Horizontal versus vertical plication of the rectovaginal septum in transperineal repair of anterior rectocele: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

AIM: Anterior rectocele is usually an asymptomatic condition in many women, yet it can be associated with obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). Transperineal repair of rectocele (TPR) has been followed by variable rates of improvement in ODS. The present pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the outcome of TPR with vertical plication (VP) of the rectovaginal septum compared to horizontal plication (HP). METHODS: Adult women with anterior rectocele were recruited to the study and were randomly allocated to one of two equal groups. The first group underwent TPR with VP of the rectovaginal septum and the second group underwent TPR with HP. The main outcome measures were improvement in ODS, recurrence of rectocele, complications and dyspareunia. RESULTS: The trial included 40 female patients with anterior rectocele. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the postoperative Wexner score. Complete cure and significant improvement in ODS symptoms were comparable after the two techniques. The reduction in rectocele size after HP was significantly greater than after VP (1.7 vs. 2.6, P < 0.0001). Significant improvement in dyspareunia was recorded after HP (P = 0.001) but not after VP (P = 0.1). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to operating time, complications and recurrence. CONCLUSION: VP and HP of the rectovaginal septum in TPR were associated with a comparable improvement in ODS symptoms and similar complication rates. HP was followed by a greater reduction in the rectocele size and greater improvement in dyspareunia than VP.

Single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy: a case-matched multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to compare the outcome of single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in regards weight loss, improvement in comorbidities at 12 months of follow-up, and postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a case-matched, multicenter analysis of the outcome of patients who underwent SG or SASI bypass. Patients who underwent SASI bypass were matched with an equal number of patients who underwent SG in terms of age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The main outcome measures were excess weight loss (EWL) at 6 and 12 months after surgery, improvement in medical comorbidities, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients (97 female) of a mean age of 35.8 years were included. Fifty-eight patients underwent SASI bypass and an equal number underwent SG. %EWL at 6 months postoperatively was similar between the two groups. SASI bypass conferred significantly higher %EWL at 12 months than SG (72.6 Vs 60.4, p < 0.0001). Improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after SASI bypass was better than SG (95.8% Vs 70% and 85.7% Vs 18.2%, respectively). SASI bypass required longer operation time than SG (108.7 Vs 92.8 min, p < 0.0001). Complications occurred in 12 (20.7%) patients after SG and 4 (6.9%) patients after SASI bypass (p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: The %EWL at 12 months after SASI bypass was significantly higher than after SG. SASI bypass conferred better improvement in T2DM and GERD than SG. Both procedures had similar weight loss at 6 months postoperatively and comparable complication rates.

A randomized controlled trial on irrigation of open appendectomy wound with gentamicin- saline solution versus saline solution for prevention of surgical site infection.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery. The present trial examined the efficacy of saline irrigation of open appendectomy wound with or without topical antibiotics in prevention of SSI. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized trial on patients with acute appendicitis who underwent open appendectomy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three equal groups; group I had layer-by-layer wound irrigation with gentamicin-saline solution, group II had wound irrigation with saline solution, and group III received no irrigation (Control group). The main outcome measures were the incidence of incisional SSI, surgical site occurrence (SSO), other complications, operation time, postoperative pain, and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: 205 patients (113 female) of a mean age of 27.9 years were included. The average hospital stay and pain scores were similar in the three groups. Groups I and II had significantly lower rates of incisional SSI (4.3% Vs 2.9%; Vs 17.4%, p = 0.005) and SSO (24.6% Vs 13.4% Vs 43.5%; p = 0.0003) as compared to group III. Groups I and II had comparable rates of SSI and SSO. The three groups had similar rates of wound seroma, hematoma, and dehiscence. Groups I and II had significantly higher satisfaction with the procedure than group III. CONCLUSIONS: Layer-by-layer irrigation of open appendectomy wound decreased the rates of incisional SSI and SSO significantly compared to the no-irrigation group. Adding gentamicin to saline solution was useless to improve the outcome and did not decrease rates of SSI or other complications.

Fasting Ghrelin and Postprandial GLP-1 Levels in Patients With Morbid Obesity and Medical Comorbidities After Sleeve Gastrectomy and One-anastomosis Gastric Bypass: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are among the commonly performed bariatric procedures. This randomized study aimed to compare SG and OAGB in terms of weight loss, improvement in comorbidities, and change in serum ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial on patients with morbid obesity associated with medical comorbidities who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 equal groups; group I underwent SG and group II underwent OAGB. Outcome measures were percent of excess weight loss (%EWL), improvement in comorbidities, change in the venous levels of fasting ghrelin and postprandial GLP-1 at 12 months after surgery, in addition to operation time and complications. RESULTS: Forty patients (38 female) of a mean age of 33.8 years and mean body mass index of 48.6 kg/m2 were included. Operation time in group II was significantly longer than in group I (86 vs. 52.87 min; P<0.001). There were 6 recorded complications (1 in group I and 5 in group II, P=0.18). The %EWL, %total weight loss, and %excess body mass index loss at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were significantly higher in group II than in group I. Both groups had similar rates of improvement in comorbidities. Group I had significantly lower ghrelin and GLP-1 levels postoperatively at 6 and 12 months, respectively, as compared with group II. CONCLUSIONS: OAGB was associated with significantly higher EWL than SG. The reduction in fasting ghrelin and postprandial GLP-1 serum levels at 12 months after SG was significantly higher than that after OAGB.

Helicobacter pylori, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; Is there a Relation?

PURPOSE: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an effective bariatric procedure, yet can be associated with complications as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in SG specimens, its relation with GERD, and its impact on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: All SG specimens received in the pathology laboratory were reviewed. The prevalence of H. pylori in SG specimens was recorded. Patients with H. pylori infection who received triple therapy were compared with patients without H pylori in terms of baseline characteristics, preoperative GERD and its outcome postoperatively, development of new-onset GERD, staple line complications, and weight loss. RESULTS: The records of 176 patients were reviewed; 69 (39.2%) were positively tested on H. pylori infection. Patients with H. pylori had higher body mass index (BMI) (RR = 1.51), greater incidence of preoperative GERD (RR = 1.67), and complained more of dyspepsia (RR = 1.87). Eradication of H. pylori was achieved in 67 (97.1%) of 69 patients. Postoperative improvement in GERD symptoms (44.4% Vs 19%, p = 0.036) and dyspepsia (85.7% Vs 51.7%, p = 0.007) was higher in patients with H. pylori with confirmed eradication of infection than patients without H. pylori. Both groups had similar operation time, postoperative BMI, excess weight loss, staple line complications, and new-onset GERD. CONCLUSIONS: More than one-third of patients with morbid obesity had H. pylori infection. Morbidly obese patients with H. pylori infection may be more prone to develop GERD symptoms; yet after eradication of the infection, they may also experience better improvement in symptoms after SG.

Topical 5% minoxidil versus topical 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate in treatment of chronic anal fissure: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is a common painful anal condition. Medical treatment of CAF involves the use of agents that induce chemical sphincterotomy. The present trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of topical minoxidil and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) preparations in treatment of CAF. METHODS: Adult patients with CAF were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups; group I received topical 5% minoxidil gel and group II received topical 0.2% GTN cream. The main outcome measures were healing of anal fissure, duration to healing, relief of symptoms, and adverse effects. RESULTS: 62 patients (36 female and 26 male) were included to the study. Group I comprised 30 patients and group II comprised 32 patients. Healing of anal fissure was achieved in 23 (76.7%) patients in group I and 15 (46.9%) patients in group II (p = 0.03). The average duration to healing in group I was significantly shorter than group II (4.1 ± 1.9 vs 5.3 ± 2.7 weeks, p = 0.048). Adverse effects were recorded in 2 (6.6%) patients in group I and 13 (40.6%) patients in group II. The post-treatment pain score in the GTN group was significantly lower than the Minoxidil group. CONCLUSION: Topical 5% minoxidil gel achieved greater and quicker healing of CAF and fewer adverse effects than topical 0.2% GTN cream. Post-treatment pain scores after GTN were significantly lower than minoxidil. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03528772.

Laparoscopic Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal (SASI) Bypass for Patients With Morbid Obesity: Technical Description and Short-term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity has been recognized as a public health crisis, particularly in developed countries. Single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass has been introduced as a novel bariatric and metabolic procedure. The present study aimed to describe the technical steps and assess the short-term outcomes of SASI bypass in patients with super morbid obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients of both sexes with body mass index (BMI) ≥50 kg/m underwent SASI bypass and were followed for 12 months postoperatively. Changes in BMI, excess weight loss (EWL), and improvement in comorbidities were recorded on follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients (17 female) of the mean age of 35.4 years were included in the study. The mean preoperative BMI (53.7±5.9) showed a significant decrease at 6 months (39.9±5.2) and then at 12 months (33.6±6) postoperatively. The mean %EWL was 44.3±7.8 at 6 months and 65.2±12.6 at 12 months. All patients with diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and reflux esophagitis showed resolution at 12 months after the SASI bypass. Complications were recorded in 2 patients and no mortality was reported. CONCLUSIONS: SASI bypass is an effective and safe bariatric procedure that confers significant loss of weight and improvement in medical comorbidities. As compared with previous studies on patients with lower BMI, patients with super morbid obesity attained lower %EWL but similar resolution of diabetes mellitus at 12 months after SASI bypass.

Randomized Controlled Trial on Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Saline Dressing in Treatment of Non-healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel as a treatment of clean non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in comparison with regular dressing with saline as a control. METHODS: Patients with DFU were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups: group I received dressing with PRP gel and group II received regular saline dressing. The main outcomes of the study were percent reduction in the dimensions of the DFU, healing of DFU, and complications at 20 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included to the study. The mean age of patients was 55.2 ± 6.4 years. Only three (25%) patients in group I achieved complete healing versus none of group II patients. In total, 8.3% of group I and 41.6% of group II patients did not show any response to treatment. The percent of reduction in the longitudinal and horizontal dimensions of the DFU was significantly greater in group I than group II (43.2% vs 4.1%) and (42.3% vs 8.2%), respectively. The time required to maximum healing was significantly shorter in group I than group II (6.3 ± 2.1 vs 10.4 ± 1.7 weeks, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of PRP gel as a dressing for chronic DFU resulted in a more significant reduction in the size of the ulcer when compared to regular saline dressing. Also the time to reach the point of maximal possible healing with the least wound dimensions was significantly shorter when using PRP as a dressing protocol.

Identifying Patients at High Risk of Having Pulmonary Dysfunction Before Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery and Its Impact on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications.

Background: Morbid obesity is associated with variable degrees of pulmonary dysfunction that may predispose to postoperative complications. This study aimed to identify high risk patients to have pulmonary dysfunction before bariatric surgery in terms of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) and the impact of pulmonary dysfunction on postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods: Prospective database of patients with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery was reviewed. Data on patients' demographics, parameters of pulmonary function tests, and postoperative pulmonary complications were collected. The correlation between patients' age, sex and BMI, and pulmonary function was investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient test. Results: Ninety-seven patients (82 female) with morbid obesity were included in the study. Twenty-eight (28.9%) patients had pulmonary dysfunction. Patients >40 years had higher odds of pulmonary dysfunction than patients ≤40 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.54, P = .05). Male patients had significantly higher odds of pulmonary dysfunction than female patients (OR: 2.5, P = .03). Patients with BMI >50 had significantly higher odds of pulmonary dysfunction than patients with BMI <50 (OR: 4.9, P = .002). Patients with pulmonary dysfunction had significantly higher odds of developing pulmonary complications than patients with normal spirometry (OR: 9.13, P = .009). Conclusion: Around 30% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery had pulmonary dysfunction. Pulmonary dysfunction in preoperative spirometry was able to predict postoperative pulmonary complications. Men, patients older than 40 years, and superobese individuals had higher odds of having pulmonary dysfunction and are at higher risk to develop pulmonary complications after bariatric surgery.

Impact of Pyloric Injection of Magnesium Sulfate-Lidocaine Mixture on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Randomized-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common adverse effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The present study aimed to assess the impact of local injection of a mixture of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine into the pylorus on gastric intraluminal pressure (ILP) and PONV after LSG. METHODS: Patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG were randomly allocated to one of two equal groups: treatment group (pyloric injection of a mixture of magnesium sulfate and lidocaine) and control group (pyloric injection of normal saline). PONV and antiemetic requirements were recorded at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Seventy patients (63 female) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 9.9 years were included. The mean preoperative and postoperative gastric ILP was comparable in the two groups. The pyloric injection of magnesium sulfate-lidocaine mixture resulted in 31% reduction in the mean gastric ILP (19.4 ± 4.7 mmHg before injection to 13.4 ± 4.1 mmHg after injection, p < 0.0001). Pyloric injection of saline did not result in significant change in ILP (19.9 ± 4.9 vs 20.3 ± 5.1 mmHg). Of the treatment group patients, 17.1% had significant PONV at 6 h compared to 91.4% of control group patients (p < 0.0001). At 24 h, none of the treatment group patients had significant PONV versus 40% of the control group patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Pyloric injection of magnesium sulfate-lidocaine mixture during LSG resulted in lower incidence of PONV and less use of antiemetic medications in the first 24 h after LSG without being associated with higher complication rate.

Impact of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Postoperative Pain and Early Outcome After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Based on the promising results of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in various abdominal procedures, this study aimed to investigate its effect on postoperative pain and early outcome after laparoscopic bariatric procedures. METHODS: Patients with morbid obesity were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups; group I had US-guided TAP block upon completion of the bariatric procedure and before recovery from general anesthesia and group II did not have TAP block. All procedures were performed laparoscopically with a standardized five-trocar technique. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients of a mean age of 34.7 years and mean BMI of 49.5 kg/m2 were included. The mean pain score in group I was significantly lower than group II at 1 and 6 h postoperatively, whereas no significant differences in pains scores at 12 and 24 h between the two groups were observed. Eight patients in group I required rescue opioid analgesia within the first 24 h postoperatively, compared with 24 patients in group II (P < 0.0001). The postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) score at 24 h was significantly lower in group I than group II. Group I required a significantly shorter time to full ambulation and to pass flatus compared with group II. Hospital stay was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Using US-guided TAP block in adjunct with laparoscopic bariatric surgery managed to achieve lower pain scores, lower opioid requirements, lower PONV scores, earlier ambulation, shorter time to pass flatus, and comparable hospital stay and complication rate to the control group.

Outcome of Modified Park's Technique for Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of complex anal fistula (CAF) can be associated with high rates of recurrence and fecal incontinence (FI). Park suggested drainage of the affected intersphincteric anal gland for treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula; however, recurrence after this technique was high. We modified the original Park's technique by extending the internal sphincterotomy to ensure adequate drainage of the intersphincteric space. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of recurrence and FI after modified Park's technique in treatment of CAF. METHODS: Adult patients of both genders with CAF were evaluated before undergoing modified Park's technique with Wexner continence score, clinical examination, and endoanal ultrasonography or MRI. Postoperatively, patients were examined every 2 wk until complete wound healing. The continence state was evaluated with Wexner continence score, and quality of life was assessed before surgery and at 6 mo postoperatively by Short Form-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (27 male) of a mean age of 38 y were included. Median follow-up was 12 mo. Two patients (6.25%) experienced recurrence and 5 (15.6%) developed complications. One patient (3.1%) developed new-onset FI postoperatively. Twenty-eight (87.5%) patients were completely satisfied with the procedure. Quality of life showed significant improvement at 6 mo postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Park's technique is a promising procedure for the treatment of CAF with low recurrence and FI rates, and improved quality of life.

Hernio-abdominoplasty with or without Scarpa's Fascia Preservation for Ventral Hernia and Abdominal Wall Deformity.

Scarpa's fascia preservation plays a great role in decreasing the volume of wound drainage and reducing seroma after abdominoplasty. This study aimed to assess the role of Scarpa's fascia preservation in patients with ventral hernias associated with abdominal wall deformity who underwent concomitant hernio-abdominoplasty in terms of early and late postoperative outcome and quality of life. METHODS: Patients with ventral hernia and abdominal wall deformity underwent combined hernio-abdominoplasty. Patients were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 equal groups: group I underwent Scarpa's fascia preserving hernio-abdominoplasty and group II underwent hernio-abdominoplasty with removal of Scarpa's fascia. Volume of drainage, time to remove drains, return to work, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty patients (49 female) were included to the study. Both groups had comparable operation time, pain score, and complication rate (24% versus 40%, P = 0.36). The mean total volume of postoperative drainage was significantly lower in group I than group II (686 ± 183.5 versus 1410.8 ± 371.6 ml; P < 0.0001). Group I had earlier drain removal (11.6 ± 1.9 versus 20.5 ± 4.2 days, P < 0.0001) and earlier return to work (16.4 ± 2.3 versus 23.3 ± 3.8 days, P < 0.0001) than group II. There were no recorded cases of hematoma or hernia recurrence after repair. CONCLUSION: Scarpa's fascia preservation in combined ventral hernia repair and abdominoplasty was associated with significantly lower volume of postoperative drainage, earlier removal of drains, and similar recurrence rate to hernio-abdominoplasty with removal of Scarpa's fascia.

Role of ursodeoxycholic acid in the prevention of gallstone formation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Postoperative cholelithiasis (CL) is a latent complication of bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in the prevention of CL after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG. Patients were subdivided into two groups: Group I, which did not receive prophylactic treatment with UCDA after LSG; and Group II, which received UCDA therapy for 6 months after LSG. Patients' characteristics, operation duration, weight loss data, and incidence of CL at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were collected. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients (124 males, 282 females) with a mean age of 32.1 ± 9.4 years were included. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 50.1 ± 8.3 kg/m2. Group I comprised 159 patients, and Group II comprised 247 patients. The two groups showed comparable demographics, % excess weight loss (EWL), and decrease in BMI at 6 and 12 months after LSG. Eight patients (5%) developed CL in Group I, whereas no patients in Group II did (P = 0.0005). Preoperative dyslipidemia and rapid loss of excess weight within the first 3 months after LSG were the risk factors that significantly predicted CL postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The use of UCDA effectively reduced the incidence of CL after LSG in patients with morbid obesity. Dyslipidemia and rapid EWL in the first 3 months after LSG significantly predisposed patients to postoperative CL.

Is LigaSure a safe cystic duct sealer? An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of both mechanical methods (clips) and electrosurgical instruments, harmonic scalpel (HS) and LigaSure (LS), for securing the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: During the study period from October 2010 to October 2012, 458 patients with gallbladder stones underwent LC. A total of 38 patients were excluded from the study for different reasons. The gallbladder was excised laparoscopically through the traditional method. The gallbladder specimens of the patients were divided into three equal groups randomly, and the distal part of the cystic duct was sealed ex vivo using ligaclips (Group A), HS (Group B), and LS (Group C). The gallbladders were then connected to a pneumatic tourniquet device and we very gradually increased the pressure with air. The bursting pressure of the cystic duct (CDBP) was measured and differences between the three groups were calculated. RESULTS: The mean CDBP was 329.7 ± 38.8 mmHg in the ligaclip group, 358.0 ± 33.1 mmHg in the HS group, and 219.7 ± 41.2 mmHg in the LS group. A comparison of the mean CDBP between the groups indicated the superiority of HS over ligaclip and LS. CDBP was significantly higher in the ligaclips group compared with the LS group (p <0.001). HS and ligaclips were found to be safe sealers as their mean CDBP was found to be higher (>195 mmHg) than the maximum common bile duct pressure, whereas for LS the CDBP range was 150-297 mmHg, indicating that it is not safe for sealing. CONCLUSION: HS is a safe alternative to clips. In fact, it was even safer than clips. By contrast, LS is not safe for cystic duct sealing.