Evaluations of Laparoscopic Proctocolectomy Versus Traditional Technique in Patients With Rectal Cancer

These authors conclude that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can be performed safely with a reduced rate of postoperative complications, need for blood transfusions, infection, and hospital stay

Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective: Cannabis is reported to be the most common illicit substance used among medical students; however, the number of related studies is limited and their results are not systematically reviewed. The aim of our study was to analyze the prevalence of lifetime and current use of cannabis among medical students worldwide. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched for studies on the prevalence of cannabis use among medical students. Prevalence of lifetime, past-year, and past-month cannabis use was extracted. Pooled prevalence and relative risk for sex were calculated using the random effects model and subgroup analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 38 observational (cross-sectional and cohort) studies were included (total number of participants 19 932), and most of them were conducted in Europe, Central and Southern America, and the United States. Overall pooled prevalence of lifetime cannabis use was 31.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.7%-39.6%), past-year use was 17.2% (95% CI: 10.8%-24.6%), and past-month use was 8.8% (95% CI: 5.6%-12.5%). Men displayed higher rates of cannabis use with a pooled relative risk of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.32-1.81). Heterogeneity was high ( I 2  > 75%) and there were differences among continents in all outcomes ( P  < .001). Conclusions: In conclusion, 1 in 3 medical students has used cannabis, whereas 8.8% were current users. Significant differences among continents were observed, but common finding was that male students tend to consume cannabis more often than female students

Laparoscopic Bullet Removal in a Penetrating Abdominal Gunshot

Penetrating abdominal trauma has been traditionally treated by exploratory laparotomy. Nowadays laparoscopy has become an accepted practice in hemodynamically stable patient without signs of peritonitis. We report a case of a lower anterior abdominal gunshot patient treated laparoscopically. A 32-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with complaint of gunshot penetrating injury at left lower anterior abdominal wall. The patient had no symptoms or obvious bleeding and was vitally stable. On examination we identified 1 cm diameter entry wound at the left lower abdominal wall. The imaging studies showed the bullet in the peritoneal cavity but no injured intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal viscera. We decided to remove the bullet laparoscopically. Twenty-four hours after the intervention the patient was discharged. The decision for managing gunshot patients should be based on clinical and diagnostic findings. Anterior abdominal injuries in a stable patient without other health problems can be managed laparoscopically

A case report of abdominal compartment syndrome caused by malposition of a femoral venous catheter

Introduction: Venous catheter malposition is a rare event with potential catastrophic consequences. To our knowledge we describe one of the first case reports of an adult presenting with a rare late complication of femoral venous catheter malposition: abdominal compartment syndrome. Presentation of case: A 39 year-old female sustained severe cerebral injury in a road traffic accident. During initial resuscitation a femoral venous catheter was inserted without ultrasound guidance with no immediate concerns. After 48 h whilst in intensive care unit the patient developed progressive abdominal distension. Bedside investigations revealed raised intra-abdominal pressures associated with new organ failure. Subsequent an emergency laparotomy and on-table intravenous contrast radiographs revealed extravasation of contrast into the peritoneal space from the malposition of the catheter into the abdominal cavity. Discussion: Complications of central venous catheterization are associated with adverse events with significant morbidity to the patient as well as having cost implications. Mechanical complications are underreported but are potentially preventable through ultrasound-guided insertion, in accordance with international guidelines. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of safe methods of catheter insertion, the need for increased awareness of late femoral catheter malposition and its potential catastrophic consequences