Protein-losing enteropathy

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare complication of intestinal diseases. Its main manifestation is hypoproteinemic edema. The diagnosis of PLE is based on the verification of protein loss into the intestinal lumen, by determining fecal α1-antitrypsin concentration and clearance. The localization of the affected colonic segment is clarified using radiologic and endoscopic techniques. The mainstay of treatment for PLE is a fat-free diet enriched with medium-chain triglycerides. Surgical resection of the affected segment of the colon may be the treatment of choice for severe hypoproteinemia resistant to drug therapy.

Laparoscopic management of cholecystocolic fistula

INTRODUCTION: Cholecystocolic fistula is a rare complication of gallbladder disease. Its clinical presentation is variable and nonspecific, and the diagnosis is made, mostly, incidentally during intraoperative maneuver. Cholecystectomy with closure of the fistula is considered the treatment of choice for the condition, with an increasingly reproducible tendency to the use of laparoscopy. AIM: To describe the laparoscopic approach for cholecystocolic fistula and ratify its feasibility even with the unavailability of more specific instruments. TECHNIQUE: After dissection of the communication and section of the gallbladder fundus, the fistula is externalized by an appropriate trocar and sutured manually. Colonic segment is reintroduced into the cavity and cholecystectomy is performed avoiding the conversion procedure to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy for resolution of cholecystocolic fistula isn't only feasible, but also offers a shorter stay at hospital and a milder postoperative period when compared to laparotomy.

Combined Side-to-End Anastomosis with Temporary End Colostomy for the Management of Selected Left-Sided Colonic Emergencies

Management of surgical emergencies of the left colon commonly requires excision of the colonic segment bearing the lesion, creation of an end colostomy, and closure of the rectosigmoid stump. Closure of the end stoma may be technically challenging. During this study, we used a new surgical technique involving the creation of an end-to-side anastomosis of the rectosigmoid stump to the base of the proximal colonic segment in association with an end colostomy. During a 15-year period, 23 patients were offered this type of surgery. Mortality was zero. Complications were observed in seven patients (morbidity, 7/23). Mean hospitalization time was 12.3 days. Closure of the colostomy was performed approximately 1 month after initial surgery and was easily performed using a mechanical stapler, either intraperitoneally or even extraperitoneally. No complications were observed after closure of the colostomy. The described technique is a useful alternative for the management of selected patients with left-sided colonic surgical emergencies. Its main advantage is that it greatly facilitates colostomy closure, which is performed earlier compared with the colostomy closure after a typical Hartmann's procedure.

Lactobacillus caseiprevents the upregulation of ICAM-1 expression and leukocyte recruitment in experimental colitis

Lactobacillus casei has been shown to attenuate the severity of experimental colitis. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the effects of L. casei on colitis are related to modulation of leukocyte recruitment into the inflamed intestine. Rats with a colonic segment excluded from fecal transit were surgically prepared. The segment was decontaminated with antibiotics and recolonized with normal flora isolated from the inflamed rat colon, associated or not to L. casei. Control and colitic [2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced] animals were studied. Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions were characterized in the colonic microcirculation by intravital microscopy, and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was measured by the radiolabeled antibody technique. Compared with the noninflamed colonic segment, induction of colitis by TNBS provoked a marked increase in the number of leukocytes firmly adherent to the venular wall (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 2.1 ± 0.6 leukocytes/100 μm, P < 0.01). Colonization with L. casei significantly reduced the number of adherent leukocytes (1.3 ± 0.4 leukocytes/100 μm; P < 0.05) but did not affect the increased rolling interactions associated with the induction of colitis. Compared with the noncolitic group, induction of colitis was associated with a marked increase in ICAM-1 expression (117 ± 4 vs. 180 ± 3 ng antibody/g tissue) that was abrogated when the colitic segment was colonized by L. casei (117 ± 3 ng antibody/g tissue, P < 0.05). However, L. casei administration did not modify VCAM-1 upregulation in colitic animals. L. casei attenuates leukocyte recruitment observed in experimental colitis induced by TNBS. This effect is possibly related to abrogation of ICAM-1 upregulation.