Foregut Issues After Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery has overall been shown to be very safe and effective. However, long-term outcomes data has allowed codification of post-operative complications specific to the type of weight loss surgery performed. This review focuses specifically on foregut-related postoperative complications after weight loss surgery, most of which are not discussed on a broad scale in the literature yet whose prevalence continues to rise. Clinicians should maintain a broad differential when treating patients with complications after bariatric surgery in order to perform a thorough and precise workup to identify the diagnosis and guide management.

Post-operative Complications of Complicated Paediatric Appendicitis in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical problem, with complicated appendicitis having significant post operative complications, which contribute significantly to cost of medical care. Methodology: A hospital based retrospective study was conducted in department of paediatric surgery, Thiruvananthapuram. Study population consisted of children treated with complicated appendicitis from January 2016 to June 2021. Results: The study had 30.4% surgical site soft tissue infection (SSI). There was 13.48% incidence of major complication, with laparoscopic and open appendicectomies having similar incidence even though not statistically significant. SSI was more common with appendicular abscess and post ileal appendix. Post operative intra-abdominal abscess is more common with open appendicectomy, generalised peritonitis, post ileal appendix and base/proximal perforation of appendix. Post operative adhesive intestinal obstruction was more common with laparoscopic appendicectomy, appendicular abscess and base/proximal perforation of appendix. Total hospital stay correlates significantly with duration of symptoms on presentation with mean hospital stay of 7.72 days. Conclusion: Complicated appendicitis have high incidence of post operative complications, 30.4% SSI and 13.48% serious complications like intra-abdominal collection and adhesive intestinal obstruction. Keywords: Appendicitis, Complication, Surgical site infection, Children.

Non-descent vaginal hysterectomy surgery associated with less complications and good prognosis

Background: Removal of the uterus through vagina when performed in a case without uterine descent or prolapse is known as “non-descent vaginal hysterectomy” or NDVH. Vaginal route is preferred as compared to laparoscopic and abdominal methods. The advantages of vaginal hysterectomy being fewer complications, less post-operative stay, cost effective, and useful in bulky uterus. Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were as follows: (1) To study the intraoperative and post-operative complications encountered during NDVH and their management. (2) To assess the intraoperative blood loss, the operative time, and post-operative hospital stay. (3) To study and check the feasibility of vaginal route as the primary route for all hysterectomies in the absence of uterine prolapse. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Detailed history was taken including obstetric history and menstrual history and clinical examination was performed. After taking written, informed consent and doing proper pre-operative preparation, the patient was posted for NDVH. Post-operative complications were noted. Patients were asked to come for follow-up after 15 days. Results: In 92% of cases operated, no intraoperative complications were found suggesting low morbidity associated with the procedure. Hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion was found in 4% of cases. Average operative time was 61.2 ± 27.89 min, average blood loss was 170 ± 81.44 ml, and average hospital stay was 5.94 ± 4.95 days. On histopathological examination, 40% were having leiomyoma and dysfunctional uterine bleeding was seen in 22% of cases. Pain was the most common complication seen in 30% of cases while vaginal discharge was seen in just 4% of cases. About 80% of patients were discharged on post-operative day 5. Conclusion: In 92% of NDVH cases, no intraoperative complications were found suggesting low morbidity associated with the procedure. The post-operative hospital stay was restricted to 5 days in 80% of cases which indicates early discharge of the patient. Post-operative complications such as vaginal discharge and fever were seen only in 4% of cases. NDVH should, therefore, be considered as the primary route for all hysterectomies unless contraindicated in the absence of prolapse.

Indications and Outcomes of the Kocher-Langenbeck Surgical Approach in the Management of Acetabular Fractures in a Resource Limited Setting

The Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach is the ‘workhorse’ of surgery for acetabular fractures needing posterior fixation. It is indicated for most of these fractures for proper surgical technique and optimal outcome. We therefore evaluated the outcome of surgically treated acetabular fractures through the K-L approach in our setting with limited resources. 57 patients were operated by the K-L approach during the 3-year study period. The most common indications of this approach were: posterior wall (38.6%) and transverse + posterior wall fractures (36.8%). Based on Matta’s criteria of fracture reduction, 81 % were judged anatomic, 16% imperfect and 3 % poor. A surgery waiting time of 8 to 14 days after injury, significantly favoured anatomic fracture reduction. The MAP score was excellent in 72 % and unacceptable in 10.6 %. Factors associated with poor outcomes were poor fracture reduction and the development of early post-operative complications. Iatrogenic sciatic nerve palsy (ISNP) was the most significant post-operative complication (19.3%). The levering of Hohmann retractors in the sciatic notches was the major risk factor for developing ISNP, compared to the use of sciatic nerve retractors. Other early and late complications included surgical site infections (12.3%) and heterotopic ossification (8.8 %), respectively. The overall outcome following surgery by the K-L approach is satisfactory. However, there is need to ameliorate the technique, especially at the level of instrumentation, to limit post-operative complications.

Closure of skin in surgical wounds with skin stapler and conventional sutures: a comparative study

Background: Application of suture is the technique of choice for apposition of skin edges in surgical wounds. The same procedure performed with application of staplers is faster and produce better cosmetic outcomes. A comparative study between conventional suture and stapler closure of skin in abdominal surgical wounds was undertaken to study the merits and demerits of the techniques. The aim was to study the time required for closure of surgical wounds, aesthetic outcome, post-operative complications and patient’s compliance.Methods: This was a single centre, prospective, observational study, conducted upon 100 patients undergoing abdominal surgeries. 50 patients were selected for skin closure of surgical wounds with stapler and the other 50 patients for closure with conventional nylon sutures. Data were collected for time required for closure of skin, aesthetic outcome, post-operative complications and patient’s compliance for both the groups for comparison. Data were analysed using student t test for comparison and chi square test of significance. Results: There was significant better results in stapler group in terms of cosmetic outcome (96% vs 88%, p<0.001), time taken during closure (60 vs 219 seconds, p<0.001) and patient’s compliance VAS of 1.44 vs 4.58 p<0.001).Conclusions: Closure of skin with stapler is a faster method. Patient’s compliance with stapler closure is better. It produces cosmetically acceptable scar and less discomfort or pain during its removal.

Role of cardiac MRI in the prediction of pre-Fontan end-diastolic ventricular pressure

Background: Growing evidence has emphasised the importance of ventricular performance in functionally single-ventricle patients, particularly concerning diastolic function. Cardiac MRI has been proposed as non-invasive alternative to pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation in selected patients. Aim of the study: To identify clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance predictors of high pre-Fontan end-diastolic ventricular pressure. Method: In a retrospective single-centre study, 38 patients with functionally univentricular heart candidate for Fontan intervention, who underwent pre-Fontan cardiac catheterisation, beside a comprehensive cardiac MRI, echocardiographic, and clinical assessment were included. Medical and surgical history, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac catheterisation, echocardiographic, and clinical data were recorded. We investigated the association between non-invasive parameters and cardiac catheterisation pre-Fontan risk factors, in particular with end-diastolic ventricular pressure. Moreover, the impact of conventional invasive pre-Fontan risk factor on post-operative outcome as also assessed. Results: Post-operative complications were associated with higher end-diastolic ventricular pressure and Mayo Clinic indexes (p < 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively). At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis end-diastolic ventricular pressure ≥ 10.5 mmHg predicted post-operative complications with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 88% (AUC: 0.795, 95% CI 0.576;1.000, p < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, both systemic right ventricle (OR: 23.312, 95% CI: 2.704–200.979, p < 0.01) and superior caval vein indexed flow (OR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.999, p < 0.05) influenced end-diastolic ventricular pressure ≥ 10.5 mmHg. Conclusions: A reduced superior caval vein flow, evaluated at cardiac magnetic resonance, is associated with higher end-diastolic ventricular pressure a predictor of early adverse outcome in post-Fontan patients.

Nimba (Azadirachta Indica) Pratisaraneeya Teekshna Kshara: A Comprehensive Review

Ayurveda promises, a disease free, happy and long life. Among the eight branches of Ayurveda, each branch consists of enormous knowledge from basic concepts up to critical health care strategies. Shalya tantra a prime branch in Astanga Ayurveda is the rich in many aspects of modern surgical concepts. This branch has immense potential to belt the solution of many challenging and unresolved complicated surgical ailments. Acharya Sushruta the pioneer in the field of surgery described four principles therapeutic types in the management of Arshas i.e., Bheshaja, Kshara karma, Agni Karma and Shastra Karma. Ayurvedic approach especially Kshara Karma stood for better than modern therapeutic option in terms of safety, easy, low cost, devoid of post operative complications and can be done as OPD procedure with minimal set up. Nimba pratisaraneeya kshara has been mentioned throughout the classical literature for Arsha, described as an Upakrama and is substitute for surgical procedure. Nimba pratisaraneeya teekshna kshara which is having antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and is specially told by Acharya Sushruta. It can be successfully used in the management of Ardra Arshas without any post operative complications. Pratisaraneeya kshara is external application of Kshara whereas internal use of Kshara is known as Paniya kshara. Acharya Dalhana the commentator of Sushruta explained that the substance which produces Shodhana of bodily Dosha, Dhatu, Maladi because of its Ksharana action is called Kshara. It is known as Kshara (alkali) also because of its corrosive nature (Ksharana) Kshara is having benefits like Chedana, Bhedana, Lekhana, Shodhana and Ropana properties with early hemostasis and total eradication of infection, so that it reduces recurrence, helps for the wound healing and also the duration of treatment is less. Though many researchers have been carried on Nimba till date, this review is done to highlight the significance of Kshara property in Nimba along with its therapeutic use

Comparison of Post-Operative Complications Between Sublay and Onlay Mesh Repair in Incisional Hernia

Objective: To compare the post-operative complications between sublay and onlay mesh repair in incisional hernia. Materials & Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of Surgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from May 2019 to November 2019. Total 250 patients with incisional hernias for more than 3 months, having age 20-40 years either male or female were selected. Then selected patients were placed randomly into two groups i.e. Group A (Sublay group) & Group B (Onlay group), by using lottery method. Patients were called for follow up 15th day for post-operative complications in term of wound infection and seroma formation. Results: The mean age of patients in group A was 34.73 ± 4.32 years and in group B was 34.51 ± 4.67 years. Out of these 250 patients, 161 (64.40%) were female and 89 (35.60%) were males with female to male ratio of 1.8:1. Wound infection was seen in 07 (5.60%) patients in group A (Sublay technique) and 17 (13.60%) patients in group B (Onlay technique) with p-value of 0.033. Seroma formation was seen in 09 (7.20%) patients in group A (Sublay technique) and 26 (20.80%) patients in group B (Onlay technique) with p-value of 0.002. Conclusion: This study concluded that rate of wound infection and seroma formation is less after sublay mesh repair for incisional hernia as compared to onlay repair. Keywords: Hernia, incisional, onlay, sublay, seroma.

The Impact of Multidisciplinary Team Approach on Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Background: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS–HIPEC) is a therapeutic approach used to achieve curative treatment in intra-abdominal malignancy with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). However, it is a complicated procedure with high post-operative complication rates. Thus, we analyzed our preliminary data to establish whether multidisciplinary teamwork (MDT) implementation is beneficial for CRS–HIPEC outcomes. Method: A series of 132 consecutive patients with synchronous or recurrent PC secondary to gastrointestinal or gynecologic cancer who received CRS–HIPEC operation between May 2015 and September 2017 were included. Ninety-nine patients were categorized into the MDT group, with the 33 other patients into the non-MDT group. Results: The mean PCI score was 16.3 ± 8.8. Patients in the MDT group more often presented a higher PCI score (p value = 0.038). Regarding CRS completeness (CCR 0–1), it was distributed 81.8% and 57.6% in the MDT and the non-MDT group, respectively (p value = 0.005). Although post-operative complications were common (n = 62, 47.0%), post-operative complication rates did not differ between the two groups. The cumulative OS survival rate at the first year was 75.5%. Older age (p = 0.030, HR = 4.58, 95% CI = 1.16–18.10), ECOG 2 (p = 0.030, HR = 6.41, 95% CI = 1.20–34.14), and incomplete cytoreduction (p = 0.048, HR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.04–8.27) were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that the CRS–HIPEC performed under MDT cooperation may result in higher complete cytoreduction rates without increasing post-operative complications and hospital mortalities.