Sinus laser closure (SiLaC) versus Limberg flap in management of pilonidal disease: A short-term non-randomized comparative prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Fistula Laser Closure (FiLAC) is a method that was originally applied in the treatment of perianal fistulas. Because of promising results, diode lasers were later on used to treat pilonidal sinus disease in a method called sinus Laser Closure (SiLaC). The aim of this study is to compare between SiLaC and Limberg flap in management of pilonidal disease. METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized comparative study. A short-term follow-up of 71 patients with pilonidal disease was analyzed (24 operated on using the SiLaC technique and 47 using the Limberg technique). With a primary outcome is healing rate and recurrence and a secondary outcome is other measures i.e. complications, hospital stay and postoperative pain. RESULTS: The median operative time in the SiLaC group was 26.45 ± 5.41 min (20-35 min) and in the Limberg group 58.63 ± 7.42 min (50-75 min). In the SiLaC group, the primary healing was achieved in 23 out of 24 patients (95.8%) with a total complication rate of 20.83%. There were two cases of recurrence after initial healing in each group. CONCLUSION: Sinus laser Closure (SiLaC) is comparable to Limberg flap technique in the terms of healing rate and recurrence with better outcome regarding operative time, hospital stay and post-operative pain.

Modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: rectal prolapse can cause bleeding and fecal incontinence that affects the life quality of patients. The treatment of external rectal prolapse is surgical. There are many procedures (abdominal or perineal) that can be used depending on the severity of the condition and patient tolerability for operation. In this study, a simple safe procedure is used for the treatment of the rectal prolapse in old, fragile and comorbid patients who cannot withstand the major surgeries and the risk of long-duration anesthesia. METHODS: from December 2016 to July 2019, 36 elderly comorbid patients with rectal prolapse were involved in this study which is performed in the GIT surgery unit of Zagazig University Hospital. A modified linear stapler resection technique is used for the rectal prolapse. Postoperative follow up was done for one year to evaluate the functional outcome, operative time, hospital stay duration and complications. RESULT: this study was conducted on 36 patients; The median age was 75 years (range 48-95). The postoperative complication rate was 11.1%. The median operative time was 25 min and 4 days for the hospital stay. Fecal incontinence improved in more than 90% of patients and constipation disappeared in 66% of total constipating patients. CONCLUSION: The modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse is a good, easy, rapid treatment for elderly comorbid patients with good functional outcomes.

The Diagnostic Value of Arginase-1, FTCD, and MOC-31 Expression in Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and in Differentiation Between HCC and Metastatic Adenocarcinoma to the Liver.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of small HCC and differentiation between HCC from AC metastatic to the liver is very essential for surgical pathologists, due to different treatment modalities. Immunohistochemistry plays a very important role in such conditions. In our study, we aimed to identify the diagnostic benefits of Arginase-1, FTCD& MOC-31 in the early detection of HCC in normal or cirrhotic liver, differentiation between HCC and metastatic ACs to the liver, and for early detection of small micro-metastases from ACs to liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 20 samples from liver cirrhosis, 10 samples from normal liver tissue, 30 samples from primary HCCs in the liver, and 30 samples from metastatic ACs to the liver. We have evaluated Arginase-1, FTCD, and MOC-31 expression using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The sensitivity of Arginase-1 expression in differentiation between HCC and metastatic carcinoma was 93.3% and the specificity was 93.3%. The sensitivity of FTCD expression in differentiation between HCC and normal or cirrhotic liver and early detection of well-differentiated HCC was 90% and the specificity was 86.7%. The sensitivity of MOC-31 expression in differentiation between HCC and metastatic carcinoma was 90% and the specificity was 90%. The sensitivity of combination of panel of Arginase 1 + FTCD + MOC 31 expression in differentiation between HCC, metastatic carcinoma, and normal and cirrhotic liver was 93.3% and the specificity was 93.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Arginase 1 + FTCD + MOC 31 expression was helpful in diagnosing most cases of HCC and metastatic carcinoma with high sensitivity and specificity.