Overview of complications associated with epidermolysis bullosa: A multicenter retrospective clinical analysis of 152 cases.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease of skin and mucosa which may causes surgical complications. We review these in a large patient cohort from Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at 21 centers between 2003 and 2020. Demographic data and information on EB type [Simplex (EBA), Dystrophic (DEB) and Junctional (JEB)]. The dataset included clinical features, operations, surgical complications, and treatment. RESULTS: There were 152 (63 male) children with EB [EBS n = 93 (61.2%); DEB n = 30 (19.7%); JEB n = 25 (16.4%), and Kindler syndrome n = 4, (2.6%)]. Children with JEB and DEB tended to have a higher frequency of skin and musculoskeletal system complications (skin cancer, pseudosyndactyly and recurrent skin infection). Esophageal strictures were mostly seen in DEB (n = 19, 63%) and to a lesser extent in EBS (n = 20, 21%) and JEB (n = 4, 16%). Pyloric atresia was uncommon (n = 4) and limited to those with JEB. Percutaneous gastrostomy for feeding support was used in all types. Ankyloglossia was common but often recurred (76%) after division. Circumcision was usually safe and complication-free in male children except in those with severe JEB. Phimosis was reported in 10% of uncircumcised patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our series showed that surgeons play a key role in the management of some complications associated with EB. It is also important to be aware of the particular sub-type as this can predict the natural history and likely response to treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Unraveling the role of salt-sensitivity genes in obesity with integrated network biology and co-expression analysis.

Obesity is a multifactorial disease caused by complex interactions between genes and dietary factors. Salt-rich diet is related to the development and progression of several chronic diseases including obesity. However, the molecular basis of how salt sensitivity genes (SSG) contribute to adiposity in obesity patients remains unexplored. In this study, we used the microarray expression data of visceral adipose tissue samples and constructed a complex protein-interaction network of salt sensitivity genes and their co-expressed genes to trace the molecular pathways connected to obesity. The Salt Sensitivity Protein Interaction Network (SSPIN) of 2691 differentially expressed genes and their 15474 interactions has shown that adipose tissues are enriched with the expression of 23 SSGs, 16 hubs and 84 bottlenecks (p = 2.52 x 10-16) involved in diverse molecular pathways connected to adiposity. Fifteen of these 23 SSGs along with 8 other SSGs showed a co-expression with enriched obesity-related genes (r ≥ 0.8). These SSGs and their co-expression partners are involved in diverse metabolic pathways including adipogenesis, adipocytokine signaling pathway, renin-angiotensin system, etc. This study concludes that SSGs could act as molecular signatures for tracing the basis of adipogenesis among obese patients. Integrated network centered methods may accelerate the identification of new molecular targets from the complex obesity genomics data.

Public perception of bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the public perception of morbid obesity and bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2016 and November 2017 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, including Saudis aged ≥18 years. Medical students, physicians, and individuals who underwent bariatric surgery were excluded. Participants were interviewed using a new, validated questionnaire.  Results: We interviewed 1,129 individuals of whom 744 (65.9%) were women. The educational level of most was a bachelor's degree. Most participants (97.7%) acknowledged the association between obesity and comorbidities. Approximately 22.7% of the participants were unaware of the bariatric surgery procedure. Approximately 18.9% considered it to be a cosmetic procedure. Approximately 50% were unaware of the correct indications for bariatric surgery, and 41.2% were unwilling to seek a bariatric surgeon's help if diagnosed with morbid obesity. These results were correlated with the participants' education level. Conclusion: Our study shows that the public perception of obesity and bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia is limited. Effective interagency coordination between surgeons, health educators, and other health care providers is required to improve public awareness.

Surgical site infection following abdominal surgery: a prospective cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications of abdominal surgery and is associated with substantial discomfort, morbidity and cost. The goal of this study was to describe the incidence, bacteriology and risk factors associated with SSI in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, all patients aged 14 years or more undergoing abdominal surgery between Feb. 1 and July 31, 2016, at a single large academic hospital were included. Patients undergoing vascular, gynecological, urological or plastic procedures were excluded. Patients were followed prospectively for 30 days. Wound assessment was done with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of SSI. We performed multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with SSI. Results: A total of 337 patients were included. The overall incidence of SSI was 16.3% (55/337); 5 patients (9%) had deep infections, and 25 (45%) had combined superficial and deep infections. The incidence of SSI in open versus laparoscopic operations was 35% versus 4% (p < 0.001). The bacteria most commonly isolated were extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, followed by Enterococcus species. Only 23% of cultured bacteria were sensitive to the prophylactic antibiotic given preoperatively. The independent predictors of SSI were open surgical approach, emergency operation, longed operation duration and male sex. Conclusion: Potentially modifiable independent risk factors for SSI after abdominal surgery including open surgical approach, contaminated wound class and emergency surgery should be addressed systematically. We recommend tailoring the antibiotic prophylactic regimen to target the commonly isolated organisms in patients at higher risk for SSI.

Contexte: L'infection de plaie opératoire (IPO) est l'une des plus fréquentes complications de la chirurgie abdominale et elle est associée à un inconfort, une morbidité et des coûts substantiels. L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire l'incidence, les données bactériologiques et les facteurs de risque associés à l'IPO chez les patients soumis à une chirurgie abdominale. Méthodes: Dans cette étude de cohorte, tous les patients de 14 ans ou plus soumis à une chirurgie abdominale entre le 1er février et le 31 juillet 2016 dans un seul grand établissement hospitalier universitaire ont été inclus. Les chirurgies vasculaires, gynécologiques, urologiques ou plastiques ont été exclues. Les patients ont été suivis de façon prospective pendant 30 jours. L'évaluation des plaies a été effectuée à partir de la définition de l'IPO des Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nous avons procédé à une analyse multivariée afin d'identifier les facteurs associés à l'IPO. Résultats: En tout, 337 patients ont été inclus. L'incidence globale des IPO a été de 16,3 % (55/337); 5 patients (9 %) ont présenté des infections profondes, et 25 (45 %) ont présenté des infections superficielles et profondes. L'incidence des IPO lors d'interventions ouvertes c. laparoscopiques a été de 35 % c. 4 % (p < 0,001). Les bactéries les plus souvent isolées étaient Escherichia coli productrices de ß-lactamases à spectre élargi, suivies du genre Enterococcus. Seulement 23 % des bactéries cultivées se sont révélées sensibles à l'antibioprophylaxie administrée avant l'intervention. Les prédicteurs indépendants d'une IPO étaient l'approche chirurgicale ouverte, le caractère urgent de l'intervention, sa durée prolongée et le fait d'être de sexe masculin. Conclusion: Dans le contexte de la chirurgie abdominale, les facteurs de risque d'IPO indépendants potentiellement modifiables, incluant l'approche ouverte, la classification de la contamination de la plaie et le caractère urgent de la chirurgie, méritent d'être systématiquement pris en compte et corrigés. Nous recommandons une antibioprophylaxie adaptée pour cibler les agents souvent isolés chez les patients exposés à un risque plus élevé d'IPO.

General and Postbariatric Nutritional Knowledge among Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of obesity and the number of bariatric surgeries are increasing in Saudi Arabia. Studies evaluating nutritional knowledge, especially in Middle Eastern countries, are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the general and postbariatric nutritional knowledge related to dietary recommendations among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 112 patients aged 18-65 years, of both genders, were recruited from the Surgical Clinics at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients' knowledge pertaining to general nutrition and consumption after bariatric surgery was assessed in relation to dietary recommendations, using a preoperative questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean general nutrition knowledge score was 42 of a maximum of 85 points (50%). Approximately 40% and 60% of patients were classified with a low and medium level of nutritional knowledge, respectively. Postbariatric nutritional knowledge among patients was very low (mean: 16/81 points). The level of education was correlated with patients' body mass index (p=0.045) and the general nutritional knowledge total score (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: General and postbariatric nutritional knowledge among Saudi bariatric patients is currently insufficient. A multicenter study involving a larger sample size with different sociodemographic characteristics is warranted to confirm these findings. The purpose of such a study would be to determine the nutritional knowledge of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and inform the implementation of educational strategies.

Bariatric surgery improves knee function and not knee pain in the early postoperative period.

BACKGROUND: Obesity remains the strongest predictor of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have reported improvement in knee pain and function post-bariatric surgery secondary to weight loss and reduced mechanical loading, yet others found increased rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in that patient population. To address this controversy, our study aimed to further assess the effect of surgically induced, "rapid" weight loss on knee pain and function. METHODS: Obese patients with chronic knee pain, who were undergoing bariatric surgery, were enrolled and surveyed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Our outcome measures were knee pain and knee function, assessed by a knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). The paired t test was used to compare pre- and postoperative KOOS scores. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between change in body mass index (BMI) with knee function, pain, and stiffness. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients was included in the study. The mean age was 35 years, with a mean preoperative BMI of 42.8. The mean difference in BMI at 3 months was 8.4 (SD3). There was a significant improvement in KOOS, - 23.2 (± 20) points, p < 0.01, most pronounced in knee function related to sport activities, with a difference of - 22.6 points, p < 0.01. Knee pain scores improved but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Surgically induced rapid weight loss significantly improved knee function, particularly related to sports. However, there was no change in knee pain. This may be related to increased high-impact knee exercises and reduced lean mass. Tailored exercise programs for bariatric surgery patients postoperatively, may improve symptoms and decrease the need for knee replacements in the long term.

Transfusion Practices Among General Surgeons at a Tertiary Care Center: a Survey Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion practices affect both patient's outcomes and utilization of institutional resources. Evidence shows that liberal blood transfusion has a detrimental effect on patient's outcome. A restrictive approach of blood transfusion is recommended by current clinical guidelines. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of general surgery (GS) staff and residents regarding peri-operative blood transfusion and anemia management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self-administered, web-based questionnaire was developed, and its link was sent to the emails of all general surgeons at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included four parts: 1) background of surgeons; 2) preoperative assessment and management of anemia; 3) post-operative blood transfusion and alternatives; and 4) enablers and barriers. RESULTS: 56 surgeons responded to the questionnaire. We found variations in blood transfusion practices, notably the hemoglobin threshold. For stable non-cardiac cases, 7 g/dL was considered the threshold by 50% of respondents. For stable patients with past cardiac disease, a higher threshold was chosen by most (9 g/dL by 43% and 10 gm/dL by 21%). Most respondents believed that transfusion had no effect on the risk of survival (73%) and on the risk of cancer recurrence (55%) after oncologic surgical resection. Recognized facilitators were the availability of scientific evidence (84%), medicolegal concerns (57%), preference (52%), and institutional protocols (50%). CONCLUSION: Although current clinical guidelines recommend a restrictive transfusion practice, most respondents tended to over-order blood for elective procedures and were not aware of the potential complications of liberal blood transfusion. To implement the restrictive transfusion policies, health institutions should improve the awareness of surgeons and incorporate a strong supporting evidence in formulating local institutional guidelines.

Level of evidence of abdominal surgery clinical research in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify and evaluate the level of evidence (LOE) of Saudi publications in abdominal surgery and correlate the obtained results with that of other similar national and international studies. Methods: Study design was a systemic review. Literature search strategy was developed to retrieve available articles between January 2000 and  December 2016 that are related to abdominal surgery utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar. Retrieved articles were analyzed in depth with several parameters, then evaluated using (OEBM) level of evidence scale. Results: One hundred and ninety-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 50.5% were level III evidence studies. The most common study design was case reports (47%), and academic institutions had the highest rate of publications (47%). Conclusion: Saudi research in abdominal surgery published between 2000-2016 are of lower quality and of III and IV LOE, which is in the consistency with other specialties. We emphasize the need for promotion of a national and institutional research studies of I and II LOE with collaboration between different health care institutions.

Transient small bowel intussusception in an adult: case report with intraoperative video and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The term intussusception refers to invagination of a segment of the gastrointestinal tract into the lumen of an adjacent segment. This is a rare entity and it is more prevalent in children and less common in adults. The diagnosis of intussusception in adults is difficult as a result of the nonspecific signs and symptoms. As there are many common causes of acute abdomen, intussusception should be considered when more frequent etiologies have been ruled out. The laparoscopic approach offers both a diagnostic option and a therapeutic one for intussusception in adults. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a forty-one year old male patient, who presented to our Emergency Department complaining of peri-umbilical pain associated with nausea and vomiting for 1 day. Diagnosed with transient small bowel intussusception without any obvious underlying pathology. This report is the first to present an intra-operative video showing the small bowel intussuscepting and reducing spontaneously. Furthermore, the authors present a review about this rare condition, including previously reported similar cases in literature. CONCLUSION: Transient intussusception is extremely rare and is a challenging condition. Imaging techniques, especially CT scan, are helpful in the diagnosis of intussusception. However, laparoscopy offers the advantage of distinguishing transient intussusception from persistent intussusception.

A case report: Cecal volvulus caused by Meckel's diverticulum.

INTRODUCTION: Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to Meckel's diverticulum include hemorrhage, intestinal obstruction and inflammation. Acute large bowel obstruction is a rare complication of Meckel's diverticulum and in the presented case it is caused by volvulus. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 39 year old female who presented with the diagnosis of a large bowel obstruction occurring as a result of cecal volvulus caused by adhesions of a perforated diverticulum. DISCUSSION: The reported case presents one of the rare complications of MD, which is volvulus. The case described above presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute intestinal obstruction and radiological findings suggestive of cecal volvulus. The patient was taken to the operation room for exploration and we discovered the presence of a perforated MD. The main treatment of such case is to perform diverticulectomy in all symptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: MD is mostly identified intraoperatively. Knowledge of the pathophysiologies by which MD can cause complications such as volvulus is important in order to plan management.

Crystallization of a new polymorph of acetohexamide from 2-hydroxybutyl-ß-cyclodextrin solution: form VI with a high aqueous solubility.

A new polymorph of acetohexamide (Form VI) was prepared via the formation of a complex with 2-hydoxybutyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HB-ß-CD) in aqueous solution. An alkaline solution of acetohexamide and HB-ß-CD was adjusted to pH 4.0 by titration with hydrochloric acid. The resulting opaque solution was filtered through paper and allowed to stand at 4°C for 24h. The resulting precipitate was isolated on a filter and analyzed for polymorph content by powder X-ray diffractometry and thermal analysis. The diffraction pattern and thermal behavior of the precipitate was different from those of previously reported acetohexamide polymorphs (Forms I, III, IV and V), indicating that a new polymorph of the drug, i.e. Form VI was produced. This new polymorph was fairly stable against conversion to a stable form even at accelerated storage conditions. Crystalline Form VI was highly soluble in water and dissolved more rapidly than the other known polymorphs. This property was reflected in the blood concentrations of the drug after oral administration to rats.

Morbidity of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic splenectomy: a 6-year review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has several advantages over the open procedure but can be technically demanding when performed in patients with massive splenomegaly. We hypothesized that patients who undergo hand-assisted LS (HALS) may experience the benefits of LS while having their enlarged spleens removed safely. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent HALS or LS between January 2003 and June 2008. Evaluated parameters included intraoperative and early postoperative morbidity and mortality, conversion to open surgery, need for blood transfusion, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient demographics, diagnosis leading to splenectomy, splenic weight and number of postoperative days to resuming normal diet. Differences were analyzed while controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In all, 103 patients underwent splenectomy (23 HALS, 80 LS). Patients who had HALS were older and had larger spleens, and a greater proportion had malignant diagnoses. We observed no significant differences in morbidity, conversion to open surgery or need for blood transfusion. The mean length of postoperative stay, duration of surgery and days to resuming full diet were longer in the HALS group. No patients died. No group differences were significant after controlling for splenic weight and malignant diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The morbidity associated with HALS is comparable to that with LS. The longer duration of surgery and hospital stay for HALS patients was likely related to greater splenic weight, older age and greater proportion of malignant diagnoses. Hand-assisted LS is a viable alternative to open surgery in patients with massive spleens.

Laparoscopic accessory splenectomy: the value of perioperative localization studies.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective treatment for many patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who fail or relapse after treatment with steroids. Patients with an incomplete response to splenectomy and those who experience recurrence of symptoms should be evaluated for the presence of an accessory spleen. The clinical effectiveness of laparoscopic excision of an accessory spleen after a previous splenectomy for ITP has varied in different studies. Laparoscopic intraoperative identification of an accessory spleen can be difficult. The authors report their experience with laparoscopic accessory splenectomy (LAS) and the use of perioperative localization methods for this procedure. METHODS: This study reviewed seven consecutive patients who underwent LAS, after initial splenectomy failed to cure ITP, at a tertiary care center between April 9, 2003 and March 31, 2008. Demographics, diagnostic and localization studies, technical success, and the effect on thrombocytopenia were examined. The location of the accessory spleen also was recorded. A novel method for localizing accessory spleen was used. It consisted of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided injection of methylene blue at the accessory spleen's site, preoperative intravenous injection of 99m-technetium-labeled, heat-damaged red blood cells, or both. Intraoperatively, the dye was used for visual identification, and the gamma probe was used to aid in locating and confirming the presence of the accessory spleen in the excised specimen. RESULTS: Seven patients with recurrent ITP after initial failed splenectomy underwent LAS during the study period. Five of these patients had the initial splenectomy performed laparoscopically. All seven patients had successful laparoscopic removal of the accessory spleen based on a final pathologic examination. One patient required the second laparoscopic exploration with perioperative localization after a failed attempt without it. These perioperative localization methods were used in subsequent operations on other patients. These methods were found to be helpful in the intraoperative identification of the accessory spleens. The accessory spleens missed at initial splenectomy were found in unusual locations. Five of the seven patients had sustained improvement in platelet counts after LAS. One patient had a postoperative ileus that resolved with nonoperative management. No other complications or mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: The LAS procedure after previous splenectomy is feasible and safe. Perioperative localization methods aid in the intraoperative identification of an accessory spleen. Accessory spleens missed at initial splenectomy are generally found in unusual locations. Treatment of recurrent or unresolved ITP with LAS can be effective for some patients.

Is right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy right?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has become the standard of care in many renal transplant centers. Many centers are reluctant to perform right laparoscopic donor nephrectomies, primarily due to concerns about transplanting a kidney with a short renal vein. METHODS: A retrospective review of 26 right and 24 left consecutive donor nephrectomies and their recipients was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between groups. Multiple vessels were encountered more frequently on the right side (10 vs. 3, p = 0.04) and the donated kidney had lesser preoperative function in the right group as determined by nuclear medicine imaging (46.5% vs. 49.4%, p < 0.001). Donor operating times were less in the right group (198 vs. 226 min, p = 0.016). There was no difference in implantation difficulty as demonstrated by similar operative and warm ischemia times. Complication rates were similar between both groups of donors and recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy requires less operating time than, and is associated with similar outcomes for donors and recipients as, left laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. Right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy may be preferable in general and should be considered when multiple renal vessels are present on the left side and/or when preoperative function of the left kidney is greater than the right.