Clinical Manifestations of Cholelithiasis in Quito, Ecuador. A Cohort Study

Introduction: A prospective study was carried out, with the aim of establishing the clinical manifestations of cholelithiasis in the population of Quito, Ecuador. Methods: During the period from January 2012 to October 2017, 534 patients were referred from different outpatient clinics of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security to the Batan Medical Center with the diagnosis of cholelithiasis after a clinical assessment and abdominal ultrasound, to be treated surgically. Results: Sixty-nine percent of patients were female with a male-female ratio of 1:2.21. Mean age was 44.9 years. Pain was the most common symptom in our study: 95.7%. Among these patients, pain was located in the epigastrium in 49.8%, in the right hypochondrium in 45.1% and only 0.8% had low back pain. Pain ranged from moderate and even severe. The remaining 4.3% of patients had dyspepsia or were asymptomatic. Conclusions: This finding highlights the fact that epigastric pain must be always considered as a clinical manifestation on cholelithiasis.

Mini-thoracotomy versus Full Sternotomy Techniques in Mitral Valve Surgery: Blood Loss, Wound infections, Post-operative Recovery, Morbidity and Mortality Investigation

Background: Mitral valve surgery is routinely performed through a Median full sternotomy (MFS) with excellent long term outcomes. Minimally invasive mitral (MIMVS) valve surgery is also a surgical approach that improves operative outcomes. In this study we report early post-operative outcomes in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery compared with MFS access with reference to Blood Loss, Wound infections, post-operative Recovery, Morbidity, Mortality and others variables. Patient and Methods: This study was a prospective data collection from 52 consecutive patients who underwent isolated mitral valve surgery at our institution from November 2017 to October 2019. Population study was divided to two groups, MIMVS (group I n= 26) and MFS (group II n=26). Pre-operative planning were performed so that to obtain similar characteristics. Intra and post-operative data were analysed. Results: The baselines characteristics were similar in both groups. Of the 26 patients in group I, 23 (88.46%) underwent mitral valve replacement and 3 a mitral valve repair. All the patients in group II underwent mitral valve replacement. There was no difference in term of mortality and morbidity. MIMVS was associated with longer CPB time (mean 161.9 vs 89.8 mins, P =.025) but similar ACC (99 mins vs 64 P=.468) time. MIMVS Patients had likely lower incidence of red blood cells transfusion (12.2% vs 34.7%,), post-operative haemoglobin was similar before transfusion. Haemorrhage complications were more likely in the group II (26.08 vs 7.7%); requiring inotropic support was found to be higher in the group II (54.5 vs 19%). In addition, patients in the MIMVS group had a shorter mechanical ventilation time (1.6 [1-6] vs 3.6 [2-8] hours; P <.01), shorter ICU stay 1.36 [1-6] vs 3.6 [2-8] days, p<.01. Length of hospital stay and chest tube stay were found to be shorter, respectively 6.9 [6-16] vs 7, 7 [7-13] and (1.38 [1-2] days vs 2.64 [2-4], P <.01). Wound infections were not found in both groups. Conclusion: Although the controversy interest of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, it may be associated with less blood loss, faster post-operative recovery but increases operation time.

Modern Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Conventionally TOS has been thought to represent a group of diverse disorders that result in compression of the neurovascular bundle exiting the thoracic outlet. Until recently, TOS classification has been based on symptoms, rather than the underlying pathology, with the subgroups consisting of neurogenic (NTOS), venous (VTOS or PSS), and arterial (ATOS). Neurogenic TOS accounts for over 95% of the cases, followed by venous (3–5%) and arterial (1–2%). Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) has been further divided into True NTOS (TNTOS) and Disputed NTOS (DNTOS), with DNTOS reportedly representing 95–99% of all neurogenic cases. In order to decrease confusion and to improve therapeutic results with TOS, the disease should be classified based on the underlying pathologic entity. Acquired and traumatic abnormalities of the clavicle and first rib should be classified separately. Clearly after the more common and objectively supported diagnoses of conditions that result in neurovascular symptoms of the upper extremity, such as cervical spine disease, carpal tunnel disease, and nerve entrapment syndromes, have been ruled out, there remains a group of patients who are suspected of having TOS. In these patients, rather than the more usual classification such as arterial, venous, or neurogenic, the more accurate approach from a diagnostic and therapeutic approach is to classify them as: Cervical Rib Disease: Patients with cervical rib syndrome (CRS) can have complications relating to compression of the subclavian artery (previously referred to as ATOS) and the brachial plexus(previously referred to as True NTOS) secondary to a well-formed cervical rib, or to an incompletely formed first rib, fibrous band associated with a rudimentary cervical rib, or a giant transverse process of C7. Thoracic Outlet Disease or “Subclavian Vein Compression Syndrome”: In these patients an abnormal first rib at its junction with the sternum results in compression of the subclavian vein at the subclavian-innominate junction. Compression of the vein results in venous hypertension in the upper extremity and resultant neurologic symptoms. With prolonged compression of the subclavian-innominate junction, the vein clots giving rise to Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Therefore, patients who have been previously classified as Disputed Neurogenic and Venous TOS represent a variable symptomatic presentation of the same pathologic entity, which affects the subclavian vein. Presently MRA of the thoracic outlet with arm maneuvers is the test of choice in patients suspected of having TOS. This test shows the abnormal bony tubercle on the first rib with extrinsic compression of the subclavian innominate junction, which is exacerbated with elevation of the arm above the shoulder. Robotic resection of the medial aspect of the first rib along with disarticulation of the costo-sternal joint has the best reported results to date.

Reconstruction of anterior frontal wall and contours defects using bone substitute

Aim: The aim of this article is to report on the safety and long-term efficacy of Cerament® BoneVoid Filler bone substitute for repairing craniofacial bone defects. Post-traumatic cranioplasty is a complex and challenging procedure for all maxillo-craniofacial surgeons and neurosurgeons, especially when repairing large areas. The standard criterion for repairing small cranial defects is the use autogenous bone from the iliac crest or split calvarial grafts. Autogenous grafts may result in donor-site morbidity, increased surgical time, reabsorption, blood loss, and longer recovery time . Alloplastic materials used for bone repair, such as methyl methacrylate, hydroxyapatite, titanium, or porous polyethylene, are expected to have optimal properties, including easy adaptation, biocompatibility, ingrowth of new tissue, stability of shape, and low rate of reabsorption. A cranial implant should be easily shaped and positioned, allowing easy tissue growth. In very wide cranium defects the new technology is a custom made cranial implant constructed three-dimensionally with different types of materials. However, this procedure is very expensive with various infection rates depending on the kind of material used and on the chemicophysical composition of the implant. Methods: The authors report the case of a 50-year-old man with a severe deformity of the forehead-supra orbital area as a result of a previous complex fronto-facial trauma treated in an emergency Unit. Secondary correction and reconstruction of the residual deformities were performed by using Cerament® Bone Void Filler, an alloplastic biphasic material, composed of 40% hydroxyapatite, 60% calcium sulfate and the radio-contrast agent iohexol. The unique ratio of hydroxyapatite and calcium sulfate is designed to enable Cerament to resorb at the same rate that bone forms. Calcium sulfate acts as a resorbable carrier for hydroxyapatite which is highly osteoconductive, promoting bone ingrowth.It seems to be a promising bone graft substitute in the management of bony irregularities in the fronto-orbital area. Conclusion: The patient was first hospitalized as the result of a serious craniofacial trauma. One year after the first emergency cranio-orbital reconstructive operation, a marked deformity of the frontal region appeared with a “grid effect” due to the inadequate plate-bony fixation of the fractures applied during the first bony recomposition and because it was not as rigid as it should have been . A secondary surgery for deformity correction was performed. The hardware was totally removed and the bony deformity smoothed, reshaped, covered and filled using Cerament® Bone Void Filler, a biomaterial. The patient recovered with a satisfactory cranium-forehead shape, no complications, and complete disappearance of a frowning look of the fronto-orbital region. Recently, increased use of bone substitutes in the reconstruction of bone defects has been fuelled by donor site complications associated with autologous bone harvesting. Cerament® BoneVoid Filler is a biphasic and injectable bone substitute that has a highly compressive strength and the ability to promote cancellous bone healing

A novel technique to prevent the breast implant from exposure after mastectomies

Introduction After mastectomies, we do our reconstruction, either immediately or delayed. In both ways of reconstruction for post mastectomies defect, the most commonly performed reconstruction is by using breast prosthesis [1]. For many years, surgeons have been trying to find out any solution to reduce the rate of implant exposure and develop some new techniques and modifications. However, once the infection develops or implant expose the only permanent solution is to remove the implant [2-3]. Although there is less evidence found in the literature regarding the salvage of implant once the infection occurs and when implant becomes expose in implant-based reconstruction [4]. Radiation also plays additional role in post-operative complication rates following implant-based breast reconstruction, as it is well documented that the incidence of complications is to be higher in radiated breasts compare to similar non-radiated breasts [5]. With the new advancement in radiation therapy the number of patients have been increasing who are receiving radiation therapy after immediate breast reconstruction [5]. Description of the Technique For more than 15 years we have been reconstructing the breasts deformities after different types of mastectomies, ranging from skin sparing, nipple areola sparing to different types of lumpectomies, by immediate insertion of breast implants. The main problem which we face during post-reconstruction, is the exposure of implant in addition to infection. With the advent of ADM (Artificial Dermal Matrix) [6], serratus anterior muscle [7], rectus fascial flap [7] and inferior dermal flaps [8] although they do an addition to thickness of skin envelop over the implant after mastectomy, but still the rate of implant exposure has not changed noticeably. It has been well understood that of ADM expose in air it dries immediately which later on results in implant exposure. Meanwhile we have developed a novel tech- nique to augment the soft tissue coverage under the incision line over the ADM and implant. By this way, if there is any dehiscence over suture line, there will be no implant exposure as there is additional soft tissue layer of dermal flap. These dermal flaps are actually a de-epithelialized dermal flap from the inferior half of the breast skin, which we used to excise and throw it to the garbage, particularly in skin sparing mastectomies. In this technique we suture the inferior based dermal flap over the artificial dermal matrix in a way that suture lines of skin flaps of mastectomy lie over the de-epithelialized dermal flap, which actually in- crease the survivability of ADM as well as increase the thickness of soft tissue over the implant (figure 1 and 2). By addition of this layer of de-epithelialized dermal flaps over the artificial dermal matrix and breast implants have promising reduction effect over implant exposure as well as it provides the additional vascularized soft tissue layer over the implant. Although we are using dermal flap with ADM frequently in most of our skin spring mastectomies but we did this new technique in 2 patients till now with the mean follow up of 8 weeks till now there is not a single case report of implant exposure in those patients (figure 3).

Treatment of “En Coupe De Sabre “ Linear Scleroderma. Soft Tissue Augmentation and Regeneration by Autologous Fat Transfer

Aim: Frontal linear scleroderma, also known as ‘‘en coup de sabre,’’ is a congenital deformity characterized by atrophy and furrowing of the skin of the front parietal area above the level of the eyebrows. In most cases it occurs as a single paramedian line that may be associated with hypoplasia of underlying structures and facial hemiatrophy. In case of a wide lesion many reconstructive strategies have been proposed. The modern approach is aimed at augmentation of the tissue deficiency by using lipostructure and tissue regeneration. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) seems to be an effective strategy to restore the normal volume and contour of the face while providing a source of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with a multilineage differentiation potential. Methods: In this report, we present a rare case of linear scleroderma en coupe de sabre which was successfully managed with three stages of autologous fat grafting. Conclusion: The proposed uses for ADSCs in tissue repair and regeneration are quite impressive. Recent works on ADSCs would suggest that adult cells may prove to be an equally powerful regenerative tool in treating congenital and acquired maxillofacial disorders. More importantly, physicians, researchers and international associations need to cooperate in informing clinicians about what practices are based on evidence and to encourage support of additional research. There is increasing interest in a possible therapeutic effect of ADSCs from processed lipoaspirate for a wide spectrum of clinical applications in the facial and craniofacial area. AFT can be used in any facial area where soft tissue is lacking or where there is scarring, producing natural and long-lasting results. Mesenchymal stem cells represent a great tool in regenerative medicine. However, more definitive studies are needed to answer specific questions regarding the best technique to be used and the role of ADSCs. Autologous fat grafting provides a safe and easy approach for the treatment of linear scleroderma en coup de sabre, long-term clinically satisfactory results can be obtained.

Modified Putti Procedure for the Surgical Management of Patients with Adult Acquired Cavo-Varus Resulting from Peroneal Tendon Rupture

Background: Peroneal pathology, including trauma, can result in Cavovarus-Drop Foot type deformity, precluding patients from functioning in or attempting bracing. Lateral ankle stabilization and other associated procedures sometimes are not enough to address the resultant deformity, thus many CavoVarus-Dropfoot patients still have gait abnormalities, function minimally in a brace and still have secondary ambulatory pain and loss of function even when braced. We review the results of 9 patients meeting this criteria and electing for a Modified Putti Procedure and lower extremity reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The charts of 9 patients with adult-acquired CavoVarus deformity foot type after peroneal rupture were reviewed, all but 1 had failed previous AFO/bracing. These patients underwent surgical correction all consisting of the Modified Putti procedure, along with other ancillary procedures and the results and outcomes were collected. Additionally, surgical technique was documented. Results: The mean VAS score improved from 9.1 to 2.4 pre- and post-operatively, respectively. The average time to weight bearing was 7.2 weeks. Four of 9 (44.44%) patients experienced some form of complication. Eight of 9 (88.88%) patients relayed the surgery was a success and would opt to undergo it again, given the choice. Conclusion: The Modified Putti Procedure showed promising results, great patient satisfaction and marked improvement in pre-operative and post-operative pain rating. This technique, utilized after severe peroneal trauma and resultant deformity is present, is a considerable option to have in the foot and ankle surgeon’s armament.

Efficacy of cholecystectomy in patients with positive HIDA Scans with typical or atypical biliary pain: A retrospective study

Introduction: Our investigation aimed to discover the benefits of performing cholecystectomy in patients who had a positive or negative HIDA scan result, presented with either typical or atypical biliary pain. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who had a HIDA scan at Peninsula Health between 2012 and 2017, those who had a HIDA scan and cholecystectomy for biliary pain were selected for this study, and prospective analysis of patient reported outcome post cholecystectomy included. Results: In the past five years, 190 patients had had a HIDA scan to investigate biliary pain without a structural cause. Of those 190, 65 had a positive HIDA result and 20 of these patients went on to have a cholecystectomy. Of the latter, 17 who reported typical biliary pain had their pain resolved post-surgery but 2 out of 3 patients with atypical biliary pain had ongoing pain despite surgery (1 did not respond). Of the 125 patients with a negative HIDA scan, 14 proceeded with a cholecystectomy. Twelve patients had pre-operative typical biliary pain and 5 of these continued to have pain post-operatively. Finally, 1 of the 2 patients with atypical pain continued to have ongoing pain post-surgery. Conclusion: In summary, in patients without a structural cause for biliary pain HIDA scans and patient’s symptoms greatly aid in the decision-making process whether to proceed with a cholecystectomy, as a negative scan should prompt further clinical investigation before proceeding with surgery.

Evaluation of Total Mesorectal Excision With or Without Lateral Pelvic Lymph Nodes Dissection for Middle and Lower Rectal Cancer

Background: The most important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer is nodal status, and lymph node metastasis is a determining factor for adjuvant chemotherapy and subsequently key to predicting disease free and overall survival. Methods: A descriptive prospective study was conducted on 40 patients presenting with middle and low rectal cancer to the outpatient clinic of Menoufia University Hospitals. All patients in the study will require resection of their tumors by total mesorectal excision by open and laparoscopic techniques. Patients will be divided into 2 groups: Group A: was operated without lateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection. Group B: was operated with lateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection during the period between November 2018 and November 2020. Results: The main presentation of patients was bleeding per rectum 12 (30%), 12 (30%) patients have constipation. 28 patients with adenocarcinoma (70%) and 8 mucinous (20 %) and 4 (10%) with signet ring. Sixteen patients undergo Low ant resection (40%), 16 patients with AP. resection (40 %) and 8 patients with Intersphencteic resection (20%). Regarding intraoperative data, with a mean operative time was (90.00 ± 3.84 min.) for without Lateral pelvic L.N dissection and (122.91±4.89 min.) for with Lateral pelvic L.N dissection. Conclusion: Surgical mortality of LPLD is low, but there is an increase of morbidities in the form of prolonged operative time, intraoperative blood loss and genito-urinary malfunction. For avoiding the drawbacks of LPLD extended lymphadenectomies with sparing of the pelvic nerves is recommended. Lateral pelvic lymph node involvement is a regional disease that is curable. LPLD was effective to control recurrence at lateral nodes sites.

The validity of Protein S 100B in Mild Pediatric Head Trauma

Background; S100B has been shown to be beneficial as a biomarker in the treatment of adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The efficacy of S100B as a biomarker in children, on the other hand, has been a subject of debate. Aim and objectives; was to assess the validity of Protein S 100B in Mild Pediatric Head trauma. Subjects and methods; this was a prospective study, included 160 pediatric patients with mild head trauma presented to Emergency Department. Result; A highly significant correlation between Positive S100B protein and traumatic brain injury with S100B protein value 1554.1±84.0 ng/L. A100 had cutoff value for positive CT Brain finding above 987.5 ng/L, The sensitivity was 81.0%, the specificity was 75%%, the NPV was 86%, the PPV was 68%, and overall accuracy 77%. There was none statistical significant difference regarding severity of brain injury and S100 B (P = 0.225), Conclusion; Serum S100B levels cannot be used to substitute clinical examinations or CT scans in identifying pediatric patients with mild head injuries, but they can be used to identify low-risk kids to avoid excessive radiation exposure.