An Unexpected GIST Causing Life-Threatening Bleeding after an Elective Hernia Repair.

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the alimentary tract. They are usually manifested by GI bleeding. Case Presentation A 53-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital for elective inguinal hernia repair. The patient did not have any history of GI symptoms in the past. A day after open inguinal hernia repair, the patient developed recurrent attacks of hematemesis resulting in hemodynamic instability and admission to the intensive care unit. An upper GI endoscopy identified a small bleeding gastric lesion. After multiple failed attempts to control the bleeding endoscopically, an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. An unexpected large fungating bleeding gastric mass was detected. The mass measured approximately 40 × 30 cm, and multiple peritoneal deposits were also discovered. A wedge resection of the anterior gastric wall along with the mass was performed. Histopathology revealed a high-grade (G2) GIST. Discussion GISTs appear in variable sizes and may lead to a variety of complications including abdominal pain, GI obstruction, and bleeding. This case highlights the unexpected presentation and sudden bleeding of a large GIST in a totally asymptomatic patient undergoing elective hernia surgery. It also illustrates that GIST can be asymptomatic and grow to large sizes before developing clinical manifestations. Conclusion The case report highlights a common complication of GIST with unexpected timing, immediately after routine hernia surgery.

Rare case of rectal perforation by an intrauterine device: Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe, highly effective and reversible forms of contraception. Reliance on IUD has been increasing and as such, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to be aware of the complications associated with it. IUD rectal migration is one of the rare but serious complications that may lead to detrimental sequelae. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old asymptomatic woman presented to the gynaecology clinic two months after a difficult insertion of an IUD. On examination, the device was not localised in utero with transvaginal sonography. Computed tomography scan and colonoscopy revealed the position of the IUD within the rectum. It was successfully retrieved with a combined laparoscopic-colonoscopic approach. Follow-up flexible sigmoidoscopy showed a well-healed rectal wall. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: IUD perforation can increase the risk of morbidity and necessitates early surgical intervention even if the patient is asymptomatic. Combined laparoscopic-colonoscopic approach allows for safe retrieval of IUD that has perforated the intraperitoneal rectal segment or is firmly embedded within the mucosa. Recognising the risk factors and adhering to the principles of IUD insertion could significantly lower the risk of perforation. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of a physician's vigilance regarding a perforating IUD in a patient with a history of a difficult insertion. It is imperative to undertake additional steps to rule out such a complication in these cases. Uterine perforation can be avoided with implementation of safe IUD insertion practice.

An unusual and life-threatening presentation of a large GIST.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST's) are rare tumours of the alimentary tract. They are often discovered incidentally during imaging or intra-operatively. In rare instances, they present acutely with life threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding requiring emergency surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old gentleman, who is an ex-smoker with normal body mass index (BMI), presented with acute onset of epigastric pain, dizziness, and multiple episodes of melaena. The patient deteriorated rapidly and urgent endoscopy revealed active retrograde bleeding from beyond the duodenojejunal junction. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) suggested a highly vascular ileal exophytic mass resembling a GIST. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was conducted where hemostasis was achieved via segmental enterectomy of the mass that was unexpectedly jejunal in origin. During recovery, he encountered post-operative complications that were managed conservatively and eventually was discharged with a referral to the national cancer centre. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of GIST is based on its size and location. Definitive diagnosis of GIST relies on histopathological findings although the clinical presentation and imaging, in particular CTA, can aid in its diagnosis. Management of GIST differs depending on the clinical presentation, size, location and whether metastasis is present. Surgical resection is the standard of treatment; however, Imatinib could be used for non-resectable tumours as well as in cases of recurrence, metastasis or as an adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: It is important to acknowledge that small GISTs are often asymptomatic while larger ones may present with non-specific symptoms which can be misleading. This could potentially delay the diagnosis and thus treatment of GIST which can be detrimental in acute cases as illustrated here. It is important to have GIST as one of the differentials when faced with a patient presenting with non-specific GI symptoms.

Congenital absence of the cystic duct: Case report of a rare anomaly and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Congenital absence of the cystic duct is one of the rare types of anomalies associated with the extrahepatic biliary tract (EHBT). It is often an incidental finding intraoperatively leading to significant implications during the perioperative period. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old lady was admitted for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy indicated for recurrent symptoms of right upper quadrant pain with evidence of cholelithiasis on ultrasound. During laparoscopy, the cystic duct could not be identified. After retrieval of the gallbladder, a blind ending orifice resembling an obliterated cystic duct was discovered. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Absence of the cystic duct can result from a congenital or an acquired process. In both cases, they are difficult to diagnose pre-operatively even though magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has shown great potential in delineating the EHBT. It confers an increased risk of injury to the surrounding biliary tract during cholecystectomy. Therefore, the surgical approach depends on the surgeon's operative competency and knowledge related to EHBT anomalies. CONCLUSION: Definitive treatment for patients with symptomatic absent cystic duct is an open cholecystectomy, given its increased likelihood of iatrogenic morbidity. Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be performed if the surgeon carries sufficient skills.