Ultrasound-guided versus conventional peribulbar anaesthesia in cataract surgery: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Blind ophthalmic anaesthetic techniques may have serious complications. AIM: To assess the safety of ultrasound as a guide in ophthalmic blocks. METHODS: Fifty adult patients undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar block anaesthesia were randomly assigned to ultrasound-guided and conventional block groups. In the ultrasound-guided block group, a large amount of the standard ultrasound gel was applied to the closed eyelids. The globes were scanned in both sagittal and transverse planes. The patients were asked to look straight ahead with closed eyes without clenching the eyelids. The depth and gain were adjusted before performing the block. The primary outcome was the rate of complications. Secondary outcomes included the volume of injected anaesthetics and surgeon and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: The local anaesthetic volume used was not significantly different between the two groups (7.08 ± 1.66 and 6.72 ± 1.97ml). The block onset, time and quality were comparable in both groups. No complications were reported, and there were no significant differences regarding surgeons' or patients' satisfaction with either procedure. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-guided local ophthalmic block is as safe as the conventional method. Although its use was not superior to the conventional procedure, direct visualisation with ultrasound may be important to avoid vulnerable structures such as staphylomas.

Predictive value of Hajibandeh index in determining peritoneal contamination in acute abdomen: A cohort study and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hajibandeh index (HI), derived from combined levels of C-reactive protein, lactate, neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin, is a modern predictor of peritoneal contamination and mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology. AIM: To validate the performance of HI in predicting the presence and nature of peritoneal contamination in patients with acute abdominal pathology in a larger cohort study and to synthesis evidence in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The STROBE guidelines and the PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a cohort study (ChiCTR2200056183) and a meta-analysis (CRD42022306018), respectively. All adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for acute abdominal pathology were eligible. The accuracy of the HI was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in the cohort study and using weighted summary area under the curve (AUC) under the fixed and random effects modelling in the meta-analysis. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 criteria were used for methodological quality assessment of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 1437 patients were included (700 from the cohort study and 737 from the literature search). ROC curve analysis of the cohort study showed that the AUC of HI for presence of contamination, purulent contamination and feculent contamination were 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-0.82, P < 0.0001], 0.76 (95%CI: 0.72-0.80, P < 0.0001), and 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79-0.86, P < 0.0001), respectively. The meta-analysis showed that the pooled AUC of HI for presence of contamination, purulent contamination and feculent contamination were 0.79 (95%CI: 0.75-0.83), 0.78 (95%CI: 0.74-0.81), and 0.80 (95%CI: 0.77-0.83), respectively. CONCLUSION: The HI is a strong and accurate predictor of intraperitoneal contamination. Although the available evidence is robust, it is limited to the studies conducted by our evidence synthesis group. We encourage other researchers to validate performance of HI in predicting the presence of intraperitoneal contamination and more importantly in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy.

Ketamine versus magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in the peribulbar block for posterior segment surgeries: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The use of an adjuvant to local anesthetics in the peribulbar block may improve block characteristics. The aim of this double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ketamine versus magnesium sulphate as adjuvants to the local anesthetic mixture of peribulbar block in patients scheduled for vitreoretinal surgeries. METHODS: A total of 126 patients scheduled for vitreoretinal surgery were randomly allocated as either ketamine (GK, N.=42), magnesium sulphate (GM, N.=42), or control (GC, N.=42) groups. The primary outcomes were the onset and duration of globe akinesia, duration of lid akinesia, and onset of sensory block. Secondary outcomes included time to start surgery, duration of analgesia, intraocular pressure, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. RESULTS: The use of either ketamine or magnesium significantly shortened the onset of globe akinesia, enhanced the onset of sensory block, prolonged the duration of globe and lid akinesia, minimized the time required to start surgery, and increased the total analgesic time. The effect of magnesium was significantly more pronounced on durations of globe and lid akinesia as well as analgesia, whereas ketamine significantly shortened the time required to start surgery. Both patient and surgeon satisfaction were significantly improved with the use of either drug. CONCLUSIONS: In vitreoretinal surgeries the use of either ketamine or magnesium sulphate as adjuvants to the local anesthetic mixture of peribulbar block improved the onset, duration, and quality of the block, offered better patient and surgeon satisfaction, and was not associated with drug adverse effects or surgical complications.

The effect of adenotonsillectomy on obstructive sleep apnea in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Children with Down syndrome (DS) are liable to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to many anatomical airway abnormalities. The tonsils and adenoid occupy part of the airway space, and their removal may be helpful in relieving airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in the treatment of OSA in those children. METHODS: Fifty DS children with difficult breathing were recruited, and they were subjected to polysomnographic examination (PSG). Patients with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 1 were considered to have OSA. Adenotonsillectomy was performed for patients who had OSA and adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and after 3 months PSG was done for them with recording of the same preoperative parameters. RESULTS: Forty-three children demonstrated OSA on PSG, and they were included in the study. The preoperative mean AHI was 9.18 (± 6.17) that improved postoperatively to 2.72 (± 3.80) with its normalization in 72% of patients. Also, significant improvement of arousal index, minimum oxygen saturation, desaturation index, and peak end-tidal CO2 was achieved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy is an effective method for the treatment of OSA in children with DS. However, the condition may persist in some children who usually have airway narrowing at multiple levels.

Swallowing disorders among patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

CONCLUSION: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a cause of swallowing disorders in elderly, and otolaryngologists should be aware of the disease on dealing with old patients complaining of dysphagia. The condition may be treated conservatively in most patients; however, surgical reduction of cervical osteophytes may be needed in severe cases. OBJECTIVE: Large cervical osteophytes may cause dysphagia; they compress the pharynx leading to mechanical impairment of swallowing. DISH is characterized by ossification of the anterior longitudinal spinal ligament with formation of osteophytes. The aim was to investigate swallowing disorders among patients with DISH. METHOD: The study included 139 patients with DISH. Their swallowing was evaluated using the eating assessment tool (EAT-10), and patients with swallowing disorders were subjected to fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), they received conservative treatment for 6 months. Patients were assessed again after treatment using the same measures that were employed before treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (16.5%) demonstrated swallowing disorder, and FEES showed residues of food in the pharynx after swallow in all of them. Significant overall improvement after conservative treatment was achieved, with two patients resuming their normal regular diet. However, one patient demonstrated no improvement, and he needed surgical reduction of his large cervical osteophytes.

Maxillary sinus mucocele: predisposing factors, clinical presentations, and treatment.

PURPOSE: Maxillary sinus mucocele (MSM) is uncommon lesion and has many presenting features. The aim of this study was to detect the possible predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, and to assess the efficacy of trans-nasal endoscopic treatment of this lesion. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study was conducted on 36 patients with MSM, the diagnosis of the disease was based on computed tomographic criteria. The patients' history, presenting features, and surgical management were reviewed. All patients were followed up postoperatively for at least 3 years. RESULTS: Chronic sinusitis, previous surgery, allergic rhinitis, and nasal trauma may be implicated as predisposing factors for the disease. However, in some patients (56%) the cause may remain uncertain. MSM may present with unilateral cheek pain, heaviness, swelling, numbness, hemifacial pain, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and/or proptosis. All patients were treated with trans-nasal endoscopic marsupialization through the middle meatus, patients with large MSM showed bulged medial maxillary wall, and they needed to empty the fluid through inferior antrostomy to facilitate introduction of the instruments to the middle meatus. All patients reported resolution of their symptoms, and none required revision surgery through the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: MSM has several predisposing factors such as chronic sinusitis, previous surgery, allergic rhinitis and nasal trauma. However, some patients have no identifiable cause. The disease can present with a variety of symptoms which are usually related to their expansion and subsequent pressure on the surrounding structures. Trans-nasal endoscopic approach is an effective and safe method for treatment of the lesion.

Trans-oral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy does not worsen the speech after cleft palate repair / Adenoidectomia parcial endoscópica transoral não piora a fala de pacientes com correção cirúrgica de fenda palatina

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Adenoid hypertrophy may play a role in velopharyngeal closure especially in patients with palatal abnormality; adenoidectomy may lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency and hyper nasal speech. Patients with cleft palate even after repair should not undergo adenoidectomy unless absolutely needed, and in such situations, conservative or partial adenoidectomy is performed to avoid the occurrence of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Trans-oral endoscopic adenoidectomy enables the surgeon to inspect the velopharyngeal valve during the procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy on the speech of children with repaired cleft palate. METHODS: Twenty children with repaired cleft palate underwent transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy to relieve their airway obstruction. The procedure was completely visualized with the use of a 70° 4 mm nasal endoscope; the upper part of the adenoid was removed using adenoid curette and St. Claire Thompson forceps, while the lower part was retained to maintain the velopharyngeal competence. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of speech was performed, subjectively by auditory perceptual assessment, and objectively by nasometric assessment. RESULTS: Speech was not adversely affected after surgery. The difference between preoperative and postoperative auditory perceptual assessment and nasalance scores for nasal and oral sentences was insignificant (p = 0.231, 0.442, 0.118 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy is a safe method; it does not worsen the speech of repaired cleft palate patients. It enables the surgeon to strictly inspect the velopharyngeal valve during the procedure with better determination of the adenoidal part that may contribute in velopharyngeal closure.

Resumo Introdução: A hipertrofia da adenoide pode desempenhar um papel no fechamento velofaríngeo, especialmente em pacientes com anormalidade palatal; a adenoidectomia pode levar à insuficiência velofaríngea e fala hipernasal. Os pacientes com fenda palatina, mesmo após a correção, não devem ser submetidos a adenoidectomia, exceto quando absolutamente necessário e, em tais situações, a forma conservadora ou parcial é realizada para evitar a ocorrência de insuficiência velofaríngea. A adenoidectomia endoscópica transoral permite ao cirurgião inspecionar a válvula velofaríngea durante o procedimento. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adenoidectomia parcial endoscópica transoral na fala de crianças submetidas à correção de fenda palatina. Método: Um total de 20 crianças com fenda palatina previamente corrigida, foi submetida a adenoidectomia parcial endoscópica transoral, para desobstrução das vias aéreas,. O procedimento foi completamente visualizado com o uso de um endoscópio de 4 mm e ângulo de 70º; a parte superior da adenoide foi removida com uma cureta para adenoide e fórceps St. ClaireThompson, enquanto a parte inferior foi conservada para manter a competência velofaríngea. Avaliações da fala foram realizadas nos períodos pré e pós-operatório, de forma subjetiva pelaavaliação perceptivo-auditiva, e objetiva pela avaliação nasométrica. Resultados: A fala não foi prejudicada após a cirurgia. A diferença entre os escores da avaliação perceptivo-auditiva e nasalância para as sentenças nasais e orais nos períodos pré e pós-operatório foi insignificante (p = 0,231, 0,442, 0,118, respectivamente). Conclusões: A adenoidectomia parcial endoscópica transoral é um método seguro, e não piora a fala dos pacientes com fenda palatina operada. Ela permite que o cirurgião inspecione rigorosamente a válvula velofaríngea durante o procedimento, com melhor determinação da parte adenoide que pode contribuir para o fechamento velofaríngeo.

Mucocele of the hard palate in children.

OBJECTIVE: Mucus retention cyst of the hard palate may result from obstruction of the ducts of the minor salivary glands, and it was defined as a mucocele. Although, the disease is not common in the hard palate, it was previously reported by many authors in the soft palate. The aim of our study was to present pediatric patients who were diagnosed to have mucocele of the hard palate, and to evaluate the outcome of the surgical excision of this lesion. METHODS: This is a case series study included 8 pediatric patients who presented with cystic lesions on the hard palate which were removed surgically, and were diagnosed as mucoceles. Preoperative data, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcome were presented. Follow up of patients was performed for at least one year. RESULTS: The swelling was detected as a single isolated lesion, on the side of the hard palate, covered with healthy mucosa, not tender, oval or round in shape, and measuring 0.4 to 1.7cm in its greatest dimension. Computed tomography showed a well defined cavity which was not invading the bone, and not disrupting the muscles of the palate. Histopathological examination confirmed that the lesion was a cavity that is lined with an epithelial layer with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. No patients developed intraoperative or postoperative complications, and no recurrence was detected in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Oral mucoceles can develop on the hard palate of the children, the lesions are mucus retention cysts. Complete surgical removal of the lesions with their cystic wall is a good treatment options, it carries no risk of recurrence.

Lateralization of the Pharyngeal Flap for Treatment of Lateral Velopharyngeal Gap.

Pharyngeal flap is usually used for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI); it is bridged between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the soft palate traversing the central part of the velopharyngeal port. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of lateralization of the pharyngeal flap for treatment of VPI in patients with lateral velopharyngeal gap. Fifteen patients with VPI due to lateral velopharyngeal gap were subjected to closure of the gap by pharyngeal flap that was lateralized to fill the gap. Preoperative and postoperative assessment of velopharyngeal functions including flexible nasopharyngoscopy, auditory perceptual assessment (APA), and nasometric assessment were performed. Postoperatively, flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed complete velopharyngeal closure in all the patients, with significant improvement of speech parameters as measured by APA. Also, nasalance score showed significant improvement for oral and nasal sentences that was measured by nasometry. Lateralization of the pharyngeal flap for treatment of VPI in patients with lateral velopharyngeal gap is an effective method; it improves the velopharyngeal closure and the speech of the patients.

Trans-oral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy does not worsen the speech after cleft palate repair.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid hypertrophy may play a role in velopharyngeal closure especially in patients with palatal abnormality; adenoidectomy may lead to velopharyngeal insufficiency and hyper nasal speech. Patients with cleft palate even after repair should not undergo adenoidectomy unless absolutely needed, and in such situations, conservative or partial adenoidectomy is performed to avoid the occurrence of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Trans-oral endoscopic adenoidectomy enables the surgeon to inspect the velopharyngeal valve during the procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy on the speech of children with repaired cleft palate. METHODS: Twenty children with repaired cleft palate underwent transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy to relieve their airway obstruction. The procedure was completely visualized with the use of a 70° 4mm nasal endoscope; the upper part of the adenoid was removed using adenoid curette and St. Claire Thompson forceps, while the lower part was retained to maintain the velopharyngeal competence. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of speech was performed, subjectively by auditory perceptual assessment, and objectively by nasometric assessment. RESULTS: Speech was not adversely affected after surgery. The difference between preoperative and postoperative auditory perceptual assessment and nasalance scores for nasal and oral sentences was insignificant (p=0.231, 0.442, 0.118 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transoral endoscopic partial adenoidectomy is a safe method; it does not worsen the speech of repaired cleft palate patients. It enables the surgeon to strictly inspect the velopharyngeal valve during the procedure with better determination of the adenoidal part that may contribute in velopharyngeal closure.

Furlow palatoplasty for previously repaired cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a common complication after cleft palate repair, it may be due to lack of levator sling reconstruction and/or palatal shortening. Furlow palatoplasty has the advantages of retro-positioning of levator palati muscles and palatal lengthening. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Furlow palatoplasty in the treatment of VPI in patients who undergone previous palatoplasty. METHODS: Twenty-three children with post-palatoplasty VPI were included in the study. Furlow technique which was not used in the primary repair, has been used as a secondary corrective surgery. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function was performed, using auditory perceptual assessment (APA) and nasometry for speech, and flexible nasopharyngoscopy for velopharyngeal closure. RESULTS: Significant improvement of APA and nasalance score for oral and nasal sentences was achieved. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed complete velopharyngeal closure in 19 patients (82%) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Furlow palatoplasty is considered a useful treatment option for VPI in patients with previously repaired cleft palate, it improves the speech and velopharyngeal closure.

A review of the incidence of iatrogenic hernia in both laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery: Using CT as the gold standard of detection, cohort study.

PURPOSE: The incidence of incisional hernia varies considerably in the literature. The aim of our study was to calculate the incidence of various types of the occult iatrogenic hernias following colorectal surgery, both laparoscopic and open, using CT scan. METHODS: The study included all patients who underwent colorectal resection procedures in a colorectal surgery department over an 11 year period between 2001 and 2012 who went on to have a CT scan post surgery. The term iatrogenic hernia included all postoperative hernias at laparotomy incision site in the open colorectal subgroup, hernias at the site of specimen extraction or port site hernias in the laparoscopic colorectal subgroup, and parastomal hernias in both subgroups. RESULTS: The total number of diagnosed iatrogenic hernias was 74 (61 detected on CT scan and 13 repaired on clinical grounds). Out of the 74 diagnosed iatrogenic hernias, 23 (31.1%) required surgical repair; 11 in the LCR (6 incisional, 2 parastomal and 2 port site hernias) and 12 in the OCR (9 incisional and 3 parastomal). CONCLUSION: The incidence of iatrogenic hernias is underestimated. The use of CT will increase the number detected. There is no significant difference in the incidence of iatrogenic hernias between laparoscopic and open colorectal procedures.

The association of Varicella zoster virus reactivation with Bell's palsy in children.

OBJECTIVES: Bell's palsy is considered the most common cause of facial nerve paralysis in children. Although different theories have been postulated for its diagnosis, reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been implicated as one of the causes of Bell's palsy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of Varicella-zoster virus infection with Bell's palsy and its outcome in children. METHODS: A total of 30 children with Bell's palsy were recruited and were assayed for evidence of VZV infection. The severity of facial nerve dysfunction and the recovery rate were evaluated according to House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading Scale (HB FGS). Paired whole blood samples from all patients were obtained at their initial visit and 3 weeks later, and serum samples were analyzed for VZV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of Bell's palsy patients were seropositive for VZV IgM antibodies than controls (36.6% of patients vs 10% of controls) while for VZV IgG antibodies the difference was statistically nonsignificant. HB FGS in Bell's palsy patients with serologic evidence of VZV recent infection or reactivation showed a statistiacally significant less cure rate than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: VZV reactivation may be an important cause of acute peripheral facial paralysis in children. The appropriate diagnosis of VZV reactivation should be done to improve the outcome and the cure rate by the early use of antiviral treatment.

Trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a common problem after cleft palate repair, it leads to speech distortion with consequent affection of speech intelligibility. Many techniques have been used in the treatment of VPI with varying results and complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty in the treatment of VPI. METHODS: Eighteen patients with hypernasality after palatoplasty were subjected to trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty. Pre and postoperative evaluation of velopharyngeal function were performed by using auditory perceptual assessment, nasometric assessment, and flexible nasopharyngoscopy. RESULTS: Significant postoperative improvement of speech parameters measured with auditory perceptual assessment were achieved, and the overall postoperative nasalance score was improved significantly for nasal and oral sentences. Also, flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed significant improvement of velopharyngeal closure. No marked postoperative complications were reported apart from throat pain and dysphagia that disappeared with time. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-oral endoscopic cerclage pharyngoplasty is an effective method for the treatment of VPI.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery for diverticular disease is not suitable for the early part of the learning curve. A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: We evaluate the challenges of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for diverticular disease. METHODS: Retrospective study of elective laparoscopic colorectal procedures (LCP) performed 2002-2011. The study compares LCP for Diverticular disease (S group) with both LCP for other pathology (C1 group) and open procedures for diverticular disease (C2 group). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, Student "t" test and Mann Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The study included 194 LCP out of which 22 were in S group. Conversion rate in S group was 27.3% vs 9.9% in C1 group, p = 0.017. The mean operating time was significantly higher in S group (250 min) compared with 196 min in C1 group, p = 0.0004. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days in S group and 4 days in C group, p = 0.12. Both morbidities and mortality rates were not statistically different between the two groups. In the second part of the study we compare LCP with OCP performed for diverticular disease. CONCLUSION: LCP for Diverticular disease are technically challenging and should be attempted later in the learning curve.

Patient profile and outcome of pilomatrixoma in district general hospital in United kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: A pilomatrixoma is a benign appendage tumour related to hair cells matrix. Most of the literature review about pilomatrixoma is in the form of case reports with fewer cohort studies. The objective of this cohort is to study the variable demographic characteristics, presentation and histopathology of this condition among a larger group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who had excision of pilomatrixoma between February 1998 and August 2011 in a District General Hospital in UK. RESULTS: The study included 67 patients with histopathologically diagnosed pilomatrixoma. The mean age was 32 years. Male to Female ratio was 35:32. The average diameter of the lesion at presentation was 13 mm (range: 2-30 mm). 66 of 67 (98.5%) patients presented with solitary lesion, while 1 patient (1.5%) had two lesions. CONCLUSION: Pilomatrixoma is not an uncommon benign lesion. It is more common in the maxillofacial area.

Internal herniation following laparoscopic left hemicolectomy: an underreported event.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery creates fewer adhesions compared with open colorectal resection. Small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic colorectal resection may be caused by internal herniation of the small bowel through a colomesenteric defect, probably related to a lack of adhesion formation. This is seen especially after left colonic resections. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the key words "intestinal obstruction" and "laparoscopic left colonic resection," and 9 documented case reports of obstruction following laparoscopic left colorectal resection were identified. We present 2 additional cases and discuss the etiology, diagnosis, management, and possible options for avoiding this complication. RESULTS: In total, 167 consecutive laparoscopic procedures were performed in our study, and 8 were left hemicolectomies. Four of these patients (50%) developed intestinal obstruction, with 2 requiring surgical intervention for internal hernia. For the remaining 159 colorectal procedures, there were only 2 admissions with intestinal obstruction, with 1 patient requiring surgery (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy carries a significant risk of internal herniation. Performing a laparoscopic subtotal colectomy or fashioning the colocolonic anastomosis through the small bowel mesentery may minimize this risk.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal resection in patients with previous abdominal operations.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal procedures (LCPs) are technically demanding; previous abdominal surgery may add to their complexity. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of previous abdominal surgery (PAS) on laparoscopic colorectal surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective database was used to record LCPs between 2001 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of patients with no PAS, and Group B of patients with PAS. Data collected included prior abdominal operations, type of LCP, operative time, and conversions. Operative mortality, morbidity, and ward stay in both groups were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one patients underwent LCPs: 113 in Group A and 68 in Group B. Mean operative time in Group A and Group B was 216.5 (range, 60-520) minutes and 233.2 (range, 114-544) minutes, respectively (P = .17). In the first 90 cases, the mean operative time was significantly lower for Group A (203 minutes) than in Group B (236.5 minute) (P = .02). The rate of conversion was 10.6% (12/113) in Group A and 13.2% (9/68) in Group B (P = .6). Two patients in Group B had small bowel enterotomies (1 missed on the operating table) compared with none in Group A. Morbidities were comparable in both groups. Median hospital stay was 4.5 and 4 days in Groups A and B, respectively (P=.9). There were 3 deaths in Group A (2 due to medical causes and 1 surgical-related). One surgical-related death (missed enterotomy) occurred in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with PAS are acceptable. There is no significant difference in conversion rate, hospital stay, morbidity, or mortality. The difference in the operative time is significant only in the early part of the learning curve. Meticulous adhesiolysis to avoid and recognize enterotomy is of paramount importance.

Repair of submucous cleft palate with Furlow palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Submucous cleft palate is a congenital anomaly caused by abnormal insertion of the levator veli palatini muscles to the posterior border of the hard palate, normally these muscles unite together to form the levator sling. Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) may occur in about 10% of cases, our previous treatment protocol was pharyngeal flap that may result in obstructive breathing. Furlow technique seems to be a more physiologic solution as it reconstructs the levator sling. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Furlow palatoplasty in treatment of submucous cleft palate cases presented with VPI. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 15 children with symptomatic submucous cleft palate. All cases were treated by Furlow double opposing Z-plasty technique for repositioning of levator muscles, preoperative and postoperative speech evaluation was done using auditory perceptual assessment and nasometry, while velopharyngeal closure was assessed with flexible nasopharyngoscopy. RESULTS: Significant improvement of speech and overall nasalance score were achieved. Flexible nasopharyngoscopy showed complete velopharyngeal closure of 13 cases (86.7%), while one case needed secondary pharyngoplasty for correction of residual VPI and the parents of the other case refused secondary surgery as the speech improvement of their child was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Furlow palatoplasty technique is an effective method in treatment of VPI in cases of submucous cleft palate as it has high success rate with no morbidity.

Portal venous gas and pneumatosis intestinalis; radiologic signs with wide range of significance in surgery.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein gas (PVG) was described as an uncommon ominous radiologic sign usually harboring an intra-abdominal catastrophe. When accompanied by pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), it is more predictive of bowel ischemia. Since the wide use of computed tomography (CT), both signs could also be viewed as incidental findings during routine radiologic investigations. METHODS: We present a series of 12 cases that showed either or both signs, collected in a district general hospital between 1991 and 2011. RESULTS: The diagnoses in these cases varied between fatal bowel ischemia and the mere presence of radiologic signs in the absence of significant pathology. CONCLUSION: PVG and PI are radiologic signs that can represent a wide range of pathology.