Continuous versus interrupted anastomotic technique for the hepaticojejunostomy: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Interrupted sutures is the gold standard technique of hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for bilioenteric anastomosis. This study compares the safety and early complications of continuous and interrupted suture HJ. Methods: A prospective study involving all elective HJ between September 2019 and June 2021 was conducted. Patients with type IV or V biliary strictures, duct diameter less than 8 mm and/or associated vascular injury, and bilateral HJ were excluded. The study patients were divided into two random groups; interrupted and continuous anastomotic technique. Patient demographics, preoperative parameters including pathology (benign vs. malignant), HJ leak, suture time, and postoperative morbidity were recorded. Results: Total 34 patients were enroled. Eighteen (52.9%) were into interrupted and 16 (47.1%) patients into the continuous group. Both the groups were comparable with regards to demographics, haemoglobin, serum albumin, preoperative cholangitis and biliary stenting. Total three (8.8%) patients in the entire study developed bile leak; interrupted-2 and continuous-1, which was not significant statistically (P=1.0). Similarly, total number of sutures used and the mean operating time to complete anastomosis in the continuous group was significantly lesser than the interrupted group (2.3±0.5 versus 9.6±1.6, P<0.001) and (16.2±3.1 versus 38.6±9.2 min, P<0.001), respectively. There were three (18.8%) re-exploration in the continuous anastomotic technique. Among them, only one re-operation was due to HJ anastomosis failure without mortality, remaining had re-exploration for bleeding (non-HJ). Conclusions: Both the techniques is safe with comparable morbidity. Further, continuous has an added advantage of decreased anastomotic time and cost.

Laparoscopic transhiatal en-mass thoracic duct ligation for persistent bilateral spontaneous Chylothorax: A case report.

Chylothorax is a rare entity associated with morbidity. Surgical thoracic duct ligation (TDL) by thoracoscopic approach is the recommended choice for persistent chylothorax. However, thoracoscopy is not feasible in case of previous pleurodesis. We describe a successful laparoscopic transhiatal en-mass TDL in a 61-year-old lady for persistent spontaneous chylothorax after failed optimal conservative management and three sessions of pleurodesis. The study shows that laparoscopic transhiatal thoracic duct ligation is an effective alternative in a case where thoracoscopy is not feasible due to various reasons.

Resectability and prognosis of gallbladder cancer: a cross-sectional study of 100 cases from a tertiary care centre of Eastern Nepal.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the fifth most common neoplasm of the digestive tract and has an overall incidence of 3 per 100 000 people. Only 15-47% of the preoperatively known GBC are suitable for resection. The objective of the study was to investigate the resectability and prognosis of GBC patients. Materials and methods: It is a prospective observational study including all cases of primary cancers of the gallbladder in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at a tertiary care center over the period from January 2014 to December 2019. The primary endpoint was resectability and overall survival. Results: During the study period, 100 patients with GBC were reported. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 52.5 years, with a female predominance (67%). The curative intent resection (radical cholecystectomy) was possible in 30 (30%) patients; while 18 (18%) required palliative surgical treatment. The overall survival of the entire group was 9 months; while those patients who underwent surgery with curative intent had a median overall survival of 28 months after a median follow-up of 42 months. Conclusion: This study found that only one-third of patients achieve radical surgery with curative intent. Overall, the prognosis of patients is poor with a median survival of less than a year due to the advanced stage disease. Multimodality treatment, screening ultrasound, and neo-/adjuvant therapy may improve survival.

Inflammatory cap polyp of the sigmoid colon: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory cap polyp is a very rare benign entity of the distal left colon, characterized by inflammatory polyp with a "cap" of fibrinopurulent exudates. They are usually multiple and commonly present with bleeding per rectum or mucoid discharge. Solitary polyp presenting with intermittent intussusceptions is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 45-year-old Nepalese male with a solitary inflammatory sigmoid colon polyp. The patient presented with a 1-month history of rectal bleeding, mucoid discharge, and severe colicky abdominal pain due to intussusceptions. On colonoscopy, there was an exophytic mass with surface exudates. Colonic resection and anastomosis were performed, due to recurring partial intestinal obstruction. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory cap polyp is a benign entity, and it should be kept in mind as an important differential diagnosis of exophytic colonic mass with surface exudates.

Choledochal Cyst: A Retrospective Study of 30 Cases From Nepal.

Introduction Choledochal cysts (CCs) are uncommon biliary lesions. Considering the evolution of imaging, we describe our experience with the presentation and management of choledochal cysts. Methods A review of the records of all patients with choledochal cyst managed in our institute were retrospectively analyzed. The study analyzed clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and postoperative outcomes.  Results Between 2015 and 2019, 30 CCs (male/female: 7/23) were operated. We observed more adults compared to children (17 vs. 13). The median age at surgery was 18.5 years (4-67 years). The presentation included abdominal pain (90%), pancreatitis (17%0, cholangitis (13%), and incidental diagnosis in (7%). Anomalous union of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct was seen in 17%. Two patients had synchronous cholangiocarcinoma. The cysts were classified (Todani's): I: 26; IV:3; and V: 1. The patients underwent complete excision of the cyst and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy - 27; pancreaticoduodenectomy - 1; hepaticoduodenostomy - 1; and cholecystectomy with T-tube drainage - 1 patient. The operative complications were observed in 10 (33.3%) patients: biliary leaks (four), superficial surgical site infections (four), and cholangitis (three). Only one patient developed a major complication; required re-operation for bile leak peritonitis. There was no operative mortality. One patient with cholangiocarcinoma died with the disease at three months of surgery. The remaining 29 patients are doing well at a mean follow-up of 29.5 months (12-56). Conclusion Adults CCs now far outnumber children at the time of presentation. The majority were symptomatic Todani's type I cyst. Complete cyst excision and bilio-digestive anastomosis is the best treatment for type I and IV CCs, thus eliminating the risk of malignancy with an excellent operative outcome.

Single-stage hepaticojejunostomy for symptomatic portal biliopathy in a splenectomized patient: A report of two cases.

Single-stage biliary decompression without prior shunt surgery, although risks for catastrophic bleeding, it is feasible to perform upfront hepaticojejunostomy in a splenectomized patient where shuntable vein is not available in patient with portal biliopathy.

Foreign body-related oesophageal perforation: a case series at a community-based hospital in Nepal.

Oesophageal perforation is rare, associated with diagnostic dilemma, delayed presentation and high mortality rate (36%). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a good outcome. Treatment is by non-operative methods (antibiotics, drainage of collections, oesophageal stenting and nutritional support) or by surgery, depending on the condition of the patient, timing of presentation and expertise. During a five-year period (2015-2019), we managed seven cases of oesophageal perforation due to a foreign body. Of them, 4 (57%) received operative intervention, while 3 (43%) were managed non-operatively. One postoperative mortality ensued; there was a mean hospital stay of 20 days.

Current Scenario of Postcholecystectomy Bile Leak and Bile Duct Injury at a Tertiary Care Referral Centre of Nepal.

OBJECTIVE: With the adoption of safe cholecystectomy principles at an academic institute, the risk of major bile duct injury has decreased. This study aims at evaluating the present status of bile duct injury, compared to the study published in 2013 by index centre. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of bile leak and bile duct injury from 2014 to 2019. Patients who completed postcholecystectomy bile leak or bile duct injury treatment and were on regular follow-up were included. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (0.78%) among 2,300 consecutive cholecystectomies presented with bile duct injury, including 8 (0.35%) major bile duct injuries and 10 (0.43%) bile leaks compared to major bile duct injury rate of 0.68% (92/11,345 cholecystectomies) between 2001 and 2010. Injuries were classified as Strasberg's type A (52.9%), type D (5.9%), and type E (41.1%). Eight patients (47%) of bile leak were managed conservatively with drains, while two required laparotomy and lavage. The mean time for spontaneous closure of bile leak was 11 days. Intraoperative repair was done in three cases: Roux en Y hepaticojejunostomy in 2 and end-to-end repair over T-tube in 1 for sharp transection of the duct. Delayed repair (Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy) was done in five patients. The median postcholecystectomy hospital stay was 8 days, with no mortality. There was no restricture at a median follow-up of 13 months. CONCLUSION: With the adoption of a safe culture of cholecystectomy, the major bile duct injury rate has decreased currently. Repair of bile duct injury by experienced hepatobiliary surgeon results in excellent outcome.

Modified Makuuchi incision for major upper abdominal surgeries.

ackground: Numerous incisions are described for abdominal operations. However, opinion is divided regarding the correct choice of incision for major upper abdominal surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experience of 3 surgical centres with the use of modified Makuuchi incision, for major upper abdominal surgeries, from Mar 2014-Dec 2018, was audited. RESULTS: 144 patients (76 Males, 68 Females) with an average age of 48.25 years underwent surgery using modified Makuuchi incision. 'J' and 'L' incisions were used in 96 and 48 patients, respectively. Further extension of the incision was necessary in 2 patients. Adequate exposure and enhanced surgical ergonomics was observed in all cases. Surgical site infection was seen in 19 patients (13.2%). Incisional hernias was observed in 6 patients (4.2%), on an average follow up of 27.78 months. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Makuuchi incision proves efficacious for major upper abdominal surgeries.

Outcome of Ligation without Revascularization in Pseudoaneurysms of Peripheral Arteries in Intravenous Drug Users.

INTRODUCTION: Management of pseudoaneurysms in intravenous drug users is complex and challenging due to an associated infection and unavailability of autologous vein grafts. Here we observe the outcomes of ligation and local debridement as a primary modality of treatment in this subset of patients with pseudoaneurysms. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross sectional study of 15 patients over a period of 4 years who presented with pseudoaneurysm of peripheral artery from intravenous drug use. In this study, we describe the presentations and management outcomes in 15 patients with peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysmfrom IV drug use. RESULTS: The most common site involved was common femoral artery among 12 (80%) patients followed by superficial femoral artery among 8 (13.3%) patients and external iliac artery in 1 (6.7%) patient. Twelve (80%) patients were having signs of infection. All patients underwent surgical intervention which comprised of excision of pseudoaneurysm and ligation of artery without revascularization among 12 (80%) patients and with revascularization with autologous venous graft among 3 (20%) patients. There was no mortality or a major bleeding requiring re-exploration. None of the patients developed limb ischemia necessitating amputation.One patient with femoral artery ligation without revascularization at one year of follow up is having claudication on brisk walking.There was one saphenous vein graft thrombosis in immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of ligation without revascularization technique, there was no mortality or major bleeding requiring re-exploration. None of the patients developed limb ischemia necessitating amputation so this treatment modality seems promising in treatment of pseudoaneurysms in intravenous drug users.

Simple Bone Cyst of Rib.

Simple bone cyst is a benign lytic lesion usually encountered in children and adolescents. It is a cystic, fluid-filled lesion that usually involves the metaphysis of the long bones. Simple bone cyst of the rib is very rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Here we describe an interesting case of a simple bone cyst of the sixth rib in a 15-year-old girl that was managed successfully with surgical excision.

Male Breast Cancer: A Rare Entity.

Male breast carcinoma is a rare malignancy (<1% of all breast carcinomas, 0.2% of all male malignancies). Its common histopathological type is infiltrating carcinoma, not otherwise specified. Three male patients aged 56 (stage -IIIB), 64 (T4bN0M0) and 78 (T2N0MO) years presented with a breast lump within a year. Their hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal limits. Two of them had palpable regional lymph nodes. Male breast carcinoma occurs in older males as in our cases. Two cases showed infiltrating ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified on histopathological evaluation, and one showed special type with apocrine differentiation. Their two-year follow-up was uneventful after modified radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. Male breast carcinoma is associated with risk factors different from and overlapping with female breast carcinoma. Male breast carcinoma differs from female breast carcinoma on clinical presentation, biological behaviour and prognosis. Male breast carcinoma as a separate clinical entity with its own biological behaviour is manageable by surgery and chemotherapy. Keywords: female breast carcinoma; infiltrating carcinoma; male breast carcinoma.