Botulinum toxin associated with fissurectomy and anoplasty for hypertonic chronic anal fissure: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is still the approach of choice for the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF) with internal anal sphincter (IAS) hypertonia, but it is burdened by high-risk postoperative faecal incontinence (FI). Sphincter saving procedures have recently been reconsidered as treatments to overcome this risk. The most employed procedure is fissurectomy with anoplasty, eventually associated with pharmacological sphincterotomy. AIM: To evaluate whether fissurectomy and anoplasty with botulinum toxin injection improves the results of fissurectomy and anoplasty alone. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study involving 30 male patients affected by CAF with hypertonic IAS who underwent fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement. The patients were divided into two groups: Those in group I underwent surgery alone, and those in group II underwent surgery and a botulinum toxin injection directly into the IAS. They were followed up for at least 2 years. The goals were to achieve complete healing of the patient and to assess the FI and recurrence rate along with manometry parameters. RESULTS: The intensity and duration of post-defecatory pain decreased significantly in both groups of patients starting with the first defecation, and this reduction was higher in group II. Forty days after surgery, we achieved complete wound healing in all the patients in group II but only in 80% of the patients in group I (P < 0.032). We recorded 2 cases of recurrence, one in each group, and both healed with conservative therapy. We recorded one temporary and low-grade postoperative case of "de novo" FI. Manometry parameters reverted to the normal range earlier for group II patients. CONCLUSION: The injection of botulinum toxin A in association with fissurectomy and anoplasty with a V-Y advancement flap improves the results of surgery alone in patients affected by CAF with IAS hypertonia.

Early diagnosis of primary melanoma of caecum. Case report and review of the literature.

Malignant gastrointestinal melanoma is usually a metastatic lesion. We report the case of a 79-year-old female asymptomatic patient. Colonoscopy revealed one plane 15 mm pigmented lesion in the caecum. Neither CT scan of the abdomen nor right hemicolectomy revealed no metastatic disease. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen was indicative of malignant melanoma.A set of additional enquires such as laboratory and imaging tests did not point out any suspicious lesions in the skin, eye, leptomeninges or other sites. Therefore, we made the diagnosis of primary colonic melanoma.The diagnosis of this disease is still a challange and often demanding for a multidisciplinary approach, involving the surgeon, onclogist and even immunotherapy or radiotherapy.

Fissurectomy and anoplasty in posterior normotensive chronic anal fissure.

PURPOSE: Anal Fissure (AF) is the second most frequent proctological disease in Italy. Chronic AF (CAF) most common located at the posterior anal commissure (CAPF). CAPF are thought to be associated with hypertonic internal anal sphincter (IAS) but manometric findings showed that a normotonic IAS is present in the 20-40%. Sphincterotomy is often recommended as treatment of choice for CAF independently from IAS tone; nevertheless, this approach appears less logical for CAF with normotonic IAS, as in those cases there's a higher risk of post-operative anal incontinence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous advancement flap, as treatment for patients suffering from CAPF without hypertonic IAS. METHODS: We enrolled 30 patients affected by CAPF without IAS hypertonia. All patients were followed up for 2 years after the surgical procedure, with evaluation of anal continence, recurrence rate and maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, ultraslow wave activity. RESULTS: All patients healed within 40 days after surgery. We didn't observe any "de novo" post-operative anal incontinence cases. We reported 2 cases of recurrences, within 18 months from surgery, all healed after conservative therapy. We didn't record statistically significant differences in pre- and post-operative manometry findings. CONCLUSION: At 2 years after the surgical procedure we achieved good results, these evidences shows that sphincter preserving procedures are more suitable for CAPF without hypertonic IAS.

Safety and effectiveness of saving sphincter procedure in the treatment of chronic anal fissure in female patients.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is still the approach of choice for the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF) regardless to the internal anal sphincter tone but it is burdened by high risk post-operative faecal incontinence (FI). In female patient there are some anatomical and functional differences of the sphinteric system which make them more at risk of FI and vaginal birth could cause sphinteric lesions affecting the anal continence function. The aim of our study is to evaluate the results of saving sphincter procedure as treatment for female patients affected by CAF. METHODS: We studied 110 female patients affected by CAF undergone fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement associating pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS. The follow up was at least for 2 years. The goals were patient's complete healing, the evaluation of FI, recurrence rate and manometry parameters. RESULTS: All wounds healed within 40 days after surgery. We recorded 8 cases of recurrences 6 healed with medical therapy and 2 with dilatation. We recorded 2 "de novo" temporary and low grade post-operative cases of FI. Post-operative value of MRP were unmodified in patient with normotonic IAS but significantly lower at 12 months follow up as compared with the pre-operative ones in patients with hypertonic IAS; after 24 months from surgery MRP values were within the normal range. CONCLUSION: The fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap alone or in association with a pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS may represent an effective approach for the treatment of CAF in female patients.

Fisurectomy and anoplasty with botulinum toxin injection in patients with chronic anal posterior fissure with hypertonia: a long-term evaluation.

Chronic anal fissure's (CAF) etiopathogenesis remain unclear. CAF of the posterior commissure (CAPF) are often characterized by internal anal sphincter (IAS) hypertonia. The treatment of this disease aimed to reduce IAS hypertonia. Due to the high rate of anal incontinence after LIS, the employment of sphincter preserving surgical techniques associated to pharmacological sphincterotomy appears more sensible. The aim of our study is to evaluate the long-term results of fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement associated to 30 UI of botulinum toxin injection for CAPF with IAS hypertonia. We enrolled 45 patients undergone to fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement and 30 UI botulinum toxin injection. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years after the surgical procedure, with evaluation of anal continence, recurrence rate and MRP (Maximum resting pressure), MSP (Maximum restricting pressure), USWA (Ultrasound wave activity). All patients healed within 40 days after surgery. We observed 3 "de novo" post-operative anal incontinence cases, temporary and minor; the pre-operative ones have only temporary worsened after surgery. We reported 3 cases of recurrences, within 2 years from surgery, all healed after conservative medical therapy. At 5 year follow-up post-operative manometric findings were similar to those of healthy subjects. At 5 years after the surgical procedure, we achieved good results, and these evidences show that surgical section of the IAS is not at all necessary for the healing process of the CAPF.

Lateral Internal sphincterotomy is still crucial to heal hypertonic chronic anal fissure and normalize the internal anal sphincter tone? Is V-en Y plastic a valuable alternative?

INTRODUCTION: The role of augmented internal anal sphincter (IAS) tone in the genesis of chronic anal fissure (CAF) is still unclear. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is the most employed surgical procedure, aiming to reduce the IAS tone leaving a permanent anatomical alteration and it is burdened by high risk post-operative anal incontinence (AI). The aim of this work was to evaluate if the pre-operative manometric alterations of CAFs with hypertonic IAS would normalize after sphincter preserving surgical procedure. METHODS: We enrolled 108 consecutive patients affected by idiopathic and non-recurrent CAF undergone fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement and pharmacological sphincterotomy, matched with 54 healthy subject in a 1 to 2 ratio, and followed up for at least for 2 years. The goals were patient's complete healing, the evaluation of AI, recurrence rate and manometry parameters. RESULTS: All wounds healed within 40 days after surgery. We recorded 7 cases of recurrences healed with medical therapy. We recorded 3 "de novo" post-operative cases of AI all temporary and low grade. Pre-operative values of maximum resting pressure (MRP) and detection of ultraslow wave activity (USWA) were significantly higher than in the healthy control group, but both come back to be similar to those recorded in healthy subject after 24 months from the surgery. CONCLUSION: The high healing rate without post-operative "de novo" AI cases with the normalization of manometric parameters suggest that fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous advancement flap and pharmacological sphincterotomy is an adequate procedure for the treatment of CAF with IAS hypertonia. KEY WORDS: Anal fissure, Anoplasty, Fissurectomy, Proctology, Sphincterotomy.

Effect of Fibrin Sealant on Seroma Formation Post-Incisional Hernia Repair.

Background: Development of seroma after incisional hernia repair is a common complication. Our study aims to compare the outcomes of sublay incisional hernia repairs with or without spray instillation of fibrin glue. Methods: We enrolled fifty patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. In all patients a suction drain was placed in the subcutaneous space. In one group (FG) 4 ml fibrin glue was instilled in the subcutaneous space. In the control group (C) patients did not receive any prevention measure. Wounds fluids were collected on post-operative day 1 (POD) and once daily until drain removal. All patients were followed up by ultrasound on POD 15, 20, 40, 60. Results: Drain fluid production, even if in significantly greater amount in the C group (p 0.01) as compared with the FG group, decreased after POD 1 in both groups. Drain was removed on POD-5 in 80% of FG patients and in 36% of C patients (p 0.01). No infective or bleeding complications were detected. In group FG average hospital stay was of 5.5 ÃÂ+- 2 days versus 7.1 +- 1.5 days in group C (p 0.01). At ultrasounds examination, seroma development was similar among two groups. Conclusions: Spray instillation of fibrin glue during the surgical repair reduces amount of drained fluid and hospital stay without increasing surgical complications. However, seroma occurrence was not significantly reduced.

Surgical Sphincter Saving Approach and Topical Nifedipine for Chronic Anal Fissure with Hypertonic Internal Anal Sphincter.

PURPOSE: The role of augmented internal anal sphincter (IAS) tone in the genesis of posterior chronic anal fissure (CAPF) is still unknown. Lateral internal sphincterotomy is the most employed surgical procedure, nevertheless it is burdened by high risk post-operative anal incontinence. The aim of our study is to evaluate results of sphincter saving procedure with post-operative pharmacological sphincterotomy for patients affected by CAPF with IAS hypertonia. Methods: We enrolled 30 patients, undergone fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement; all patients received topical administration of nifedipine 0.3% and lidocaine 1.5% ointment-based therapy before and for 15 days after surgery. The primary goal was patient's complete healing and the evaluation of incontinence and recurrence rate; the secondary goal included the evaluation of manometry parameters, symptom relief and complications related to nifedipine and lidocaine administration. Results: All wounds healed within 40 days after surgery. We didn't observe any de novo postoperative anal incontinence case. We reported 2 cases of recurrences, healed after conservative therapy. We didn't report any local complications related to the administration of the ointment therapy; with whom all patients reported a good compliance. Conclusions: Fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous advancement flap and topical administration of nifedipine and lidocaine, is an effective treatment for CAPF with IAS hypertonia.

Conservative Treatment of Splenic Haematoma After Colonoscopy: A Case Report.

Colonoscopy is a routine procedure performed worldwide, nevertheless, a small risk of splenic injury, often under-estimated, is still present. As a matter of fact, the diagnosis may be delayed, leading to a rising risk of morbidity and mortality. This paper describes a case of conservative treatment of colonoscopy-associated splenic injury. A 57-year-old woman presented with worsening pain in the upper left abdominal quadrant; she had radiation therapy to the ipsilateral subscapular region, and a diagnostic colonoscopy 18 hours earlier. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed splenic laceration without signs of hemoperitoneum. Because of the hemodynamic stability of the patient, successful conservative treatment and serial controls of the blood and hemodynamic parameters were adopted. Even if rare splenic injury during colonoscopy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A high degree of clinical suspicion is essential to achieve a prompt diagnosis as well as an early surgical evaluation. The nonoperative approach is usually taken in patients with no intraperitoneal bleeding, a closed subcapsular haematoma and a stable hemodynamic status.

Gallbladder Agenesis: Report of a Preoperative Diagnosis With Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

Agenesis of the gallbladder is an extremely rare congenital entity with shaded clinical and radiologic features, which make the preoperative diagnosis really challenging. Here, we report a case of a 52-year-old symptomatic female with biliary symptoms and contracted gallbladder at ultrasound (US). The final diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and the treatment was conservative. However, diagnosing this condition preoperatively is still challenging. However, with innovations in terms of biliary tract imaging technique, and with better knowledge of this entity, many unnecessary surgical procedures might be avoided.

Lymphatic Mesenteric Cyst, a Rare Cause of Surgical Abdominal Pain: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A lymphatic mesenteric cyst (LMC) is a rare clinical entity, of unclear etiopathogenesis, which can arise in the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneum without a clear origin. We describe a case of a 74-year-old male presenting with abdominal pain that was non-specific and non-responsive to medical therapy. Laboratory tests clinical examination were inconclusive while the abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cystic lesion of the ileal mesentery. We performed an open surgical excision of the lesion with the resolution of clinical symptoms. The lesion resulted to be an LMC at the histological examination. At the five-year CT scan follow-up, we did not record any recurrences. LMCs present without specific symptoms and imaging diagnostic techniques, such as ultrasound (US) or CT scan may define its features, location, or size. The preoperative diagnosis remains difficult, which is why the complete surgical excision is the gold standard treatment, aiming to prevent malignant transformation, complications, and recurrences.

Enterobius vermicularis infestation of the appendix mimicking acute appendicitis in a young Italian boy Case report.

Enterobius Vermicularis (EV) is the most commonly identified heminth incidentally found within the appendix of a clinically diagnosed appendicitis. This simple presence of EV may cause appendicular colic, primarily affecting children, it is an important cause of negative appendicectomy. We report a case of a young male who presented with clinical features of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was uneventful and pathologic examination revealed the presence of an EV infestation originating from the lumen of his vermiform appendix. KEY WORDS: Acute appendicitis, Diagnosis, Enterobius Vermicularis.

Long term outcomes of fissurectomy and anoplasty for chronic anterior anal fissure without hypertonia: low recurrences and continence conservation.

INTRODUCTION: Aetiopathogenesis of Chronic Anal Anterior Fissure (CAAF) remains poorly understood. Some anatomical, clinical and functional features suggest that pathophysiology may be linked to a reduced anal canal pressure. LIS appear illogical as a treatment for CAAF and the employ of techniques aiming to save the integrity of the sphincterial system appears more sensible. The aim of this study was to evaluate 5 years results of fissurectomy and anoplasty with cutaneous V-Y advancement flap in patients affected by CAAF without IAS hypertonia. METHODS: We enrolled 20 women, affected by idiopathic and non-recurrent CAAF without hypertonic IAS. All patients were followed up for 5 years after surgery with evaluation of anal continence, short and long term post-operative complications, recurrence rate. RESULTS: At 5 years follow up we did not record any new case of anal incontinence and the pre-existing ones haven't worsened. We observed 2 recurrences, which occurred within 2 years after surgery and healed after medical therapy. The manometric values were similar than those recorded prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the procedure performed allows us to preserve anal continence and avoid worsening of its pre-existing alteration. KEY WORDS: Anal canal, Anoplasty, Fissure, Fissurectomy, Proctology, Sphincterotomy.

Mesothelial cyst of the round ligament of the uterus A case report of a rare condition.

BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis of inguinal mass must include, especially in female patients, a wide variety of lesions among which our analysis will focus on mesothelial cyst of the round ligament of the uterus. A rare developmental lesion often misdiagnosed as hernias and accidentally detected during surgical exploration of the groin region. CASE REPORT: Of a left inguinal mass causing local discomfort and progressive worsening of local pain. A pre-operative diagnosis of left symptomatic femoral hernia was made and the patient consented to surgical treatment. The surgical exploration of the inguinal and femoral canals revealed a femoral hernia associated to a clear fluid cystic lesion of around 2 cm arising from the round ligament. Histopathology demonstrated a mesothelial cyst of the round ligament CONCLUSIONS: Mesothelial cysts of the round ligament of the uterus must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of groin swelling in female patients and a greater effort is needed in order to reach a preoperative diagnosis and prevent an over treatment. Key words: Mesothelial cyst, Preoperative diagnosis, Uterus.

Giant pseudocyst of the abdominal wall following incisional ventral hernia repair: an extremely rare clinical entity. Report of a case.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for incisional ventral hernia (IVH) is a surgical repair with mesh employment, nevertheless this procedure is burdened by several post-operative complications; among these latter, giant pseudocyst of abdominal wall (GPAW) formation is one of the most rare and its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. CASE REPORT: We describe the case report of a 36 years old, diabetic and obese woman, previously underwent to a csection and IVH repair with on-lay mesh placement, presented to our unit with an asymptomatic left iliac fossa swelling. At ultrasound (US) and CT scan examination it appears to be a subcutaneous cyst of the anterior abdominal wall associated with a recurrent IVH. Therefore, she underwent to a surgical procedure in order to accomplish a complete excision of the lesion along with a repair of the incisional IVH, with a sub-lay mesh positioning. The extensive dead space resulting from the procedure was managed with a quilting suture. No recurrence or complications have been detected at 2 years follow up. CONCLUSION: GPAWs are a rare clinical entity following IVH repair, which occur commonly in female obese patients treated with on-lay mesh positioning. The only effective and definitive treatment is a complete surgical excision along with a correct management of the dead space resulting from the surgical procedure, in order to reduce the recurrence rate. KEY WORDS: Abdominal wall, Incisional hernia, Mesh, Pseudocyst, Surgery.

Umbilical hernioplasty in cirrhotic patients with ascites A case control study.

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical hernia is a very frequent pathology, and plastic with prosthetic material is the most frequently used surgical procedure currently used for its repair. In patients with cirrhosis in asciic phase, this pathology is particularly frequent, with a tendency to rapidly increase in size and to become symptomatic. In the past treatment with traditional surgery in cirrhotic patients was considered problematic and was viewed with reserve, and only recently is the surgical approach recommended also in these patients. This study is aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of open umbilical hernia plastic with prosthetic material in cirrhotic and ascitic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our case-control study was conducted on 35 male patients with ascitic phase liver cirrhosis and an equal number of non-cirrhotic patients, all suffering from uncomplicated but symptomatic umbilical hernia, treated surgically consecutively from March 2005 to March 2015. All patients underwent open umbilical hernioplasty with placement of a retromuscular pre-aponeurotic mesh. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients with liver cirrhosis, 20% were classified in Class C, according to Child-Pugh, 28.5% had a MELD score> 15. We have not shown any post-operative mortality. In general, minor complications were observed, more frequent in cirrhotic patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.0315). Among the aforementioned complications the most frequent were hematomas and wound infections, more frequent in cirrhotic patients in Class C according to Child- Pugh and with MELD score> 15 (p <0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that umbilical hernia pathology in ascitic cirrhotic patients can be treated surgically with satisfactory results especially in Child-Pugh class A and B patients. The surgical approach of choice must, preferably, be the preferred prosthetic plastic after pre-operative optimization of the coagulation, nutritional and ascitic state. KEY WORDS: Ascites, Hernioplasty ,Liver cirrhosis; Umbilical hernia.

Efficacy of fibrin sealant in thyroid surgery. Is drainage still necessary?

INTRODUCTION: The routinely use of drains in thyroid surgery is a traditional and well-defined method, even if there is no clear evidence of significant improvement in patients outcomes. Aim of our study is to define the feasibility, safety and cost- effectiveness of fibrin sealant in total thyroidectomy in order to overcome the use of drains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 262 patients (45 men and 217 women, mean age 54.7 yrs) undergone total thyroidectomy in University Hospital of Palermo (Italy), between July 2015 and October 2017. We randomized patients into group A (drain) and group B (no drain, fibrin sealant application). RESULTS: We registered statistical difference between the two groups in mean operative time, visual analogue scale of pain, post-operative stay, incidence of seromas and/or deep and superficial hematomas, re-operation and wound infection (reduced in the fibrin sealant group). No significant difference have been found in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative cough, post-operative use of analgesic and in incidence of hypoparathyroidism or recurrent palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that there is no evidence that the use of suction drains improves patients outcome and that routinely use of fibrin sealant can be advocated in thyroid surgery as an adjunct to a good surgical procedure. KEY WORDS: Complication, Drainage, Fibrin Sealant, Thyroidectomy.

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis following open right hemicolectomy and cholecystectomy. Casr report.

AIM: Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening postoperative complication of colorectal surgery. Risk factors and prognosis of SMVT have been poorly described and data to create gold standard criteria for diagnosis and management are lacking. SMVT has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, hence, its early identification may be a diagnostic challenge. CASE REPORT: 56 year old obese female patient with inherited prothrombotic condition underwent an open right hemicolectomy plus cholecystectomy; the immediate postoperative course was uneventful but on postoperative day 8, already at home, she experienced post-prandial abdominal pain without any other local or systemic signs or symptoms. The CT scan showed a complete thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein without any bowel complications. Immediately submitted to systemic subcutaneous anticoagulation bridge therapy to a lifelong oral anticoagulation she had a complete clinical recovery on postoperative day 17, despite the persistence at CT scan of complete SMVT without any intestinal suffering. DISCUSSION: SMVT is a multifactorial event where both local and general factors are involved. Conclusive data about comparison of SMVT incidence in laparoscopic vs open colorectal surgery and those about its incidence in cancer vs non cancer groups of patients in relation to the surgical technique are missing. Variability of clinical course and the absence of specific signs, symptoms and laboratory findings make diagnosis of SMVT challenging, therefore it is crucial to have high suspicion. As for the treatment, first line approach is systemic anticoagulation therapy with LMWH for at least 6 months, followed by oral anticoagulation, the earlier we initiate the therapy the greater rate of recanalization we will get. CONCLUSION: prompt diagnosis and more aggressive thromboprophylaxis in patients with inherited or acquired risk factors may prevent the negative evolution towards bowel necrosis of SMVT. KEY WORDS: Colorectal surgery, Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, Hypercoagulable disorders, Thromboprophylaxis.