The role of choledochoscopy in transductal laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) performed by choledochoscope through the cystic duct or directly through the incision in the common bile duct (CBD) are well established methods for restoring biliary drainage function in patients with choledocholithiasis. Although it plays a crucial role in the transcystic approach, transductal approach can be achieved differently. However, it has restrictions in availability due to its expensiveness. Objective — to report efficacy of transductal LCBDE without laparoscopic choledochoscopy. Materials and methods. This is a prospective study of urgently admitted patients who underwent trans‑ductal LCBDE due to confirmed choledocholithiasis. During laparoscopy, clearance of the CBD was achieved in two ways: by choledochoscopy (group CS+, n = 43) and without it (group CS–, n = 34). The data of patient demographics, comorbidities, operative outcomes, morbidity, mortality and long‑term biliary complications were analysed and compared between the groups. Results. Out of a total of 154 patients with confirmed choledocholithiasis, the trans‑ductal approach of LCBDE was applied to 77 patients. In 43 patients, clearance was done with choledochoscope (group CS+) and in 34 patients without it (group CS–). Gallstone related complications and comorbidities did not differ between the groups. Surgery was done 4 days after admission in both groups. Median duration of the operation was significantly shorter in the group CS–, 93 vs 120 minutes (p = 0.036), without any difference in conversion and complication rates. Clearance rate was markedly high in both groups. Conclusions. Transductal laparoscopic common bile duct exploration without choledochoscopy is a time‑saving, safe and effective way for CBD clearance, without additional equipment.

Results obtained after the surgical treatment of Graves’ disease depending on the levels of anti-thyroid antibodies

Graves' disease (GD) is a hereditary autoimmune disease which is characterized by persistent abnormal hypersecretion of thyroid hormones and thyrotoxicosis syndrome development. GD affects from 0.5 % to 2.0 % of population in different regions. 46 % of these patients develop ophthalmopathy. GD is a common cause of disabilities in patients under 60 years of age. In recent years, the incidence of GD in Ukraine has increased by 9.9 % — from 106.2 to 117.9 per 100,000 individuals. This can be connected with the improved diagnostic possibilities and active disease detection as well as with the increased number of autoimmune thyroid disorders. The recent studies focus on prevention of specific complications and recurrences of GD after surgery. Objective — to compare the levels of antibodies to the thyroid‑stimulating hormone receptors (TSHR‑Ab) during different postoperative periods as well as the incidence of early and late complications depending on the surgical technique used for the treatment of GD. Materials and methods. The results of surgical treatment of 130 patients, with GD were compared. 29 male patients and 101 female patients aged from 19 to 76 (average — 44.1 ± 3.2 years), receiving their treatment for GD in Kyiv Center of Endocrine Surgery during 2010—2018, were randomly selected and divided into two groups. At the time of operation the duration of disease was from 1 to 30 years (average — 4.6 ± 1.2 years). Group 1 included 65 patients that underwent total thyreoidectomy (TT) and group 2 included 65 patients that underwent subtotal thyreoidectomy (ST). The following parameters were compared: surgery duration, the incidence of early postoperative complications, including bleedings and damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves, and late outcomes of surgical treatment (persistent hypoparathyreoidism disorder and disorder recurrences) depending on the method of surgery (ST or TT). Furthermore, the patterns of the TSHR‑Ab level reduction were studied for different postoperative periods. Results. The comparison of surgical outcomes following TТ and ST didn’t reveal any statistically significant differences in such evaluation criteria as the average surgery duration, the average volume of intraoperative blood loss and the average duration of the postoperative inpatient treatment. The comparative assessment of the thyroid stump volume and the average amount of drained discharge showed statistically significant differences for TТ. It allows considering TТ as a surgery which causes less complications than ST. The studied parameters of early postoperative complications had no significant differences for ST and TТ. The long‑term (5 years) postoperative level of TSHR‑Ab was statistically significantly lower in patients after TT and made up 1.15 ± 0.13 IU/L (thus corresponding to the normal level). Conclusions. Total thyroidectomy is an optimal surgical technique and is more appropriate compared with subtotal thyroid gland resection. It should be noted that TT provides lower risk of complications due to significantly lower level of TSHR‑Ab in late postoperative period.

Chronic constipation: modern view on the problem. A review

Chronic constipation is a frequently diagnosed heterogeneous pathology that significantly impairs the quality of life in all population groups and its frequency increases with age. It commonly affects up to 10 — 15 % of the population. There are numerous classifications of constipation due to a great number of disorders that cause it. The types of constipation are identified based on the etiology or mechanism of its development. Different criteria are used to specify the categorization of constipation, but it is still difficult to find one general classification including all types of constipation. The Rome IV criteria categorize disorders of chronic constipation into four subgroups. The treatment depends on the subtype. The significant increase of constipation cases is observed nowadays. This disorder is facilitated by a sedentary lifestyle, insufficient amount of fiber and fluid in the diet, a wide range of diseases that directly lead to the development of chronic constipation, congenital and acquired pathologies, abnormal intake of laxatives and opioids or a combination of these factors. Despite numerous publications on slow transit constipation, the latter is still the subject of research for many specialists. A lot of recent scientific works have been dedicated to the immunohistochemical studies of interstitial pacemaker cells. The numbers of markers they express were found. Consequently, the investigations of modern scientists are aimed to develop and implement new laboratory methods for determining the indications for surgical treatment depending on a diagnosed disorder of the intestinal neurophysiology. These methods will ensure a differentiated selection of patients for surgical treatment. The step approach to the diagnosis of chronic constipation allows choosing an adequate treatment method in order to improve symptoms, the quality of life, and patient satisfaction. The literature review indicates that surgery still remains the most radical treatment method for patients with slow transit constipation.

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.

Early and late complications after gastric bypass: A literature review

Over the last few decades, excess weight and obesity have become a considerable health problem that has a lasting impact on communities worldwide. According to the WHO, about 1.9 billion people over the age of 18 are overweight [32]. Obesity accounted for about 4.7 million premature deaths in 2017. Globally, obesity was associated with an increase in mortality rate from 4.5 % in 1990 to 8 % in 2017 [32]. Bariatric surgery is currently recognized as the most effective treatment option for morbid obesity. Over the past 10 years, gastric bypass surgery has proved more effective than any other surgical methods due to its optimal metabolic effects. The aim of the review is to carry out an analysis of literature data in order to identify main complications after gastric bypass in patients with obesity. The complication rate after bariatric surgery decreased from 10.5 % in 1993 to 7.6 % in 2006 [3]. The mortality rate after bariatric surgery was 0.08 % within 30 days after surgery and 0.31 % after 30 days [13]. According to the BOLD study (2010), for 57,918 bariatric operations, the complication rate was 6,240 (10.77 %) and the mortality rate was 78 (0.135 %), within 30 days after surgery — 0.089 %, within 90 days after surgery — 0.112 %. Roux‑en‑Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) was carried out in 30,864 cases, and 4,588 (14.87 %) patients developed postoperative complications. Early complications include anastomotic leaks (0 — 5,6 % for laparoscopic approach and 1,6 — 2,6 % — for laparotomy), small bowel obstruction caused by a blood clot (0 — 0,5 %), bleeding from the sutures (1,5 %), and thromboembolic complications (0,2 — 5 %). Late complications include stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract (3 — 27 %), marginal ulceration (MU) — 0,6 — 16 %, an incarcerated Petersen’s space hernia — 2,51 %, perforation of the stomach and small intestine (1 — 2 %), gastrogastric fistula formation — 1,5 — 6,0 %, weight regain (to 17,1 %). Increasing global demand for bariatric surgery as the best option for the management of excess weight and obesity necessitates more detailed investigation of possible complications it may induce. Therefore, further research is required to develop and study new effective methods for prevention and treatment of complications after surgical treatment of patients with morbid obesity.

Associated projectile inferior vena cava wound with subsequent pulmonary artery missile embolization: a case report and literature review

A rare and unpredictable complication of firearm and missile injuries is projectile embolism. With only a few cases described in the literature, bullet embolism may become a diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians and military surgeons. Bullet embolization is a rare phenomenon, but the complications can be devastating. Case presentation. A 34‑year‑old man sustained a severe complex abdominoskeletal mine‑blast injury with damage to the hollow organs (duodenum and transverse colon), inferior vena cava and both low extremities. The internal hemorrhage was stopped by phleborrhaphy. The wounds of the duodenum and large intestine were sutured, and gunshot fractures of both anticnemions were stabilized by extrafocal osteosynthesis. The whole‑body CT showed that there was a projectile embolus into the branch of the right mid‑lobe pulmonary artery. No clinical manifestations of pulmonary artery embolism were observed in the patient. After surgery, he developed multiple necrosis and transverse colon perforations that resulted in fecal peritonitis. The suture line leakage that caused the formation of a duodenal fistula and postoperative wound infection were also detected. The complications were managed by multiple reoperations. The attempts of endovascular bullet extraction weren’t undertaken due to severe concomitant injuries, complications and asymptomatic clinical course of pulmonary artery projectile embolism. Open surgery retrieval of the embolus was successfully performed on the 80th day after injury. The patient was discharged from the hospital in good condition on the 168th day after the missile wound. Conclusions. Patients with missile wounds and no exit gunshot perforation should be examined using the whole‑body CT for determining possible migration of a projectile with the blood flow. Patients with asymptomatic pulmonary artery embolism should be managed nonoperatively. In case of symptomatic pulmonary artery projectile embolism, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of open thoracic surgery.

Changes in the filtration function of the spleen after surgery following traumatic organ injuries

The incidence of splenic injuries among all closed injuries of the abdominal cavity is from 15.5 to 30.0 %, and a mortality rate is between 7 % and 26 %. The tactics in the treatment of splenic injuries is determined by the degree of traumatic injury, the patient's condition during the operation, and a concomitant pathology. Studies of tissue regeneration of the operated spleen allow identifying two main options for its regeneration, associated with the nature of blood circulation in the preserved part. Objective — to study the regeneration and filtration function of the spleen after various types of surgery for the management of traumatic spleen injuries. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 85 patients in the period 2015 — 2020 were analyzed. To investigate the changes in the filtration function of the spleen, a study of the peripheral blood (general blood test) was performed to assess the shape of erythrocytes. In order to determine the size of the residual splenic parenchyma, its structure and regenerative processes were evaluated and sonographic examination was carried out. Results. The average increase in the size of the residual splenic tissue after subtotal resection of the organ with the formation of couplings of the parenchyma averages 40.2 ± 3.4 % one year after surgery, and in patients who underwent subtotal resection of the spleen with covering the cut plane with adhesive hemostatic plate 70 % — 49.14 ± 6.77 %. The study of changes in the filtration function of the spleen in patients, who underwent subtotal resection of the spleen, showed the appearance of target cells, acanthocytes and halocytes in the peripheral blood, but their number was insignificant and did not exceed normal (not more than 3 %). Any destroyed and pathologically altered erythrocytes were not visualized in patients, who underwent atypical resection of the spleen (mass deficit less than 30 %). Conclusions. Spleen regeneration is determined both by the nature of blood supply to the residual splenic tissue and its size, and does not depend on the nature of the pathological process. Organ‑preserving surgical interventions on the spleen allow maintaining the filtration function of the spleen.

Professor Volodymyr Zemskov — a world-renowned Ukrainian surgeon

The article describes the professional and scientific way of professor Volodymyr Serhiyovych Zemskov, a prominent Ukrainian surgeon and a founder of the Kyiv Center for Liver, Bile Ducts and Pancreas Surgery which is currently based in the Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No10. The article presents the memories of his students and contemporaries, the facts about his professional biography and career development. The paper describes the main scientific interests of Volodymyr Zemskov, his achievements and scientific work.

A case report of severe acute pancreatitis with infected necrosis and concomitant Coronavirus Disease‑19 (COVID‑19): a nosocomial infection or delayed respiratory manifestation of viral disease?

The association between COVID‑19 and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been extensively analyzed in recent research and review papers worldwide. It should be noted that most studies have focused on AP as a COVID‑19 complication and/or an extra‑pulmonary manifestation of the disease, although the investigation reports on the cases of prior pancreatitis and subsequent COVID‑19 infection are limited. The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment protocol and clinical outcome of a patient with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who developed nosocomial COVID‑19.. Case presentation. The data were collected from patient S., a 42‑year‑old male admitted with AP to the intensive care unit of Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital, in October 2020. This study was reviewed and approved by the local Ethics Committee (Protocol No 25‑15‑60). The patient signed written informed consent to participate in the study, after having been informed of all relevant aspects that could influence his decision. The patient, primarily diagnosed with AP, was admitted to the hospital without a PCR test for detecting SARS‑CoV‑2. 21 days after his admission to the hospital, the patient developed COVID‑19. AP progression to severe AP with infected necrosis, the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure necessitated operative pancreatic debridement, which was postponed due to severe acute respiratory failure. Operative pancreatic debridement was performed on the 45th day of hospital stay after the resolution of COVID‑19‑associated pneumonia. The postoperative period was typical for the disease severity and the extent of the surgery, and was complicated by external pancreatic and colonic fistulas. The length of hospital stay for this patient was 115 days which included 20 days of treatment and monitoring in the intensive care unit due to pneumonia. He was discharged after clinical symptom improvement. Conclusions. It is imperative to screen patients presenting with AP for SARS‑CoV‑2 in order to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment strategy. Further detailed investigation of mechanisms of pancreatic injury in patients with SARS‑CoV‑2 is necessary.

Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair versus Lichtenstein repair: a one-year follow-up study

The inguinal hernia has an incidence of 27 — 43 % in males. Surgical repair is the most accepted treatment to prevent the development of complications. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become popular worldwide and includes the use of a laparoscopic technique for mesh placement behind the defect. Objective — to assess whether totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair shows benefits over Lichtenstein repair in intraoperative and one‑year follow‑up postoperative outcomes for male patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia. Materials and methods. 53 males were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 included 27 patients who underwent totally extraperitoneal hernia repair using self‑gripping lightweight mesh, and group 2 included 26 patients who were treated surgically with Lichtenstein repair using lightweight mesh. Results. Both groups were comparable in mean age, type of hernia, body mass index and patient’s distribution according to the European hernia society classification. TEP repair takes on average a little less time as compared to Lichtenstein repair, and this difference is not statistically significant. The mean of visual analogue scale for pain scoring in the first 24 hours after surgery as well as in the next 24 hours is statistically significantly smaller in group 1 compared to group 2. The mean time taken to return to work was 2.15 times longer in group 2 than in group 1, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions. Totally extraperitoneal hernia repair shows potential benefits over Lichtenstein repair for primary unilateral inguinal hernias as it causes less pain in the postoperative period and ensures early return to work.