Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy--initial experience with different multichannel ports.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively new minimally invasive surgical technique in treatment of benign gallbladder diseases. It is considered a bridge technique between conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and NOTES. We are presenting our initial experiences in SILC (single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Seventeen patients underwent SILC (11 women and 6 men) with an average age of 43 years. Mean BMI score was 29,4 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 93,5 minutes. There were conversions to conventional LC in two cases (11,6%). Average pain score measured on visual-analogue scale (VAS) 8 h after the operation was 2,00. All patients expressed satisfaction with achieved cosmetic effect. We conclude that SILC is safe and feasible procedure, with excellent cosmetic effect, but further prospective studies are required before SILC can be generally accepted.

Multiple port-site metastasis of incidental gallbladder carcinoma after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure of choice for benign gallbladder diseases. In about 1-2% of cases histopathological examination demonstrate incidental gallbladder cancer (GBCA). We report a case of a 61 year old woman who developed port site metastases after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. Metastases appeared on all four port sites. Review of literature regarding incidental GBCA an port site metastases was also performed. We conclude that the retrieval bag should be routinely used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy; the procedure should be performed with minimal trauma; in cases of incidental GB carcinoma, full thickness excision of the abdominal wall of the port sites demands additional studies; additional liver bed excision and local lymphadenectomy for T1b carcinoma are yet to be considered.

Gastric adenomyoma.

BACKGROUND: Gastric adenomyoma is a rare, hamartomatous tumor localized most frequently in the gastric antrum. Review of the available literature shows only sporadic reports or smaller series. CASE REPORTS: We presented a 72-year-old woman admitted due to epigastric pain with dyspeptic difficulties. Biochemical parameters and tumor markers were within the referential limits. Diagnostic procedures (upper endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography and computerized tomography) revealed an intramural tumor prominence with intact mucosa on the posterior wall of gastric antrum, not accessible for biopsy. Surgical treatment was performed with total extirpation of the tumor. Histopathological examination verified adenomyoma with focal low grade epithelial dysplasia. Cytologic immunophenotype was consistent with smooth muscle stromal and epithelial tumor (CK7 and CK20 ++ immunophenotype). Stromal component revealed low proliferative index (Ki-67 protein immunoexpression level 3%), and p53 less than 0.1% in both epithelial and stromal components. Following the operation, the patient remained in good condition. CONCLUSION: Uncertain malignant potential of the gastric adenomyoma in the presented case indicates that timely diagnostics with adequate surgical treatment is crucial for an adequate treatment.

Spleen cystic echinococcosis: clinical manifestations and treatment.

AIM: The aim of our study was to demonstrate clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods of splenic echinococcosis and suggest surgical approach. METHODS: The study involved 20 patients of previously diagnosed spleen echinococcosis. A diagnosis was made for each patient, based on medical history, biochemical and serological tests, physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography. All the patients received a CT scan of the abdomen. These patients had undergone the following surgery procedures: total splenectomy 13 (60%), and spleen-preserving surgery 7 (35%) patients. Histological examination confirmed the spleen echinoccocosis in all the patients. RESULTS: Nonspecific left upper abdominal pain was present in 10 (50%) cases, while 5 (25%) patients presented with the right upper abdominal pain with dyspepsia and five patients (25%) were asymptomatic. Postoperative complications developed in 2/13 (15.4 %) patients who underwent total splenectomy, while there were no complications after spleen-preserving surgery. CONCLUSION: Spleen-preserving surgery should be undertaken if possible in patients with spleen echinococcosis, and total splenectomy is reserved for the patients with large cysts located centrally or near the hilus.

Liver actinomycosis mimicking liver tumour.

BACKGROUND: The liver actinomycosis is a rare disease associated with complex differentiation from the liver metastases or hepatocellular carcinoma. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old immunocompetent female patient was admitted to the Surgical Department in an exhausted condition, with dyspnea, significant weight loss and intermittent fever in the recent two months. Diagnostic procedures that followed, including abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography led us to the diagnosis of metastatic liver disease of unknown etiology with pleural and pericardial effusion. Intraoperatively, the presence of liver pseudotumor without malignancy in the liver was confirmed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of liver actinomycosis. Prolonged treatment with high dose penicillin was performed and all signs and symptoms resolved completely without further problems. The control abdominal ultrasond finding was normal. CONCLUSION: Liver actinomycosis has a nonspecific presentation, often mimicking liver tumor. A timely diagnosis as well as a combined surgical and antibiotic therapy is necessary in the treatment of patients with primary disease and prevention of complications.

Color Doppler sonography and angioscintigraphy in hepatic Hodgkin's lymphoma.

AIM: To estimate the characteristics of Color Doppler findings and the results of hepatic radionuclide angiography (HRA) in secondary Hodgkin's hepatic lymphoma. METHODS: The research included patients with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma with metastatic focal lesions in the liver and controls. Morphologic characteristics of focal liver lesions and hemodynamic parameters were examined by pulsed and Color Doppler in the portal, hepatic and splenic veins were examined. Hepatic perfusion index (HPI) estimated by HRA was calculated. RESULTS: In the majority of patients, hepatomegaly was observed. Lesions were mostly hypoechoic and mixed, solitary or multiple. Some of the patients presented with dilated splenic veins and hepatofugal blood flow. A pulse wave was registered in the centre and at the margins of lymphoma. The average velocity of the pulse wave was higher at the margins (P > 0.05). A continuous venous wave was found only at the margins of lymphoma. There was no linear correlation between lymphoma size and velocity of pulse and continuous wave (r = 390, P < 0.01). HPI was significantly lower in patients with lymphomas than in controls (P < 0.05), pointing out increased arterial perfusion in comparison to portal perfusion. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler ultrasonography is a sensitive method for the detection of neovascularization in Hodgkin's hepatic lymphoma and estimation of its intensity. Hepatic radionuclide angiography can additionally help in the assessment of vascularisation of liver lesions.

A study of pulmonary embolism after abdominal surgery in patients undergoing prophylaxis.

AIM: To determine risk factors for pulmonary embolism and estimate effects and benefits of prophylaxis. METHODS: We included 78 patients who died subsequently to a pulmonary embolism after major abdominal surgery from 1985 to 2003. A first, retrospective analysis involved 41 patients who underwent elective surgery between 1985 and 1990 without receiving any prophylaxis. In the prospectively evaluated subgroup, 37 patients undergoing major surgery between 1991 and 2003 were enrolled: all of them had received a prophylaxis consisting in low-molecular weight heparin, given subcutaneously at a dose of 2850 IU AXa/0.3 mL (body weight < 50 kg) or 5700 IU AXa/0.6 mL (body weight > or = 50 kg). RESULTS: A higher incidence of thromboembolism (43.9% and 46.34% in the two groups, respectively) was found in older patients (> 60 years). The incidence of pulmonary embolism after major abdominal surgery in patients who had received the prophylaxis was significantly lower compared to the subjects with the same condition who had not received any prophylaxis (P < 0.001, OR = 2.825; 95% CI, 1.811-4.408). Furthermore, the incidence of pulmonary embolism after colorectal cancer surgery was significantly higher compared to incidence of pulmonary embolism after other abdominal surgical procedures. Finally, the incidence of pulmonary embolism after colorectal cancer surgery among the patients who had received the prophylaxis (11/4316, 0.26%) was significantly lower compared to subjects undergoing a surgical procedure for the same indication but without prophylaxis (10/1562, 0.64%) (P < 0.05, OR = 2.522; 95% CI, 1.069-5.949). CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin is highly recommended during the preoperative period in patients with diagnosis of colorectal cancer due to high risk of pulmonary embolism after elective surgery.

Spontaneous gastrojejunal fistula is a complication of gastric ulcer.

Spontaneous gastrojejunal fistula formation is an extremely rare complication of gastric ulcer disease. We report a 77-year old woman who presented with diffuse abdominal pain, weight loss, malaise, nausea, and occasional dark stools. Laboratory tests showed extreme hyposideremic anemia with inflammatory syndrome. In addition, biochemical parameters of malnourishment were presented. Upper endoscopy revealed the patent esophagus along the full length without any pathological changes. Large and deep ulceration with perforation in the small intestine was detected in the posterior gastric wall. The small intestine loop was reached by endoscope through spontaneously developed gastrojejunal fistula. Polytopic biopsies of described ulcerative change were carried out. Histopathologically reepithelialized ulcerous zone was seen in the gastric mucosa. Also, gastrojejunal fistula was visualized after wide opening of hepatogastric and gastrocolic ligament. Jejunal loop 25 cm from ligament of Treitz was attached to mesocolon and posterior gastric wall because of ulcer penetration. Postoperative course was uneventful. Per oral intake started on the 4(th) postoperative day, and the patient was discharged on the 8(th) postoperative day. In summary, this case indicates that persistent symptoms of peptic ulcer disease associated with nutritional disturbances may be caused by gastrojejunal fistula.

Bulk agent Plantago ovata after Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure.

The aim of this study was to determine usefulness of the bulk agent Plantago ovata in reducing postoperative pain and tenesmus after open hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan with Ligasure). Ninety-eight patients were randomized into two groups of 49 patients each. In both groups Milligan-Morgan open hemorrhoidectomy with Ligasure was performed. The first group received postoperatively two sachets daily of 3.26 g of the bulk agent, Plantago ovata, for 20 days. The control group was treated postoperatively with glycerin oil. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender distribution and hemorrhoid grading, between the two groups. The pain score after first defecation (p < 0.001) and after 10 days (p < 0.01) and the global pain score (p < 0.001) was statistically significantly lower in the group treated with Plantago ovata, while there was no statistically significant difference in the pain level after 20 days (p > 0.05). The hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter in the group receiving Plantago ovata (2.6 +/- 0.6 vs 3.9 +/- 0.7 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of tenesmus was higher in the control group (40.8% vs 10.2%, p < 0.01). Treating patients with Plantago ovata after open hemorrhoidectomy, reduces pain, tenesmus rate and shortens postoperative hospital stay.