) premature infant developed a pneumoperitoneum without the radiologic manifestations of necrotizing enterocolitis on day 9 of life. Primary peritoneal drainage without further need for surgery was performed in the neonatal intensive care facility. Gastrointestinal gastrografin studies confirmed normal intestinal continuity and regular stools. Several weeks later, while the patient was receiving all nutrition orally with no medical problems, the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, along with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction including emesis of bilious contents and stools. Laparotomy (on day 45 of life) revealed ileal atresia with V-shaped gap mesenteric defect.

unusual cause of left-sided severe chest pain

A 50-year-old lady presented to the emergency room with severe left-sided chest pain following an episode of forceful vomiting. A history of giddiness was present. Her past medical and surgical history were insignificant. On examination, she was having a respiratory rate of 24/ min and her blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. She was diaphoretic and surgical emphysema was present. On plain radiography, hydropneumothorax was present. Gastrograffin study of the patient was performed

Role of water soluble contrast agents in assigning patients to a non-operative course in adhesive small bowel obstruction

Adhesive small bowel obstruction [SBO] is a common surgical emergency. It is estimated that at least 60% of SBO are due to post-operative adhesions. Water soluble contrast agents [gastrografin] have been used to identify patients who might be treated non-operatively. This study aims to determine the role of gastrografin in adhesive intestinal obstruction patients. In this prospective study, 27 patients admitted between 1[st] August 2004 and 1[st] July 2006 with clinical signs suggestive of postoperative adhesive SBO met the inclusion criteria. After intravenous hydration, nasogastric tube insertion and complete suctioning of the gastric fluid, 100 ml of gastrograsfin was given and plain abdominal radiography was taken 6 hours and 24 hours if the contrast is not seen in the colon. Those in whom the contrast reached the colon in 24 hours were considered to have partial SBO and started oral intake. If gastrografin failed to reach the colon in 24 hours and the patient did not improve in the following 24 hours, laparotomy was performed. Conservative treatment was successful in 31 cases [91%] and 3 [9%] required operation. Patients treated conservatively had short hospital stay [mean=4 days] and tolerated oral feeding with no morbidity or mortality. Oral gastrografin helps in the management of patients with postoperative adhesive SBO

Oral contrast media for computed tomography of canine pancreas / 대한수의학회지

Barium suspension, oral iodine contrast medium and water were applied in eight dogs to evaluate (1) distension of gastrointestinal tract, (2) the effect of the oral contrast media on the identification of the pancreas from surrounding organs, and (3) image quality and the presence of artifacts in canine pancreas computed tomography (CT) images. Oral iodine contrast medium, gastrografin, produced significant artifacts that deteriorated the CT images of the pancreas. The use of water did not provide the fullness of the gastrointestinal lumens. Barium suspension was effective for the identification of the pancreas from the surrounding gastrointestinal tract, without significantly increasing image noise. Barium suspension can be used as an optimal contrast medium that will not cause an adverse effect on the pancreatic density and image quality.

Epidurography

Since its introduction into clinical practice in 1921, millions of epidurals are performed daily around the world. Anesthesiologists were quick to grasp its use for prolonged or continuous analgesia and routinely use it alone or in combination with general anesthesia. It has been found to be associated with less complications as compared to spinal analgesia and has taken a major chunk out of spinal practice. The success of epidural depends upon successful location and deposition of drugs into the epidural space. Blind identification of epidural space by loss of resistance or negative epidural space pressure has resulted in mixed results. The figures vary among the researchers but in about 25-30% cases, drugs are deposited at wrong place [outside epidural space]. Epidurography offers the best method of confirming the needle or catheter tip location in the space, and has evolved itself a standard practice now. Although very rarely adverse reactions to the technique or the contrast media have been reported, the method is highly recommendable and the pain practitioners and anesthesiologists are encouraged to use it more judiciously

Clinical impacts of oral gastrografin follow through in adhesive small bowel obstruction [ASBO]. [a prospective randomized study]

Many studies have shown that Gastrografin can be used for diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction [ASBO] and for assessing the need for surgical intervention .However; several the studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore the aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic effect of Gastrografin in ASBO. Altogether 110 patients with ASBO were randomized into control and Gastrografin groups. In the Gastrografin group, 100 ml of the dye was administered through a nasogastric tube. Obstruction was considered complete if the contrast failed to reach the colon on the 24-hour film. Patients with Gastrografin in the colon within 24 hours after dye administration were considered as partially obstructed and were submitted to non operative treatment. The patients were operated on if they developed signs of strangulation or failed to improve within 48 hours. The overall operative rate 14.5% in Gastrografin group versus 34.5% in control group: P = 0.04 .The time from admission to resolution of symptoms was significantly lower in Gastrografin group [19.5 vs. 42.6 hours: P = 0.001] and the length of hospital stay shorter in Gastrografin group [3.8 vs. 6.9 days 0.002] and in non operative patients [3.1 vs. 5.1 days]. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for Gastrogrqfin follow-through as an indicator for operative treatment of ASBO were 87.5%, 100%, 100%, and 97.9% respectively. Oral Gastrografin helps in the management of ASBO. Oral Gastrografin is safe and reduces the operative rate and time of resolution as well as hospital stay

Evaluation of gastrografin effect in treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction after failure of conservative treatment

Besides the diagnostic role of oral gastrografin [hyperosmolar contrast media] to differentiate partial from complete small bowel obstruction [SBO] and its predictive value for the need for operative treatment, a potential therapeutic role of this agent in adhesive small bowel obstruction has been suggested. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction when conservative treatment failed. Patients with symptomsand signs suggestive of adhesive small bowel obstruction [SBO] were given trial conservative treatment unless there was fear of bowel strangulation. Those responded in the initial 48 hours had conservative treatment continued. Patients who showed no improvement in the initial 48 hours were given 100 mL of gastrografin through nasogastric tube followed by serial abdominal radiographs. Patients with the contrast appeared in large bowel within 24 hours were regarded as having partial obstruction and conservative treatment was continued. Patients in which the contrast failed to reach large bowel within 24 hours were considered to have complete obstruction and laparotomy was performed. Eighty patients with episodes of adhesive obstruction were included. Five patients were operated on soon after admission due to fear of strangulation. Forty five patients showed improvement in the initial 48 hours and conservative treatment was continued, two patients had subsequent operations because of persistent obstruction. Thirty episodes of obstruction showed no improvement within 48 hours and gastrografin was administered. The overall operative rate in this study was 10%. There was no complication that could be attributed to the use of gastrografin. The use of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment is safe, allows a shorter hospital stay and reduces the need for surgical intervention

A case of Klebsiella psoas abscess due to diverticulitis and intestinal tuberculosis / 대한내과학회지

A 38-year-old male-to-female transgender patient who had undergone a transsexual operation 20 years earlier presented with right flank pain and chills. Abdominal CT scan and gastrografin colon enema revealed a right psoas abscess and an abnormal communication between the large bowel and this psoas abscess. She underwent a right hemicolectomy and was finally diagnosed as having a Klebsiella psoas abscess due to perforated diverticulitis and intestinal tuberculosis. Additional antibiotics and antituberculous medication were required. A secondary psoas abscess due to diverticulitis is rare, and to our knowledge, no case combined with intestinal tuberculosis has previously been reported. We present the case with a brief review of related reports.