Is It Mandatory To Ligate Sac In Emergency Herniotomy In Paediatric Age Group? A Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Herniotomy is standard treatment for inguinal hernia in children. Paediatric surgeons remain divided on whether ligation of sac is mandatory. In our study, we left the sac open to see early recurrence. METHODS: This quasi=experimental study, done in emergency cases, was sequel to our previous study done in elective cases. It was carried out at surgical unit C of Ayub Hospital Complex, Abbottabad, from Jan 2016 to June 2020. Children from birth to 12 years of age were randomly divided into two groups. In group I (experimental), sacs were cut high up and left open during herniotomy while in group II (control), high ligation of hernia sac was done. Follow up was scheduled for day 10 and 1, 3 and 6 months. Patients were assessed for early recurrence and other complications. RESULTS: A total of 151 emergency inguinal herniotomies were done including 147 males (97.4%) and 4 females (2.6%). 136 sacs (90.1%) were ligated with vicryl 3/0 or 4/0 while 15 sacs (9.9%) were left open. We did not find early recurrence, but found 1 case of scrotal hematoma (n=1/15) (6.7%) and 1 case of scrotal oedema (n=1/15) (6.7%) in the experimental group. In control group, complications were similar with 7 cases of hematoma (n=7/136) (5.1%) and 9 cases of scrotal oedema (n=9/136) (6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Complications are comparable in herniotomy with or without ligation of sac but ligation adds an extra step. Herniotomy without sac ligation in children is safe and preferable in emergency setup.

Role Of Choledochoduodenostomy Revisited In The Era Of Minimal Invasive Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Present era of endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches have revolutionized surgical management of Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones. Open procedures like Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) have become a rarity but are not completely obsolete. It may be considered a relatively safe alternative when dealing with recurrent, too large or impacted stones, a failed ERCP, and CBD stricture with stones. The aim of this study was to establish safety, efficiency, cost effectiveness and easy availability of CDD in selected patients. METHODS: In this observational study, the outcome of 90 consecutive patients undergoing CDD between 1st January 1995 and 31st Dec, 2016 in surgical unit C, Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad was reviewed. Choledochoduodenostomy was offered to patients who refused or had a failed ERCP and when CBD size was more than 1cm. Common Bile Duct was anastomosed to Duodenum using standard technique. RESULTS: Medical records of 90 patients (age range 34-96 years) were reviewed; 5 were excluded and 85 were included in the study. Complication rate was 31.76% (n=27) including respiratory complications in 16.47% (n=14), wound infection in 10.6% (n=9), anastomotic leak in 2.35% (n=2) and Cholangitis in 1.18% (n=1) and Mortality in 1.18% (n=1). There was no evidence of Sump Syndrome. Total cost of procedure was Rs.50 as admission fee, which included daily provision of food and there were no room charges. CONCLUSIONS: Choledochoduodenostomy is a safe procedure, with fewer complications and significantly low cost. In case of ERCP failure, CDD is recommended.