Pleural flap for delayed presentation of intrathoracic esophageal perforation

The authors report 2 cases of large intrathoracic esophageal perforation, as a complication of foreign body in 2 boys, 4 and 9-years-old. The delay in diagnosis was more than 36 hours in both cases that were treated successfully by a large pleural flap. Postoperatively, solid oral feeding was initiated after 2 weeks. Although gastrostomy was not performed on both patients, in cases of large esophageal perforation, it is recommended to establish early feeding and prevent aggressive vomiting

Perioperative blood transfusion at king Abdulaziz University Hospital, Geddah

One hundred consecutive perioperative blood transfusions in non-traumatized patients were studied at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The study found that, the crossmatched transfusion's ratio was acceptable but there were unnecessary blood transfusions especially if patients transfused only intraoperatively or post-operatively. To improve blood utilization and avoid unnecessary blood transfusions it is recommend that: initiation of peer review for blood transfusions; promotion of autologous blood transfusion; initiation of prospective study to look into indications, proper utilization [applying maximum surgical blood ordering system] and analysis of complications and hazards of blood transfusions

Gossypiboma: unusual treatment for a usual presentation: a case report

A case of gossypiboma with intra-abdominal abscess and subsequent gastric fistula which was successfully managed by percutaneous removal of the retained sponge is presented. The English literature is reviewed