Holy Foley: Iatrogenic Duodenal Obstruction From a Make-Shift Gastrostomy Tube

Introduction: Enteral feeding is a physiologic process of providing adequate nutrition and has been shown to improve both mortality and quality of life in patients with inadequate oral intake. Improved critical care medicine and recent wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has left us with a large proportion of patients needing alternative enteral nutrition. Although rare, intussusception is an important differential for patients presenting with acute abdominal pain post makeshift percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. Case Description/Methods: A 58-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for coffee ground emesis over three days accompanied with epigastric pain. He had right sided hemiparesis secondary to cerebrovascular accident with PEG tube for enteral nutrition. Examination was significant for epigastric tenderness with normal bowel sounds. PEG tube aspiration revealed bile-tinged fluid. Significant labs included white blood cell count of 11,600 /mm3, hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL, and lactic acid of 2.3 mmol/L. A computerized tomography of the abdomen with IV contrast showed a small segment duodeno-duodenal intussusception at the horizontal segment around the distal end of the tube was noted (Figure A). An urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a Foley catheter acting as a makeshift PEG tube extending across the pylorus into the duodenum. The distal tip of the Foley catheter was visualized with an inflated balloon seen in the third portion of the duodenum (Figure B) The inflated catheter balloon acted as a lead point causing intussusception in a ball-valve effect. The balloon was deflated, and the catheter was replaced (Figure C) with a 20 Fr PEG tube. Discussion(s): Gastric outlet obstruction is an uncommon complication reported in few cases caused by migration of the gastrostomy tube. Rarely this migrating gastrostomy tube can invaginate the duodenum or the jejunum causing intussusception. Only handful of cases have been reported in the literature. Patients usually present with epigastric pain, vomiting or rarely hematemesis. CT scan of the abdomen is the investigation of choice. Amidst the pandemic and supply shortage, Foley catheters have been deemed as a viable alternative to gastrostomy tubes and are being used more often. It is important to recognize this rare complication and use of balloon catheter should raise further suspicion. Timely endoscopic intervention can help avoid bowel necrosis and surgical intervention.

Parietex Mini Male Sling for Stress Urinary Incontinence at the Time of Three Piece Penile Prosthesis: Technique and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and climacturia are often comorbid with erectile dysfunction (ED) post prostatectomy. While the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is the gold standard surgical option for ED, there are many surgical options for male SUI as well as climacturia including bulking agents, Virtue male sling, AdVance>= male sling, mini Jupette with IPP, and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). We present our technique and outcomes for mini male sling (MMS) with IPP insertion for mild SUI and climacturia using a hydrophilic monofilament polyester mesh. METHOD(S): After obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective review of all IPPs performed by a single high volume surgeon was performed. Those men who underwent IPP insertion with concomitant MMS were analyzed. The technique of MMS placement involves measurement of an approximately 5x3cm Parietex>= mesh (Covidien, MN) and overlying this ventrally over the bulbar urethra. The Parietex>= mesh includes a hydrophilic absorbable collagen film to minimize tissue reaction and risk of erosion. The lateral edges of the mesh are sutured to the 3- and 9 o'clock positions on the left and right corporal bodies, respectively, using a nonabsorbable, braided suture in an interrupted fashion. Mesh is sutured just proximal to the corporotomy sites. Tightness of mesh was measured using the proximal end of a Debakey forceps, with ease of passage when IPP deflated and inability to pass forceps when IPP inflated indicative of proper sizing. RESULT(S): A total of 63 men underwent IPP with MMS between January 2018 and October 2022. All patients had ED after radical prostatectomy. Average patient age was 67 years old, and average IPP size was 21cm with 1cm rear tip extender (RTE). A total of 59 men had SUI, with average pad per day (PPD) of 1.5. Twenty-five men with SUI had comorbid climacturia, and 4 men had preoperative climacturia without SUI. Average PPD post IPP with MMS was 0.1. Of the 29 men with preoperative climacturia, only one did not have resolution of his symptoms post MMS. There was only one reported complication of acute urinary retention requiring temporary foley catheter placement. Two patients required subsequent AUS insertion for persistent SUI. There were no reported cases of infection or mesh erosion. CONCLUSION(S): The hydrophilic Parietex>= mesh is a safe, easy to use, nonreactive, and effective material for mini male sling insertion at the time of IPP placement for men with ED and mild/moderate SUI or climacturia.

Recurrent intussusception with ileal perforation as a complication of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome in a pediatric patient

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare congenital condition, characterized by multiple venous malformations that may involve any organ system, most commonly the skin or the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions are often responsible for chronic blood loss and secondary anemia, and in rare situations may cause severe complications such as intussusception, volvulus, and intestinal infarction. Intussusception as a complication of BRBNS, although a known complication of the disease, has rarely been reported, especially in the Philippines. In the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, only 2 cases of BRBNS are currently included in the organization, including the patient presented in the case report. The treatment of BRBNS that involves the gastrointestinal tract depends on the extent of intestinal involvement and severity of the disease. The treatment aims to preserve the GI tract as much as possible due to the high recurrence in the disease. In this case report, we present a 13 year-old male with BRBNS with previous history of intussusception, successfully managed conservatively;however, upon recurrence, underwent exploratory laparotomy wherein a subcentimeter perforation in the antimesenteric border of the proximal ileum was noted, together with a gangrenous intussuscipiens, and multiple mulberry-like formations on the antimesenteric border of the small bowels. Histopathological findings of the resected bowels showed multiple cavernous hemangiomas consistent with BRBNS. The postoperative course of the patient was unremarkable.Copyright © 2023 The Authors

Abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding in adolescence associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Background: With a prevalence of 1-3 cases per million, acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by the presence of neutralizing antibodies against factor VIII. Even though diagnosis of this bleeding disorder is rarely established among children and adolescents, AHA may lead to severe, life-threatening hemorrhage in this age group, and therefore it requires special caution. Case report: 19 year old primigravida with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was admitted to hospital due to prolonged vaginal bleeding six weeks postpartum. All gynaecological causes of uterine bleeding were excluded, Foley catheter was placed, but the bleeding still persisted. Coagulation tests revealed isolated deranged aPTT values. Further haematology evaluation demonstrated factor VIII deficiency, presence of factor VIII inhibiting factors, and the diagnosis of AHA was proposed. The anti-inhibitor coagulant complex drug was introduced and patient has responded positively to the treatment. Conclusion(s): Due to disturbance of immune system, pregnancy and postpartum period represent predilection time for AHA development. Furthermore, viral infection in pregnancy, such as COVID-19, might be considered as an additional risk factor for AHA development and several reported cases of AHA after COVID-19 infection support this hypothesis. Even though AHA is a rare disease, due to its high mortality rate of more than 20%, it should be considered in all cases of unusual bleeding of unknown cause in all age groups. Publication of this case report is approved by Institutional Review Board.Copyright © 2023

NEW YORK CITY COVID-19 CONSULTS: AN ALGORITHM FOR SAFE, EFFICIENT, QUALITY CARE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 created immense anxiety amongst caregivers and unique strain on healthcare resources which is ongoing. We created a protocol to address this by examining the nature of consults (C) during the pandemic, describe which C needed to be managed in-person, and demonstrated that remote management of many C is appropriate. METHODS: A REDCAP database was used over a six weeks to record urology C at our institution. Data included COVID-status of the patient, reason for C, patient characteristics, and type of intervention required. RESULTS: We received 154 C during the study period. 53% were evaluated in person. 47% were managed remotely. Most common reasons for C were difficult foley catheter placement (21%), obstructing stones(16%), retention (14%) and hematuria (12%). Less common entities included priapism (3%) and Fournier's gangrene (3%). At the time of C 58% were COVID negative, 30% were COVID positive. After evaluation, 44% of C needed no intervention, 27% required a foley, 8% required bladder irrigation and 4% required stenting or nephrostomy placement. Outcomes of those evaluated remotely did not reflect any issues with the care rendered. Fig 1 represents C requests and Fig 2 interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a higher percentage of C during COVID-19 requiring intervention compared to pre-COVID literature which we successfully identified. 44% did not require acute in-patient intervention. We have shown there is an important role that remote care can and should play in our specialty. Not all C need hands on intervention and studies such as this will result in a safe and logical algorithm for the management of C. With this approach, it became very apparent that not all C are appropriate. This can lead to enhancing the skill set of other house staff. Lastly, the lack of urgency of a large percentage of what we are consulted for becomes apparent. In the face of demands for decreased work hours amongst house staff, strained resources during the pandemic, and the anxiety of the unknown of this virus, we have been able to redefine how C services are delivered.

Seizure, abdominal pain, and urine pink in an adolescent female-what's the link?

Case Report A 17 year-old female with history of depression was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from an emergency department (ED) for first time seizure and subsequent encephalopathy after five days of severe, diffuse abdominal pain and vomiting. The night prior to admission, she complained of lightheadedness and then had a witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 45 seconds. She initially returned to her baseline but then had three additional seizures requiring ED evaluation. She received intravenous doses of lorazepam and levetiracetam that aborted the clinical seizures. She remained encephalopathic and was orotracheally intubated for airway protection. Family denied known ingestions but reported she did vape nicotine. Urine drug screen was positive for benzodiazepines, consistent with seizure management. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unrevealing. Urinalysis showed moderate ketones and trace blood. Urine pregnancy test and nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction were negative. Head computerized tomography scan showed no intracranial pathology. On arrival to the PICU, the patient was afebrile, tachycardic, and hypertensive to 171/118 mmHg. She was somnolent on arrival but aroused to sternal rub without focal neurologic deficit. She presented with a Foley catheter that drained pinkorange urine. A nicardipine infusion was started given concern for the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Thyroid function tests were consistent with euthyroid sick syndrome. BioFire meningitis panel, plasma SARS-CoV-2 IgG, and toxicologic evaluation were all negative. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed cortical and subcortical areas of diffusion restriction consistent with PRES. Ultimately, a random urine porphobilinogen and a 24-hour measurement of urine porphyrins collected on hospital day 1 were both markedly elevated. A diagnosis of Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) was made. A gastrointestinal porphyria specialist was consulted and recommended monthly outpatient injections of givosiran upon hospital discharge. Discussion This case illustrates the importance of considering AIP in the differential diagnosis of new onset seizure or encephalopathy associated with hypertension, tachycardia, and abdominal pain in an adolescent. This case also adds to a small number of cases associating AIP with PRES. AIP is often viewed as an adult disease because it typically presents in the third or fourth decade of life. Timely recognition of AIP in the pediatric setting is critical to preventing delays in diagnosis, treatment, and patient education on triggers of acute attacks. AIP attacks are treated with dextrose and hemin infusions to reduce production of porphyrin precursors. Prophylactic treatment of AIP now includes givosiran, an interfering mRNA that reduces levels of intermediates in heme synthesis that are neurotoxic when elevated.

Inpatient versus outpatient transcervical Foley catheter use for cervical ripening: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the difference in time from hospital admission to delivery when undergoing inpatient versus outpatient cervical ripening with a transcervical Foley catheter. Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial of patients with singleton pregnancies, Bishop Score ≤ 6 and at least 37 weeks’ gestation, undergoing labor induction at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Patients were randomized to outpatient or inpatient cervical ripening with a Foley catheter. Inpatients received concurrent oxytocin. Outpatients returned 12 hours after Foley placement, and on arrival oxytocin was initiated if the balloon was still in place. Foleys were removed if in place after 12-18 hours, and labor induction initiated with oxytocin as needed. The primary outcome was the difference in time from admission to delivery. A maternal satisfaction survey was also administered. Unpaired t-tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test were performed to estimate differences in outcomes between the inpatient and outpatient arms of the study. Results: Enrollment commenced January 2016 and continued until November 2020, after randomizing 30 patients (n=15 per group). The study was terminated prematurely due to low enrollment and temporary suspension during COVID-19. There was no significant difference in time from admission to delivery between outpatient and inpatient groups (14.5 ± 6.1 versus 18.9 ± 8.2 hours, P=.11). The total induction time was shorter for the inpatient group (24.9 ± 6.8 versus 17.3 ± 9.4 hours, P=.02). There were no differences in other maternal or neonatal outcomes (P>.05). Maternal satisfaction was similar between groups on a 1-10 scale (8.6 ± 1.7 versus 8.9 ± 1.0, P=.53), and all patients felt safe. Conclusion: No difference in the primary outcome of time from admission to delivery was noted between inpatient and outpatient cervical ripening with a Foley catheter;however, this may be a result of inadequate power related to early termination. Consistent with past studies, outpatient balloon cervical ripening appears to be safe, and overall satisfaction was high. [Formula presented] [Formula presented]