Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain as a Consequence of Botulinum Toxin a and the Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Abdominal wall surgery has been one of the major victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large number of patients who have seen their surgery delayed and many are still waiting to be operated on today. On the other hand, botulinum toxin is one of the main protagonists in optimizing abdominal wall surgery, especially important in complex hernia, but we must not forget that it can have adverse effects. Case report: We present the case of a 54-year-old man with a history of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic renal failure and kidney transplant in 2000, who presented a midline incisional hernia as a result of an epigastric hernia operated on in 2006 and subsequently two onlay permanent synthetic mesh in 2010 and 2015. In February 2020 he presented an incisional hernia M2-4W3R3 with a volume of 35%, botox was infiltrated as optimization for surgery and while awaiting placement of a pneumoperitoneum catheter, the surgery was suspended due to the COVID-19 situation. He returns to our clinics in 2022 with a growth of the hernia and a volume of 95%. Weight loss, botulinum toxin and preoperative pneumoperitoneum were indicated. We performed a reconstruction of the abdominal wall with bilateral transversus abdominal release and preperitoneal 45x60cm polyvinylidene fluoride mesh and abdominoplasty. Discussion(s): Botulinum toxin can facilitate abdominal surgery, especially in complex hernias, but we must not forget that blocking the abdominal muscles can have adverse effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on surgical waiting lists, delaying surgeries and aggravating pathologies.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum and soft tissue emphysema as complication in patients with COVID-19, series of cases.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and soft tissue emphysema have been recently described in several sources as possible complications in patients with severe COVID-19 and lung damage. This clinical case is dedicated to demonstrarte the development of these lesions in 3 male patients with comorbid conditions. The putative pathophysiological mechanism of these complications is air leakage due to extensive diffuse alveolar damage followed by rupture of the alveoli. All presented patients had a favorable outcome of the disease without lethal cases, their laboratory data and clinical dynamics were described. It should be noted that such conditions are not rare complications of COVID-19, and are observed mainly in male patients with severe form of the disease and the presence of comorbid conditions. Such complications are associated with long hospitalization and a severe prognosis. In some cases, with a mild course of the disease and positive dynamics in a decrease of the percentage of pulmonary lesions, the outcome is favorable, not requiring additional invasive interventions.Copyright © 2022 Medical Visualization. All rights reserved.

Perforated Stress Ulcer of the Duodenum: a Case of an Unexpected Diagnosis in a COVID-19 Patient Following Dilatation and Curettage Procedure.

Background: Stress ulcers in the upper gastrointestinal tract can arise from pathologies related to erosive or inflammatory insults in critically ill patients. The relationship between stressful bodily events and the ischemia and perforation of stress ulcers is poorly understood. Objective: We present a case of perforated stress ulcer following an abortion that was treated by dilatation and curettage (D&C) and complicated by a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Case presentation: A 40-year-old lady presented to the emergency room complaining of diffuse abdominal pain, she was recently diagnosed with an incomplete abortion and managed via a D&C procedure in an external hospital. A computed tomography (CT) scan was done at our center for the abdomen and pelvis, showing extensive pneumoperitoneum, which brought the radiologist's attention to suspect a small bowel perforation presumably accompanying a uterine perforation secondary to the D&C. There were no obvious signs of pelvic small bowel perforation in the initial CT images. The perforated duodenal stress ulcer was diagnosed the next day by a new CT scan following oral contrast ingestion and managed surgically by repair and omental patch, and no other bowel perforations were found upon surgical exploration. After the surgery, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19, and her clinical status deteriorated gradually during the following week, and she passed away from a cardiac arrest. Conclusion: It is unclear whether septic abortion or COVID-19 has resulted in stress ulcer perforation in our patient. This case report highlights the importance of raising early suspicion in the diagnosis of stress ulcer perforation in critically ill patients to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Tension pneumothorax in a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia initially misdiagnosed as volvulus.

Tension pneumothorax is a condition that can present with a myriad of symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and tachycardia. If left untreated, these signs and symptoms can progress to shock causing haemodynamic collapse and even death. At times, it may be difficult to identify tension pneumothorax. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with a prolonged initial hospital course that eventually led to a diagnosis of tension pneumothorax with the use of CT scans rather than traditional X-rays. This case reinforces the idea that clinicians should have a wide differential diagnosis in mind when dealing with vague symptoms and should not hesitate to use different diagnostic modalities to help confirm a diagnosis.

Extrapulmonary COVID-19 Presents As Spontaneous Small Bowel Perforation.

SARS-CoV2 is a well-recognized pathogen with a myriad of presenting symptoms. Well-documented pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hematologic complications have occurred during the global COVID-19 pandemic. While gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly reported extrapulmonary symptom of COVID-19, the incidence of primary perforation has not been widely reported. In this case report, we describe a spontaneous small bowel perforation in a patient who was incidentally found to be COVID-19 positive. This peculiar case underlies the continued evolution of SARS-CoV2 understanding and potential unknown complications of the virus.

Ileal perforation in a tocilizumab-treated patient with rheumatoid arthritis in SARS-CoV- 2 infection

Introduction: Tocilizumab, a monoclonal anti-interleukin- 6 receptor antibody, has been widely used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Gastrointestinal perforation is a rare but critical complication that occurs in patients treated with tocilizumab. In the COVID-19 pandemic, tocilizumab has been recently highlighted for its beneficial effect in reducing the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients. In this current study, we report the ileal perforation in a COVID-19 confirmed patient who had received tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Case Presentation: A 57-year- old woman with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension presented to our emergency room with abrupt onset of severe abdominal pain and nausea. Physical examination revealed direct and indirect tenderness of the whole abdomen. She had a history of COVID-19 infection 1 month ago and recovered without severe complications. She also has been treated for rheumatoid arthritis, and the disease activity has been maintained low with the administration of tocilizumab since 2019. The latest administration of tocilizumab to the patient was 2 weeks ago. The plain radiograph of the abdomen showed intraperitoneal free air suggesting pneumoperitoneum. The abdominal computed tomography was also conducted to find the origin of free extraluminal air, and it revealed heterogenous wall enhancement of the ileal loop and the mesenteric haziness. The emergency surgery was performed, and the ileal perforation was noted. The small bowel segmental resection was performed through the surgical procedure. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 has been founded to cause gastrointestinal inflammation. The use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients should be carefully conducted because it could act as a permissive of gastrointestinal perforation. Furthermore, the physician should be aware of the possible complication of tocilizumab because early diagnosis and timely management are crucial to preventing high mortality complications.

Incidence of Air Leak Syndrome in Pediatric Patients with Sars-Cov-2 Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Air Leak syndromes (ALS), such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumoperitoneum, have been observed in adult patients with respiratory failure secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with an incidence of approximately ~ 1%. Our aim is to describe the incidence of ALS in children with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted with respiratory failure to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at 2 large Pediatric Children's Hospitals. METHOD(S): IRB exempted retrospective search of electronic medical record data from patients admitted to the PICUs (Wolfson Children's Hospital and UF Health Shands Children's Hospital) with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with respiratory failure from March 1st, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was done with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR performed on nasopharyngeal swab. RESULT(S): 104 patients met criteria for inclusion. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 18 years old. Twelve patients (11.5%) presented with or developed ALS including pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumoperitoneum. Of the twelve patients with ALS, three required a chest tube, two were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and three died. CONCLUSION(S): ALS, with an incidence of 11.5%, are not uncommon in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and respiratory failure. ALS contribute to morbidity and was associated with a mortality rate of 25%. To understand if SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia has an intrinsic pathobiology that predispose to ALS, we will perform a propensity score matching with a cohort group considering age-severity of illness and intensity of interventions.

[Spontaneous idiopathic pneumoperitoneum in a patient with COVID-19]. / Spontannyi idiopaticheskii pnevmoperitoneum u patsienta s COVID-19.

The authors present a patient with COVID-19 and spontaneous idiopathic pneumoperitoneum. A 77-year-old man suffering from coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and cognitive disorders was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and COVID-19. Oxygen support through a face mask was prescribed. After 21 days, oxygen saturation decrease and mild abdominal symptoms required CT-based examination. Pneumoperitoneum without pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum was revealed. Explorative laparotomy found no abdominal diseases. According to the literature, spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in patients with COVID-19 is usually associated with high pressure oxygen therapy, but not always associated with intrathoracic complications. Conservative treatment may be appropriate in patients with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum, but any unclear findings can require surgery.

INTRAMEDULLARY GAS: A NEW FEATURE THAT PORTENDS A POOR PROGNOSIS IN COVID-19?

SESSION TITLE: Lessons Learned from Critical Care Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Air outside the lungs, bowel, or paranasal cavities suggests critical pathology. Pneumoperitoneum is a classic example in which free abdominal air may signify hollow viscus injury and the need for emergent surgical management. Ectopic gas can also be secondary to barotrauma secondary to mechanical ventilation and concurrent lung injury;the latter being findings often observed in COVID pneumonia (1,2,3). Our case of extensive intramedullary gas in the setting of COVID pneumonia is an example of extensive dissecting air related to barotrauma, but also illustrates how it mimics dire cases of pneumoperitoneum. Therefore, it is an imaging finding that intensivists caring for COVID pneumonia patients should be aware of. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old male with mild restrictive lung disease from congenital scoliosis developed COVID pneumonia and hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation. Clinical course was complicated by renal failure, deep venous thromboses, and radial artery occlusion. CT evaluation revealed large volume upper abdominal pre-peritoneal gas, pneumoperitoneum, soft tissue and intramedullary gas within bilateral ribs and multiple vertebral bodies. Despite reassuring abdominal exams, the patient deteriorated. The patient was placed on comfort care and expired. DISCUSSION: Intramedullary gas refers to the presence of air within the cortical or trabecular bone, bone marrow, or medullary cavity. It is an exceedingly rare imaging finding which was first described in ischemic vertebral collapse and osteomyelitis (4,5). Differential diagnosis includes infection, trauma, degenerative and iatrogenic causes (5,6). Embryologically, fascial layers of the thorax and periosteal coverings of the thoracic osseous structures are derived from the mesoderm, thus creating a continuum between the lungs, surrounding soft tissues, peritoneum, and surrounding osseous structures, and therefore allowing gas to travel between the lung and intramedullary space (7). As cases of COVID pneumonia with ARDS increase, we are becoming aware of the increasing incidence of ectopic air, and the poor prognosis and increased mortality that results (1). Therefore, the finding of intramedullary gas is an important prognostic indicator that the clinician should be aware of. CONCLUSIONS: Several recent studies demonstrate increased mortality in COVID patients who develop ectopic gas as a result of barotrauma and/or acute lung injury (1,2,3). As such the clinician should be aware of these findings, which include pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum, pre-peritoneal air, and intramedullary gas for early recognition. Reference #1: 1. Lemmers DHL, Abu Hilal M, Bnà C, Prezioso C, Cavallo E, Nencini N, Crisci S, Fusina F, Natalini G. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19: barotrauma or lung frailty? ERJ Open Res. 2020 Nov 16;6(4):00385-2020. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00385-2020. PMID: 33257914;PMCID: PMC7537408. Reference #2: 2. Guven BB, Erturk T, Kompe Ö, Ersoy A. Serious complications in COVID-19 ARDS cases: pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and haemothorax. Epidemiol Infect. 2021 Jun 8;149:e137. doi: 10.1017/S0950268821001291. PMID: 34099076;PMCID: PMC8207553. Reference #3: 3. Tetaj N, Garotto G, Albarello F, Mastrobattista A, Maritti M, Stazi GV, Marini MC, Caravella I, Macchione M, De Angelis G, Busso D, Di Lorenzo R, Scarcia S, Farina A, Centanni D, Vargas J, Savino M, Carucci A, Antinori A, Palmieri F, D'Offizi G, Ianniello S, Taglietti F, Campioni P, Vaia F, Nicastri E, Girardi E, Marchioni L, Icu Covid-Study Group. Incidence of Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum in 497 COVID-19 Patients with Moderate-Severe ARDS over a Year of the Pandemic: An Observational Study in an Italian Third Level COVID-19 Hospital. J Clin Med. 2021 Nov 29;10(23):5608. doi: 10.3390/jcm10235608. PMID: 34884310;PMCID: PMC8658701. DISCLOSURES: Researc support relationship with 4D Medical Please note: March 2021 Added 04/04/2022 by Anu Brixey, value=Grant/Research Support No relevant relationships by raluca mccallum

Severe Thoracic and Abdominal Surgical Emphysema in a Patient with COVID-19 Pneumonia

Introduction: Surgical emphysema is a relatively common occurrence in intensive care unit but its degree of spread in our patient is unusual. We present a case of a young adult with rapid widespread crepitus and worsening respiratory dynamics. Case description: 35-year-old male with hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity was invasively ventilated for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. He developed reduced chest compliance, required high driving pressures, and had persistent hypoxia despite a high fraction of inspired oxygen. He was ventilated using protocolised ARDSNet lung protective ventilation (LPV) including periods of ventilation in the prone position. After 19 days of ventilation, worsening surgical emphysema was noted following a tracheostomy. Chest radiography demonstrated extensive extra-pulmonary air. Subsequent computed tomography confirmed widespread surgical emphysema from the face to the scrotum, bilateral pneumothoraces and pneumoperitoneum. Bilateral intercostal drains were inserted and LPV was continued. The pneumoperitoneum resolved with conservative management. The patient was mechanically ventilated for 59 days and was discharged home on day 104. Discussion: Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema can occur following high-pressure ventilation and surgical tracheostomy. However, pneumoperitoneum with extra-alveolar air collections communicating via potential fascial planes, perivascular sheaths or trans-diaphragmatic extension is rare. The cytokine storm postulated to occur in COVID-19 infection may cause alveolar destruction, leading to Macklin's phenomenon whereby air tracks along peri-bronchial vascular sheaths towards the mediastinum following alveolar rupture. In this patient, prolonged ventilation and high airway pressures probably compounded this effect and led to the complications described.

Rare case of pneumoperitoneum in nonintubated COVID-19 patient.

We report a rare case of a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 presented to the emergency department where supplementary oxygen is delivered via noninvasive face mask ventilation. X-ray imaging confirmed the existence of pneumoperitoneum. CT scan was not applicable due to the advanced status of the patient.

SPONTANEOUS CECAL PERFORATION IN COVID-19 - AN UNCOMMON MANIFESTATION

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are the most frequently reported extrapulmonary symptoms of COVID-19 infection with a prevalence of 10%-50%. Most common ones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. GI perforation especially spontaneous colonic perforations are rare in the disease course. METHODS: We report the case of a patient with COVID-19 infection, who developed cecal perforation while recovering from COVID pneumonia, necessitating emergent surgical treatment, and the current literature was reviewed. CASE PRESENTATION: 65-year-old male presented to the hospital with shortness of breath, myalgias and fever. He was admitted to ICU secondary to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID 19 pneumonia. He was treated with steroids, tocilizumab and remdesivir. On day-11, he developed severe abdominal pain with worsening leukocytosis. His CXR showed air under diaphragm and abdominal CT showed large pneumoperitoneum, suggestive of a perforated viscus. He underwent emergent laparotomy and was found to have non-obstructive cecal perforation. A colonic de-tension and right colectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis was performed and he was successfully discharged later. The tissue pathology showed distended colon, active colitis, transmural granulocytic inflammation, micro-abscesses, and ulceration suggestive of bowel perforation. DISCUSSIONS: ACE2 protein, a cell receptor for SARS-CoV-2, has been found in glandular cells of gastrointestinal epithelia. Direct viral infection, small vessel thrombosis, or nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia are some possible explanations for the spectrum of bowel findings. SARS-CoV-2 can have direct inflammatory effect on vascular endothelium too. Use of steroids, tocilizumab and systemic coagulopathy seen in severe COVID-19 infection also contributes to these manifestations. In our patient, an acute over-distension of colon, without mechanical distal obstruction, in the setting of COVID-19 infection & tocilizumab led to cecal perforation. Our literature review confirmed only 33 case-reports or series of bowel perforation (either as presenting symptom or during hospital course) in the setting of COVID-19 infection have been reported, with combined 28.5% mortality rate and 5 studies not reporting the outcome. Considering the worldwide incidence of this pandemic, it is a rare complication. CONCLUSIONS: GI perforation is a rare but dangerous complication of COVID19. Treatment with interleukin- 6 inhibitors or steroids is often associated in most cases. As we are gaining more knowledge about clinical spectrum of this novel disease, we are learning more about its possible rare expression, associations, and complications. Our case underlines the need to be vigilant for severe GI symptoms in setting of COVID-19 infection to enrich our understanding of this pandemic and as a result improve patients' outcome. (Figure Presented)

JEJUNAL PERFORATION SECONDARY TO KICK DURING KICK-BOXING PRACTICE: LAPAROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT

Small bowel injury in a sports setting is a rare occurrence with a paucity of reported cases. A 30-year old male patient consulted for generalized abdominal pain subsequent to secondary blunt abdominal trauma during kick-boxing practice. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a moderate amount of free fluid in both the parietocolic space and the rectovesical pouch, with perihepatic pneumoperitoneum. Emergency laparoscopy was indicated and a closure of small bowel defect was performed. Diagnosis of small bowel injuries is difficult, resulting in delayed treatment and increased mortality and morbidity.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum and soft tissue emphysema as complication in patients with COVID-19, series of cases

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and soft tissue emphysema have been recently described in several sources as possible complications in patients with severe COVID-19 and lung damage. This clinical case is dedicated to demonstrarte the development of these lesions in 3 male patients with comorbid conditions. The putative pathophysiological mechanism of these complications is air leakage due to extensive diffuse alveolar damage followed by rupture of the alveoli. All presented patients had a favorable outcome of the disease without lethal cases, their laboratory data and clinical dynamics were described. It should be noted that such conditions are not rare complications of COVID-19, and are observed mainly in male patients with severe form of the disease and the presence of comorbid conditions. Such complications are associated with long hospitalization and a severe prognosis. In some cases, with a mild course of the disease and positive dynamics in a decrease of the percentage of pulmonary lesions, the outcome is favorable, not requiring additional invasive interventions. © 2022 Medical Visualization. All rights reserved.

Under Pressure: Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with Resultant Cardiac Tamponade Influencing the Decision to Initiate Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation

IntroductionWe present a case of a rare but serious adverse consequence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 infection: spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium resulting in cardiac tamponade. Case descriptionA 35 year old unvaccinated female with a history of degenerative disc disease, Sjogren's disease, and mild persistent asthma presented with COVID-19 pneumonia. On admission, she required near-maximum heated high flow oxygen, yet desaturated with minimal movement. Three days later, she noted sharp chest pain with worsening oxygenation. Chest radiograph revealed diffuse subcutaneous air with concern for bilateral pneumothoraces, and follow up CT revealed pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. She was subsequently intubated. She ultimately developed signs of obstructive shock, and an emergent chest CT demonstrated tamponade physiology on the heart from the mediastinal air. Bedside echocardiogram was unable to be performed due to air surrounding the heart. At this time, her Murray score was 3.8, and discussions began regarding transfer to a referral center for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Given her tenuous hemodynamics and the prospect of transfer in a low-pressure aircraft, a mediastinotomy tube was placed with a large air leak, tidaling of the tube, and improvement in hemodynamics. On arrival at the ECMO center (Saint Joseph Hospital), her tamponade physiology had improved, but she was requiring progressively higher ventilator pressures due to her severe ARDS. Her extensive pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema would likely only be worsened by higher positive end-expiratory pressures. Due to this complex physiology, she was deemed a VVECMO candidate and was cannulated the day after transfer. Following cannulation, her pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum improved, and eventually her mediastinotomy tube no longer demonstrated an air leak or tidaling. As such, it was removed and her hemodynamics remained stable with no evidence of recurrent tamponade. DiscussionThis presented a unique case in which the choice for VVECMO was influenced not only by severity of ARDS, but also by the complicating factor of positive pressure ventilation causing worsening tamponade physiology due to spontaneous tension pneumomediastinum. Additionally, this case adds to the reports of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 infection, as our patient had no history of trauma or barotrauma before this occurred. On literature review, we have only found one other case report in which a tension pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 required bedside mediastinotomy. Physicians should be aware of this potentially fatal complication and expedite referral to an ECMO center.

Pneumoperitoneum in Perforated Appendicitis in the COVID Pandemic:A Case Report

Introduction and Importance Pneumoperitoneum, presenting as air under the diaphragm on a plain erect chest X-ray, is most often an indication of perforation of a hollow viscus, however it is a rare consequence of acute appendicitis. Case Presentation We report a case of a 54-year-old man who presented with severe epigastric pain and an acute abdomen. The presumptive diagnosis of perforated viscus could not be confirmed with computed tomography, which led to a misdiagnosis. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed perforated gangrenous appendicitis. Clinical Discussion The current COVID pandemic has resulted in delayed and severe presentations of acute pathologies, in terms of appendicitis, with perforation. The appendix, albeit being a hollow viscus, rarely presents with pneumoperitoneum when perforated, this can be explained by the pathogenesis of appendicitis. However, two mechanisms have been propounded to explain the relationship between pneumoperitoneum and perforated appendicitis;the absence of a fecalith or lymphoid hyperplasia or the presence of gas forming bacteria. In attempts to comply with COVID recommendations in the operation theatre, diagnostic laparoscopy was carried out, however the patient was already prepped, positioned and ports were in place for omental patch repair and abdominal lavage. This proved to be futile and additional measures were taken lengthening operation time, such as additional port introduction and repositioning to facilitate the appendectomy. Conclusion The purpose of reporting this case is to highlight that pneumoperitoneum can be rarely associated with gangrenous appendicitis and timely diagnosis is important for the emergency management of this condition during the COVID pandemic.

COVID-19 Infection Related Bowel Perforation.

During an ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel virus, new discoveries about its complications and treatment are made every day. Bowel perforation is another rarely reported complication due to the virus itself leading to ischemia or can be due to the treatment with antiviral drugs that reduces the integrity of epithelial barriers. This makes the bowel more prone to perforation even in patients with no prior history of bowel disease. We report a case of bowel perforation in a 72-year-old male patient with severe COVID-19 infection.

Clinical outcomes of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in minimally invasive urological surgery.

The adoption of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques has revolutionised urological practice. This necessitates a pneumoperitoneum (PNP) and the impact the PNP pressure has on post-operative outcomes is uncertain. During the current COVID-19 era guidance has suggested the utilisation of lower PNP pressures to mitigate the risk of intra-operative viral transmission. Review the current literature regarding the impact of pneumoperitoneum pressure, within the field of urology, on post-operative outcomes. A search of the PubMed, Medline and EMBASE databases was undertaken to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were adhered to. Ten studies, that included both randomised controlled trials and retrospective case series reviews, were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The effect of PNP pressure on outcomes following prostatectomy, live donor nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and a variety of benign upper tract procedures were discussed. Low pressure PNP appears safe when compared to high pressure PNP, potentially reducing post-operative pain and rates of ileus. When compared to general surgery, there is a lack of quality evidence investigating the impact of PNP pressures on outcomes within urology. Low pressure PNP appears non-inferior to high pressure PNP. More research is required to validate this finding, particularly post-cystectomy and nephrectomy.