Muscle-splitting mini-incision cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia: cost-effective equitable minimally invasive surgery in laparoscopy era

Introduction: Conventional open cholecystectomy has been increasingly replaced by laparoscopy which requires resources for expensive equipment, training, and maintenance. Muscle-splitting mini-incision cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia has comparable outcomes to laparoscopy and requires fewer resources. This study analyzes the feasibility and outcome of muscle-splitting mini-incision cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia. Methods: All consecutive cases of muscle-splitting mini-incision cholecystectomy (MC) performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis during three years ending in December 2019, at a periphery hospital in Janakpur, province-2, Nepal, were included. Complicated cholelithiasis (biliary pancreatitis, jaundice, cholangitis, dilated common bile duct) was excluded. Written informed consents were obtained. The need for general anesthesia, complications during and after surgery, and patient satisfaction were analyzed descriptively. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: Out of 148 MC completed under spinal anesthesia, six (4.1%) required fentanyl for shoulder discomfort. Mild post-operative pain was reported by 124 (83.8%) at six hours and 146 (98.6%) at 12 hours. The intravenous drip was stopped after surgery and oral liquid with analgesics started in two hours in 143 patients (96.6%). Post-operative antibiotic was given in nine, for 2(1.4%) cholecysto-duodenal fistulas, 4(2.7%) diabetics, and 3(2%) mucoceles. The mean hospital stay was one night. Wound complications occurred in 6(2.8%). Overall, 144 (97.3%) were satisfied and would recommend the procedure to others. Histopathology revealed adenocarcinoma in one case. There was no bile-duct injury, re-surgery, or mortality. Conclusion: Muscle-splitting mini-incision open cholecystectomy (MC) under spinal anesthesia is safe and effective with early feeding, short hospital stays, less demand for resources, and good patient satisfaction.

Correlation of Inferior Vena Cava diameter and IVC Collapsibility Index with Central Venous Pressure (CVP) in critically ill surgical patients

Introduction: Central Venous Pressure is a valuable parameter in the management of critically ill surgical patients in the ICU. Non-invasive methods to extrapolate the volume status of the patient can aid clinicians in expediting proper treatment. The objective of this study is to find a correlation between Inferior Vena cava (IVC) diameter and collapsibility index (CI) with Central venous pressure (CVP) in critically ill surgical patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 critically ill patients from September 2020 – 31st February 2021. We recorded the patient's age, sex, heart rate, blood pressure, CVP, volume status, IVC minimum, and maximum diameter. After taking consent and explaining the procedure to the patient, the maximum IVC anteroposterior diameter was noted at the end of inspiration and end of expiration in centimeters. IVC collapsibility index was calculated using the formula ([IVCdmax-IVCdmin]/IVCdmax*100%). Following this, the CVP of the patient was measured. Results: Among the patients evaluated, 32 were females. The mean age of the participants was 44.90 ± 15.76 years. The mean central venous pressure maintained was 11.10 ± 2.11cm H2O with an inferior vena cava collapsibility index of 29.69 ± 8.75. There was a negative correlation between CVP and IVC collapsibility index (%), which was statistically significant (r = -0.701, n = 60, p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation between CVP and maximum IVC diameter (r = 0.712, n = 60, p < 0.01) and minimum IVC diameter (r = 0.796, n = 60, p < 0.01) was found. Conclusion: Inferior Vena Cava diameter and IVC Collapsibility Index can be used as a reliable substitute to central venous pressure to determine the patient's volume status.

An Assessment of Antimicrobial Prescription Pattern among Surgical Patients: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Descriptive Study

Introduction: Antimicrobials are used before, during and after surgery to prevent infections to decrease the duration of hospital stay, increase surgical outcomes and reduce health-related costs. There is inadequate evidence to determine the effective group of antimicrobials to be used in surgical prophylaxis in our settings. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study involving antimicrobial prescriptions pattern among 223 surgical patients was undertaken. Information on patient’s demographic variables, diagnosis, type of surgery and wound, perioperative antimicrobial use, postoperative complications and number of antimicrobials prescribed from the essential medicine list were recorded. The antibiotic prescription patterns were assessed based on a comparison with international and national guidelines. Results: Among 223 patients, males were predominant with an overall mean age of 42.77 years. The total number of diagnoses was 30, the commonest being appendicitis (21.52%), urinary stone disease (15.69%), hernia (13.90%) and cholelithiasis (11.65%). The common surgeries performed were emergency appendectomy, hernioplasty and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Eighteen types of drugs from seven different antimicrobial groups were used perioperatively, out of which 73% and 83% were prescribed based on international and national guidelines respectively. Conclusion: The most common antimicrobial used was third-generation cephalosporin. The postoperative antimicrobial rate was found higher compared to preoperative and intraoperative prescriptions and for a longer duration compared to national and international guidelines.

Approach to management of penile fracture- Our Three-year experience at a Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Penile fracture is a rare surgical emergency. It usually occurs as a single rupture of the tunica albuginea in one of the two corpora cavernosa; a rupture of both masses is an uncommon finding. We conducted this study to determine the etiology, clinical presentation and to review the causes and management of penile fracture. Methods: The retrospective study was carried out on 17 patients, admitted in the department of Urosurgery from January 2017 to December 2020 with penile fracture in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kathmandu. Patient demographic profile, etiology, clinical presentation, time interval from injury to presentation, investigation done, treatment given and intraoperative findings were analyzed. Results: The main cause of penile fractures was sexual intercourse (82.35%) followed by manual manipulation (17.65%). Crackling sound (100%) followed by penile hematoma and pain were the most common presenting symptoms among the patients. Surgical exploration and repair of injury was done in all patients. Conclusion: Most of the time diagnosis of penile fracture can be made reliably by history and physical examination. Early surgical intervention is associated with a good outcome, regardless of the timing of presentation.

A comparative study of Dynamic Hip Screw and Proximal Femoral Nail in the management of Intertrochanteric Fractures of the Femur

Introduction: Intertrochanteric fractures account for approximately half of the hip fractures in the elderly because of the osteoporotic nature of the bone. There are various modalities to treat these fractures. The objective of this study was to compare and evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of intertrochanteric femur fracture treated with Dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail (PFN). Methods: This study was conducted at Nepalgunj medical college, Department of orthopedics Nepalgunj over a time span of two years. A total of 52 patients were included and randomized into Dynamic hip screw (n=26) and Proximal femoral nail (n=26) group. Patient’s demographic details, perioperative findings, radiological findings and follow up findings were recorded. The results were evaluated and compared. Results: The mean age in our study was 57.63 years. Trivial fall was the most common mode of injury. There was significantly higher intraoperative blood loss in the DHS group. Radiological union and functional outcomes were similar overall, but in case of unstable fracture functional outcome was clinically better in PFN group. Conclusion: From our study we concluded that PFN has better outcome in case of unstable intertrochanteric fractures, however in stable fracture also it has distinct advantage over DHS.

Sonoscopy in Clinical Practice

Not available

Successful en bloc resection with acceptable cosmesis of a right recurrent giant scalp-orbital AVM causing severe disfigurement: a case report

Scalp arteriovenous malformation (AVM) accounts for only 8.1% of all AVM cases. These lesions are made up of an abnormal fistulous tangle of tortuous dysmorphic network of vessels “vascular nidus” directly connecting between the feeding arteries and draining veins, without capillary connection, located within the incision subcutaneous layer. With time, these congenital lesions may evolve and enlarge and clinically manifest with variable features. The only effective method of preventing evolution of these malformations is to exclude the lesion completely from the circulation. Involvement of the orbit and face may cause severe facial disfigurement, proptosis, visual obstruction and even facial palsy. These lesions may be complicated by ulceration, infection and profuse bleeding. We present a rare case of 40-year-old female with a recurrent congenital scalp-orbital AVM causing proptosis, visual obstruction on the right eye with severe facial disfigurement. The lesion was successfully excised with acceptable cosmesis and removal of the visual obstruction. A brief literature review, imaging findings and the surgical techniques have been presented.

Nep-Endotrainer: A cost-effective home-made laparoscopic simulation tool

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is an established treatment modality worldwide. Opportunities to acquire this skill using expensive simulation at workplace are not always feasible due to cost, time and accessibility constraints. Nep-Endotrainer is a cost effective homemade laparoscopic simulation tool built in Nepal. Methods: Nep-Endotrainer was built using plastic manikins easily available in market. Nine apertures were created with a drilling machine, four on each side of umbilicus and one at the epigastric region. These apertures were covered by thick piece of rubber of vehicle tire with apertures in them. Logitech® C270 HD webcam was fixed interiorly with metal screws. The base of the manikin was fixed to a wooden board with hinge joint. Five different interchangeable training modules were assembled in 10×10 cm2 size wooden boards. The LED light was fixed interiorly near the web camera. The camera USB can be easily connected with laptops, tablets and mobile phones. We used discarded hand instruments from laparoscopic centers to reduce the cost of the endotrainer. Conclusion: Nep-Endotrainer is accessible to any personal budget and can be readily constructed. It allows more frequent practice at home, outside the venue and hours of surgical departments.

Block characteristics of Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic in Infraclavicular brachial plexus block using peripheral nerve stimulator and ultrasound

Introduction: Dexmedetomidine has been frequently used in regional anaesthesia to improve the quality of blocks. Addition of dexmedetomidine to local anaesthetics has been shown to hasten the onset of both sensory and motor blocks and also prolong the duration of analgesia. The objective of this prospective comparative study was to assess the change in characteristics of infraclavicular brachial plexus block after adding Inj. Dexmedetomidine to 2% Lignocaine with Adrenaline. Methods: Sixty-six patients, scheduled for upper limb surgeries under ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to two groups. Group LS received Inj. Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline, 7mg/kg diluted to 30 ml with saline and Group LD received Inj. Dexmedetomidine 0.75 mcg/kg in addition to Inj. Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline, 7mg/kg again diluted to a total volume of 30 ml. The parameters studied were: onset of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia. Results: Sixty patients completed the study. The demographic variables and motor block were similar between both groups. The mean time to onset of sensory block was significantly faster in Group LD compared to Group LS (9.80±4.85 min vs 12.30±3.97 min, p=0.033). The duration of analgesia was also found to be prolonged in Group LD compared to Group LS (286.73±55.38 min vs 226.53±41.19 min, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Addition of 0.75 mcg/kg of Dexmedetomidine to 2% Lignocaine with Adrenaline hastens the onset of sensory block and prolongs the duration of analgesia in ultrasound guided and peripheral nerve stimulator guided infraclavicular block.

Comparison of Totally Extraperitoneal versus Transabdominal Preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias

Introduction: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a tension-free mesh repair that is based on pre-peritoneal approach of repair. It provides mechanical advantage to the surgeon, by being able to place a large piece of mesh and by using the natural force of the abdominal wall to disperse the intra-abdominal pressure over a large area to support the mesh. This retrospective study is aimed to study the demography of inguinal hernia and to compare operating time, complications and postoperative pain between patients undergoing Total Extrapritoneal (TEP) or Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) repair.Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted in patients with inguinal hernia who underwent laparoscopic repair by either TEP or TAPP, between April 2019 to July 2020 at Nobel Medical Collage Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang. Age, sex, type of hernia, duration of operation, post-operative complications, severity of pain and duration hospital stay were analyzed between two groups of patients undergoingsurgery by either TEP or TAPP.Results: One hundred and five patients underwent either TEP or TAPP during study period. There were 96 males and 9 females. There were 50 patients with right, 40 with left and 6 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia. Four patients had left sided irreducible inguinal hernia, 2 patients had bilateral recurrent inguinal hernia, 2 patients had right sided recurrent inguinal hernia and 1 patient had left sided recurrent inguinal hernia.There was significant difference in duration of operation (TEP 64.43min) / (TAPP 84.46min), p<0. 001. Total duration of hospital stay and postoperative pain were not significant between patients operated with TEPor TAPP. Accidental pneumoperitoneum was noticed in 8 cases, 10 cases of subcutaneous emphysema, 5 cases of seroma and 1 case of scrotal hematoma in TEP group. In TAPP group scrotal hematoma occurred in 4 cases and seroma in 5 cases which was not significantly different from TEP group.Conclusion: TAPP had significantly longer operating time as compared to TEP. However, there was no significant difference in post-operative pain and hospital stay in both group.