Long-term results of large diameter hepaticojejunostomy for treatment of Bile Duct Injuries following cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Bile Duct Injury (BDI) is one of the most serious complications of cholecystectomy. The authors analyzed the clinical presentation, surgical management and long-term outcome of 19 patients presenting with iatrogenic major BDIs (Straburg type E) following cholecystectomy who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1992 and 2005, 19 patients with major BDIs (Strasberg type E) following cholecystectomy were included. Operative notes and charts of all patients were reviewed systematically. A follow-up examination of each patient was performed after a median of 22 months (range 1-120). RESULTS: Twelve patients presented with ascending cholangitis, two patients were referred to the hospital with biliary-cutaneous fistula and five patients (26.3%) were identified at the time of operations. All patients were treated with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with at least 2 cm of the diameter of the biliary-enteric anastomosis. There was no postoperative mortality. Postoperative complication was found in 5 patients (26.3%). Until now, during the follow-up, neither clinical nor biochemical evidence of recurrent cholangitis has been found. CONCLUSION: Major BDIs are associated with high morbidity rate and prolonged hospitalization. Early detection and referral to an experienced center is crucial in the management of these patients. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with large diameter of the biliary-enteric anastomosis is the surgical procedure of choice with good long-term outcome.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: two case reports.

Owing to its rarity, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is often misdiagnosed as malignant ulcer, or ulcer in association with inflammatory bowel disease. We present two adult females with anorectal symptoms (i.e. pain, tenesmus and bowel habit changes). Both had normal levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen. Barium enema revealed irregular mucosa with stricture of the lower rectum. An ulcer, 2.7 cm in diameter, was found in one patient but not the other. Rectal biopsy under sigmoidoscopy demonstrated non-specific inflammation, without evidence of malignancy. Because of the intractable symptoms and the inability to discriminate between malignant and benign conditions, exploratory laparotomy was performed, followed by low anterior resection of the rectum. Histological examination of both specimens showed submucosal rectal fibrosis with a non-specific ulceration in one. These findings were compatible with SRUS. The patients' symptoms improved dramatically after the resection and they remain well, five months and one year after surgery. Awareness of this rare anorectal condition is necessary for appropriate management particularly to avoid unnecessary abdomino-perineal resection.