Efficacy and safety of uncovered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction in unresectable non-pancreatic cancer.

Objectives: The efficacy of uncovered self-expandable metal stents (UCSEMS) versus fully covered self-expandable metal stents for distal malignant biliary obstruction remains controversial. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the disease conditions has been indicated in previous studies because pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancers have different characteristics in clinical course. Therefore, the etiology of biliary obstruction necessitates investigations stratified by primary disease. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of UCSEMS, specifically for non-pancreatic cancer-induced distal malignant biliary obstruction. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective review to evaluate the time to recurrent biliary obstruction and frequency of adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving UCSEMS for unresectable non-pancreatic cancer-induced malignant biliary obstruction. Results: Overall, 32 patients were enrolled in the study between January 2016 and December 2023. The median time to recurrent biliary obstruction was 140 days. AE rates were low at 3.1% for both pancreatitis and cholecystitis, suggesting a potential benefit of UCSEMS in reducing post-procedural AEs. Conclusion: UCSEMS may reduce the risk of post-procedural AEs and should be considered in patients at high risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. However, the patency period may be shorter, necessitating future comparative research with fully covered self-expandable metal stents to determine the optimal stent choice.

Clinical Outcomes, Predictors, and Surgical Management of Infracardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection.

This study sought to find the risk factors of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO), PVO-related reintervention, and postoperative mortality, determine the relationship between pulmonary venous confluence (PVC) morphology and the clinical outcomes, and provide the basis for the selection of the optimal surgical strategy for infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). From December 2009 to December 2023, 101 patients with infracardiac TAPVC undergoing surgical repair in our institution were included [Conventional surgery (CS) group, n = 73; Sutureless technique (ST) group, n = 28]. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to demonstrate the survival estimates. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors for primary endpoints. There were 8 in-hospital deaths and 4 late deaths. The survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 88.8%, 87.6%, and 87.6%, respectively, in the whole cohort. Multivariable analysis showed that prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) time was associated with overall mortality and Y-shaped PVC has a trend for a higher mortality rate. Postoperative PVO occurred in 27 patients. Freedom from postoperative PVO at 1, 5, and 10 years were 81.8%, 69.9%, and 69.9%, respectively. Y-shaped PVC and preoperative PVO were incremental risk factors for PVO, but ST repair was a protective factor. Sixteen patients underwent PVO-related reintervention. Y-shaped PVC was the only independent risk factors for PVO-related reintervention while ST repair was a protective factor. Sutureless technique can achieve satisfactory outcomes for infracardiac TAPVC repair. Compared with CS repair, ST repair is significantly associated with decreased postoperative PVO and PVO-related reintervention. Y-shaped PVC is associated with a higher risk of PVO, PVO-related reintervention, and mortality, respectively. Patients with preoperative PVO are more likely to develop postoperative PVO.

Comprehensive meta-analysis of surgical procedure for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: thoracoscopic versus open repair.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown a higher recurrence rate and longer operative times for thoracoscopic repair (TR) of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to open repair (OR). An updated meta-analysis was conducted to re-evaluate the surgical outcomes of TR. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search comparing TR and OR in neonates was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement (PROSPERO: CRD42020166588). RESULTS: Fourteen studies were selected for quantitative analysis, including a total of 709 patients (TR: 308 cases, OR: 401 cases). The recurrence rate was higher [Odds ratio: 4.03, 95% CI (2.21, 7.36), p < 0.001] and operative times (minutes) were longer [Mean Difference (MD): 43.96, 95% CI (24.70, 63.22), p < 0.001] for TR compared to OR. A significant reduction in the occurrence of postoperative bowel obstruction was observed in TR (5.0%) compared to OR (14.8%) [Odds ratio: 0.42, 95% CI (0.20, 0.89), p = 0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: TR remains associated with higher recurrence rates and longer operative times. However, the reduced risk of postoperative bowel obstruction suggests potential long-term benefits. This study emphasizes the importance of meticulous patient selection for TR to mitigate detrimental effects on patients with severe disease.

Magnetic compression anastomosis to restore biliary tract continuity after obstruction following major abdominal trauma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The combination of magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) and endoscopy has been used to treat biliary stricture after liver transplantation. However, its use for the treatment of complex biliary obstruction after major abdominal trauma has not been reported. This case report describes the successful use of MCA for the treatment of biliary obstruction resulting from major abdominal trauma. CASE SUMMARY: A 23-year-old man underwent major abdominal surgery (repair of liver rupture, right half colon resection, and ileostomy) following a car accident one year ago. The abdominal drainage tube, positioned at the Winslow foramen, was draining approximately 600-800 mL of bile per day. During the two endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures, the guide wire was unable to enter the common bile duct, which prevented placement of a biliary stent. MCA combined with endoscopy was used to successfully achieve magnetic anastomosis of the peritoneal sinus tract and duodenum, and then a choledochoduodenal stent was placed. Finally, the external biliary drainage tube was removed. The patient achieved internal biliary drainage leading to the removal of the external biliary drainage tube, which improved the quality of life. CONCLUSION: Magnetic compression technique can be used for the treatment of complex biliary obstruction with minimal operative trauma.

Has the open surgical approach in colorectal cancer really become uncommon?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Surgery is mandatory to treat patients with colorectal cancer. Can colorectal cancer be treated in laparoscopy? Scientific literature has validated the oncological quality of laparoscopic approach for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Randomized non-inferiority trials with good remote control have answered positively to this long-debated question. Early as 1994, first publications demonstrated technical feasibility and compliance with oncological imperatives and, as far as short-term outcomes are concerned, there is no difference in terms of mortality and post-operative morbidity between open and minimally invasive surgical approaches, but only longer operating times at the beginning of the experience. Subsequently, from 2007 onwards, long-term results were published that demonstrated the absence of a significant difference regarding overall survival, disease-free survival, quality of life, local and distant recurrence rates between open and minimally invasive surgery. In this editorial, we aim to summarize the clinical and technical aspects which, even today, make the use of open surgery relevant and necessary in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Fluoroscopic-guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulation results in high technical success and pregnancy rates comparable with the more traditional laparoscopically guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulation.

Objective: To compare women with proximal tubal obstruction (PTO) undergoing hysteroscopic tubal cannulation with fluoroscopic guidance vs. laparoscopic guidance. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: All fluoroscopically-guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulations were performed in an ambulatory suite. All laparoscopically-guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulations were performed in a hospital operating room. Patients: Infertile women with unilateral or bilateral PTO on hysterosalpingography who failed selective salpingography in the radiology suite and had a planned laparoscopy or hysteroscopy in the operating room for defects seen on sonohysterography were studied. Intervention: All women had a Novy catheter system positioned hysteroscopically to cannulate the occluded fallopian tube(s). Women undergoing fluoroscopically guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulation (FHTC), which used contrast and C-arm pelvic imaging at an ambulatory center, were compared with those undergoing hospital-based laparoscopically guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulation (LHTC) with laparoscopic visualization. Main Outcome Measurements: Tubal cannulation success; bilateral cannulation success; tubal perforations; post-FHTC non-in vitro fertilization (non-IVF) intrauterine pregnancies; days from procedure to pregnancy for non-IVF intrauterine pregnancies; and time to non-IVF pregnancy hazards ratio. Results: A total of 76 infertile women undergoing either FHTC (34 women) or LHTC (42 women) between 2015 and 2019 were included. Demographic variables were similar among the 2 groups. A total of 31 (92%) of 34 of patients undergoing FHTC and 36 (86%) of 42 of patients undergoing LHTC had at least one tube successfully cannulated. In total, 30 (78%) of 34 of patients undergoing FHTC and 32 (79%) of 42 patients undergoing LHTC had all occluded tubes successfully cannulated. Tubal perforation occurred in 1 (3%) of 34 FHTC cases and 3 (7%) of 42 LHTC cases. A similar percentage of non-IVF treatment-induced intrauterine pregnancies were achieved in the FHTC and LHTC groups (10/34 [29%] vs. 12/42 [29%]). Among patients who conceived without IVF, time from procedure to pregnancy was lower in the FHTC group (101 ± 124.6 days) compared with the LHTC group (228 ± 216 days). There was a significant difference in time to pregnancy when only those who conceived were considered (hazard ratio, 9.39; 95% confidence interval, 2.42-36.51); however, there was no significant difference when all subjects regardless of pregnancy outcome were analyzed (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-3.446). Conclusion: Fluoroscopically guided hysteroscopic tubal cannulation is a safe, effective, incision free procedure that results in comparable rates of tubal patency and intrauterine pregnancies as LHTC. This technique should be considered in women undergoing treatment of PTO when operative laparoscopy is not otherwise indicated.

Obstructive uropathy: Overview of the pathogenesis, etiology and management of a prevalent cause of acute kidney injury.

Obstructive uropathy is defined as the structural or functional interruption of urinary outflow at any level in the urinary tract. It is regarded as one of the most prevalent causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), accounting for 5%-10% of cases. Acute severe obstruction of the urinary tract is a potentially threatening situation for the kidneys and therefore requires prompt identification and management to relieve obstruction. The aim of the present article is to review and synthesize available evidence on obstructive uropathy, providing a clinical guideline for clinicians. A literature review on obstructive uropathy in the context of AKI was performed, focusing on the least clarified aspects regarding diagnosis and management. Recent literature searching was conducted in English and top-level evidence articles including systematic reviews, metanalyses and large series were prioritized. Acute obstruction of the urinary tract is a diagnostic and therapeutical challenge that may lead to important clinical complications together with direct structural and hemodynamic damage to the kidney. Early recognition of the leading cause and its exact location is essential to ensure prompt urinary drainage together with the most suitable drainage technique selection. A multidisciplinary approach, including urologists, nephrologists, and other medical specialties, is best suited to correctly manage concomitant hemodynamic changes, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and other related issues. Obstructive uropathy is one of the leading causes of AKI. Recognition of patients suitable for early diversion and feasibility or adequate selection of the indicated technique is sometimes challenging. A thorough understanding of the physiopathology behind the development of urinary obstruction is vital for correct diagnosis and management.

Managing abdominal cocoon syndrome complicated by intestinal necrosis and unexpected amelioration of depression after surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal cocoon is a very uncommon yet dangerous cause of intestinal obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 62-year-old Asian male patient with a history of depression who exhibited an idiopathic abdominal cocoon complicated by necrosis. Upon laparotomy investigation, nearly the entire small intestine was enveloped in a thick membrane resembling a cocoon, and it was discovered that he lacked a greater omentum. The patient recovered well and was discharged on an oral diet on the 20th day following surgery. During the 3-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, even gaining 10 kg in weight, and noted that his depression had improved. CONCLUSIONS: Small bowel obstruction presents with nonspecific symptoms, posing challenges in differential diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is recommended since it facilitates precise preoperative assessment, optimizing surgical planning and reducing postoperative complications. Remarkably, cessation of antidepressant medication post-surgery hints at a potential correlation between omental deficit, gut microbiota alterations, and depressive symptoms.

Excessive accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue promotes microvascular obstruction formation after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through modulating macrophages polarization.

BACKGROUND: Owing to its unique location and multifaceted metabolic functions, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is gradually emerging as a new metabolic target for coronary artery disease risk stratification. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for unfavorable prognosis in acute myocardial infarction patients. However, the concrete role of EAT in the pathogenesis of MVO formation in individuals with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unclear. The objective of the study is to evaluate the correlation between EAT accumulation and MVO formation measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in STEMI patients and clarify the underlying mechanisms involved in this relationship. METHODS: Firstly, we utilized CMR technique to explore the association of EAT distribution and quantity with MVO formation in patients with STEMI. Then we utilized a mouse model with EAT depletion to explore how EAT affected MVO formation under the circumstances of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We further investigated the immunomodulatory effect of EAT on macrophages through co-culture experiments. Finally, we searched for new therapeutic strategies targeting EAT to prevent MVO formation. RESULTS: The increase of left atrioventricular EAT mass index was independently associated with MVO formation. We also found that increased circulating levels of DPP4 and high DPP4 activity seemed to be associated with EAT increase. EAT accumulation acted as a pro-inflammatory mediator boosting the transition of macrophages towards inflammatory phenotype in myocardial I/R injury through secreting inflammatory EVs. Furthermore, our study declared the potential therapeutic effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist and GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist for MVO prevention were at least partially ascribed to its impact on EAT modulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our work for the first time demonstrated that excessive accumulation of EAT promoted MVO formation by promoting the polarization state of cardiac macrophages towards an inflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, this study identified a very promising therapeutic strategy, GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor dual agonist, targeting EAT for MVO prevention following myocardial I/R injury.

Research progress in female pelvic floor rehabilitation aids. / å¥³æ€§ç›†åº•åº·å¤è¾ åŠ©å™¨å ·çš„ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common clinical problem that can lead to bladder and bowel dysfunction such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aids are essential tools in the treatment of PFD. However, there is limited understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of these aids, and there is a lack of standardized guidelines for selecting appropriate aids for different types of PFD. To assist patients in choosing suitable pelvic floor rehabilitation aids to their needs, it is necessary to summarize the existing types, mechanisms, and applications of these aids. Based on their mechanisms and target functions, pelvic floor rehabilitation aids can be mainly categorized into 3 main types. The first type includes aids that improve pelvic floor function, such as vaginal dumbbells, vaginal tampons, and vaginal dilators, which aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and enhance the contractility of the urethral, vaginal, and anal sphincters, thereby improving incontinence symptoms. The second type consists of aids that mechanically block the outlet, such as pessaries, urethral plugs, incontinence pads, incontinence pants, anal plugs, and vaginal bowel control systems, which directly or indirectly prevent incontinence leakage. The third type includes aids that assist in outlet drainage, such as catheters and anal excreta collection devices, which help patients effectively expel urine, feces, and other waste materials, preventing incontinence leakage. By summarizing the existing pelvic floor rehabilitation aids, personalized guidance can be provided to patients with PFD, helping them select the appropriate aids for their rehabilitation needs.

Effectiveness of the Abdominal Thrust Maneuver for Airway Obstruction Removal: Analysis of Data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a life-threatening emergency. Abdominal thrusts are recommended as first aid, but the success rate for this technique is unclear. Using information from a large database of emergency medical services (EMS) data in the United States, we evaluated the success rate of abdominal thrusts and identified patient characteristics that were associated with the success of the technique. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) to ascertain the success of abdominal thrusts in patients with FBAO from nearly 14,000 EMS agencies. Success was defined by positive evaluations on subjective and objective EMS criteria. RESULTS: Analysis of 1,947 cases yielded a 46.6% success rate for abdominal thrusts in removing obstructions. The age distribution was bimodal, with peaks during infancy and old age. June had the highest incidence of FBAO. Incidents were most frequent during lunch and dinner times, and most cases occurred in private residences. The first-time success rate was 41.5%, and a lower level of impaired consciousness was associated with lower success rates. A lower incidence of cardiac arrest was noted in successful cases. The success rate was high (60.2%) for children (age ≤15 years), with differences in demographic characteristics and a lower rate of impaired consciousness and cardiac arrests, as compared with unsuccessful interventions in the same age group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a 46.6% success rate for abdominal thrusts in patients with FBAO. The success group had a lower proportion of impaired consciousness and cardiopulmonary arrest than the failure group. Future studies should attempt to identify the most effective maneuvers for clearing airway obstruction.

Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction following endoscopic biliary stenting in patients with unresectable ampullary cancer: A multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Unresectable ampullary cancer (AC) is a rare disease entity. The risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) following endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) for unresectable AC remain unknown. In this study we aimed to evaluate the cumulative RBO rate and to identify risk factors for RBO following palliative EBS in patients with unresectable AC. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective observational study enrolled consecutive patients with unresectable AC who had undergone palliative EBS between April 2011 and December 2021. The cumulative rate of and risk factors for RBO following palliative EBS were evaluated via multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study analysis comprised 107 patients with a median age of 84 years (interquartile range 79-88 years). Plastic stents (PSs) and self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) were placed in 53 and 54 patients, respectively. Functional success was accomplished in 104 (97.2%) patients. Of these, RBO occurred in 62 (59.6%) patients, with obstruction and complete/partial migration occurring in 47 and 15 patients, respectively. The median time to RBO was 190 days. Multivariate analysis showed that PS was associated with a higher rate of RBO compared to SEMS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.48; P < 0.01) and that the presence of common bile duct stones/sludge immediately after EBS was an independent risk factor for RBO (HR 1.99; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The use of SEMS compared to PS during EBS reduced the time to RBO in patients with unresectable AC. Common bile duct stones/sludge immediately after EBS was a risk factor for RBO.

Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy Versus Endoscopic Stenting as a Palliative Treatment for Gastric Outlet Obstruction.

Introduction: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a common complication in advanced stage upper gastrointestinal malignancies. The symptoms of severe nausea and protracted vomiting can lead to a decline in quality of life and cachexia. Symptoms of GOO can be effectively managed with either operative or nonoperative palliative interventions. In our article, we aim to compare laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (GJ) to endoscopic stenting as palliative interventions for GOO. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of patients who underwent palliative procedure for gastric outlet obstruction. Group I included patients who underwent endoscopic stenting, and group II patients underwent Laparoscopic GJ. The groups' demographics (age, gender), length of procedure, length of stay, days to oral intake, overall survival, complications rate, and 30-day mortality rates were compared. Results: Overall, 38 patients were included in the study. Nineteen patients underwent endoscopic stenting and 19 underwent laparoscopic GJ. Comparing the groups, no significant differences were noted. Surgical time was significantly longer than the endoscopic procedures (83 minutes versus 25 minutes, P = .001). No significant differences were noted in days of oral intake initiation, overall survival and 30-day mortality rates. Five patients in the stenting group had complications (26.3%) versus none in the surgical group (P = .046). No postoperative complications were noted. Conclusion: Laparoscopic GJ is a safe and feasible treatment for GOO, demonstrating early resumption of oral intake. The relative short hospital stay, combined with an encouraging postoperative complications profile and low reintervention rate, should be kept in mind especially among patients with longer life expectancy.

Analysis of Oxygen Concentration in the Oral Cavity During Intravenous Sedation with Intranasal Oxygen Administration for Dental Treatment.

Purpose: Intravenous sedation (IVS) with propofol (PPF) is commonly performed in dental treatment, particular in patients with dentophobia, with gag reflex, or undergoing implant surgeries, as PPF has the advantages of rapid induction and recovery. However, PPF and other intravenous sedatives may cause respiratory depression. Thus, IVS with PPF requires oxygen administration. But airway burn may occur when high-concentration oxygen is stored in the oral cavity and catches fire. For these reasons, the present study aimed to elucidate the changes in oxygen concentration (OC) under IVS with PPF and oxygen administration. Patients and methods: Nineteen healthy male volunteers participated in the study. None of them had missing teeth, nasal congestion, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. They were sedated with a continuous PPF infusion dose of 6 mg/kg/hr for 25 min, followed by administration of 3 L/min oxygen via a nasal cannula. The OC was measured at two sites, namely, the median maxillary anterior teeth (MMAT) and median maxillary soft palate (MMSP), before PPF infusion (baseline) and 14, 15-18 (Term 1), 19, and 20-23 (Term 2) min after the start of infusion. Results: Compared with the values at baseline, the OC in the MMSP significantly increased at each time point, whereas the OC in the MMAT significantly increased at Term 2. Furthermore, in the comparison of the OC before and after the use of a mouth prop, the OC exhibited an upward trend, but no statistically significant differences were observed between the two time points in the MMAT and MMSP. In IVS with PPF and oxygen administration, the OC in the pharynx increases as the sedative level deepens. Conclusion: Oxygen administration should be temporarily discontinued, and suction should be performed to decrease the OC in the oral cavity when sparking procedures during IVS with PPF and oxygen administration are performed.

A Difficult Differential Diagnosis in New Neck Masses: Retropharyngeal Abscess or Malignancy?

Retropharyngeal abscesses (RPAs) are rare in the adult population and rarer without an inciting event or comorbidity such as recent oral surgery, neck infection, or pharyngeal trauma. The definitive treatment is incision and drainage of the abscess. Clinical researchers have recently questioned whether invasive surgical intervention is necessary and posed the question of what role antibiotics play in management. Sequelae of RPAs are severe and include rupture of the abscess, erosion of the carotid artery, thrombophlebitis, and most seriously, airway compromise. We present a case where an atypical presentation of an RPA caused a disagreement among specialists, and the debate of whether the described case represented an abscess or malignancy caused a delay in diagnosis and treatment for the patient. Only after invasive and emergent surgical intervention was a final diagnosis able to be made. This case demonstrates the need for more research and official guidance on the management of new neck masses to hasten diagnosis and prevent devastating outcomes.

Sclerosing Mesenteritis Presenting With Small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report.

Sclerosing mesenteritis (SM) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the mesenteric adipose tissue. While SM can manifest with various gastrointestinal symptoms, its association with small bowel obstruction (SBO) is infrequent. We present a case of a 78-year-old male with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with acute abdominal pain and distention. The patient had multiple admissions with the same symptoms. A CT scan showed swirling of the proximal central mesentery, small bowel malrotation with volvulus, and high-grade mechanical obstruction of the proximal jejunum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, with findings significant for multiple inflammatory nodules in the mesentery. These were causing adhesions between the bowel and mesentery, resulting in a volvulus of the bowel. One segment was resected, and subsequent histopathological examination revealed subserosal fibrosis and chronic inflammation. The clinical scenario was consistent with a diagnosis of SM. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing SBO in the presence of SM and SLE. Further research is needed to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and improve management techniques for this rare clinical condition.

A Unique Presentation of Acute Biliary Ascites Due to Spontaneous Biliary Duct Perforation With Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report.

Biliary ascites due to spontaneous biliary duct perforation is a rare case presentation usually seen in the paediatric age group of 6-36 months. We are presenting the case of a 14-month-old baby with abdominal distention associated with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and a history of no passage of stools. Upon examination, the abdomen was tense and tender. On radiological investigations, gross free fluid was present in the abdominal cavity along with bowel obstruction and partial situs inversus of the spleen and stomach. The bowel obstruction was relieved by rectal stimulation, after which oral feeds were well tolerated. Bilious fluid was found on diagnostic paracentesis, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was managed further by broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage of the free fluid. The management ranges from conservative treatment to Roux-en-Y anastomosis. A non-surgical diagnosis is uncommonly seen and helps improve the patient's prognosis if detected early. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and non-surgical treatment modality in critical patients.

Rare case of fecaloma requiring endoscopic intervention in a 24-year-old female.

Fecalomas are a rare potential etiology for constipation experienced in children and the elderly. Large bowel obstructions due to fecalomas are preferably treated conservatively with laxatives and bowel rest. However, in the setting of severe corporostasis, more invasive procedures are required to prevent bowel ischemia and perforation. This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of large bowel obstruction and constipation, and she was found to have a fecaloma. Conservative interventions, including bowel rest and the administration of laxatives failed, prompting the need for more invasive therapies. During her admission, multiple flexible sigmoidoscopies were required to alleviate the obstruction. Ultimately, this case demonstrates an encounter of a patient with a sigmoid fecaloma from an unlikely demographic with few risk factors that required endoscopic intervention for treatment.