Primary Hepatic Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Laparoscopic Management.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate and discuss a case of primary hepatic ectopic pregnancy and laparoscopic management. DESIGN: Case presentation with demonstration of surgical hepatic wedge resection. SETTING: Tertiary referral center in Manchester, United Kingdom. INTERVENTIONS: A 33-year-old women gravida 13 para 2 with a body mass index of 55 kg/m2 and previous 2 cesarean sections and a laparoscopic cholecystectomy presented to the emergency services after a private ultrasound scan showing a pregnancy of unknown location and a serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of 18 336 IU/mL. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed but fallopian tubes were normal with no signs of ectopic pregnancy seen. An abdominal ultrasound scan was performed but did not identify the ectopic pregnancy. Owing to worsening symptoms of pain and rising hCG levels, she underwent a further laparoscopy converted to laparotomy and a left salpingo-oophorectomy for suspected left ovarian pregnancy. However, serum hCG levels continued to rise after the surgery, reaching 36 960 IU/mL. An magnetic resonance imaging scan of her abdomen and pelvis was arranged that showed a 4 cm cystic lesion in the segment V of the liver. Further ultrasound correlation showed a hyperechoic lesion with echogenic components suspicious of an ectopic pregnancy with a fetal pole. Fetal heart action was not visualized. A multidisciplinary team approach was adopted with involvement of the hepatobiliary surgical team, and the option of medical management with methotrexate and surgical excision was considered. A decision was made for surgical excision based on the accessible location of the ectopic pregnancy on segment V and the more controlled and predictable outcome with surgical excision. A preoperative computed tomography scan confirmed the lesion in segment V of liver in keeping with liver capsular implantation of ectopic pregnancy (Video still 1). At laparoscopy the ectopic pregnancy was visualized on the inferior surface of liver close to the inferior margin with a band of overlying omental adhesion (Video still 2). The overlying omental adhesions were sealed and cut with advanced bipolar diathermy, keeping a safe margin from the ectopic pregnancy to minimize any bleeding. The liver capsule was then opened with monopolar diathermy, and the small segment of liver with the ectopic pregnancy was excised using a combination of Bowa-Lotus liver blade (Bowa Medical Ltd). Hemostasis was controlled using Floseal hemostatic matrix and applied pressure laparoscopically. Total operating time was 80 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 500 mL. The patient was discharged on day 3 postoperatively, and follow-up serum hCG excluded residual trophoblastic disease. On review of the clinical case, earlier imaging of the upper abdomen when confronted by a persistent pregnancy of unknown location with high levels of serum hCG would have prevented the second laparoscopy, laparotomy, and salpingo-oophorectomy. In similar cases, it would also help exclude poorly differentiated malignancies as a source of serum hCG. CONCLUSION: Only 27 cases of ectopic pregnancy on the liver have been identified in English literature since 1952, based on a MEDLINE and Embase enquiry and further review of all case reports by the authors to avoid duplicates. Estimated incidence of hepatic implantation is 1 in 15 000 pregnancies; 4 case reports of laparoscopic liver resection have been identified and another case managed by suction from the liver surface [1,2]. The key principle demonstrated is to resect the ectopic pregnancy with a safe margin of liver tissue and any adhesions to avoid catastrophic bleeding from direct handling of the ectopic pregnancy.

Impelling Factors for Contracting COVID-19 Among Surgical Professionals During the Pandemic: A Multinational Cohort Study.

Background: Medical workers, including surgical professionals working in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treating hospitals, were under enormous stress during the pandemic. This global study investigated factors endowing COVID-19 amongst surgical professionals and students. Methods: This global cross-sectional survey was made live on February 18, 2021 and closed for analysis on March 13, 2021. It was freely shared on social and scientific media platforms and was sent via email groups and circulated through a personal network of authors. Chi-square test for independence, and binary logistic regression analysis were carried out on determining predictors of surgical professionals contracting COVID-19. Results: This survey captured the response of 520 surgical professionals from 66 countries. Of the professionals, 92.5% (481/520) reported practising in hospitals managing COVID-19 patients. More than one-fourth (25.6%) of the respondents (133/520) reported suffering from COVID-19 which was more frequent in surgical professionals practising in public sector healthcare institutions (P = 0.001). Thirty-seven percent of those who reported never contracting COVID-19 (139/376) reported being still asked to practice self-isolation and wear a shield without the diagnosis (P = 0.001). Of those who did not contract COVID-19, 75.7% (283/376) were vaccinated (P < 0.001). Surgical professionals undergoing practice in the private sector (odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14 - 0.77; P = 0.011) and receiving two doses of vaccine (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32 - 0.95; P = 0.031) were identified to enjoy decreased odds of contracting COVID-19. Only 6.9% of those who reported not contracting COVID-19 (26/376) were calculated to have the highest "overall composite level of harm" score (P < 0.001). Conclusions: High prevalence of respondents got COVID-19, which was more frequent in participants working in public sector hospitals. Those who reported contracting COVID-19 were calculated to have the highest level of harm score. Self-isolation or shield, getting two doses of vaccines decreases the odds of contracting COVID-19.

The global level of harm among surgical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational cross-sectional cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers, including surgical professionals, experienced psychological burnout and physical harm during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. This global survey investigated the coronavirus 2019 pandemic impact on psychological and physical health. METHODS: We conducted a global cross-sectional survey between February 18, 2021 and March 13, 2021. The primary outcome was to assess the psychological burnout, fulfillment, and self-reported physical level of harm. A validated Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index score with a self-reported physical level of harm was employed. We used a practical overall composite level of harm score to calculate the level of harm gradient 1-4, combining psychological burnout with self-reported physical level of harm score. RESULTS: A total of 545 participants from 66 countries participated. The final analysis included 520 (95.4%) surgical professionals barring medical students. Most of the participants (81.3%) were professionally unfulfilled. The psychological burnout was evident in 57.7% and was significantly common in those <50 years (P = .002) and those working in the public sector (P = .005). Approximately 41.7% of respondents showed changes in the physical health with self-remedy and no impact on work, whereas 14.9% reported changes to their physical health with <2 weeks off work, and 10.1% reported changes in physical health requiring >2 weeks off work. Severe harm (level of harm 4) was detected in 10.6%, whereas moderate harm (level of harm 3) affected 40.2% of the participants. Low and no harm (level of harm 2 and level of harm 1) represented 27.5% and 21.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that high levels of psychological burnout, professional unfulfillment, work exhaustion, and severe level of harm was more frequent in younger professionals working in the public sector. The findings correlated with a high level of harm in surgical professionals impacting surgical services.

Operative versus non-operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes of operative and non-operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO). METHODS: We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies investigating outcomes of operative versus non-operative management of patients with adhesive SBO. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias of RCTs and observational studies, respectively. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data. RESULTS: We found one RCT, two prospective and three retrospective observational studies, enrolling a total of 876 patients. The analyses showed that operative management of adhesive SBO was associated with a lower risk of future recurrence [odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.76, P = 0.0005] but a higher risk of mortality [risk difference (RD) 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.06, P = 0.01] and complications (OR 5.39, 95% CI 2.97-9.78, P < 0.00001). There was no difference in need for surgical re-intervention rate (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.35-1.47, P = 0.36) and length of stay [mean difference (MD) 5.07, 95% CI -2.36-12.49, P = 1.0] between operative and non-operative managements. The baseline suspicion of strangulation was a major confounding factor. When the baseline suspicion of strangulation was higher in the operative group, the risk of mortality (RD 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.07, P = 0.0006) and complications (OR 8.14, 95% CI 4.16-15.94, P = 0.00001) were higher in the operative group but the risk of recurrence was lower (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.90, P = 0.01). When the baseline suspicion of strangulation was low in both groups, there was no difference in any of the outcomes except recurrence (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.37, P = 0.0009) which was lower in the operative group. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in baseline suspicion of strangulation between operative and non-operative groups is a major confounding factor in current literature. The benefit of surgical treatment should be balanced with the risks associated with surgery, patient's co-morbidities, and presence or absence of strangulation. Based on the best available evidence it could be argued that surgical intervention could be preserved for cases with high suspicion or evidence of bowel strangulation. The controversy still remains for optimum length of conservative management and timing of surgery (early or late) for cases with low baseline suspicion of strangulation. Randomised controlled trials are required to compare outcomes of early operation (<24 h) versus late operation (>24 h) and early operation versus conservative management in patients with low suspicion of strangulation.

Retroperitoneal Sarcoma. Outcome Analysis in a Teaching Hospital in Eastern India- a Perspective.

Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcomas are relatively uncommon tumors with varied manifestations, ill-defined prognostic factors and uncertain management modalities. We undertook this study to review patients who presented with primary or recurrent RPS at our institute during the study period. Between 2008 and 2010, 23 patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using the chi square test or Fisher's exact test. Recurrence was calculated using Kaplan Meier curves. The log-rank test was used to compare differences in survival or relapse. Among the 23 patients, 13 were males. Majority (52.2 %) presented with abdominal lump located in umbilical and right hypochondrial region. Surgery was done in 20 (87 %) patients for primary RPS and three (13 %) for recurrent RPS at initial presentation. 14 (61 %) received complete tumor resection, six (27 %) incomplete microscopic resection, and three (13 %) incomplete macroscopic resection. In univariate Cox's proportional hazard model on time ('timer') to event ('relapse') analysis, all the variables like older age (p = 0.027), male sex (p = 0.012), incomplete resection (p = 0.008), large size (0.047) and high grade (p = 0.047) became significant predictor of early recurrence. However, multivariate analysis showed that only extent of resection, grade and sex were statistically significant predictors. Complete tumor resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (n = 14) was associated with a significantly lesser recurrence compared with unclear resection (n = 9, p = 0.002). The median time between surgery and first recurrence was 15 months. High-grade sarcomas had a significantly higher recurrence (n = 10; median: 24, 95 % CI) than low-grade sarcomas (n = 13, median: 15; 95 %CI P < 0.01). Furthermore, the survival of male patients were worse than that of females (p = 0.036). Completeness of resection, tumor grade and sex are prognostic factors of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas.

Cutaneous malignant and premalignant conditions caused by chronic arsenicosis from contaminated ground water consumption: a profile of patients from eastern India.

Natural arsenic pollution is a major global health problem. The two worst affected areas e Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Arsenic is a well-documented human carcinogen that affects many organs including the skin. The authors sought to find out the clinical patterns of different malignant and premalignant conditions associated with chronic arsenicosis from drinking contaminated ground water in a group of patients from eastern India. This was a clinical observational study. Patients with chronic arsenicoses with suspected cutaneous malignancies for whom dermatology service was sought were enrolled in the study. A total of 24 patients (male to female ratio, 11:1; age range, 32-71 years; mean age, 52.2 years) were evaluated. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the commonest malignancies in our series, seen in 10 (41.7%) patients. This was followed by Bowen's disease (9 [37.5%]) and basal cell carcinoma (8 [33.3%]). Three patients (12.5%) had > 1 type of cutaneous malignancies. Multicentric lesions were seen in 3 cases. The most common site of involvement was the chest (8 [33.3%]). No statistically significant correlation was found between number of lesions and arsenic content in the hairs and nails of the patients.

Antegrade common bile duct (CBD) stenting after laparoscopic CBD exploration.

UNLABELLED: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been found to be a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for choledocholithiasis. Following LCBDE, the clearance may be ascertained by a cholangiogram or choledochoscopy. The common bile duct (CBD) may be closed primarily with or without a stent in situ or may be drained by means of a T-tube or a biliary enteric anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our series of 464 patients of choledocholithiasis, 100 patients underwent closure of the CBD with an indwelling antegrade stent following LCBDE. LCBDE was performed by direct massage of CBD, saline lavage, direct pickup with choledocholithotomy forceps or by basketing. Fragmentation of impacted stones in situ was performed in a few patients. Completion choledochoscopy was performed by means of a pediatric bronchoscope. A 10-cm, 7 Fr. double-flap biliary stent was placed in situ after LCBDE. RESULTS: There was no mortality in the series. There was no conversion either. The median duration of the operation was 75 min. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 days. One patient had a minor postoperative biliary leak. One patient had a right sub-hepatic collection. Four patients developed postoperative port infection. The stents were removed endoscopically after 4 weeks. Sixty-eight patients could be followed up till 1 year. There has been no incidence of residual disease and the patients on follow-up are asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: In our experience, a single stage laparoscopic treatment of cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis is a safe, viable and cost-effective option. Closure of the CBD over an antegrade stent is a feasible option but requires advanced skills in minimal access surgical techniques, especially endosuturing. The procedure may be performed safely in expert hands without mortality and with negligible morbidity.

Torsion of the epiploic appendix: An unusual cause of acute abdomen.

SUMMARY: Torsion of an epiploic appendix is a rare surgical entity. We present our experience in a thirty five year old female patient and a forty year old male patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 35 year old lady had presented with right iliac fossa pain of 2 days duration. Guarding and rebound tenderness was present over the area. Investigations showed mild leucocytosis and neutrophilia. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an inflamed epiploic appendix which was excised. Other intrabdominal organs were normal. A 40 year old male patient had presented with a history of recurrent, colicky, and paroxysmal right lower quadrant pain for 2 months. At laparoscopy, an inflamed torted epiploic appendix of the ascending colon was detected and excised. Other intrabdominal organs were normal. RESULTS: Both the patients had an uneventful recovery and are asymptomatic at follow up of 10 and 7 months respectively. They have been followed up at 7 days, 4 wks and then 3 monthly. DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of an inflamed appendices epiploicae may be confusing. CT is helpful in disgnosis. Laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat the condition as well. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic laparoscopy is an useful tool for surgeons in assessing abdominal pain where the cause is elusive. It may be used to diagnose and treat torsion of an epiploic appendix effectively.

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair for occult bilateral obturator hernias and multiple groin hernias.

INTRODUCTION: An obturator hernia is a rare hernia that is bilateral in about 6% of patients. Most patients present with chronic pelvic pain although a few patients may present with features of intestinal obstruction. Only about 10% of obturator hernias are diagnosed preoperatively. METHODS: A 65-year-old female patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with bilateral groin swellings associated with local pain and heaviness. She also suffered from recurrent episodes of abdominal distension. She was diagnosed to have bilateral direct inguinal hernias and a left femoral hernia. At endoscopy under epidural anesthesia she was found to have a direct inguinal, an indirect inguinal, and a femoral hernia on the left side and an indirect inguinal hernia on the right side. Additionally, the endoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach to inguinal hernias identified hitherto undiagnosed bilateral obturator hernias. The hernias were reduced and polypropylene mesh was placed bilaterally covering the myopectineal orifice and pelvic floor bilaterally. RESULTS: The patient was discharged the next day and is symptom-free on followup at eight months. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic repair of groin hernias allows the surgeon not only to diagnose and treat unsuspected groin hernias but also allows identification, dissection, and repair of coincidental occult pelvic hernias like obturator hernias at the same time.

Recurrent hernia following endoscopic total extraperitoneal repair.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A retrospective study was conducted to identify the reasons for recurrence following endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias and to develop a strategy to prevent recurrence. METHOD: Between January 1996 and December 2001, 1193 TEP hernia repairs were performed in 694 patients. Following reduction of the hernia sac and dissection of the preperitoneal space up to the psoas muscles laterally, a Prolene mesh (15 x 15 cm) was placed. The mesh was fixed medially to the Cooper ligament with two or three spiral tacks. In six patients, the hernia recurred following endoscopic TEP repair within the same period. Four of these patients elected to undergo laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of the recurrent hernia. RESULTS: Medial recurrences developed in three of the four patients because of medial displacement of the mesh. One patient was found to have a missed indirect hernia sac. All the patients who underwent laparoscopic TAPP repair had an uneventful recovery and are well at follow-up. CONCLUSION: In addition to medial fixation of the mesh to the Cooper ligament, complete proximal dissection of the peritoneum from the spermatic cord and additional fixation of the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall, with careful avoidance of possible injury to the adjacent nerves, may prevent recurrences.

Laparoscopic reintervention for residual gallstone disease.

Laparoscopic reintervention is being increasingly performed in patients who have previously undergone surgery for gallstone disease. A few patients with gallbladder remnants or a cystic duct stump with residual stones have recurrent symptoms of biliary disease. Patients with bile duct injuries were excluded from the study. We reviewed our experience in treating such patients over a 4-year period, January 1998 through December 2001. Five patients underwent laparoscopic reintervention after previous surgery for gallstone disease performed elsewhere during the period mentioned above. Of these 5 patients, 3 had impacted stones in gallbladder remnants (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 2; open cholecystectomy, 1) and 2 had recurrent symptoms after cholecystolithotomy and tube cholecystostomy (conventional surgery) performed elsewhere. Laparoscopic excision of the gall bladder remnants was done in 3 patients and a formal laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done in 2 patients who had previously undergone cholecystolithotomy and tube cholecystostomy. The mean operating time was 42 minutes. No drainage was required postoperatively. All patients were symptom-free during a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (range, 7 months to 4 years). Reintervention may be required for patients with residual gallstones whose symptoms recur after gallbladder surgery such as cholecystectomy, subtotal cholecystectomy, and tube cholecystostomy. It is safe and feasible to remove the gallbladder or gallbladder remnants in such patients laparoscopically.

Pericholecystic fistula: a study of 64 cases.

Spontaneous biliary fistulas are found quite often. Although previously considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery, they are now being treated laparoscopically with all its advantages. Of 8015 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 64 patients were diagnosed preoperatively; conversion to open surgery was required in 8 patients. The highest incidence of pericholecystic fistulas was found in the >60-year age group. The postoperative stay ranged from 3 to 8 days. All the patients were well at follow up. Laparoscopic management of pericholecystic fistulas is possible with low morbidity and no mortality.