Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is uncommon and often difficult to diagnose due to the vague presenting symptoms of abdominal pain, weight loss, and early satiety. Here, we report the case of a 63-year-old man who was successfully treated with laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis performed preoperatively demonstrated compression of the celiac artery with post-stenotic dilatation consistent with MALS. Subsequently, laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release was performed without any complications. Postoperatively, the patient reported resolution of abdominal pain with increased appetite and weight gain. Nonspecific abdominal pain and weight loss may raise concern for malignancy, but MALS should also be considered in the differential diagnoses. Diagnosis can be confirmed with CT and/or angiography. Median arcuate ligament release results in partial if not complete resolution of symptoms due to decompression of the celiac artery as well as division of the overlying celiac plexus.

Xanthogranulomatous Breast Mass: An Unusual Presentation.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammatory reactions are benign inflammatory processes characterized by aggregating lipid-laden foamy macrophages. Although cases have been reported in different organ systems, these rare reactions predominantly occur in the kidney and gallbladder. We present a 92-year-old female who noticed a palpable, tender mass in the lower inner quadrant of her right breast with no skin changes. She was referred to surgery by her primary care physician on suspicion of malignancy and further evaluation. Ultrasound-guided biopsy, ordered by the primary care provider, revealed a suspicious high-grade malignant neoplasm of uncertain origin. Pathological findings include the presence of an unusual population of malignant epithelioid cells with a striking xanthogranulomatous reaction, along with numerous Touton-like histiocytes. These findings are comparable in morphology to a recently reported xanthogranulomatous epithelial tumor. Given the lack of history of breast carcinoma in this patient as well as the lack of immunohistochemical studies suggesting breast carcinoma, treatment involved continuing standard of care for an unusual high-grade sarcoma via lumpectomy. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan was ordered to ensure there was no spread or alternate origins of the cancer tissue. This case report brings to light the findings of a probable xanthogranulomatous tumor in breast tissue, an exceptionally rare phenomenon in breast cancer, especially in the elderly population. Due to the rarity of xanthogranulomatous tumors in the breast, prognosis and standardized treatment have yet to be established.

Comparative analysis of open and robotic transversus abdominis release for ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a safe, effective strategy to repair complex ventral incisional hernia (VIH); however, open TAR (o-TAR) often necessitates prolonged hospitalization. Robot-assisted TAR (r-TAR) may benefit short-term outcomes and shorten convalescence. This study compares 90-day outcomes of o-TAR and r-TAR for VIH repair. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of patients who underwent o-TAR or r-TAR for VIH from 2015 to 2016 was conducted. Patient and hernia characteristics, operative data, and 90-day outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay, and secondary metrics were morbidity, surgical site events, and readmission. RESULTS: Overall, 102 patients were identified (76 o-TAR and 26 r-TAR). Patients were comparable regarding age, gender, body mass index, and the presence of co-morbidities. Diabetes was more common in the open group (22.3 vs. 0%, P = 0.01). Most VIH defects were midline (89.5 vs. 83%, P = 0.47) and recurrent (52.6 vs. 58.3%, P = 0.65). Hernia characteristics were similar regarding mean defect size (260 ± 209 vs. 235 ± 107 cm2, P = 0.55), mesh removal, and type/size mesh implanted. Average operative time was longer in the r-TAR cohort (287 ± 121 vs. 365 ± 78 min, P < 0.01) despite most receiving mesh fixation with fibrin sealant alone (18.4 vs. 91.7%, P < 0.01). r-TAR trended toward lower morbidity (39.2 vs. 19.2%, P = 0.09), less severe complications, and similar rates of surgical site events and readmission (6.6 vs. 7.7%, P = 1.00). In addition, r-TAR resulted in a significantly shorter median hospital length of stay compared to o-TAR (6 days, 95% CI 5.9-8.3 vs. 3 days, 95% CI 3.2-4.3). CONCLUSIONS: In select patients, the robotic surgical platform facilitates a safe, minimally invasive approach to complex abdominal wall reconstruction, specifically TAR. Robot-assisted TAR for VIH offers the short-term benefits of low morbidity and decreased hospital length of stay compared to open TAR.