Gastric perforation secondary to T-cell lymphoma.

Introduction: Malignant primary lymphoma represents only 1%-5% of all gastric tumours. Spontaneous gastric perforation in the absence of chemotherapy in these cases is extremely rare. The vast majority of primary gastric lymphomas have a B-cell phenotype that originates from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and primary gastric lymphomas with a T-cell phenotype are rarely reported. This report describes a case of a primary gastric T-cell malignant lymphoma associated to spontaneous perforation and peritonitis. Case presentation: An 80-year-old woman referring 24 hours of abdominal pain associated to cognitive impairment consulted to our Emergency Department. Her past medical history revealed smoking, hypothyroidism, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension, celiac disease with poor adherence to gluten-free diet and a Non-Hodgkin T cell lymphoma associated to enteropathy in 2010. At physical examination, she presented with tachycardia, hypotension and abdominal tenderness. Lab test revealed low red cell count and an abdomen computed tomography scan showed pneumoperitoneum secondary to a large gastric perforation located in the anterior wall of the antrum. Urgent surgery was performed. At exploratory laparoscopy, a 5 cm perforation of the anterior wall of prepyloric antrum was observed associated to a 4-quadrant peritonitis. Conversion to open surgery was decided to perform an open antrectomy and Billroth II gastro-jejunostomy. The patient was transferred to ICU after surgery under mechanical respiratory assistance for closed monitoring but evolved with a cardiogenic shock and deceased on the first postoperative day. The final histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis reported enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation with concomitant celiac disease. Discussion: We present a rare case of a patient with a history of celiac disease who developed a gastric perforation secondary to an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation. To the best of authors' knowledge, there have been reported less than 30 cases of spontaneous perforation of gastric lymphoma in the absence of chemotherapy in the last 35 years. Malignant gastric lymphoma, accounting only for 1% of primary gastric malignancies, is usually a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Incidence of perforation of gastric lymphomas in patients receiving chemotherapy rounds 0.9%-1.1%. However, it is a rare condition in patients not receiving chemotherapy. Conclusion: This is a rare case of a patient with an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma of gastric localisation, who developed a spontaneous gastric perforation in the absence of chemotherapy. Despite it is a rare condition, it must be suspected in patients with a history of lymphoma in the context of acute abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: impact of surgical time in the learning curve.

PURPOSE: One of the procedures that has become very popular thanks to the advantages of minimally invasive approach is the laparoscopic treatment of inguinocrural hernias. As a disadvantage, it would imply a longer learning curve when compared to the conventional approach. There is no consensus about the number of procedures required to dominate this surgical technique, since according to bibliography it ranges from 20 to 240. METHODS: We analyzed and compared the progress of 18 third year surgical residents while they were introducing into laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasties between June 2013 and May 2018. RESULTS: Between June 2013 and May 2018, 1282 laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasties were performed (71 procedures per resident). Mean surgical time was for unilateral: 62.13 min (SD ± 15.54; range 30-105 min) for the first third (Q1) vs 54.61 min (SD ± 15.38; range 30-100 min) for the last third (Q3): p < 0.0001. For bilateral were: 92.59 min (SD ± 21.89; range 50-160 min) for Q1 vs 84.48 min (SD ± 20.52; range 30-130 min) for Q3: p < 0.05. Accepting an alpha error of 5% and considering an association power of 80%, there would be needed 61 cases per surgeon to achieve a significant reduction in surgical time. CONCLUSION: In a center with high-volume in TAPP and under a supervised training program, it is feasible to achieve a reduction in surgical time. Randomized studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm this finding and draw more robust and objective conclusions.

Ring closure outcome for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (IPOM plus) in medium and large defects. Long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) with the Intra-peritoneal onlay mesh technique (IPOM), recurrence continues to be a frequent postoperative complication. The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term recurrence rate in two series, by incorporating in IPOM technique the laparoscopic closure of the defect (IPOM plus). We also want to determine the ring size cut-off point from which the recurrence risk increases in IPOM technique and determine if the cut-off point is modified with IPOM plus technique. METHODS: A comparative retrospective study was conducted analyzing patients who underwent LVHR. They were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used: IPOM or IPOM plus. We determined in each group the cut-off point where the ring size presents a greater recurrence risk by calculating the better point of sensitivity/specificity relationship of the ROC curve. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2018, 286 patients underwent LVHR. The ROC curve for IPOM technique has shown a cut-off point of higher recurrence risk for rings larger than 63 cm2. While the ROC curve in IPOM plus group showed an increase in the cut-off point, with a higher recurrence risk in rings > 168 cm2. Overall median ring size was 30 cm2 (range 4-225; IQR 16-61). However, when comparing the ring size between techniques we found a relatively larger size in IPOM plus (p: 0.013). The recurrence rate in the IPOM group was 19.51% while in the IPOM plus group was 3.57% (p: 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: For standard LVHR with IPOM technique, the greatest recurrence risk occurs in rings larger than 63 cm2. The addition of ring closure (IPOM plus) was associated with a recurrence risk reduction, which occurs in rings larger than 168 cm2. These findings would allow expanding the indication for LVHR, using the IPOM plus technique.

Laparoscopic transgastric resection of a gastric leiomyosarcoma: report of a rare case.

Gastric leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of tumour that is far less prevalent than gastrointestinal stromal tumours. We describe a case of a 42-year-old male patient who consulted for upper abdominal pain. Blood work revealed low haemoglobin levels, requiring red blood cell transfusions. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, showing a submucosal tumour with central ulceration in the greater gastric curvature. The patient underwent an endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy and the sample showed a spindle cell neoplasia. Computed tomography scan demonstrated absence of distant metastases. Upon multidisciplinary consensus, it was decided to perform surgery. A laparoscopic approach was conducted, where no peritoneal lesions were observed. Transgastric resection of the tumour was performed. Free tumour margins were achieved following oncologic criteria (minimum tumour manipulation and one-piece resection without damaging the tumour capsule). After exhaustive sampling, the final pathology report informed an 11 × 9 × 5 cm gastric leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemical examination showed positivity with smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, calponin and desmin. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and 6 post-operative months' clinical, tomographic and endoscopic control informed no disease recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, there are less than 20 published cases of patients with diagnosis of gastric leiomyosarcoma. This study highlights the importance of reporting this entity, in order to contribute to the available literature concerning this topic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures on acute appendicitis: Do not let your guard down.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the usual dynamics of consultation and presentation for acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic and restrictive measures on the cases of AA. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AA between December 2019 and July 2020 was conducted. Patients were classified into two groups; one that underwent treatment in the 16 weeks before the implementation of lockdown in Argentina (Group 1) and another that underwent treatment in the 16 weeks after (Group 2). Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were evaluated. Results: Overall, 91 patients underwent surgery, 61 and 30 patients in each group, showing a 51% drop in the incidence. The second group delayed seeking medical care longer (mean 46 h vs. 27 h, P < 0.05), had a higher rate of perforated appendicitis (30% vs. 11%, P < 0.05) and a higher rate of complicated appendicitis (56.6% vs. 18%, P < 0.01). These results were associated with a longer operative time (43.7 ± 15.5 min vs. 36.1 ± 11.1 min, P < 0.05) and a longer mean length of hospital stay (1.9 days vs. 1.4 days, P < 0.01); however, no increase in the quantity and severity of post-operative complications was observed. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive social measures led to fewer consultations for abdominal pain, resulting in a lower number of AA diagnosed. In addition, a longer delay in seeking medical care was observed, leading to more advanced disease, longer operative time and length of hospital stay.

Laparoscopic treatment (reTAPP) for recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: For inguinal hernia recurrences, the European Hernia Society guidelines recommend laparo-endoscopic repair (LR) following a previous open surgery (OS) and, conversely, OS following previous laparo-endoscopic repair. Laparoscopic treatment of recurrences after previous LR is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and reliability of a repeated transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic repair (reTAPP) for a recurrent hernia. METHODS: We analyzed and compared a series of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia after LR who underwent repair by a conventional approach with similar patients who underwent reTAPP between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2018, 2488 transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia (TAPP) repairs were performed. Recurrence was observed in 46 (1.8%). Of these patients, 18 (39%; Group 1; G1) underwent conventional open repair (Lichtenstein technique) and 28 (61%; Group 2; G2) reTAPP. In G2, repair was successful in 24 patients (86%); however, four cases (14%) needed conversion to OS because of technical difficulties. Two patients re-recurred (4.3%), one in G1 which was resolved in a third approach with a reTAPP and the other in G2 which was resolved with OS. CONCLUSION: ReTAPP surgery for recurrences after previous TAPP repair proved to be safe and was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and morbidity and recurrence rates comparable to OS at a highly specialized center. Randomized studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm these findings and draw more robust and objective conclusions.

Laparoscopic treatment of a pericaecal internal hernia.

We present the case of a pericaecal hernia treated successfully with a laparoscopic approach and full recovery after surgery. A 53-year-old female patient with a personal history of depression, osteoporosis and irritable bowel syndrome consulted to the emergency department for abdominal pain and distension in the last 12 h, associated with one episode of vomit and diminished frequency in the passage of stools. The right abdomen was tender to palpation, and blood work revealed no leucocytosis. A computed tomography scan showed small bowel loops distended and displaced to the right parietocolic recess, lateral to the ascending colon. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed confirming the presence of small bowel loops incarcerated in the paracaecal fossa. These ones were reduced with gentle manoeuvres, and the peritoneal folds incised to prevent recurrence. The patient was started on an oral diet 2 days after surgery and discharged home on the 3rd post-operative day.

Esophageal perforation after transesophageal echocardiography: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal perforation is a rare and severe complication following transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) that carries high morbidity and mortality rates. Management of these perforations usually requires complex open surgeries. We present the case of an esophageal perforation following TEE treated with a combined approach of upper endoscopy and left cervicotomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 80 y/o male patient underwent a diagnostic TEE for mitral regurgitation. After discharge patient consulted back on the same day to the Emergency Department and a perforation of the cervical esophagus was diagnosed associated to an air-fluid collection in the mediastinum. The patient was treated with endoscopic closure of the perforation and left cervicotomy for mediastinal drainage. Patient was discharged home on POD 31 after full recovery. A written consent was previously obtained, and Institutional Review Board approval was not needed. DISCUSSION: Although not frequently seen, complications following TEE can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated early. Endoscopic closure of an esophageal perforation is a safe and feasible option with the already known advantages of a minimally invasive approach. Surgeons should have high suspicion if a patient present with characteristic symptoms after an uneventful procedure. CONCLUSION: Esophageal perforation is a very rare complication of TEE. High suspicion is mandatory to reach prompt diagnosis and install effective treatment. Primary closure of the perforation is the treatment of choice, and the endoscopic approach is a safe and feasible option in high volume centers.

Totally endoscopic inguinal hernia repair: A new approach.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approach is used to repair as many defects of the abdominal wall as possible with the same approach, with the advantages implied by this way to perform surgery. Nowadays, efforts are made to create a minimally invasive approach to cope with the necessity to repair different defects of the abdominal wall at the same time. METHODS: A minimally invasive approach, with long standing endoscopic and laparoscopic principles on a well stablished inguinal hernia repair technique (Lichtenstein), is used to create a new approach to restore a unilateral inguinal hernia with the possibility to perform an adjunctive approach to solve other defects of the abdominal wall, in this case midline incisional hernia. A written consent was previously obtained, and Institutional Review Board approval was not needed. RESULTS: We performed an endoscopic repair of a right inguinal hernia, and a laparoscopic approach using the same surgical site to repair a midline incisional hernia. Patient was discharged at 36 hs post-procedure. Sixth month later the patient does not have evidence of a recurrence of either defect. CONCLUSION: This new approach has proved to be feasible, giving the advantages of a minimally invasive approach, but more experience and time are needed before getting objective and real conclusions.