Ogilvie’s syndrome—is there a cutoff diameter to proceed with upfront surgery?

Purpose Although Ogilvie’s syndrome was first described about 70 years ago, its etiology and pathogenesis are still not fully understood. But more importantly, it is also not clear when to approach which therapeutic strategy. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with Ogilvie’s syndrome at our institution in a 17-year time period (2002–2019) were included and retrospectively evaluated regarding different therapeutical strategies: conservative, endoscopic, or surgical. Results The study included 71 patients with 21 patients undergoing conservative therapy, 25 patients undergoing endoscopic therapy, and 25 patients undergoing surgery. However, 38% of patients (n = 8) who were primarily addressed for conservative management failed and had to undergo endoscopy or even surgery. Similarly, 8 patients (32%) with primarily endoscopic treatment had to proceed for surgery. In logistic regression analysis, only a colon diameter ≥ 11 cm (p = 0.01) could predict a lack of therapeutic success by endoscopic treatment. Ninety-day mortality and overall survival were comparable between the groups. Conclusion As conservative and endoscopic management fail in about one-third of patients, a cutoff diameter ≥ 11 cm may be an adequate parameter to evaluate surgical therapy.

Novel approach for pericapsular radiofrequency ablation of sacrococcygeal junction for patients with coccydynia

IntroductionCoccydynia is a multifactorial complex clinical challenge. A multimodal approach with both conservative measures and procedural interventions is often recommended. We described a novel approach of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the management of coccydynia.MethodsThree patients with known history of coccydynia refractory to conservative therapy were referred to our clinic. All received different types of RF ablation before: one with anterior bipolar lesion with no analgesia benefit, one with posterior stripped lesion with good benefit but only after 8 weeks of pain flare and one received anterior monopolar lesion with 50% pain reduction for 2–3 months. All subjects underwent a novel RF ablation to the anterior surface of the sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joints with two bipolar lesions using multi-tined needles under fluoroscopy guidance. One bipolar lesion was between two needles: one in the sacrococcygeal and another in the intercoccygeal (between first and second coccyx) joints. Another bipolar lesion was between needles on both side of the sacrococcygeal joint.ResultsAll experienced at least 65% pain relief for 6 months. The sitting endurance increased from less than 5 min to an average of 70 min. No adverse effect was observed in two and in the patient who used to have pain flare after lesioning, the pain flare lasted only for 2 weeks.DiscussionThe configuration of the two bipolar lesions with multi-tined needles in this case series stimulates the thinking of new approach for the ablation technique for pain from coccyx. Further prospective large case cohort study is needed.

Rasmussen’s Aneurysm, Rare yet Acknowledged Cause of Massive Hemoptysis: Retrospective Review of 16 Cases

Objectives: Rasmussen’s aneurysm may cause life-threatening hemoptysis. We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with hemoptysis and Rasmussen’s aneurysm.Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients who clinically presented with hemoptysis and were diagnosed with a Rasmussen’s aneurysm on spiral chest computed tomography (CT).Results: Our study included 16 patients (men:women, 12:4; mean age, 65.25 ± 13.0 years). Massive hemoptysis was observed in nine patients (56%) and blood-tinged sputum in four patients (25%). Ten patients (62.5%) had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, and three patients (18.7%) had underlying lung cancer. Chest CT revealed coexisting fungal balls in seven patients (43.7%). Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was performed in 12 patients (75%). One patient died of uncontrolled massive hemoptysis.Conclusions: Patients with Rasmussen’s aneurysm showed hemoptysis during the course of the disease; however, bleeding can be controlled with conservative therapy and radiological interventions, such as BAE.

Dyshormonal dysplasias of the mammary gland in adolescent girls

436 juvenile girls were examined. The results received indicate that dyshormonal dysplasia of mammary glands takes an important place in gynecologic morbidity of juvenile girls (11% of those who consulted a gynecologist). Diffuse forms that can be treated conservatively are mostly diagnosed. The main diagnostic methods in teenagers are palpation and MESUSS. Considering polyethiology of the disease, conservative therapy ought to be complex. To avoid carcinogenic effect of oral contraceptives, they may be used in case of non-complicated heredity, intact liver, and non-complicated course of perinatal period of the girl.

A rare cause of recurrent gastrointestinal bleed: Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Congenital venous malformations (VMs) are rare cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleed in children. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome characterized by VMs in GI tract and skin affect at early age in life. Diagnosis is based on typical skin lesion and history of recurrent GI bleed. In this article, we presented a similar case of young girl with typical skin lesion and recurrent GI bleed requiring multiple blood transfusions presenting our department. She was subjected to surgical treatment and endoscopy therapy due to failure of conservative therapy. This case report depicts importance of typical clinical features of rare diseases.

The role of endoluminal interventions in the preparation of high-risk patients with super-obesity for bariatric surgery

Obesity causes increased morbidity, disability and mortality rates as well as affects the quality of life. Given the known risks to the patient’s health, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders pays special attention to the problem of morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2), with particular emphasis on super‑obesity (body mass index ≥ 50 kg/m2). Objective is to investigate the role of endoluminal interventions in the preparation of super obese patients with high risk of surgical and anaesthesia‑related complications for bariatric surgery. Materials and methods. From 2011 to 2018, 97 patients with morbid obesity and high risk of surgery and anaesthesia‑related complications (ASA PS III — IV) underwent a course of treatment at the clinical setting of the Department of General Surgery No2 of Bohomolets National Medical University. The treatment was carried out in 2 stages. In the main group (n = 60), the first stage of treatment included the intragastric balloon placement for a term of 6 months. The control group (n = 37) received a six‑month conservative therapy. In the second stage of treatment the patients of both groups underwent a surgical procedure for the morbid obesity management. Results. The outcomes of the first stage of treatment showed that the patients, who underwent the intragastric balloon placement, had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean the percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) than the patients who received conservative therapy. In the main group, the average ASA PS score, which is identified as an anaesthetic and surgical risk indicator, decreased from 3.28 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.17 — 3.40) to 2.15 (95 % CI 2.06 — 2.24, p < 0.001), and in the control group — from 3.24 (95 % CI 3.10 — 3.39) to 3.14 (95 % CI 2.96 — 3.31, p > 0.05). Conclusions. The results of the study provide strong evidence that the intragastric balloon placement for a term of 6 months reduces surgical and anaesthetic risks, contributes to the improved function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as gives a boost to carbohydrate metabolism, and, therefore, can be suggested for the preparation of super obese patients with high risk of surgical and anaesthesia‑related complications for bariatric surgery.

Large Duodenal Hematoma Causing an Ileus after an Endoscopic Duodenal Biopsy in a 6-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

Intramural duodenal hematoma (IDH) in children is a rare complication after esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is commonly described in patients with additional disorders or risk factors, such as coagulopathy. We present a case of a previously healthy 6-year-old boy with a large obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma and concomitant pancreatitis after an elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The patient presented with typical symptoms of an IDH, such as abdominal pain and distension, nausea and vomiting. IDH was diagnosed using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examination. Conservative management with gastric decompression using a nasogastric feeding tube, bowel rest, total parenteral nutrition and analgesia was performed. After three weeks, the patient was discharged from the hospital without any complaints. Interventional management of IDH in pediatric patients with a lack of response to conservative therapy or complicating IDH should be discussed in an interdisciplinary team.

Somatic and Abdominal Acupuncture for Pain Treatment in Adolescent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the Upper Limb: A Case Report

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is still poorly understood. It is a pain disorder in which pain is disproportionate to the initial stimulus. There is no specific therapy for CRPS, but it can be managed by a combination of treatments. We report a 13-year-old girl with CRPS of the upper limb treated with somatic and abdominal acupuncture. She described a severe, pulsating pain in the left wrist and hand, with hypersensitivity, allodynia, a marked reduction in strength, and swelling and sweating at the level of the fingers. Pain began three months previously, after a trauma to the left wrist. The diagnostic tests performed were negative. At the first visit we recommended oral tramadol. During the first two sessions we used somatic acupuncture. At the third session, the girl reported suffering intolerable pain in the affected limb during the previous sessions, so we decided to use abdominal acupuncture. After 8 sessions of abdominal acupuncture the pain completely disappeared. Acupuncture could be a potential alternative when conservative therapy with physical and medical treatment fails, but more often parents and adolescents prefer this therapy since other comorbidities are often present in pediatric populations and abdominal acupuncture could be a valuable alternative aid.

Ultrasound-guided Hydrodissection of Sural Nerve for Foot Pain

Background: Sural nerve entrapment is an impor­tant but infrequent cause of pain. The sural nerve provides sensation to the posterolateral aspect of the leg, lateral foot and fifth toe. Sural nerve entrapment can be challenging to treat and can cause significant limitation. We present a case of sural nerve entrapment resistant to conservative management that was effectively treated by percutaneous ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the sural nerve. Case Report: A 57 year old male came with complaints of pain and tingling sensation on both lower limbs with 50% decrease in sensation to touch (right > left) in lateral aspect of both foot. The patient had tried several conservative modalities with no success. We performed percutaneous ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the sural nerve and the patient reported complete improvement in his pain. Conclusion: Percutaneous ultrasound guided hydrodissection of the sural nerve, is a safe and effective treatment for patients with sural nerve entrapment that does not respond to conservative therapy. However, studies are needed to elucidate its effectiveness and safety profile.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Personalized Treatment of Trace Element and Vitamin Status in Men with Initial Stages of Androgenic Alopecia Treated with Conservative Therapy

Background. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of pathological hair loss with multiple micronutrient disorders involvedin its occurrence and development. Aimto evaluatethe effectiveness of personalized treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with early stages of AGA and conservative therapy using a vasodilator drug minoxidil based on evidence-based medicine. Methods. A total 48 patients with stages IIV of AGA (according to the NorwoodHamilton scale) were recruited to experimental prospective clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical forms of trace elements and vitamins. The primary diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency was carried out by comparing laboratory parameters of patients with AGA and 25 healthy volunteers. After that, conservative treatment with 5% topical minoxidilin AGA patients was enriched with 2-month personalized systemic supplementation of pharmaceutical forms of trace elements and vitamins. At the end of the study, the correspondence between changes in trace elements and vitamins content in the plasma and the trichogram parameters before and after conservative therapy was assessed. Results. The majority (96%) of the examined patients with AGA were characterized by mono- or polynutrient deficiencies. Personalized correction made it possible to restore the content of Se, Mg, Fe and vitamin E to the baseline levels and to achieve a significant increase in Zn, vitamin D and folic acid plasma content. The relationship between changes in the level of micronutrients and trichogram parameters was recorded only for Se (decrease in anagen hairs: r = 0.43; p = 0.037; decrease in hair density: r = 0.45; p = 0.028) and folic acid (an increase in anagen hairs: r = 0.41; p = 0.024); the positive effect of vitamin E on hair density was also detected. Conclusion. The results of the study allow to recommend a personalized treatment of folic acid and vitamin E deficiencies, with possible refusal to use the Se-containing drugs in conservative therapy of patients with the early stages of AGA.