External Oblique Intercostal Plane Block Versus Port-Site Infiltration for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive surgery, postoperative pain is common. A novel block, the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block, can be used as part of multimodal analgesia for upper abdominal surgeries. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of EOI block in patients undergoing LSG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were assigned into two groups either EOI or port-site infiltration (PSI). The EOI group received ultrasound-guided 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, while the PSI group received 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at each port sites by the surgeon. Data on clinical and demographic were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in terms of demographic details (p > 0.05). VAS scores were statistically lower during resting at PACU, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05), The VAS scores were also lower during active movement at PACU, 1, 2, 4, and 8 h postoperatively in the EOI group than PSI group (p < 0.05). Twenty-four-hour fentanyl consumption was lower in the EOI than in the PSI group (505.83 ± 178.56 vs. 880.83 ± 256.78 µg, respectively, p < 0.001). Rescue analgesia was higher in PSI group than EOI group (26/30 vs. 14/30, respectively, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: EOI block can be used as a part of multimodal analgesia due to its simplicity and effective postoperative analgesia in LSG.

A Comparative Study on Removal of Appendectomy Specimen during Laparoscopy.

This study included 151 patients and compared four techniques for appendectomy specimen removal during laparoscopy in a tertiary health centre. An endo bag was the most common removal technique which is preferred in the elderly, whereas, direct removal is preferred in younger patients (p=0.045). A lower median CRP level was observed in the powdered glove group (p=0.025), and median values of hospital stay were longer in powder-free and powdered glove groups (p<0.001). In comparing the powder-free glove group and powdered glove group, there was only a difference in median hospital stays, and the median level was higher in the powdered glove group. The present study's results show direct removal is the best method because of the reduced need for catheters during surgery and the short hospital stay. However, powdered gloves technique is preferred method in cases with less inflammation, though, it prolongs the need for drainage catheter use and length of hospital stay. Therefore, we emphasise that removal via powdered gloves is the worst technique among the four techniques. Key Words: Appendectomy, Appendicitis, Laparoscopy, Morbidity, Readmission.

The role of liver resection in the management of severe blunt liver trauma.

BACKGROUND: The management of hepatic trauma has a historical progress from mandatory operation with selective non-operative treatment, to non-operative treatment with selective operation. Liver resection (LR) seems to have a minimal role in the management of liver injury. However, surgical treatment becomes the only life-saving treatment in cases with severe liver trauma. METHODS: It is a retrospective presentation of five cases with severe blunt liver injury whose were admitted at our center during the 8-year period. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 30.8 (23-43). The most frequent mechanism of injury was pedestrian struck (60%). Two of five cases were transferred to our hospital from rural state hospitals after initial attempt to achieving hemostasis. The majority of liver injury was grade V (80%). The right lobe of the liver was injured in different extensions. Major vascular injury was associated to liver injury in four of five cases. The right hepatectomy (n=1), resectional debridement of segments 5, 6, and 7 (n=1), posterior sectorectomy (n=2), and segment 7 resection (n=1) were performed for hemostasis. Vascular injuries in the junction of inferior vena cava and right hepatic vein (n=1), the anterior surface of the right hepatic vein (n=1), the junction of segment 7 hepatic vein and right hepatic vein (n=1), the main portal vein (n=1), and the right renal vein (n=1) were repaired. Median operation time was 162 min (120-180 min). Operative mortality was 20%. Reoperation was needed in three of four survived cases. In-hospital complications were observed in two of four survived cases. Median stay in intensive care unit and hospital was 12.4 days (1-48 days) and 28.2 days (1-65 days), respectively. CONCLUSION: When a severe liver injury is unresponsive to packing, the surgeon must always keep in mind that extensive maneuvers for vascular control and LR are required for bleeding control.

Enhancing Hepatic Microcirculation in Postoperative Hepatic Failure With Intra-arterial Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment.

Postoperative hepatic failure is one of the most severe complications after liver resection. Treatment protocols have varied from medical support to liver transplant. Here, we describe the clinical course of an 18-year-old female patient with postoperative hepatic failure. The combined use of intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator infusion and concurrent liver support facilities resulted in successful treatment of postoperative hepatic failure. The role of thrombolytic treatment for postoperative hepatic failure may include future placement in routine treatment protocols, as seen in liver transplant.