GASTRIC ULCER PENETRATING TO THE DUODENOJEJUNAL FLEXURE – MANAGEMENT AND PITFALLS. CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction: The penetration into adjacent organs is a classical complication of peptic ulcer despite being less frequent than the other complications. The current work presents a rare case of gastric ulcer penetrating the duodenojejunal flexure and discusses the diagnostic difficulties, pitfalls, and current treatment strategy. Case report: A 63-years-old woman was admitted complaining of intermittent black stools defecations, and a weight of 44 kg. The referral gastroscopy revealed a 10 cm ulcer on the posterior wall of the stomach. The histology demonstrated severe gastritis with atypical cells. The hemoglobin level was 88g/l. The patient was scheduled for elective resection for suspected gastric cancer. The intraoperative finding was completely different – there was an ulcer approximately 4-5 cm in diameter infiltrating the transverse mesocolon and duodenojejunal flexure. The case was considered T4 cancer and we decided against elective gastrectomy. The postoperative CT showed an ulcer penetrating the duodenojejunal flexure. The second gastroscopy found an ulcer with a size of 3-4 cm. The multiple biopsies showed exacerbated chronic peptic ulcer with H. pylori infection, which was treated with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. The follow-up gastroscopy four months later demonstrated shrinkage of the ulcer to 15 mm with complete epithelization. One year later she gained 23 kg and was free of complaints. Conclusion: Penetration and fistulization to the duodenojejunal flexure are uncommon but possible complications of peptic ulcer disease. They are not an absolute indication for surgery. Decision-making should take into account the clinical presentation, patient age, and comorbidity

Crohn's Disease Complicated by Ileosigmoid Fistula - Synchronous Resection or Primary Sigmoid Repair, One or Two-stage Procedure? A systematic review of the literature and prospective case series

Introduction: Although ileosigmoid fistulas (ISFs) in Crohn’s disease (CD) are rare they can be quite challenging, especially for the inexperienced surgeons. Furthermore, current guidelines offer no clear recommendation regarding the surgical strategy in such cases. A systematic review of the literature to determine the best surgical strategy and a prospective case series are presented herein.  Materials and methods: The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A single-center prospective data-base from January 1, 2014 to August 20, 2019 is presented. Age, duration of CD, and the rates of ISF, emergency, preoperative diagnosis, type of surgery, type of stoma, and complications were analyzed and a prospective case series. Results: Eleven of 69 papers with a total of 505 patients were included in the systematic analysis. The rate of ISF was 3–5% of all CD patients. The combined preoperative detection rate of all modalities was 71%. Primary repair was performed in 42% of the cases; the rate of stoma was 31.5% with a similar proportion in primary repair and sigmoid resection.In the presented series, 35 of 176 patients with CD were operated (51% in an emergency setting). There were 7 cases with ISFs (4% of all and 20% of the operated patients). Preoperative diagnosis was made at 57%. Primary repair was performed in 71%, and a two-stage intervention with a stoma – in 58% of patients. Conclusions: Primary repair should be attempted in all cases in which the sigmoid colon is disease-free or is not involved in the adja-cent abscess. The synchronous resections are not a mandatory indication for the stoma, but rather a tailored approach is recommended with an evaluation of the risk factors. Based on the available literature, no clear recommendation regarding the type of stoma can be made

Cystic Echinococcosis of the Breast - Diagnostic Dilemma or just a Rare Primary Localization

Introduction: Although the liver and lung are the most frequently affected organs in cystic echinococcosis, the cysts may develop in any viscera and tissues. Breast is a rare primary localization with few cases described in the literature. We present an updated and systematic review and discuss the possible mechanisms of spreading, diagnostic and treatment options.Materials and methods: We performed a literature search in PUBMED using the key words ‘hydatid disease’, ‘cystic echinococcosis’ and ‘breast echinococcosis’ without time limitation. Only studies reporting breast cystic echinococcosis were included.Results: Overall, 121 cases with cystic echinococcosis and 2 with alveolar echinococcosis were reported. A total of 52 cases were included in the analysis. The mean size of cysts was 5.5 cm (range 1.7-12). The most common clinical presentation was painless lump presented from 4 months to 19 years before the final diagnosis. Most cases had isolated breast CE, few cases had synchronous localizations – femoral, thigh and lung, and previous liver CE. Most were active CL and CE1-2 cysts (72%). Ultrasound was used in 83%, followed by mammography (35%). Fine needle aspiration was reported in 27 cases with positive finding in 59%.Conclusions: In cases with cystic breast lesions from endemic regions we recommend the US as a gold standard. CT and MRT are more accurate but expensive tools without the potential to change the surgical tactic. In contrast to the other localizations of CE, complete excision of the cysts is the best diagnostic and treatment approach

Successful Negative Pressure Therapy of Enteroatmospheric Fistula after Right Colectomy for Complicated Crohn’s Disease —A Proposal for a Three-Drain Wound-Separation Technique

Enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAFs) are still the worst complication of the open abdomen. They lead to a significantly prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay and to high mortality. Despite the various techniques described in the literature EAFs remain “a nightmare” for the patient, the surgeon, and the hospital. Here we describe a case of right colectomy for obstructing Crohn’s disease in a 26-year-old. On the 19th postoperative day, he developed a superficial EAF. Due to the frozen abdomen, neither resection of the anastomosis, nor implementation of the known techniques for treatment of EAFs were possible. This prompted us to modify the Pepe technique. The EAF was isolated from the upper and lower parts of the wound through deep-skin and subcutaneous sutures and the application of two small pieces of non-adherent plastic foil. The lower holes of a single drain, put through a piece of black foam, were placed over the fistula. The upper holes, which were enveloped with the foam, remained in contact with the wound. The drain was connected to a negative pressure of 125 mmHg. NPWT (negative pressure wound therapy) was also applied by two separate sponges and drains in the upper and lower part. The mainstay of EAF treatment is the isolation of the EAF from the abdominal cavity and subcutaneous tissue, supported by control of the sepsis and adequate nutrition. The proposed technique is applicable in cases with a single, superficial EAF on the background of the frozen abdomen with minimal lateral fascial retraction. As of today, due to the rarity of the condition and lack of randomized trials, EAFs still represents a unique challenge often requiring improvisation

An Intra-Hospital Spread of Colistin-Resistant <i>K. pneumoniae</i> Isolates—Epidemiological, Clinical, and Genetic Analysis

Background and Objective: Klebsiella pneumoniae appears to be a significant problem due to its ability to accumulate antibiotic-resistance genes. After 2013, alarming colistin resistance rates among carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae have been reported in the Balkans. The study aims to perform an epidemiological, clinical, and genetic analysis of a local outbreak of COLr CR-Kp. Material and Methods: All carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates observed among patients in the ICU unit of Military Medical Academy, Sofia, from 1 January to 31 October 2023, were included. The results were analyzed according to the EUCAST criteria. All isolates were screened for blaVIM, blaIMP, blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48. Genetic similarity was determined using the Dice coefficient as a similarity measure and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). mgrB genes and plasmid-mediated colistin resistance determinants (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5) were investigated. Results: There was a total of 379 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, 88% of which were carbapenem-resistant. Of these, there were nine (2.7%) colistin-resistant isolates in six patients. A time and space cluster for five patients was found. Epidemiology typing showed that two isolates belonged to clone A (pts. 1, 5) and the rest to clone B (pts. 2–4) with 69% similarity. Clone A isolates were coproducers of blaNDM-like and blaOXA-48-like and had mgrB-mediated colistin resistance (40%). Clone B isolates had only blaOXA-48-like and intact mgrB genes. All isolates were negative for mcr-1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 genes. Conclusions: The study describes a within-hospital spread of two clones of COLr CR-Kp with a 60% mortality rate. Clone A isolates were coproducers of NDM-like and OXA-48-like enzymes and had mgrB-mediated colistin resistance. Clone B isolates had only OXA-48-like enzymes and intact mgrB genes. No plasmid-mediated resistance was found. The extremely high mortality rate and limited treatment options warrant strict measures to prevent outbreaks

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: Need for a Tailored Approach to a Rare Entity

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is a relatively new entity that has gained increased attention because of its unique features – presence of different subtypes with different malignant potential, biological behavior, and prognosis, higher rates of recurrences and concomitant or metachronous pancreatic duct cancer. It is rare with an incidence of 4 to 5 cases per 100 000. The relative lack of experience significantly hampers decision making for surgery (pancreatic head resection, distal pancreatectomy or enucleation) or follow-up.Herein we present two cases managed by diametrically different tactic according to the risk stratification – distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and observation, respectively. An up-to-date literature review on the key points in diagnostics, indications for surgery, the extent of surgery, follow-up, and prognosis is provided.The tailored approach based on risk stratification is the cornerstone of management. Absolute indications for surgery are the lesions with high-risk stigmata, whereas the worrisome features should be evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration. Main duct and mixed type are usually referred to surgery, whereas the management of a branch type is more conservative due to the lower rate of invasive cancer. Strict postoperative follow-up is mandatory even in negative resection margins due to a high risk for recurrences and metachronous lesions.Despite the guidelines, the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm remains a major challenge for clinicians and surgeons in the balance the risk/benefit of observation versus resection. Risk stratification plays a key role in decision-making. Future trials need to determine the optimal period of surveillance and the most reliable predictive factors for concomitant pancreatic duct cancer

Perirectal Hematoma and Intra-Abdominal Bleeding after Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy and STARR—A Proposal for a Decision-Making Algorithm

Background and Objectives: The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and current evidence of the treatment of perirectal bleeding after stapled haemorrhoidopexy. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was performed that combined the published and the obtained original data after a search of PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Results: The present systematic review includes 16 articles with 37 patients. Twelve papers report perirectal and six report intra-abdominal bleeding. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) was performed in 57% of cases (3 PPH 01 and 15 PPH 03), stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) in 13%, and for 30% information was not available. The median age was 49 years (±11.43). The sign and symptoms of perirectal bleeding were abdominal pain (43%), pelvic discomfort without rectal bleeding (36%), urinary retention (14%), and external rectal bleeding (21%). The median time to bleeding was 1 day (±1.53 postoperative days), with median hemoglobin at diagnosis 8.8 ± 1.04 g/dL. Unstable hemodynamic was reported in 19%. Computed tomography scan (CT) was the first examination in 77%. Only two cases underwent the abdominal US, but subsequently, a CT scan was also conducted. Non-operative management was performed in 38% (n = 14) with selective arteriography and percutaneous angioembolization in two cases. A surgical treatment was performed in 23 cases — transabdominal surgery (3 colostomies, 1 Hartmann’ procedure, 1 low anterior resection of the rectum, 1 bilateral ligation of internal iliac artery and 1 ligation of vessels located at the rectal wall), transanal surgery (n = 13), a perineal incision in one, and CT-guided paracoccygeal drainage in one. Conclusions: Because of the rarity and lack of experience, no uniform tactic for the treatment of perirectal hematomas exists in the literature. We propose an algorithm similar to the approach in pelvic trauma, based on two main pillars —hemodynamic stability and the finding of contrast CT

Two distinct episodes of life-threatening hemobilia due to a lesion of common bile duct and delayed intrapancreatic arteriobiliary fistula managed by emergency pancreatoduodenal resection

Hemobilia is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It often has intermittent manifestation, which may lead to significant diagnostic delay. In 65% of the cases, the causes are iatrogenic, in 7% the cause is malignancy, in 5% - gallstones, in 8% it is inflammation (cholecystitis, parasites, reflux cholangitis), vascular abnormality is the cause in 7% (most commonly pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery), and pancreatic pseudocyst causes hemobilia in 1%. In almost all cases, the bleeding originates from intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts, and rarely from the pancreas. PUBMED search with keywords “hemobilia” and “arteriobiliary fistula” found a total of 44 papers. No case with intrapancreatic arterio-biliary fistula was found. To the best of our knowledge, we present a unique case of delayed life-threatening hemobilia caused by intrapancreatic arterio-biliary fistula. It was diagnosed at the fourth admission and managed successfully by emergency Traverso-Longmire pancreatoduodenal resection. We briefly discuss the keys to a timely diagnosis and the cornerstones of the treatment. The timely diagnosis of hemobilia depends on a high index of suspicion and careful interpretation of the symptoms. Hemodynamic stability has a crucial role in the decision-making process. Angioembolization is the cornerstone of the treatment, whereas surgery is reserved only for cases with an unstable hemodynamic or unsuccessful embolization. Surgical approach depends on the bleeding site. Although an emergency pancreatic head resection is a procedure of last resort, it can be life-saving in cases with intractable bleeding due to intrapancreatic arteriobiliary fistula

Two distinct episodes of life-threatening hemobilia due to a lesion of common bile duct and delayed intrapancreatic arteriobiliary fistula managed by emergency pancreatoduodenal resection

Hemobilia is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It often has intermittent manifestation, which may lead to significant diagnostic delay. In 65% of the cases, the causes are iatrogenic, in 7% the cause is malignancy, in 5% - gallstones, in 8% it is inflammation (cholecystitis, parasites, reflux cholangitis), vascular abnormality is the cause in 7% (most commonly pseudoaneurysm of the hepatic artery), and pancreatic pseudocyst causes hemobilia in 1%. In almost all cases, the bleeding originates from intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts, and rarely from the pancreas. PUBMED search with keywords “hemobilia” and “arteriobiliary fistula” found a total of 44 papers. No case with intrapancreatic arterio-biliary fistula was found. To the best of our knowledge, we present a unique case of delayed life-threatening hemobilia caused by intrapancreatic arterio-biliary fistula. It was diagnosed at the fourth admission and managed successfully by emergency Traverso-Longmire pancreatoduodenal resection. We briefly discuss the keys to a timely diagnosis and the cornerstones of the treatment. The timely diagnosis of hemobilia depends on a high index of suspicion and careful interpretation of the symptoms. Hemodynamic stability has a crucial role in the decision-making process. Angioembolization is the cornerstone of the treatment, whereas surgery is reserved only for cases with an unstable hemodynamic or unsuccessful embolization. Surgical approach depends on the bleeding site. Although an emergency pancreatic head resection is a procedure of last resort, it can be life-saving in cases with intractable bleeding due to intrapancreatic arteriobiliary fistula

The role of damage control surgery in the treatment of perforated colonic diverticulitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Damage control surgery (DCS) is the classic approach to manage severe trauma and has recently also been considered an appropriate approach to the treatment of critically ill patients with severe intra-abdominal sepsis. The purpose of the present review is to evaluate the outcomes following DCS for Hinchey II-IV complicated acute diverticulitis (CAD)