Ex-situ hepatectomy: Indications, Techniques and Results

Ex situ hepatectomy is a novel approach, used in treating complicated liver tumors, which are otherwise unresectable via conventional methods including organ perfusion, liver transplant, hemodynamic management, vascular reconstruction or even extended hepatic resection. The Ex situ hepatectomy technique denotes the entire removal of the infected liver, which is then perfused in a cold preservation solution, which allows the surgeon to remove tumors, which were otherwise unreachable when the liver is situated in the body. In so doing, the tumor is restricted ex situ on the surgeon stable, while the remaining liver is implanted orthotopically. Notably, the works on Ex situ hepatectomy techniques are credited to Pichlmary 1990, who proposed the surgical approach in the treatment of bilateral liver leiomyosarcoma. More to that, there are only a handful of successful Ex situ hepatectomy cases which have been recorded on a global scale, given the complexity of the operation. Secondary as well as primary liver tumors are some of the most commonly occurring liver tumors in humans.

Prevalence of Cholecystitis in Morbidly Obese Patients After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background Aims: Rapid weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is associated with an increased risk of cholelithiasis. With 7-15% of patients requiring cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery, there is ongoing debate regarding the potential benefits of performing cholecystectomy with the primary bariatric surgery. The goals of this study were to investigate the frequency and timing of cholecystectomies post LSG and determine the associated risk of choledocholithiasis post LSG in Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh. Subjects and methods: A retrospective cohort study of 1112 patients undergoing LSG. The inclusion criteria are patients who are age above 18 years old who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Statistical analysis: Analysis was performed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results were expressed in numbers and percentages for categorical variables. Continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. All the comparisons were analyzed using non-parametric methods. The level selected for statistical significance was a probability value <0.05. Results: Our results shows the main cause of having cholecystitis is the significant loss of weight within the first six months Conclusion: A 17.9% incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis was noted among post-LSG patients over a period of seven years. Rapid weight loss was the only risk factor that contributed to the development of post-LSG gallbladder stone disease.

Prognostic factors influencing the outcome of empyema surgical management: prospective study in a Moroccan university center.

Background: Pleural empyema is a public health problem, and is the most frequent complication of pleural infection with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our study aims to highlight the management of pleural empyema and evaluate its prognosis factors involved especially in surgical treatment. Patients and Methods: A prospective analysis of 53 patients who underwent surgical treatment of pleural empyema, from January 2015 to December 2019 at the thoracic surgery department in a tertiary referral university teaching hospital. Our study included patients who required surgical treatment for pleural empyema and were excluded patients with destroyed lungs associated with pyothorax. Results: The mean age of patients was 39.24±15.89 years and 79,24% of them were males. In 85.7% of the cases, the etiology was undetermined in 34%, parapneumonic in 1.9%, of tuberculosis in 54.71%, post-traumatic in 11, 3%, postoperative in 7.5% and iatrogenic in 1.9%. 45 patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy adapted after antibiogram 14.38±21.76 days before the operation. A complete debridement and decortications were performed by VATS in 28 and by PLT in 22 patients. No major complications occurred. At a mean term follow-up of 20 months (3months—3 years); all patients were alive with no recurrence. The analysis of the results showed 4 factors of poor prognosis: delay of diagnosis and surgery (P = 0.02), chronic alcoholism (P = 0.034), preoperative ventilation disorder/COPD (P = 0.04) and active tuberculosis (P= 0, 05). Conclusion: The success of surgical management of pleural empyema depends on several factors, which predict the prognosis, but can be prevented.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax Mimicking Perforated Viscus in Covid-19 patient

Case presentation: A 65-year-old female diagnosed with COVID-19 developed worsening respiratory distress requiring invasive ventilation. Chest radiography post-intubation revealed air under the diaphragm, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. The case was referred to the surgical team for emergency laparotomy for suspected perforated viscus. Clinically, her abdomen was distended but there was no sign of peritonism. In view of the high risk of perioperative morbidity and absence of peritonism, a CT scan was done to rule out the cause of pneumoperitoneum. CT scan showed bilateral pneumothorax, presence of air in the extra peritoneum and retroperitoneum. There was no air in the peritoneum and no evidence of perforated viscus. She was treated conservatively with bilateral chest tube insertion. Unfortunately, she developed multiorgan failure and succumbed to death.

Slippage of Gastric Banding for Mobid Obesity: case report and review of literature

Background: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LABG) remains the commonest and less invasive bariatric operation. It has many advantages in the treatment of obesity and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates.When it happens a Gastric Band Slippage (GBS), part of the gastric fundus herniates through the band. Removal of GB is necessary to prevent necrosis of the herniated stomach.Case report: We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient who was admitted for a huge gastric pouch dilatation after 3 years of underwent LAGB.Conclusion: The LAGB is one of the most common procedures used for the treatment of morbid obesity. The complications are generally not mortal but it is necessary that complications have been recognized by general surgeon and physicians should be aware of the symptoms. Diagnosis of GBS can be made with signs or symptoms and patient’s medical history, with the use of oral contrast X-ray studies or CT Scan and surgical intervention is necessary.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM AS A CAUSE OF BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

Shiitake mushroom, claimed to have major health benefits. It is a popular ingredient in east Asian cuisine. Given that mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber, the undigested fiber can act as a bezoar and may cause small bowel obstruction. Bezoar-induced small bowel obstructions are rare and herein we report a case of intestinal obstruction caused by shiitake mushroom. An elderly patient was admitted with features of intestinal obstruction. Preoperative imaging showed dilated small bowel with suspicious mass in ileum. Patient underwent laparotomy and undigested shiitake mushroom was retrieved at enterotomy. Clinical awareness of the mushroom induced intestinal obstruction and early use abdominal computed tomography (CT) are essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment.