Assessment and Treatment of Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

Fecal incontinence is not a rare clinical pathology in general population. Although it is more common in geriatric population, fecal incontinence should not be underestimated in younger genders. Obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) has become a well-known syndrome with different clinical etiology and symptoms. The main symptom is inability of proper rectal emptying, but it can also overlap with symptoms of incontinence. In this chapter, we emphasize on the assessment of ODS, focusing on the coexistence and clinical relation to fecal incontinence. Anorectal studies are of great importance for the evaluation of the symptoms. Biofeedback is the key to the proper management of patients with ODS, showing significant improvement in incontinence as well. Surgical treatment of anatomic deformities that cause ODS is also important

Saliva stress biomarkers in ERCP trainees before and after familiarisation with ERCP on a virtual simulator

BackgroundStress during the early ERCP learning curve may interfere with acquisition of skills during training. The purpose of this study was to compare stress biomarkers in the saliva of trainees before and after familiarisation with ERCP exercises on a virtual simulator.MethodsAltogether 26 endoscopists under training, 14 women and 12 men, completed the three phases of this study: Phase 1. Three different ERCP procedures were performed on the simulator. Saliva for α-amylase (sAA), Chromogranin A (sCgA), and Cortisol (sC) were collected before (baseline), halfway through the exercise (ex.), and 10 min after completion of the exercise (comp.); Phase 2. A three-week familiarisation period where at least 30 different cases were performed on the virtual ERCP simulator; and Phase 3. Identical to Phase 1 where saliva samples were once again collected at baseline, during, and after the exercise. Percentage differences in biomarker levels between baseline and exercise (Diffex) and between baseline and completion (Diffcomp) during Phase 1 and Phase 3 were calculated for each stress marker.ResultsMean % changes, Diffex and Diffcomp, were significantly positive (p < 0.05) for all markers in both Phase 1 and Phase 3. Diffex in Phase 1 was significantly greater than Diffex in Phase 3 (p < 0.05) for sAA and sCgA. Diffcomp for sAA in Phase 1 was significantly greater than Diffcomp in Phase 3 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in sC concentration between Phases 1 and 3.ConclusionThis study shows that familiarisation with the ERCP simulator greatly reduced stress as measured by the three saliva stress biomarkers used with sAA being the best. It also suggests that familiarisation with an ERCP simulator might reduce stress in the clinical setting

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

Contribution in the study of genetic predisposition of adenic epithelium

[…] Η παρούσα μελέτη εστιάζει το ενδιαφέρον της στην εκτίμηση της μοριακής έκφρασης δυο γονιδίων, μελών της ομάδας των καλλικρεϊνων, της καλλικρεϊνης 4 και της καλλικρεϊνης 11 στο αδενοκαρκίνωμα του παγκρέατος. Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι η εκτίμηση της μοριακής έκφρασης στον καρκίνο, συγκριτικά με το φυσιολογικό αδενικό επιθήλιο, καθώς και η πιθανή συσχέτιση με το στάδιο και την επιβίωση

Colonic fibromatosis ‒ a case report and review of the literature

Intra-abdominal desmoids tumours are very rare and usually occur in patients with familiar adenomatous polyposis and previous surgery. They represent fibroepithelial growths with varied biologic behavior and therefore different prognosis. We report a case of a 60-year-old patient with a large right colonic mass who underwent right hemicolectomy. Histology proved morphological and immuno-histochemical features indicating fibromatosis. This desmoid tumour appeared growing from the colonic wall rather than the mesocolon, confirming a true colonic wall fibromatosis, a deep isolated form of intra-abdominal fibromatosis. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in isolated well confirmed lesions. Multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for treatment and prognosis. Resumo: Os tumores desmoides intra-abdominais são muito raros e geralmente ocorrem em pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar e cirurgia prévia. Eles representam crescimentos fibroepiteliais com comportamento biológico variado e, portanto, prognóstico diferente. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 60 anos com grande massa colônica à direita, submetido a hemicolectomia direita. A histologia demonstrou características morfológicas e imuno-histoquímicas que indicavam fibromatose. Este tumor desmoide surgiu crescendo a partir da parede do cólon, e não do mesocólon, confirmando uma verdadeira fibromatose da parede do cólon, uma forma isolada profunda de fibromatose intra-abdominal. A ressecção cirúrgica é o tratamento de escolha em lesões isoladas bem confirmadas. A abordagem multidisciplinar é crucial para o tratamento e prognóstico. Keywords: Desmoid, Tumour, Colon, Palavras-chave: Desmoide, Tumor, Cólo

Double Perforated Kissing Ulcers of Duodenum: A Brief Report

Helicobactor pylori infection has been associated with peptic ulcer disease and is currently treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which have reduced the complications of the disease. Perforation of either a gastric or duodenal ulcer is rarely treated with surgery. We report the case of double-perforated synchronous duodenal ulcers, which is an extremely infrequent condition. To our knowledge, no English case reports have yet been published. Therefore, awareness of the physician in the field of diagnosis and treatment of this peptic ulcer is required. We report the case of a 46-year-old male patient who presented with acute abdominal pain at the emergency surgical department of our hospital. According to patient history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and frequent postprandial abdominal pain were noted. A physical examination revealed a rigid abdomen and tachycardia, and the temperature was 37.8°C. Laboratory testing showed increased levels of leukocytes, and free subdiaphragmatic air was found in the chest X-ray. Due to rapid deterioration of his clinical condition, the patient underwent urgent surgery. An explorative laparotomy showed 2 perforated kissing ulcers at the first segment of the duodenum, in the anterior and posterior walls. A peripheral gastrectomy was performed. Postoperative follow-up did not result in any complications. In regard to this case we present, simultaneous perforation of two synchronous duodenal ulcers is an uncommon but possible incident of which the clinician should be aware. To our knowledge, this is the first case published in the literature.</jats:p

Saliva stress biomarkers in ERCP trainees before and after familiarisation with ERCP on a virtual simulator

Background: Stress during the early ERCP learning curve may interfere with acquisition of skills during training. The purpose of this study was to compare stress biomarkers in the saliva of trainees before and after familiarisation with ERCP exercises on a virtual simulator. Methods: Altogether 26 endoscopists under training, 14 women and 12 men, completed the three phases of this study: Phase 1. Three different ERCP procedures were performed on the simulator. Saliva for α-amylase (sAA), Chromogranin A (sCgA), and Cortisol (sC) were collected before (baseline), halfway through the exercise (ex.), and 10 min after completion of the exercise (comp.); Phase 2. A three-week familiarisation period where at least 30 different cases were performed on the virtual ERCP simulator; and Phase 3. Identical to Phase 1 where saliva samples were once again collected at baseline, during, and after the exercise. Percentage differences in biomarker levels between baseline and exercise (Diffex) and between baseline and completion (Diffcomp) during Phase 1 and Phase 3 were calculated for each stress marker. Results: Mean % changes, Diffex and Diffcomp, were significantly positive (p &lt; 0.05) for all markers in both Phase 1 and Phase 3. Diffex in Phase 1 was significantly greater than Diffex in Phase 3 (p &lt; 0.05) for sAA and sCgA. Diffcomp for sAA in Phase 1 was significantly greater than Diffcomp in Phase 3 (p &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were found in sC concentration between Phases 1 and 3. Conclusion: This study shows that familiarisation with the ERCP simulator greatly reduced stress as measured by the three saliva stress biomarkers used with sAA being the best. It also suggests that familiarisation with an ERCP simulator might reduce stress in the clinical setting

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor causing small bowel intussusception in a patient with Crohn’s disease

We report a case of jejunoileal intussusception in a 42-year-old patient with Crohn’s disease caused by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient complained of vague diffuse abdominal pain for a period of 4 mo. Intussusception was suspected at computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Segmental resection of the small intestine was performed. Pathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor as well as aphthous ulcerations and areas of inflammation, which were characteristic of Crohn’s disease. This is the first report of small bowel intussusception due to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor coexisting with Crohn’s disease