Complicated anorectal sepsis: Validation of scoring system for predicting anorectal sepsis severity

Anorectal sepsis is a common and potentially serious medical condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the anal canal and surrounding tissues. However, the lack of standardized and comprehensive scoring systems specifically tailored for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis poses challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and validate a scoring system for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis by incorporating relevant patient factors. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, a tertiary care center, over a period of 5 years. The study population consisted of 330 patients diagnosed with anorectal sepsis during the study period. A scoring system was developed using multiple variables, with each variable assigned a specific score based on its clinical significance and weight in predicting disease severity. The developed scoring system's predictive performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calculating the area under the ROC curve to assess discriminative ability. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population. Chi-square tests or t tests were performed to assess differences between non-severe and severe anal sepsis groups. The scoring system consisted of 12 variables, with a maximum total score of 18. The logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between localized swelling, presentation within 72 hours, multiple drainage sessions, and severe anorectal sepsis. The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.85, indicating good discriminative ability of the scoring system. The scoring system was developed and validated in a single center, which may limit its generalizability to other settings. The scoring system demonstrated good predictive performance and can be a valuable tool for clinicians in assessing disease severity, guiding treatment decisions, and identifying high-risk patients.

Is routine postoperative gastrografin study needed after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy? Experience of 712 cases

BACKGROUND

The current standard of care is to perform a postoperative gastrografin study following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) to detect leakage or obstruction. This study evaluated the usefulness of this routine procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed in December 2012. All patients had routine intraoperative methylene blue testing to check for possible leakage from the staple line, and any leaking points were oversewn. We also performed postoperative contrast study (gastrografin) routinely in the first 24-48 h for all patients.

RESULTS

From June 2007 to December 2012, 712 cases underwent LSG during the study period. Patients included in this study were 556 women (78.1%) and 156 men (21.9%). The mean age was 35 years. The mean BMI was 48 kg/m2. The operative time was 107 ± 29 min, and there were no conversions to open surgery. Intraoperative methylene blue test detected leakage in 28 cases (3.93%). Postoperative contrast study (gastrografin) was negative for leakage in all cases. Computed tomography (CT) scan with oral contrast study detected leakage in 1.4% (ten cases); none of these cases were detected by regular contrast study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that intraoperative methylene blue test for leakage is a very sensitive and effective method for detecting leakage during sleeve gastrectomy and should be done routinely in all cases. Routine postoperative contrast study is not needed to detect leakage unless clinically indicated in selected cases, and in such cases contrast-enhanced CT scans are the modality of choice.

Varicocelectomy to treat pain, and predictors of success: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to examine the success rate of varicocele ligation when performed for the treatment of pain and to evaluate all the predictor factors that may affect the resolution of pain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2008 to January 2011, a total 152 patients presented with painful varicocele to our out-patient clinic. While waiting for surgery, 7 patients (4.6%) resolved their pain with conservative management and 145 patients underwent varicocelectomy due to failure. The first follow-up visit was after 1 week to check the wounds and 130 patients attended the second visit after 3 months. Follow-up evaluation included physical examination, questioning of pain severity (compared with preoperative pain severity), development of any postoperative complications, and color Doppler to study recurrence reflux.

RESULTS

During the study period, 145/397 (36.5%) patients underwent varicocelectomy for pain. Of the 145 men operated on for pain 130 (89.6%) were available for follow-up. A subinguinal approach was used in 93 patients (71.5%) and high ligation in 37(28.5%). Of the 130 patients contacted after surgery, 109 (83.8%) reported complete resolution of pain, 7 (5.4%) had partial resolution of pain and 14 did not show benefit from surgery. There was no association between varicocele grade, quality of pain, type of varicocele ligation, or recurrence and pain resolution after surgery, only the duration of pain seems to be a factor that is considerably associated with pain resolution.

CONCLUSION

Varicocelectomy is a successful option for treatment of painful varicocele in selected patients. The duration of pain may predict outcomes in these patients.

Feasibility of mesh repair for strangulated abdominal wall hernias

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic mesh reduces the risk of hernia recurrence. The use of mesh in patients with strangulated hernias requiring bowel resection is controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with acutely incarcerated hernias (with small intestine contents) who underwent polypropylene mesh hernioplasty were included in this prospective study from June 2005 to Jan. 2011.

RESULTS

163 patients were included; 48 required intestinal resection and anastomosis (Group I) and 115 did not (Group II). Operative times and hospital stay were longer in Group I (P = 0.001). No significant difference was noted between both groups in terms of postoperative morbidities (16.6% vs 13% P = 0.5), wound infection (6% vs 4% P = 0.6), and recurrence rate (2% vs 2.8% P = 0.8), All cases of wound infection were successfully managed with drainage and local wound care and no mesh had to be removed. One patient in Group I and five patients in Group II died of concomitant diseases in the follow-up period (P = 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Mesh hernioplasty is crucial to prevent recurrence, and it is safe to utilize it in repair of acutely incarcerated hernias even if associated with intestinal resection.