Colonic perforation due to severe cytomegalovirus disease in granulomatosis with polyangiitis after immunosuppression.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a small-vessel necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis typically involving upper airways, lungs, and kidneys, which may lead to end-organ damage and life-threatening complications. Major infections during GPA course represent a considerable concern in the management of the disease. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease are rare but significant complications in the course of GPA being associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Colonic perforation due to CMV colitis is exceedingly rare and has so far almost exclusively been documented in HIV, renal transplant, and systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We reported the case of a patient affected with upper airways-limited GPA who developed acute renal failure from rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and then experienced colonic perforation due to CMV colitis a few weeks after immunosuppressive treatment with high-dose steroids and cyclophosphamide (CYC) for remission induction of the disease. We also reviewed the literature on CMV-related gastro-intestinal complications in the course of GPA and discussed contributing factors to severe manifestations of CMV infection and its reactivation.

Laparoscopic left hepatectomy for mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver.

BACKGROUND: Among liver cystic lesions, mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) constitutes a challenging issue in terms of management: preoperative diagnosis is often unachievable and this may mislead to inappropriate treatment [1-3]. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 29-year-old female who underwent laparotomic cyst unroofing in segment 4 and cholecystectomy in another institution. Post-operative course was complicated by biliary leakage that was endoscopically treated. Short term follow-up showed early recurrence with a volumetric enlargement of the cyst occupying most of the left hepatic lobe and new satellite cyst in Sg5. The doubt of MCN-L arose, and the patient was scheduled for laparoscopic removal at our Centre, despite the previous laparotomic procedure. METHODS: An optic port was placed into right upper abdominal quadrant and 3 further ports were placed. A long and difficult adhesiolysis was performed and Pringle's manoeuver was settled. Intraoperative US confirmed the anatomic limits of the cysts in Sg5 and in the left hepatic lobe. The cyst on Sg5 was resected first and frozen section was suspicious for MCN-L. In order to prevent recurrence, left laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed. The specimen was extracted through the previous midline laparotomy. RESULTS: Post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on POD 5. Pathology and immunochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of MCN-L. CONCLUSION: Hepatic cystic lesions may be insidious and preoperative biopsy is not always possible due to lack of solid tissue. In unclear settings, an intraoperative frozen section is mandatory to guide intraoperative decisions. In the suspicion of malignancy, resection with oncologic criteria must be chosen as the most appropriate treatment, as well as the retrieving of MCN-L requires hepatic resection to avoid early recurrence [4, 5]. Despite of previous laparotomy, we consider a laparoscopic approach could be attempted in selected cases, in institution with particular expertise in laparoscopic liver surgery.

A rare cause of mechanical bowel obstruction: ingested vinyl glove. Unexpected diagnosis at laparoscopy.

The report suggests that, when the patient's history, clinical examination, and findings do not lead to a clear diagnosis in case of an acute abdomen, a laparoscopic approach, that has both, diagnostic and therapeutic value, is advised.

Laparoscopic treatment of acute small bowel obstruction due to left paraduodenal hernia: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernia is a pathological condition resulting from abnormal protrusion of abdominal viscera through an opening in the intraperitoneal recesses of the abdominal cavity. Small bowel obstruction due to internal hernia is not common (0.25-0.9% of cases). The most common group is that of paraduodenal hernias (53%), of which the left-sided one is the most common type (75%). PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 43 year-old man with a history of recurrent abdominal pain, who was hospitalized because of an episode of acute small bowel obstruction. He had no previous surgery. Computed tomography revealed an encapsulated circumscribed cluster of jejunal loops in the left upper quadrant, near the ligament of Treitz, and the hernia orifice was adjacent to the left side of the inferior mesenteric vessels. Emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed: the small bowel was found completely herniated under the inferior mesenteric vessels. It was gradually reduced and the hernia space was closed with a running suture. The patient was discharged on the fourth day without complications. CONCLUSION: Left paraduodenal hernia is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction that should be taken into account in a patient with a history of recurrent abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction, and no previous surgery. Computed tomography is the standard for a correct diagnosis. Surgery is treatment of choice, because it reduces the risk of emergency and complications associated to hernia. Laparoscopic approach is feasible and effective, also in emergency situation.

Zenker diverticulectomy: first report of robot-assisted transaxillary approach.

Standard surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum consists of open cricopharyngeal myotomy with diverticulectomy. A rigid or flexible endoscopic approach allowing a cricopharyngeal myotomy without diverticulectomy is currently considered as a less invasive alternative to open surgery with reportedly comparable symptom relief at short term follow-up. In recent years, high safety and efficacy of a transaxillary gasless robotic access to the thyroid gland has been shown. The present study describes the feasibility and preliminary results of robot-assisted transaxillary approach for cricopharyngeal myotomy and excision of Zenker's diverticulum. Patients with troublesome dysphagia and radiological evidence of Zenker's diverticulum underwent a robot-assisted cricopharyngeal myotomy and diverticulum excision using left transaxillary access with the support of endoscopic assistance. One month after intervention, symptoms were reevaluated and a barium swallow study was performed. Four patients with symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum were successfully operated. No adverse event was recorded. One month after intervention, total dysphagia remission was declared by all four patients and there was no evidence of diverticulum recurrence at radiology. According to our preliminary data, left transaxillary robot-assisted approach for the surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum is feasible, safe and effective. Whether our encouraging results will be confirmed in larger patient cohorts with prolonged follow-up, the robot-assisted transaxillary Zenker's diverticulectomy may represent an alternative to traditional open diverticulectomy when endoscopic interventions cannot be performed or have failed.

The NOTA Study (Non Operative Treatment for Acute Appendicitis): prospective study on the efficacy and safety of antibiotics (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) for treating patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and long-term follow-up of conservatively treated suspected appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of antibiotics treatment for suspected acute uncomplicated appendicitis and to monitor the long term follow-up of non-operated patients. BACKGROUND: Right lower quadrant abdominal pain is a common cause of emergency department admission. The natural history of acute appendicitis nonoperatively treated with antibiotics remains unclear. METHODS: In 2010, a total of 159 patients [mean AIR (Appendicitis Inflammatory Response) score = 4.9 and mean Alvarado score = 5.2] with suspected appendicitis were enrolled and underwent nonoperative management (NOM) with amoxicillin/clavulanate. The follow-up period was 2 years. RESULTS: Short-term (7 days) NOM failure rate was 11.9%. All patients with initial failures were operated within 7 days. At 15 days, no recurrences were recorded. After 2 years, the overall recurrence rate was 13.8% (22/159); 14 of 22 patients were successfully treated with further cycle of amoxicillin/clavulanate. No major side effects occurred. Abdominal pain assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale and the visual analog scale; median Numeric Rating Scale score was 3 at 5 days and 2 after 7 days. Mean length of stay of nonoperatively managed patients was 0.4 days, and mean sick leave period was 5.8 days. Long-term efficacy of NOM treatment was 83% (118 patients recurrence free and 14 patients with recurrence nonoperatively managed). None of the single factors forming the Alvarado or AIR score were independent predictors of failure of NOM or long-term recurrence. Alvarado and AIR scores were the only independent predictive factors of NOM failure after multivariate analysis, but both did not correlate with recurrences. Overall costs of NOM and antibiotics were &OV0556;316.20 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics for suspected acute appendicitis are safe and effective and may avoid unnecessary appendectomy, reducing operation rate, surgical risks, and overall costs. After 2 years of follow-up, recurrences of nonoperatively treated right lower quadrant abdominal pain are less than 14% and may be safely and effectively treated with further antibiotics.

Bologna guidelines for diagnosis and management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO): 2013 update of the evidence-based guidelines from the world society of emergency surgery ASBO working group.

BACKGROUND: In 2013 Guidelines on diagnosis and management of ASBO have been revised and updated by the WSES Working Group on ASBO to develop current evidence-based algorithms and focus indications and safety of conservative treatment, timing of surgery and indications for laparoscopy. RECOMMENDATIONS: In absence of signs of strangulation and history of persistent vomiting or combined CT-scan signs (free fluid, mesenteric edema, small-bowel feces sign, devascularization) patients with partial ASBO can be managed safely with NOM and tube decompression should be attempted. These patients are good candidates for Water-Soluble-Contrast-Medium (WSCM) with both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The radiologic appearance of WSCM in the colon within 24 hours from administration predicts resolution. WSCM maybe administered either orally or via NGT both immediately at admission or after failed conservative treatment for 48 hours. The use of WSCM is safe and reduces need for surgery, time to resolution and hospital stay.NOM, in absence of signs of strangulation or peritonitis, can be prolonged up to 72 hours. After 72 hours of NOM without resolution, surgery is recommended.Patients treated non-operatively have shorter hospital stay, but higher recurrence rate and shorter time to re-admission, although the risk of new surgically treated episodes of ASBO is unchanged. Risk factors for recurrences are age <40 years and matted adhesions. WSCM does not decrease recurrence rates or recurrences needing surgery.Open surgery is often used for strangulating ASBO as well as after failed conservative management. In selected patients and with appropriate skills, laparoscopic approach is advisable using open access technique. Access in left upper quadrant or left flank is the safest and only completely obstructing adhesions should be identified and lysed with cold scissors. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis should be attempted preferably if first episode of SBO and/or anticipated single band. A low threshold for open conversion should be maintained.Peritoneal adhesions should be prevented. Hyaluronic acid-carboxycellulose membrane and icodextrin decrease incidence of adhesions. Icodextrin may reduce the risk of re-obstruction. HA cannot reduce need of surgery.Adhesions quantification and scoring maybe useful for achieving standardized assessment of adhesions severity and for further research in diagnosis and treatment of ASBO.