Pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema following argon plasma coagulation treatment of colonic angioectasia.

INTRODUCTION: The paper presents unusual symptoms as a complication of therapeutic colonoscopy. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old polymorbid female patient in chronic dialysis program underwent argon plasma coagulation treatment of leaking angioectasias in the cecum and ascending colon. Shortly after the procedure she presented with shortness of breath and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck which was initially misdiagnosed as swelling. Further tests revealed pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. Considering the high risks for our patient (comorbidities, obesity), a laparoscopic approach was indicated. During laparoscopy neither peritonitis nor intestinal perforation were found. The patient recovered without complications after further complex treatment. CONCLUSION: Shortness of breath and subcutaneous emphysema are not typically among the first symptoms of colonoscopic perforation. Our case confirms that we should bear this complication in mind and when suspected, the diagnostic process should be started without delay.

Delirious conditions in surgical ICU - case report.

Delirious conditions are encountered in daily practice in the surgical ward, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). An ordinary surgeon must deal with these conditions very often. The case report of a patient with alcoholic delirium is presented. For a comprehensive view of the issue, we present a simple communication on delirious situations in the ICU. Deliria are classified according to their manifestations, and their etiology is briefly described. For practice, an outline of examinations and treatments is provided which is fundamentally different for alcoholic and nonalcoholic delirium.

Postpneumonectomy MRSA empyema treated with vacuum therapy - case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Postpneumonectomy empyema is one of serious complications with high mortality and lethality. In this paper, the authors describe the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced postpneumonectomy empyema by vacuum therapy in a patient operated on for malignant pleural mesothelioma. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old patient was operated on at our clinic for epithelioid mesothelioma of the right pleural cavity. We performed extrapleural pneumonectomy with intraoperative hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy. Seven weeks after surgery the patient was readmitted for right pleural cavity empyema caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Following pleural cavity debridement and mesh explantation we applied vacuum therapy. In total, we performed 4 dressing changes with final application of an antibiotic solution into the pleural cavity and wound closure. The patient showed no evidence of recurrent empyema during subsequent 12-month follow-up and underwent chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Vacuum therapy is an effective treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema in patients without a bronchopleural fistula; nevertheless, specific postpneumonectomy patient care is required.

Splenic abscess as a rare symptom of the extrapulmonary tuberculosis - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis can involve any organ or tissue. It is a rare disease in the Czech Republic with an incidence rate of 0.62 cases per 100.000 persons. It affects mostly immunocompromised patients. The most common sites include lymph nodes, the urogenital system, skin, joints, bones and serous epithelium - the peritoneum, pleura, and pericardium. Splenic involvement is rare. Mycobacterium is a slow growing intracellular parasite. The diagnostic process is very difficult; microbiological diagnosis is critical. CASE REPORT: An 84 years old female patient with subcapsular splenic rupture with no trauma history as a cause of anemia. Splenic abscess was diagnosed during surgical revision and splenectomy. Tuberculosis was suspected based on subsequent histological analysis, which was confirmed after nine weeks of peritoneal fluid culture. The surgical procedure and postoperative hospitalization were not associated with any complications. The patient was referred to the respiratory clinic for further treatment. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis including splenic localization should always be considered. A sample from the affected tissue or effusion must be collected in the case of unclear perioperative findings and sent for complete bacteriological testing, including mycobacterial culture. If a tuberculous splenic abscess is found, the therapeutic process should involve its complete drainage in combination with long-term anti-TB medication.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in acute surgical procedures--the current praxis in Czech Republic]. / Antibiotická profylaxe u akutních chirurgických výkonu--soucasná situace v CR.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSI) are currently one of the most frequent postoperative complications. Emergent surgery is generally subject to a higher risk of SSI. Antibiotic prophylaxis is one of many measures that should be taken to prevent postoperative infection. However, due to possible adverse effects it must be applied only in indicated cases. Many guidelines have been published abroad, but still missing in Czech Republic. Standard use of prophylaxis can be currently followed due to compliance with SCIP (Surgical Care Improvement Project) measurements and reflects the quality of surgical care. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the current clinical praxis of prophylactic antibiotic administration in Czech Republic in emergent surgery for diagnosis: acute appendicitis, small bowel obstruction and perforated gastroduodenal ulcer and evaluate the SCIP criteria adherence. METHOD: The survey was sent to 149 surgical departments. The questionnaire included 7 questions and feedback was considered to be anonymous. The compliance with 3 main SCIP measurements (INF-1, INF-2, INF-3) was evaluated by the patients with acute appendicitis as a indication for emergent surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 85 (57%) completed questionnaires were received back. According to a survey results, antibiotic prophylaxis is always administered in 15% of patients operated for acute appendicitis, 27% operated for small bowel obstruction and 47% of patients with gastroduodenal perforation. No prophylaxis is given in 11 (13%) hospitals for either of the mentioned diagnoses. Antibiotics are mostly (46%) administered at induction of general anesthesia and extended to 24 hours. The SCIP measurements adherence was as follows: INF-1--4.7%; INF-2--86%; INF-3--81% of evaluated departments. All of 3 (all-or-none) criteria were fulfilled only at 3 (3.5%) surgical departments. CONCLUSION: The clinical praxis of antibiotic prophylaxis in urgent surgical procedures in Czech Republic is highly variable and mostly ignores the current international guidelines (SCIP). There is a need of local specific guideline concerning antibiotic prophylaxis guaranteed by scientific company.