Acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion associated with COVID-19 pneumonia: a case report

Background The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread rapidly around the world and has caused many deaths. COVID-19 involves a systemic hypercoagulable state and arterial/venous thrombosis which induces unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we present a first case in East Asia where an acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion associated with COVID-19 pneumonia was successfully treated by surgical intervention. Case presentation A 70-year-old man presented to his local physician with a 3-day history of cough and diarrhea. A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test showed positive for COVID-19, and he was admitted to the source hospital with the diagnosis of moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Eight days later, acute onset of severe abdominal pain appeared with worsening respiratory condition. Contrast CT showed that bilateral lower lobe/middle lobe and lingula ground glass opacification with distribution suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia and right renal infarction. In addition, it demonstrated SMA occlusion with intestinal ischemia suggesting extensive necrosis from the jejunum to the transverse colon. The patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy with implementing institutional COVID-19 precaution guideline. Upon exploration, the intestine from jejunum at 100 cm from Treitz ligament to middle of transverse colon appeared necrotic. Necrotic bowel resection was performed with constructing jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula. We performed second surgery to close the jejunostomy and transverse colon mucous fistula with end-to-end anastomosis on postoperative day 22. The postoperative course was uneventful and he moved to another hospital for rehabilitation to improve activities of daily living (ADLs) on postoperative day 45. As of 6 months after the surgery, his ADLs have completely improved and he has returned to social life without any intravenous nutritional supports. Conclusions Intensive treatment including surgical procedures allowed the patient with SMA occlusion in COVID-19 pneumonia to return to social life with completely independent ADLs. Although treatment for COVID-19 involves many challenges, including securing medical resources and controlling the spread of infection, when severe abdominal pain occurs in patients with COVID-19, physicians should consider SMA occlusion and treat promptly for life-saving from this deadly combination.

EP.TU.688The fate of the rectal stump following subtotal colectomy for acute colitis

Aims Acute severe colitis requires surgery in approximately thirty percent of cases. Subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy is the standard procedure with distinct advantages to a laparoscopic approach. Controversy surrounds the optimal short and long-term management of the distal rectal stump. This study reviews the clinical outcomes and the fate of the rectal stump in this patient cohort. Methods Analysis of prospective data of patients who underwent emergency subtotal colectomy for severe acute colitis between 2010 and 2020 in a tertiary referral centre. Results Sixty-six patients underwent subtotal colectomy (median age, 40years; M:F, 1.3:1). Subtotal colectomy was performed for failure of medical therapy during an acute episode of severe colitis (56%), for fulminant colitis (40%), or for colonic strictures (4%). In 98% percent of patients the rectal stump was closed at the level of the recto-sigmoid junction and in 2% a mucous fistula was formed. 73% of patients opted for no further surgery, but 27% underwent a completion proctectomy, most commonly performed because of rectal stump bleeding. The median follow-up was 6.25years, during which 17% of those with a completion proctectomy underwent an ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Conclusions Subtotal colectomy with closed rectal intra-peritoneal stump and end ileostomy is the procedure of choice in severe acute colitis refractory to maximal medical therapy or fulminant colitis. Given the patient dissatisfaction and morbidity associated with mucous fistula, this procedure should be abandoned. Pelvic dissection should not be performed at the time of the emergency subtotal colectomy given the risk of morbidity.

270 Spontaneous Trans-anal Evisceration of Small bowel: A Case Report

Introduction Trans-anal evisceration of small bowel is a very rare surgical presentation. The first case ever reported was in 1827. The exact mechanism of how this develops remains poorly understood. Majority of the cases recorded there was a perforation in the anterior wall of the rectum. Case Report: A 70-year-old female patient with a history of multiple strokes, presented with multiple small bowel loops eviscerated through the anus. The bowel was covered with warm saline soaked packs and the patient was transferred to theater. Abdominal exploration through was done. The bowel was carefully reduced. There was a longitudinal defect on the anterior wall of the rectum at the recto-sigmoid junction. There was also a large mesenteric defect and thrombosed mesenteric vessels compromising blood supply to part of the bowel, so resection of 50 cm of ileum, jejunostomy and a mucous fistula were performed. Conclusions Several pre-existing pathologies, like diverticular disease or rectal prolapse can result in thinning out of the wall of the rectum. That combined with increased intra-abdominal pressure can explain trans-anal evisceration of the bowel. This condition is typically managed by surgical intervention. The operation will depend on the extent of viability, contamination, and patient’s general condition.

Mesenteric ischemia in a patient with COVID 19 infection

The novel COVID-19 disease, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, apart from its respiratory complications and coagulopathy, is also involved in damage to other organ systems. We present a report of presumptive case of COVID-19 positive patient with no respiratory symptoms with superior mesenteric vein and portal vein thrombosis along with acute intestinal ischemia. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, resection of the ischemic bowel loops with proximal ileostomy and distal mucous fistula. The case highlights that despite the absence of respiratory symptoms, patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may show atypical presentations, such as gastrointestinal symptoms.

Multiple spontaneous jejunal and ileal perforations: a diagnostic challenge

Spontaneous multiple jejunal perforations are rare. In India, the commonest cause of small bowel perforation is typhoid fever followed by tuberculosis. We report a case of multiple jejunal and ileal perforations in a 23-year-old young woman who was known to have ulcerative colitis on medical therapy including steroids. She was then diagnosed to have active pulmonary tuberculosis and commenced on anti-tuberculosis therapy. She presented with generalised peritonitis and underwent emergency bowel resection with proximal enterostomy and creation of mucous fistula of the distal ileum. Post-operative course was stormy due to sepsis and she eventually succumbed on the 3rd post-operative day. Histopathological examination revealed non-specific changes and was not contributory to diagnosis. Possible causes of spontaneous jejunal perforations are discussed and the literature is reviewed. This case, despite a fatal outcome, is being reported to highlight the need for high index of suspicion in such situations.

A Review on Safety and Outcomes of Mucous Fistula Refeeding in Neonates

Introduction The utility of mucous fistula refeeding (MFR) in neonates with short bowel syndrome is widely debated. Our purpose is to review MFR and outline methods, reported complications, and clinical outcomes (survival, weight gain, dependence on parenteral nutrition [PN], and time to enteral autonomy). Materials and Methods We performed a MEDLINE literature search and reference review from January 1980 to May 2020 for terms (“mucous fistula re-feeding” or “enteral re-feeding”) and neonates. We included studies that utilized conventional MFR in the neonatal period. Non-English language articles were excluded. Results We identified 11 relevant articles. Internationally, there was no consensus on methods of MFR. A total of 197 neonates underwent MFR. Within a single study, four neonates developed major complications; however, the procedure was well tolerated without major complications in 10 of the 11 studies. A mortality of nine patients during MFR highlights the burden of disease within the study population; however, of these, only one was directly attributable to MFR. Minor complications were seldom quantified. Three studies demonstrated a higher rate of weight gain and shorter PN support versus controls. Neonates who underwent MFR had lower chance of anastomotic leak and quicker progression to full feed after reversal versus controls. The influence of microorganisms in MFR was only investigated in one study. Conclusion Current evidence suggests benefits of MFR; however, an international consensus is yet to be reached on the optimal method. A large prospective study investigating the influence of MFR on the enteric system is required.