Monophasic synovial sarcoma of the greater omentum: case report and review of literature.

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant spindle cell neoplasm normally arising from tissues around joints, bursa and tendon sheaths. Several reports involving the gastrointestinal tract, mainly the oesophagus and stomach, have been documented; however, the omentum remains an extremely unusual location. Monophasic type is composed exclusively of spindle cells arranged in fascicles. Establishing the correct diagnosis of these tumours could be challenging because of the similarities with gastrointestinal stromal tumours and other mesenchymal tumours with similar histology.

Willingness to undergo colorectal cancer screening in first-degree relatives of hospitalized patients with colorectal cancer.

AIMS: To evaluate whether willingness to undergo colonoscopy screening is influenced by being a first-degree relative of hospitalized patients with or without colorectal cancer after briefing and surgeon recommendation. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 327 first-degree relatives of hospitalized patients aged higher than 40 years, divided into Group A (151 relatives of colorectal cancer patients) and Group B (176 relatives of non-cancer patients) at the University Hospital of the Canary Islands, Spain. All were personally briefed by a surgeon, aided by a colorectal cancer pamphlet, and encouraged to accept screening colonoscopy with sedation. RESULTS: Willingness to undergo colonoscopy screening was greater in Group A (66.9%) than in Group B (29.0%); (odds ratio: 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 4.27 to 29.14; P < 0.001). Pre-briefing awareness of screening colonoscopy was also significantly higher in Group A (76.8% vs. 33.5%; P < 0.001), the main source of information being a close relative with colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Being a close relative of a colorectal cancer patient is positively related with willingness to undergo colonoscopy screening in this study. This cross-sectional study outlines a strategy for increasing the level of willingness to undergo colorectal cancer screening in a group of people at risk.

Obstruction of the bypassed stomach treated with percutaneous drainage: an alternative treatment for selected cases.

Biliopancreatic limb obstruction in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an infrequent complication that should be recognized early to avoid the risk of peritonitis and death. In this manuscript, we report a case of acute gastric remnant dilatation secondary to intraabdominal hematoma provoked by trocar injury that was compressing the second portion of duodenum lumen. To treat this problem, we decided on a less invasive treatment consisting of percutaneous decompression of the stomach. The procedure was performed using sonographic guidance with local anesthesia, thus, avoiding a new surgical procedure. In this selected case, percutaneous radiological catheter placement provided an effective decompression of the excluded gastric remnant until spontaneous resolution of the obstruction.

Effectiveness of colorectal laparoscopic surgery on patients at high anesthetic risk: an intervention cohort study.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients at high preoperative anesthetic risk because of associated pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 until January 2005, 116 patients were systematically assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to one of two groups: laparoscopy surgery (n=59, of which 31 were American Society of Anesthesiologists score [ASA] I-II [L1] and 28 ASA III-IV [L2]) or open surgery (n=57, of which 30 were ASA I-II [O1] and 27 ASA III-IV [O2]). Data on patient demographics and clinical and anesthetic variables were collected prospectively. Informed consent was obtained from the patients, and approval was obtained from the designated review board of the institution involved. RESULTS: The number of minor anesthetic complications during surgery was higher in L2 patients. No differences were observed in blood gas parameters studied during surgery (pCO(2), pH, and pO(2)/FiO(2)). Transfusion rates in the laparoscopy group at greater anesthetic risk (L2) were lower than those of the high-risk conventional surgery group (O2; 21.4 vs 63%, P<0.02). Duration of stay in the surgical recovery room and the inpatient ward were also shorter in the L2 group than in the O2 group (8.7+/-4.5 vs 12.2+/-6 days, P=0.02). There was no difference in perioperative clinical variables between laparoscopy groups (L1, L2). CONCLUSION: Postoperative recovery of ASA III-IV patients is better after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, at the expense of a higher rate of minor anesthetic occurrences during surgery.

Carcinoid syndrome misdiagnosed as a malabsorptive syndrome after biliopancreatic diversion.

A case is reported of a woman who developed untreatable diarrhea after a prior biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), attributed to the malabsorptive component. Abdominal ultrasound incidentally found focal liver lesions. On fine needle aspiration biopsy, atypia was found, and these hepatic lesions were resected with free margins. The specimen showed liver metastases of an aggressive malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm. The primary site was subsequently identified to be in the pancreas. The physician and surgeon must realize that non-related diseases can develop after bariatric surgery, as in the general population.

[Mesenteric panniculitis: experience in our center]. / Paniculitis mesentérica: experiencia en nuestro centro.

Although several etiological factors have been associated with mesenteric panniculitis, the exact etiology in some cases remains unknown. Herein, we present a retrospective analysis of 8 patients affected with this disorder performed between May 2000 and December 2006. In our series the mean age at which patients presented was 63 years. The majority of the patients were male (with a male: female ratio of 3:1). The most common clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (n = 4) and asthenia (n = 4). Three cases presented with obstructive symptoms and three had a history of abdominal surgery. Notably, seven had a background of tobacco use (five smokers and two ex-smokers) and one patient developed follicular lymphoma. A literature research was carried out to analyze our results and formulate a new hypothesis. In our opinion, we believe that the study of causal factors such as tobacco and its components is required due to the strong association found in this study.

Paniculitis mesentérica: experiencia en nuestro centro / Mesenteric panniculitis: experience in our center

A pesar de que se han reconocido distintos factores precipitantes en la paniculitis mesentérica, su etiología en determinados casos es incierta. Presentamos un análisis retrospectivo de 8 pacientes afectados de paniculitis mesentérica en un periodo comprendido entre mayo 2000 hasta diciembre 2006. En nuestra serie la edad media de presentación fue 63 años, siendo la mayoría de pacientes varones (proporción 3:1). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron el dolor abdominal (n = 4) y la astenia (n = 4). Tres casos se presentaron como cuadro de obstrucción y tres casos presentaron antecedentes de cirugía abdominal. El antecedente más común fue el tabaquismo (5 casos eran fumadores activos y 2 exfumadores) y hubo un paciente que desarrolló un linfoma folicular en el seguimiento. Revisamos la literatura para analizar nuestros resultados y formular una hipótesis. En nuestra opinión, pensamos que debe ser analizada de forma más exhaustiva la relación entre el tabaco y sus componentes con la aparición de la enfermedad debido a la fuerte asociación encontrada en este estudio

Although several etiological factors have been associated with mesenteric panniculitis, the exact etiology in some cases remains unknown. Herein, we present a retrospective analysis of 8 patients affected with this disorder performed between May 2000 and December 2006. In our series the mean age at which patients presented was 63 years. The majority of the patients were male (with a male: female ratio of 3:1). The most common clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (n = 4) and asthenia (n = 4). Three cases presented with obstructive symptoms and three had a history of abdominal surgery. Notably, seven had a background of tobacco use (five smokers and two ex-smokers) and one patient developed follicular lymphoma. A literature research was carried out to analyze our results and formulate a new hypothesis. In our opinion, we believe that the study of causal factors such as tobacco and its components is required due to the strong association found in this study

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch: the role of laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The Aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate early experience with laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy by analyzing the perioperative results of surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven major surgeries were performed in six patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis. All procedures were performed under laparoscopy at our third-level hospital from June 2003 to October 2004. RESULTS: Mean surgical time was 287.5 +/- 80.7 min, and median blood loss was 300 +/- 249.0 cc. There were no conversions; return of peristalsis began at 32 +/- 12.4 h; average time to first oral intake was 64.0 +/- 32.8 h, and mean duration of hospital stay was 9.3 +/- 1.2 days. There was one case of perineal sepsis due to ileal pouch-anal anastomotic leakage, which was successfully treated with oral intake restriction, parenteral nutrition, and intra-rectal drainage. The most common postoperative complication was postoperative ileus. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the laparoscopic approach to restorative proctocolectomy may be considerably improved in our center. Particular aspects for improvement include efforts to achieve lower operating and hospitalization times to equate our results with those reported by multicenter studies for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. In our opinion, learning and further training opportunities should be encouraged to improve surgeon experience in the field of laparoscopy, preferably at centers specializing in restorative proctocolectomy.

Recurrence of inflammatory pseudotumor in the distal bile duct: lessons learned from a single case and reported cases.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) or inflammatory pseudotumors (IPs) have been extensively discussed in the literature. They are usually found in the lung and upper respiratory tract. However, reporting of cases involving the biliopancreatic region has increased over recent years. Immunohistochemical study of these lesions limited to the pancreatic head or distal bile duct seems to be compatible with those observed in a new entity called autoimmune pancreatitis, but usually intense fibrotic reaction (zonation) predominates producing a mass. When this condition is limited to the pancreatic head, the common bile duct might be involved by the inflammatory process and jaundice may occur often resembling adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. We have previously reported a case of IMT arising from the bile duct associated with autoimmune pancreatitis which is an extremely rare entity. Four years after Kaush-Whipple resection, radiological examination on routine follow-up revealed a tumor mass, suggesting local recurrence. Ultrasound-guided FNA confirmed our suspicious diagnosis. This present case, as others, suggests that persistent follow-up is necessary in order to prevent irreversible liver damage at this specific location.

Proctocolectomía restauradora con reservorio ileoanal: el papel de la laparoscopia / Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch: the role of laparoscopy

Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio restrospectivo es evaluarla experiencia inicial en la proctocolectomía restauradora laparoscópica,analizando los resultados perioperatorios obtenidos durantela fase de introducción de la técnica.Pacientes y métodos: entre junio de 2003 y octubre 2004,realizamos siete intervenciones mayores en seis pacientes afectosde poliposis colónica familiar y colitis ulcerosa mediante abordajelaparoscópico.Resultados: el tiempo medio quirúrgico fue: 287,5 ± 80,7min y las pérdidas hemáticas: 300 ± 249,0 cc. No hubo conversiones;el inicio del peristaltismo fue: 32 ± 12,4 h; el tiempo mediode reintroducción de la alimentación: 64,0 ± 32,8 h; el tiempomedio de estancia hospitalaria: 9,3 ± 1,2 días. Hubo un casode dehiscencia del reservorio ileoanal con sepsis perineal tratadasatisfactoriamente con dieta absoluta, nutrición parenteral y drenajedel mismo mediante punción intrarrectal. La complicaciónpostoperatoria más frecuente fue la presencia de íleo postoperatorio.Conclusiones: creemos que la proctocolectomía restauradoralaparoscópica aún debe mejorar. Estas mejoras deberían reducirlos tiempos operatorios y la estancia hospitalaria para que la laparoscopiaen este campo iguale los resultados tan favorables obte-nidos en estudios multicéntricos en la cirugía oncológica del colon.En nuestra opinión, estos cambios deberían producirse con elaprendizaje y formación de los cirujanos en laparoscopia colorrectaly siempre en centros dedicados especialmente a este tipo de cirugía

Objectives: the aim of this retrospective study was to evaluateearly experience with laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy byanalyzing the perioperative results of surgical treatment.Patients and methods: seven major surgeries were performedin six patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerativecolitis. All procedures were performed under laparoscopyat our third-level hospital from June 2003 to October 2004.Results: mean surgical time was 287.5 ± 80.7 min, and medianblood loss was 300 ± 249.0 cc. There were no conversions;return of peristalsis began at 32 ± 12.4 h; average time to firstoral intake was 64.0 ± 32.8 h, and mean duration of hospital staywas 9.3 ± 1.2 days. There was one case of perineal sepsis due toileal pouch-anal anastomotic leakage, which was successfullytreated with oral intake restriction, parenteral nutrition, and intrarectaldrainage. The most common postoperative complicationwas postoperative ileus.Conclusions: we believe that the laparoscopic approach torestorative proctocolectomy may be considerably improved in ourcenter. Particular aspects for improvement include efforts toachieve lower operating and hospitalization times to equate ourresults with those reported by multicenter studies for laparoscopiccolon cancer surgery. In our opinion, learning and further trainingopportunities should be encouraged to improve surgeon experiencein the field of laparoscopy, preferably at centers specializingin restorative proctocolectomy

An unusual case of hemoperitoneum owing to acute splenic torsion in a child with immunoglobulin deficiency.

Wandering spleen is an uncommon clinical entity, which rarely affects children and adolescents. It is usually described in adults, being most common in the multiparous women of childbearing age. A case of a 14-year-old girl with a past history of splenomegaly and immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, who presented with a sudden onset of abdominal pain, is presented. Diagnosis of hemoperitoneum secondary to torsion of a wandering spleen was made by computed tomography scan and Doppler ultrasound. Laparoscopy revealed hemoperitoneum owing to a ruptured and infarcted spleen. Laparotomy was undertaken and open splenectomy was successfully performed. The patient was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course that was not punctuated by any major complication. Management of this rare surgical emergency is discussed. Based on the details of this case, the authors hypothesize that IgA deficiency causes splenomegaly, which in turn predisposes to ligamentous laxity and splenic torsion.

Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated low spigelian hernia with transperitoneal PTFE DualMesh.

There are different types of hernias that can develop at certain sites in the abdominal wall. Spigelian hernia (SH) is a protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the spigelian aponeurosis, in proximity to the external margin of the rectus muscle. Usually, abdominal wall hernia sac contains the omentum but may also contain small intestine that might become trapped in the hernia. When ischemia of herniated contents is suspected, urgent surgical treatment is advocated. Elective laparoscopic repair of SH is still under discussion. However, a recent randomized study comparing open and laparoscopic repair as elective treatment suggested that extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair is the technique that offers best results for the patients. Recent development of new biologic materials and technologies in laparoscopy has led to improved results. We report the successful repair of incarcerated low SH that was successfully managed by urgent laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay polytetrafluoroethylene mesh hernioplasty.

Ileoileal intussusception as initial manifestation of Crohn's disease.

Intussusception is usually considered a childhood condition, but it may also be present in adults, where it is more often associated with an underlying pathology. There is no agreement upon the correct treatment of adult intussusception, although surgical intervention is considered necessary. Resection without prior reduction has been the traditional treatment of choice due to the significant risk for malignancy found in most series. We describe an unusual case of intestinal necrosis secondary to ileoileal intussusception caused by Crohn's disease. A long intestinal resection was necessary and the patient was discharged without major complications. Based on the details of this case, the authors emphasize the potential importance of considering individualized treatment of adult intussusception. The practical benefit for reduction of viable bowel in Crohn's patients is the preservation of bowel length.