Biliary hyperkinesia: an indication for cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

The main indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy are stone-related diseases in adults. With a normal abdominal ultrasound (US), a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan with ejection fraction (EF) is recommended to evaluate gallbladder function. Biliary dyskinesia or low gallbladder EF (EF < 35%) is a recognized indication for cholecystectomy. Recent articles report long-term resolution of symptoms in children with high EFs on the HIDA scan. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the response of patients with biliary colic and hyperkinetic gallbladder to cholecystectomy. We suggest that laparoscopic cholecystectomy might be a considerable surgical option in a subset of the adult population whose workup for food-related biliary abdominal pain is negative except for the high-value EF on HIDA scan.

METHODS

Data were consecutively collected from all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June 2012 and June 2019 at a single institution. Cases were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients older than 17 years of age with the negative US (no stone, no sludge, no gallbladder wall thickening) and EF greater than 80% on cholecystokinin (CCK)-HIDA scan were included in this study. All patients were seen at 2 weeks and 10-16 months after surgeries.

RESULTS

Over 7 years from June 2012 until June 2019, of 2116 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 59 patients (2.78%) met study criteria. Postprandial abdominal pain was the most common symptom (43, 72.90%) followed by nausea/vomiting. Forty-seven patients (74.6%) had a reproduction of symptoms with CCK infusion. The average EF was 88.51%. Final pathology showed chronic cholecystitis in 41 (69.5%) patients, cholesterolosis in 13 (22%), polyp in 2 (3.4%). Thirty-six (61%) patients had complete resolution of symptoms, 9 (15%) patients had partial resolution, and 14 (24%) patients had no change. There was a complete resolution rate of 61% and an improvement rate of 76%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with biliary symptoms, negative ultrasound, and elevated EF on HIDA scan (EF > 80%), laparoscopic cholecystectomy led to a significant rate of symptomatic relief. Interestingly, 94% also had unexpected pathologic findings. This disease process requires further analysis, but this could represent a new indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the adult population.

High expression of EphA3 (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A3) in gastric cancer is associated with metastasis and poor survival

Background

As the major subfamily of receptor tyrosine, erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptor has been related to progression and prognosis in different types of tumors. However, the role and mechanism of EPHA3 in gastric cancer is still not well understood.

Methods

Specimen were collected from 202 patients who underwent gastric resection for gastric adenocarcinoma. The expression of EphA3 was studied using immunohistochemistry. We analyzed the clinicopathological factors and prognostic relevance of EphA3 expression in gastric cancer.

Results

High expression of EphA3 was associated with male predominance (p = 0.031), differentiated histology (p < 0.001), depth of tumor (p = 0.002), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001), distant metastasis (p = 0.021), liver metastasis (p = 0.024), advanced stage (p < 0.001), and high HER2 expression (p = 0.017). Relapse-free survival (RFS) was significantly worse in patients with high expression of EphA3 than in those with low expression of EphA3 (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis for RFS showed that depth of tumor [hazard ratio (HR) 9.333, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.183–39.911, p = 0.003] and lymph node metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) 5.734, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.349–13.997, p < 0.001] were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that high expression EphA3 may participate in metastasis and worse survival.

Large Sized Left Inferior Phrenic Artery and Parahiatal Type of Diaphragmatic Hernia Generating Confusion During Robotic Surgical Repair

INTRODUCTION

As an advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure, the repair of the diaphragmatic hernia may sometimes be very challenging especially when the anatomy is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We are presenting a rare case of a parahiatal hernia defect repair where the understanding of the anatomy was complicated by the presence of an unusual large sized left inferior phrenic artery. The Da Vinci surgical platform was used to perform the entire procedure. Hernia sac dissection, identification of the crura, primary closure of the defect, and use of biologic mesh reinforcement were the main steps performed in the usual manner for hernia repair. In addition, the use of intraoperative ultrasound was of great utility to clarify the vascular anatomy.

RESULTS

The additional time required for the intraoperative ultrasound and identification of the vascular anatomy has increased the duration of the procedure that otherwise was uneventful. The accurate identification of the anatomy allowed for a safe surgical outcome. The postoperative course was favorable and patient was free of symptoms at 1-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The challenge of the repair of this rare, parahiatal type of diaphragmatic hernia where a large sized left inferior phrenic artery was also encountered was successfully mitigated by the use of the intraoperative Doppler ultrasound and by compliance with the basic steps of the procedure.

Repair of Morgagni Hernia in Adults with Primary Closure and Mesh Placement: First Robotic Experience

INTRODUCTION

Morgagni hernia (MH) is an uncommon type of diaphragmatic hernia, especially in adults. Laparoscopic or thorascopic approaches have been described in adults. There are few reported cases using the Da Vinci robot in children and no previously described cases in adults. We report our early experience and technique using the robotic approach for MH repair in adults and its potential advantages.

METHOD

Robotic repair of MH was performed in 3 female patients. Four trocars were used to gain access to the abdomen. The hernia contents were reduced, the sac excised, and the defect closed primarily. A 4 × 6 inch bioabsorbable coating mesh was used in 2 patients and a biologic mesh in 1 for reinforcement.

RESULTS

Robotic repair of MH was technically successful in all 3 patients. The average operative time was 199.3 minutes, and difficult hernia exposure in one case caused prolonged surgical time. There were no intraoperative complications. Additional interventions, including a repair of a transverse colon serosal tear during the reduction of hernia contents, occurred in 1 patient. Two of the 3 female patients were discharged on postoperative day 1, whereas the other patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. There were no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Robotic MH repair is an alternative minimally invasive approach for adults that allows for precise sac excision and primary tension-free repair with mesh reinforcement.

The First Case Report of Robotic Multivisceral Resection for Synchronous Liver Metastasis from Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Surgery for liver metastases in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) improves overall survival rate. We present the first case report for robotic multivisceral resection of distal pancreas, spleen, and left liver for metastatic PNET.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We present a case of 52-year-old female diagnosed with PNET in the pancreatic neck metastatic to the liver, responding to somatostatin and bland embolization, who underwent surgical debulking using da Vinci robotic platform. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound was used to define the vascular distribution and tumor extension. The parenchymal liver transection was performed with vessel sealer. The distal pancreas and the spleen were approached medial to lateral and resected in an en-bloc fashion. The left liver inflow, outflow, and splenic artery and vein were transected with vascular stapler device.

RESULTS

Da Vinci robot-assisted multivisceral resection has been performed with good postoperative outcome. Operative time was 369 minutes and the estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient had a short hospital stay with quick recovery and good outcome at 5 months follow-up after the surgery.

DISCUSSION

Liver metastases in PNETs are considered an adverse factor. Aggressive surgical management is a mainstay. The laparoscopic approach to pancreatic or hepatic surgery is difficult in inexperienced hands with steep learning curve. The recent robotic system seems to overcome many limitations. This is the first case of robotic multivisceral resection for synchronous liver metastasis from PNET. Concurrent primary tumor resection with hepatectomy offers potential curative intention.

A case report of successful removal of multiples sewing needles in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas using intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy

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Operative interventions are still necessary in 1% foreign bodies.

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Timely diagnosis can be difficult. Migration to the pancreas, or the anterior abdominal wall, is extremely rare.

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Preoperative CT scan locates the foreign bodies and the presence of theirs related complications.

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C-arm fluoroscopy is a cost effective intraoperative diagnostic modality which is easily applied.

Background

Most ingested foreign bodies pass uneventfully through the digestive tract without any major disturbances.

Objectives

We reports a rare case of successful localization and surgical removal of needles in the gastrointestinal tract using C-arm fluoroscopy intraoperatively.

Case report

A 46 year old female, a non-hospitalized psychiatric patient, presented with acute abdominal pain. Imaging showed 16 needles all over the digestive tract. C arm fluoroscopy was used to successfully localize and remove all of the needles intraoperatively. One needle was withdrawn from the pancreas manually without pancreatic resection.

Discussion

It is estimated that up to 10–20% cases require endoscopic removal and 1% cases with the presence of obstruction or perforation necessitate surgical interventions [1], [2], [3], [4] (Hsieh et al., 2005; Anderson and Dean, 2011; Cheng and Tam, 1999; Ricci et al., 2014). Migration to the pancreas extremely rare [5,6] (Toyonaga et al., 2001; Yasuda et al., 2010). Timely diagnosis can be difficult [7] (Tsui and Mossey, 1997). CT scan is a modality of choice to preoperatively locate the foreign body [8] (Takada et al., 2000). We herein successfully localized and removed 15 needles using C-arm fluoroscopy intraoperatively. It is extremely useful to accurately detect radiopaque foreign bodies. On the basic of findings on CT, treatment of choice such as endoscopic removal or surgical intervention may be attempted.

Conclusions

CT scan is a modality of choice to preoperatively locate the foreign body. Sharp-pointed objects should be removed even if the patient is asymptomatic as the increased mortality and the risk of related complications. Intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy is a feasible, cost-effective modality with real-time image to accurately detect multiple radiopaque objects especially when they are disseminating throughout the digestive tract.

A rare cause of small bowel obstruction due to bezoar in a virgin abdomen

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Bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction remains an uncommon diagnosis accounting for 0.4–4% of all mechanical bowel obstruction that poses a diagnostic and management challenge.

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It should be suspected in patients with an increased risk of bezoar formation, such as in the presence of previous gastric surgery, poor dentition or a history suggestive of increased fiber intake, or patient with psychiatric disorders.

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The presence of well-defined intraluminal mass with mottled gas pattern on CT scan is suggestive of an intestinal bezoar.

Introduction

Bezoar is an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction accounting for 0.4–4% of all mechanical bowel obstruction. The common site of obstruction is terminal ileum.

Case report

A 28-year-old male with no past surgical history, known to have severe mental retardation presented with anorexia. CT scan demonstrated dilated small bowel loops and intraluminal ileal mass with mottled appearance. At exploratory laparotomy, a bezoar was found impacted in the terminal ileum 5–6 inches away from the ileocecal valve and was removed through an enterotomy.

Discussion

Bezoars are concretions of fibers or foreign bodies in the alimentary tract. Small bowel obstruction is one of common clinical symptoms. The typical finding of well-defined intraluminal mass with mottled gas pattern in CT scan is suggestive of an intestinal bezoar. The treatment option of bezoar is surgery including manual fragmentation of bezoar and pushing it toward cecum, enterotomy or segmental bowel resection. Thorough exploration of abdominal cavity should be done to exclude the presence of concomitant bezoars. Recurrence is common unless underlying predisposing condition is corrected.

Conclusions

Bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction remains an uncommon diagnosis. It should be suspected in patients with an increased risk of bezoar formation, such as in the presence of previous gastric surgery, a history suggestive of increased fiber intake, or patient with psychiatric disorders. CT scan is helpful for preoperative diagnosis.

Effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for panic disorder in routine psychiatric care

OBJECTIVE

Guided Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) for panic disorder has been shown to be efficacious in several randomized controlled trials. However, the effectiveness of the treatment when delivered within routine psychiatric care has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ICBT for panic disorder within the context of routine psychiatric care.

METHOD

We conducted a cohort study investigating all patients (n = 570) who had received guided ICBT for panic disorder between 2007 and 2012 in a routine care setting at an out-patient psychiatric clinic providing Internet-based treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Self-report (PDSS-SR).

RESULTS

Participants made large improvements from screening and pretreatment assessments to posttreatment (Cohen's d range on the PDSS-SR = 1.07-1.55). Improvements were sustained at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that ICBT for panic disorder is as effective when delivered in a routine care context as in the previously published randomized controlled trials.