Retraction: Colonic Gallstone Ileus: A Rare Etiology of Large Bowel Obstruction

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20338.].

The Role of Systemic and Topical Beta-Blockers in Dermatology: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Beta-blockers are proven to be safe and cost-effective agents in treating multiple dermatological conditions, which is why they are considered as an interesting and good alternative therapeutic agent by dermatologists. To our knowledge, there has been no comprehensive systematic review to date summarizing the role of both systemic and topical beta-blockers in dermatology.

METHODS

In this systematic review, we aim to review recent and relevant published literature in order to provide a comprehensive evidence-based summary to inform dermatologists.

RESULTS

An electronic-based literature search was carried out during October-December 2021 in the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS (EMBASE), and Cochrane Library. Furthermore, bibliographic sources were also reviewed for the selected articles. We followed The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 (PRISMA) guidelines. We reviewed published literature about the role of beta-blockers in dermatology for the time period (January 2016 to December 2021).

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 126 publications were retrieved from different databases, of which 59 studies were finally included in our review after excluding non-eligible literature in accordance with our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included articles consisted of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, clinical trials, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and case reports. In general, data in reviewed literature showed that both systemic and topical beta-blockers were reliable and safe therapeutic options in treating different dermatoses. Their effect has been studied as a mono-therapy, also as an adjuvant therapy combined with other current disease-specific therapeutic modalities such as lasers, radiation, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, or other beta-blockers options. Local and systemic adverse effects were mainly minor and non-significant.

Colonic Gallstone Ileus: A Rare Etiology of Large Bowel Obstruction

Large bowel obstruction is a surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and management. It is frequently caused by colon cancer. However, the common benign etiologies include volvulus, hernia, adhesions, and strictures. Imaging studies are essential to establish the diagnosis and identify the etiology. We present the case of a 44-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension for a one-week duration. The pain was associated with decreased bowel motions and vomiting. Her past medical history was significant for diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and recurrent episodes of biliary colic. Upon examination, she had tachycardia, normal temperature, and normal blood pressure. Abdominal examination revealed a distended abdomen with generalized tenderness and increased intensity of bowel sounds. The laboratory markers were noncontributory. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast demonstrated the presence of an oval-shaped hypodense intraluminal mass in the sigmoid colon where there was a transition point with proximal colonic dilatation. There was an abnormal communication between the gallbladder and the colon at the hepatic flexure, representing a cholecystocolic fistula tract. This represents a mechanical obstruction of the large bowel due to migrated gallstone through a cholecystocolic fistula tract. The patient was prepared for an emergency laparotomy. The gallstone was removed, and the sigmoid colon was sutured primarily. Resection of the gallbladder was made with the closure of the fistula tract. Following the surgery, the patient reported a resolution of her abdominal pain. Oral feeding was started gradually. After six months of close follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with no new complaints. Cholecystocolic fistula is a very rare complication of gallbladder disease. Despite its rarity, surgeons should remember this etiology of large intestinal obstruction when they encounter a patient with gallbladder disease.