Meta-analysis of intermittent Pringle manoeuvre versus no Pringle manoeuvre in elective liver surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intermittent Pringle manoeuvre (IPM) is frequently used during liver surgery. This meta-analysis aimed to review the impact on blood loss, operating time and morbidity and mortality with and without use of IPM. METHODS: An electronic search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed databases using both subject headings (MeSH) and truncated word searches to identify all articles published that related to this topic. Pooled risk ratios were calculated for categorical outcomes, and mean differences (MDs) for secondary continuous outcomes, using the fixed-effects and random-effects models for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials encompassing 392 patients were analysed to achieve a summated outcome. Pooled data analysis showed the use of IPM resulted in reduced transection time/cm(2) (MD -0.53 (-0.88, -0.18) min/cm(2) (P = 0.003)) but with comparable blood loss (mL/cm(2)) (MD -1.67 (-4.41, 1.08) mL/cm(2), P = 0.23), overall blood loss (MD -20.42 (-89.42, 48.58) mL), blood transfusion requirements (risk ratio 0.78 (0.40, 1.52, P = 0.47)) and morbidity and mortality compared to no Pringle manoeuvre. In addition, there was no significant difference in the post-operative hospital stay (MD 0.37 (-0.60, 1.34) days). CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence that the routine use of IPM improves perioperative and post-operative outcomes compared to no Pringle manoeuvre and its routine may not be recommended.

Clinical outcomes of a percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis: a multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review a series of consecutive percutaneous cholecystostomies (PC) to analyse the clinical outcomes. METHODS: All patients who underwent a PC between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively for indications, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent a PC with a median age was 74 years (range 14-93). 92.4% (n = 49) of patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III and IV. 82% (43/53) had ultrasound-guided drainage whereas 18% (10/53) had computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage. 71.6% (n = 38) of PC's employed a transhepatic route and 28.4% (n = 15) transabdominal route. 13% (7/53) of patients developed complications including bile leaks (n = 5), haemorrhage (n = 1) and a duodenal fistula (n = 1). All bile leaks were noted with transabdominal access (5 versus 0, P = 0.001). 18/53 of patients underwent a cholecystectomy of 4/18 was done on the index admission. 6/18 cholecystectomies (33%) underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the remaining required conversion to an open cholecystectomy (67%). 13/53 (22%) patients were readmitted with recurrent cholecystitis during follow-up of which 7 (54%) had a repeated PC. 12/53 patients died on the index admission. The overall 1-year mortality was 37.7% (20/53). CONCLUSIONS: Only a small fraction of patients undergoing a PC proceed to a cholecystectomy with a high risk of conversion to an open procedure. A quarter of patients presented with recurrent cholecystitis during follow-up. The mortality rate is high during the index admission from sepsis and within the 1 year of follow-up from other causes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of haemostatic and biliostatic efficacy of fibrin sealants in elective liver surgery.

BACKGROUND: Fibrin sealants are frequently used in liver surgery to achieve intraoperative haemostasis and reduce post-operative haemorrhage and bile leak. This meta-analysis aimed to review the haemostatic and biliostatic capacity of fibrin sealants in elective liver surgery. METHODS: An electronic search was performed on the MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed databases using both subject headings and truncated word searches to identify all published articles that are related to this topic. Pooled risk ratios were calculated for categorical outcomes, and mean differences for secondary continuous outcomes, using the fixed-effects and random-effects models for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Ten randomised controlled trials encompassing 1,225 patients were analysed to achieve a summated outcome. Pooled data analysis showed the use of fibrin sealants resulted in reduced time to haemostasis (mean difference -3.45 min [-3.78, -3.13] (P < 0.00001)) and increased numbers of patients with complete haemostasis (risk ratio 1.56, 95 % confidence interval 1.04-2.34, p = 0.03) when compared to controls. The use of fibrin sealants did not influence perioperative blood transfusion requirements, bile leak rates, post-operative haemorrhage, intra-abdominal collections and overall morbidity and mortality compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: There is no solid evidence that the routine use of fibrin sealants reduces the incidence of post-operative haemorrhage or bile leak compared with other treatments. The use of fibrin sealants may reduce the time to haemostasis, but this does not translate to improved perioperative outcomes.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of surgical complications after pancreatoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the role of interventional radiology (IR) in the management of postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients were reviewed to identify IR procedures performed for early complications after PD. RESULTS: Findings showed that 24 patients (20.0%) required urgent radiological or surgical re-intervention for early complications, including 11 instances of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), six intra-abdominal abscesses, two bile leaks, one pancreatic fistula and one bowel ischaemia. Three of 24 complications were managed by surgery and 21 were managed by IR. Two of 11 PPHs involved intraluminal haemorrhage (ILH) and nine involved intra-abdominal haemorrhage (IAH). One ILH was managed conservatively and one required surgical intervention. In eight of nine patients with IAH, the bleeding site was identified on computed tomography angiography, and endovascular stenting or coil embolization were performed. No patient required a re-look laparotomy following IR for haemorrhage or intra-abdominal abscess. Overall, three of 120 patients required an urgent re-look laparotomy for early complications. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of major morbidity after PD remain high. However, many significant complications (PPH, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal abscess) can be managed by IR, reducing the need for reoperation. Re-look surgery is still required in a small percentage (2.5%) of patients.

A survey of the accuracy of interpretation of intraoperative cholangiograms.

OBJECTIVES: There are few data in the literature regarding the ability of surgical trainees and surgeons to correctly interpret intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of surgeons' interpretations of IOCs. METHODS: Fifteen IOCs, depicting normal, variants of normal and abnormal anatomy, were sent electronically in random sequence to 20 surgical trainees and 20 consultant general surgeons. Information was also sought on the routine or selective use of IOC by respondents. RESULTS: The accuracy of IOC interpretation was poor. Only nine surgeons and nine trainees correctly interpreted the cholangiograms showing normal anatomy. Six consultant surgeons and five trainees correctly identified variants of normal anatomy on cholangiograms. Abnormal anatomy on cholangiograms was identified correctly by 18 consultant surgeons and 19 trainees. Routine IOC was practised by seven consultants and six trainees. There was no significant difference between those who performed routine and selective IOC with respect to correct identification of normal, variant and abnormal anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the accuracy of detection of both normal and variants of normal anatomy was poor in all grades of surgeon irrespective of a policy of routine or selective IOC. Improving operators' understanding of biliary anatomy may help to increase the diagnostic accuracy of IOC interpretation.

Meta-analysis of Prolene Hernia System mesh versus Lichtenstein mesh in open inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to systematically analyse all published randomized clinical trials comparing the Prolene Hernia System (PHS) mesh and Lichtenstein mesh for open inguinal hernia repair. METHOD: A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and Science Citation Index Expanded. Randomized trials comparing the Lichtenstein Mesh repair (LMR) with the Prolene Hernia System were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.1 software. The primary outcome measures were hernia recurrence and chronic pain after operation. Secondary outcome measures included surgical time, peri-operative complications, time to return to work, early and long-term postoperative complications. RESULTS: Six randomized clinical trials were identified as suitable, containing 1313 patients. There was no statistical difference between the two types of repair in operation time, time to return to work, incidence of chronic groin pain, hernia recurrence or long-term complications. The PHS group had a higher rate of peri-operative complications, compared to Lichtenstein mesh repair (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.93, P=0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of PHS mesh was associated with an increased risk of peri-operative complications compared to LMR. Both mesh repair techniques have comparable short- and long-term outcomes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy is very rare with poor prognosis. We report a case of a HCC in a 33-year-old, pregnant female with an otherwise normal liver and no risk factors, diagnosed by routine prenatal ultrasound scan and elevated alpha-feto protein levels. She underwent a synchronous caesarean section and liver resection at 30 weeks of gestation with good perioperative outcome and no recurrent disease at 1-year follow-up. This case report discusses the clinical presentations, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and literature review of this rare presentation.

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy is an accepted treatment for colorectal cancer and liver metastases, but there is no consensus for its use in the management of synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate totally laparoscopic strategies in the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases. METHODS: Patients presenting to Ninewells Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum with synchronous liver metastases were considered. Patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon cancer resection, a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and colon cancer, or simultaneous colon resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of SCRLM. Primary endpoints were in-hospital morbidity and mortality, total hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and resection margin status. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients presented with synchronous colorectal liver metastases. Thirteen patients underwent a simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon resection (median operating time, 370 (range, 190-540) min; median hospital stay, 7 (range, 3-54) days), seven patients had a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and primary colon cancer (median operating time, 530 (range, 360-980) min; median hospital stay 14, (range, 6-51) days), and eight patients underwent laparoscopic colon resection and RFA of SCRLM (median operating time, 310 (range, 240-425) min; median hospital stay, 8 (range, 6-13) days). There were no conversions to an open procedure. Overall in-hospital morbidity and mortality was 28 and 0 % respectively. An R0 resection margin was achieved in 91 % of the resection group. At a median follow-up of 26 (range, 18-55) months, 19 (90 %) patients remain disease-free. CONCLUSIONS: Totally laparoscopic strategies for the radical treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer are feasible with low morbidity and favorable outcomes. A laparoscopic approach for the simultaneous management of SCRLM and primary colon cancer is associated with reduced surgical access trauma, postoperative morbidity, and hospital stay with no compromise in short-term oncological outcome.

Preoperative serum C-reactive protein levels and post-operative lymph node ratio are important predictors of survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

CONTEXT: There is paucity of data on the prognostic value of pre-operative inflammatory response and post-operative lymph node ratio on patient survival after pancreatic-head resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of the preoperative inflammatory response and postoperative pathology criteria to identify predictive and/or prognostic variables for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. DESIGN: All patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2002 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The following impacts on patient survival were assessed: i) preoperative serum CRP levels, white cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio; and ii) post-operative pathology criteria including lymph node status and lymph node ratio. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients underwent potentially curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma during the study period. An elevated preoperative CRP level (greater than 3 mg/L) was found to be a significant adverse prognostic factor (P=0.015) predicting a poor survival, whereas white cell count (P=0.278), neutrophil count (P=0.850), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.272), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.532) and lymphocyte count (P=0.721) were not significant prognosticators at univariate analysis. Presence of metastatic lymph nodes did not adversely affect survival (P=0.050), however a raised lymph node ratio predicted poor survival at univariate analysis (P<0.001). The preoperative serum CRP level retained significance at multivariate analysis (P=0.011), together with lymph node ratio (P<0.001) and tumour size (greater than 2 cm; P=0.008). CONCLUSION: A pre-operative elevated serum CRP level and raised post-operative lymph node ratio represent significant independent prognostic factors that predict poor prognosis in patients undergoing curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. There is potential for future neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer to be tailored based on preoperative and postoperative factors that predict a poor survival.

Lichtenstein hernia repair under different anaesthetic techniques with special emphasis on outcomes in older people.

BACKGROUND: This study compared local (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA) for elective inguinal hernia repair with specific reference to older people (≥70 years). METHODS: A total of 470 inguinal hernia repairs were compared for demographics, operating time, day case rates and complications. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes in <70 and >70 years. RESULTS: A total of 288 LA and 182 GA repairs were performed. One hundred and forty-four (30.6%) patients were older than 70 years of which 80 (55%) were ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) grades 3 and 4. Older (≥70 years) ASA grade 3 and 4 patients are more likely to undergo surgery under LA than GA (63% LA, 35% GA, P = 0.005) with higher day case rates of 81% LA, 33% GA, P = 0.0001). No significant difference in early complications, satisfaction rate and long-term recurrence rates were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: LA inguinal hernia repair has significant short-term advantages and facilitates day surgery in older patients. LA should be the preferred option in the older patients.

Impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infection on patient outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD)--a cause for concern?

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) hospital-acquired infection on postoperative complications and patient outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Seventy-nine patients who underwent PD were monitored for hospital-acquired MRSA. The patients were grouped as (1) no MRSA infection, (2) skin colonization with MRSA, and (3) systemic MRSA infection. RESULTS: Forty (51%) of the 79 patients were MRSA positive during hospital admission. Fourteen of the 40 patients swabbed for MRSA were found positive (skin colonization), and 26 patients (33%) developed systemic MRSA infection after PD. The sites of MRSA infection included (1) abdominal drain fluid (16/26; 42%), (2) sputum (4/26; 15%), (3) blood cultures (2/26; 8%), and (4) combination of sites (9/26; 35%). The patients with systemic MRSA infection had a longer postoperative stay (31 vs 22 days; P = 0.005) and increased incidence of chest infections compared with MRSA-negative patients (14 vs 4; P = 0.02). Four of the 16 patients with MRSA-positive drain fluid had a postpancreatectomy hemorrhage compared with 3 of the 63 patients with no MRSA infection in drain fluid (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Of the 79 patients admitted for PD, 51% became colonized with MRSA infection. Systemic hospital-acquired MRSA infection in 33% was associated with prolonged postoperative stay, increased wound and chest infections, and increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour of the liver in association with gall stones - a rare case report and brief review.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumours of the liver are rare tumour-like lesions that can mimic malignant liver neoplasms. The symptoms and radiological findings of this rare tumour can pose diagnostic difficulties. We describe a 69-year-old gentleman who was admitted to our department with symptoms suggestive of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the liver raised the possibility of metastatic liver disease. A core biopsy of the liver was performed to confirm the diagnosis of liver metastasis. Unexpectedly it showed no evidence of malignancy but instead revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour of the liver. This case report highlights the diagnostic dilemma that arose due to the similarity of appearances between the two pathological entities on imaging and this stresses the need for accurate histological diagnosis so as to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. To the best of our knowledge, only a minority of cases are reported in the literature associating a hepatic inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour with gall stones.

'Critical view of safety' as an alternative to routine intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute biliary pathology.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to evaluate the use of "critical view of safety" (CVS) for the prevention of bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute biliary pathology as an alternative to routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). METHODS: A policy of routine CVS to identify biliary anatomy and selective IOC for patients suspected to have common bile duct (CBD) stone was adopted. Receiver operator curves (ROCs) were used to identify cutoff values predicting CBD stones. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-seven consecutive, same admission laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between August 2004 and July 2007 were reviewed. CVS was achieved in 388 (87%) patients. Where CVS was not possible, the operation was completed open. CBD stones were identified in 22/57 patients who underwent selective IOC. Preoperative liver function and CBD diameter were significantly higher in those with CBD stones (P < .001). ROC curve analysis identified preoperative cutoff values of bilirubin (35 mumol/L), alkaline phosphatase (250 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (240 IU/L), and a CBD diameter of 10 mm, as predictive of CBD stones. No bile duct injuries occurred in this series. CONCLUSION: In acute biliary pathology, the use of CVS helps clarify the anatomy of Calot's triangle and is a suitable alternative to routine IOC. Selective cholangiography should be employed when preoperative liver function and CBD diameter are above defined thresholds.

Late post pancreatectomy haemorrhage. Risk factors and modern management.

CONTEXT: Current management of late post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage in a university hospital. OBJECTIVE: Haemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy is a serious complication. We report on risk factors and outcome following management by radiological intervention. SETTING: Tertiary care centre in Scotland. SUBJECTS: Sixty-seven consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: All pancreaticoduodenectomies over a 3-year period were reviewed. International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage was used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endpoints were incidence of haemorrhage, pancreaticojejunal anastomosis leak, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and mortality. RESULTS: Seven patients (10.4%) developed post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage out of 67 pancreaticoduodenectomies. Median age was 71 years. All post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage were late onset (median 23 days; range: 3-35 days), extraluminal and ISGPS grade C. Post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage arose from hepatic artery (n=4), superior mesenteric artery (n=1), jejunal artery (n=1), and splenic artery (n=1). Angiographic treatment was successful in all patients by embolisation (n=5) or stent grafting (n=2). Pancreatic fistula rate was similar in post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage and "no-haemorrhage" groups (57.1% vs. 40.0%; P=0.440); MRSA infection was significantly higher in post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage group (57.1% vs. 16.7%; P=0.030). Mortality from post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage despite successful haemostasis was 42.9%. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified MRSA infection as a risk factor for post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: CT angiogram followed by conventional catheter angiography is effective for treatment of late extraluminal post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage. MRSA infection in the abdominal drain fluid increases its risk and therefore aggressive treatment of MRSA and high index of suspicion are indicated.

Management guidelines for gallstone pancreatitis. Are the targets achievable?

CONTEXT: Current management of gallstone pancreatitis in a university hospital. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of current management of gallstone pancreatitis with recommendations in national guidelines. SETTING: Tertiary care centre in Scotland. SUBJECTS: One-hundred consecutive patients admitted with gallstone pancreatitis. METHODS: All patients that presented with gallstone pancreatitis over a 4-year period were audited retrospectively. Data were collated for radiological diagnosis within 48 hours, ERCP within 72 hours, CT at 6-10 days, and use of high-dependency or intensive therapy units in severe gallstone pancreatitis, and definitive treatment of gallstone pancreatitis within 2 weeks as recommended in national guidelines. RESULTS: Forty-six patients had severe gallstone pancreatitis and 54 patients mild pancreatitis. Etiology was established within 48 hours in 92 patients. Six (13.0%) out of the patients with severe gallstone pancreatitis were managed in a high dependency unit. Fifteen (32.6%) patients with severe gallstone pancreatitis underwent CT within 6-10 days of admission. Four (8.7%) of the 46 patients with severe gallstone pancreatitis had urgent ERCP (less than 72 hours). Overall 22/100 patients unsuitable for surgery underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy as definitive treatment. Seventy-eight patients had surgery, with 40 (51.3%) of these patients undergoing an index admission cholecystectomy, and 38 (48.7%) patients were discharged for interval cholecystectomy. Overall 81 patients with gallstone pancreatitis had definitive therapy during the index to same admission (cholecystectomy or sphincterotomy). Two (5.3%) patients were readmitted whilst awaiting interval cholecystectomy: one with acute cholecystitis and one with acute pancreatitis. There were no mortalities in this cohort. CONCLUSION: This study has highlighted difficulties in implementation of national guidelines, as the use of critical care, timing of ERCP and CT, and definitive treatment prior to discharge did not concur with national targets for gallstone pancreatitis.

Diagnosis and treatment of giant lateral abdominal wall haematoma after blunt trauma: a case report.

Lateral abdominal wall haematoma after blunt trauma that require surgery is rare. They usually present with pain, bruising and swelling after trauma.We report a case of a fit and healthy young girl who developed a large lateral abdominal wall haematoma following blunt trauma. Initially the haematoma was managed conservatively, however in view of increasing size surgical removal was undertaken. Post operatively the patient developed a small seroma and which was subsequently drained under ultrasound guidance. A thorough review of the literature has identified there are various options of treatment for patients with lateral abdominal wall haematoma. We conclude that management of giant traumatic lateral abdominal wall haematoma can be challenging, some will eventually need surgical intervention.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy and interval cholecystectomy are reasonable alternatives to index cholecystectomy in severe acute gallstone pancreatitis (GSP).

BACKGROUND: UK guidelines for gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) advocate definitive treatment during the index admission, or within 2 weeks of discharge. However, this target may not always be achievable. This study reviewed current management of GSP in a university hospital and evaluated the risk associated with interval cholecystectomy. METHODS: All patients that presented with GSP over a 4-year period (2002-2005) were stratified for disease severity (APACHE II). Patient demographics, time to definitive therapy [index cholecystectomy; endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES); Interval cholecystectomy], and readmission rates were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: 100 patients admitted with GSP. Disease severity was mild in 54 patients and severe in 46 patients. Twenty-two patients unsuitable for surgery underwent ES as definitive treatment with no readmissions. Seventy-eight patients underwent cholecystectomy, of which 40 (58%) had an index cholecystectomy, and 38 (42%) an interval cholecystectomy. Only 10 patients with severe GSP had an index cholecystectomy, whilst 30 were readmitted for Interval cholecystectomy (p = 0.04). The median APACHE score was 4 [standard deviation (SD) 3.8] for index cholecystectomy and 8 (SD 2.6) for Interval cholecystectomy (p < 0.05). Median time (range) to surgery was 7.5 (2-30) days for index cholecystectomy and 63 (13-210) days for Interval cholecystectomy. Fifty percent (19/38) of patients with GSP had ES prior to discharge for interval cholecystectomy. Two (5%) patients were readmitted: with acute cholecystitis (n = 1) and acute pancreatitis (n = 1) , whilst awaiting interval cholecystectomy. No mortality was noted in the Index or Interval group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that overall 62% (22 endoscopic sphincterotomy and 40 index cholecystectomy) of patients with GSP have definitive therapy during the Index admission. However, surgery was deferred in the majority (n = 30) of patients with severe GSP, and 19/30 underwent ES prior to discharge. ES and interval cholecystectomy in severe GSP is associated with minimal morbidity and readmission rates, and is considered a reasonable alternative to an index cholecystectomy in patients with severe GSP.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus associated with a ruptured popliteal aneurysm - a cautionary note.

Popliteal artery aneurysms representing 80% of peripheral artery aneurysms rarely rupture (a reported incidence of 0.1-2.8 %) and second commonest in frequency after aorto-iliac aneurysms. They usually present with pain, swelling, occlusion or distal embolisation and can cause diagnostic difficulties. We report a 78 year old man who was previously admitted to hospital with a pulmonary embolus secondary to deep venous thrombosis. He was heparinized then warfarinised and was readmitted with a ruptured popliteal aneurysm leading to a large pseudo aneurysm formation. The pulmonary embolus had been due to popliteal vein thrombosis and propagation of the clot. A thorough review of literature identified only one previously reported case of ruptured popliteal artery aneurysm and subsequent large pseudo aneurysm formation. We feel it is important to exclude a popliteal aneurysm in a patient with DVT. This may be more common than the published literature suggests.

Randomized controlled trial comparing prolene hernia system and lichtenstein method for inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: There are no data regarding the long-term outcomes of prolene hernia system (PHS) mesh in the published reports. The aim of the study was to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of the PHS mesh with the Lichtenstein mesh technique. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with inguinal hernia were randomized to undergo either a PHS or a Lichtenstein repair under local anaesthesia as a day case. Early outcome measures were duration of surgery, pain scores, analgesic requirements, time to return to work, driving and full activity. Long-term outcome measures were chronic groin pain and recurrence. RESULTS: Mean duration of surgery in the PHS group was 36 min (SD +/- 11) versus 34 min in the Lichtenstein group (SD +/- 8; P = 0.3). There was no significant difference in analgesic requirements (P = 0.65). Overall mean pain score was 3.5/10 versus 2.5/10 (P = 0.1). Mean time to return to work was 42 versus 30 days (P = 0.3), returning to driving was 20 versus 14 days (P = 0.2) and full activity was 21 versus 22 days (P = 0.8). Chronic groin pain developed in four patients in the PHS group (12.9%) and in five patients in the Lichtenstein group (15.1%; P > 0.05). One patient developed recurrent herniation in the PHS group. The median follow up was 4.2 years (range, 4-4.6 years). Patient satisfaction was very high with both the techniques. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the early and long-term outcomes between PHS and Lichtenstein hernia repairs. The PHS technique involving preperitoneal dissection is well tolerated and easy to carry out under local anaesthesia.