Utero-Cutaneous Fistula after Caesarean Section Delivery: Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Complication

Utero-cutaneous fistula following cesarean section is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented to our department four years after her second cesarean section with a history of pain and blood discharge from a previous Pfannenstiel incision, during menstruation, with an absence of vaginal menstrual flow. Despite a prior surgical repair operation, her symptoms persisted. A pelvic MRI was done to confirm the diagnosis of utero-cutaneous fistula, and surgical management was pursued. This case report aims to contribute to the existing literature on utero-cutaneous fistula and provide insights into the diagnostic considerations and management strategies for this rare complication.

Biliopleural fistula: A rare complication of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

A 79-year-old previously healthy man presented with acute acalculous cholecystitis with obstruction of the biliary tract. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, but returned to the hospital two days after discharge with a rare complication of this technique, biliopleural fistula. A thoracostomy tube was inserted to drain the pleural effusion, and the patient’s previous antibiotics reinstated. After two weeks of drainage and antibiotics, the fistula healed spontaneously without the need for further intervention.

Application of omental interposition to reduce pancreatic fistula and related complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy:A propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND The life-threatening complications following pancreatoduodenectomy(PD),intraabdominal hemorrhage,and postoperative infection,are associated with leaks from the anastomosis of pancreaticoduodenectomy.Although several methods have attempted to reduce the postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)rate after PD,few have been considered effective.The safety and short-term clinical benefits of omental interposition remain controversial.AIM To investigate the safety and feasibility of omental interposition to reduce the POPF rate and related complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS In total,196 consecutive patients underwent PD performed by the same surgical team.The patients were divided into two groups:An omental interposition group(127,64.8%)and a non-omental interposition group(69,35.2%).Propensity scorematched(PSM)analyses were performed to compare the severe complication rates and mortality between the two groups.RESULTS Following PSM,the clinically relevant POPF(CR-POPF,10.1%vs 24.6%;P=0.025)and delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage(1.4%vs 11.6%;P=0.016)rates were significantly lower in the omental interposition group.The omental interposition technique was associated with a shorter time to resume food intake(7 d vs 8 d;P=0.048)and shorter hospitalization period(16 d vs 21 d;P=0.031).Multivariate analyses showed that a high body mass index,nonapplication of omental interposition,and a main pancreatic duct diameter<3 mm were independent risk factors for CR-POPF.CONCLUSION The application of omental interposition is an effective and safe approach to reduce the CR-POPF rate and related complications after PD.

Non-Fistulous Complications of Prolonged Obstructed Labour among Obstetric Fistula Patients in Southern Nigeria

Background: Long-term complications of prolonged obstructed labour are multisystemic, obstetric fistula about the most devastating. Efforts at controlling obstetric fistula pay little attention to the non-fistulous injuries which reduce the quality of life of the affected women even after a successful fistula repair. The objectives of this study were to determine the burden of the non-fistulous complications among fistula patients, identify these injuries and the factors associated with them. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria from July to December 2016. The hospital has performed over 2600 free fistula repairs. This study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the hospital. The study population comprised of women who developed obstetric fistula following prolonged obstructed labour. Direct questioning, examination findings, operation findings and laboratory results, using a pre-tested, semi-structured and interviewer-administered proforma were used to collect data. Informed consent was obtained from the subjects. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 21. Frequency and proportions were used to describe categorical variables while means and standard deviation were used to describe continuous variables. Association between categorical variables and direct obstructed labour injuries was tested using chi-square test and predictors of obstructed labour injuries were determined using logistic regression. A P-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and sixty one (161) women participated in the study. The mean age of the women was 33.4 years while the mean parity was 3.2. Non-fistulous complications of prolonged obstructed labour were found in 96.9% (156) of the women. These included cervical retraction (42.2%), obstetric nerve palsy (30.4%), vaginal scarring (29.8%), partial urethral loss (16.1%), anal sphincter injury (3.1%), cervical stenosis (5.0%) and urethral stenosis (3.7%). Others were ammoniacal dermatitis (29.2%), secondary amenorrhoea (21.7%), secondary infertility (9.3%), dyspareunia (6.8%), hypomenorrhea (1.2%) and bladder stone (3.7%). Majority (79.4%) of the women with cervical retraction had caesarean section (CS) as against 20.6% who had vaginal delivery. This was statistically significant (P 0.001). A higher proportion of participants with amenorrhea were delivered via CS (44.3%) compared to those who had vaginal delivery (21.2%). This was also statistically significant (P = 0.012). Neurologic injury was associated with primiparity although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.171). Conclusion: Almost all fistula patients also have non-fistulous complications of prolonged obstructed labour. Efforts to manage the fistula should equally address these complications. We advocate comprehensive care for identification and management of these injuries to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of these women. To reduce complications like cervical retraction, there should be an emphasis on safer caesarean section for women with prolonged obstructed labour.

Physiologic Type Reconstruction in Complicated Corrosive Strictures of Upper Gastrointestinal Segment

Objectives: The main steps for physiologic type reconstruction in 50 complicated corrosive strictures of upper alimentary tract are presented. Methods: In successive developed gastric outlet and esophageal strictures a limited Billroth I resection (in 9) or conversion a prior precolic GEA in such anastomosis (in 5) and middle or total gastrectomies (in 3) were performed. A second stage substernal by-pass with isoperistaltic transverse colon segment was done 6 - 12 weeks later. In all but one instances the graft was implanted high in the gastric stump. In extensive burned and retracted such lesion (in 3) a similar by-pass was carried out but the lower anastomosis was done with the not involved prepyloric segement. In concomittant antropyloric and esophageal strictures in 11 young, good risk patients, a limited Billroth I resction and simultaneous colonic bypass was used. In case of accompanied respiratory fistula (in 4) exclusion by-pass was useful for both lesions. The associated pyloric stricture (in 3) was solved at the same time. Side-to-end pharyngocolostomy was used in 4 high thoracocervical strictures. In 8 previously perforated strictures the by-ass was performed 2 months later. Reults: The overall mortality was 4%. The postoperative morbidity was low (8%). All cervical leaks closed spontaneously. Particular late complications required revisional surgery in 12, 5% of cases. Conclusion: In complicated corrosive strictures (esophageal, gastric, fistulas) limited Billoth I resection, isoperistaltic colon by-pass with high gastrocolic anastomosis, good gastric drainage and maintenance of the duodenum in gastrointestinal continuity are the main factors to achieve the best functional results.

Direct visualization of postoperative aortobronchial fistula on computed tomography

BACKGROUND Postoperative aortobronchial fistula(ABF)is a rare complication that can occur in 0.3%-5.0%of patients over an extended period of time after thoracic aortic surgery.Direct visualization of the fistula via imaging is rare.AIM To investigate the relationship between computed tomography(CT)findings and the clinical signs/symptoms of ABF after thoracic aortic surgery.METHODS Six patients(mean age 71 years,including 4 men and 2 women)with suspected ABF on CT(air around the graft)at our hospital were included in this retrospective study between January 2004 and September 2022.Chest CT findings included direct confirmation of ABF,peri-graft fluid,ring enhancement,dirty fat sign,atelectasis,pulmonary hemorrhage,and bronchodilation,and the clinical course were retrospectively reviewed.The proportion of each type of CT finding was calculated.RESULTS ABF detection after surgery was found to have a mean and median of 14 and 13 years,respectively.Initial signs and symptoms were asymptomatic in 4 patients,bloody sputum was found in 1 patient,and fever was present in 1 patient.The complications of ABF included graft infection in 2 patients and graft infection with hemoptysis in 2 patients.Of the 6 patients,3 survived,2 died,and 1 was lost to follow-up.The locations of the ABFs were as follows:1 in the ascending aorta;1 in the aortic arch;2 in the aortic arch leading to the descending aorta;and 2 in the descending aorta.ABFs were directly confirmed by CT in 4/6(67%)patients.Peri-graft dirty fat(4/6,67%)and peri-graft ring enhancement(3/6,50%)were associated with graft infection,endoleaks and pseudoaneurysms were associated with hemoptysis(2/6,33%).CONCLUSION Asymptomatic ABF after thoracic aortic surgery can be confirmed on chest CT.CT is useful for the diagnosis of ABF and its complications.

Risk Factors of Early Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy in 200 Consecutive Patients

To study the risk factors for early complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD）. Methods： Two hundred patients undergoing PD at our hospital between December 1996 and September 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Standard PD was performed on 176 cases, standard PD with extended lymphadenectomy on 24 patients, whereas pylorus-preserving PD was not used. An end-toside combined with mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy was performed on the patients with a hard pancreas and a dilated pancreatic duct, and a traditional end-to-end invagination pancreaticojejunostomy on the patients with a soft pancreas and a non-dilated duct. The risk factors with the potential to affect the incidence of complications were analyzed with SAS 8.12 software. Logistic regression was then used to determine the effect of multiple factors on early complications. Results： The overall rate of the major com- plications was 21% （42/200）, with the failure of pancreaticojejunal anastomosis being the most frequently encountered. Age （odds ratio [OR] 2.162）, diabetes mellitus （OR 4.086）, total serum bilirubin level （OR 7.556）, end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy （OR 2.616）, T tube through the choledochojejunostomy （OR 0.100）, and blood transfusion over 1000 mL （OR 2.410） were the significant risk factors for the morbidity. Conclusion： The results from published series concerning morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy are not comparable because of lack of homogeneity between them. The knowledge of the complications rate in each particular department turns out essentially to provide the patient with tailored information about risks before surgery. Additionally, management of postoperative complications is essential for improving the results of this operation.

Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula: Analysis of 539 successive cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM To analyze the risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 539 successive cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at our hospital from March 2012 to October 2015. Pancreatic fistula was diagnosed in strict accordance with the definition of pancreatic fistula from the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. The risk factors for pancreatic fistula were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS A total of 269(49.9%) cases of pancreatic fistula occurred after pancreaticoduodenectomy,including 71(13.17%) cases of grade A pancreatic fistula,178(33.02%) cases of grade B,and 20(3.71%) cases of grade C. Univariate analysis showed no significant correlation between postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) and the following factors: age,hypertension,alcohol consumption,smoking,history of upper abdominal surgery,preoperative jaundice management,preoperative bilirubin,preoperative albumin,pancreatic duct drainage,intraoperative blood loss,operative time,intraoperative blood transfusion,Braun anastomosis,and pancreaticoduodenectomy(with or without pylorus preservation). Conversely,a significant correlation was observed between POPF and the following factors: gender(male vs female: 54.23% vs 42.35%,P = 0.008),diabetes(non-diabetic vs diabetic: 51.61% vs 39.19%,P = 0.047),body mass index(BMI)(≤ 25 vs > 25: 46.94% vs 57.82%,P = 0.024),blood glucose level(≤ 6.0 mmol/L vs > 6.0 mmol/L: 54.75% vs 41.14%,P = 0.002),pancreaticojejunal anastomosis technique(pancreatic duct-jejunum double-layer mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis vs pancreatic-jejunum single-layer mucosa-tomucosa anastomosis: 57.54% vs 35.46%,P = 0.000),diameter of the pancreatic duct(≤ 3 mm vs > 3 mm: 57.81% vs 38.36%,P = 0.000),and pancreatic texture(soft vs hard: 56.72% vs 29.93%,P = 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender(male),BMI > 25,pancreatic duct-jejunum double-layer mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis,pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm,and soft pancreas were risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.CONCLUSION Gender(male),BMI > 25,pancreatic duct-jejunum double-layer mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis,pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm,and soft pancreas were risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clip: Including complications after endoscopic submucosal dissection

AIM: To retrospectively review the results of over-thescope clip (OTSC) use in our hospital and to examine the feasibility of using the OTSC to treat perforations after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: We enrolled 23 patients who presented with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, fistulae and perforations and were treated with OTSCs (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) between November 2011 and September 2012. Maximum lesion size was defined as lesion diameter. The number of OTSCs to be used per patient was not decided until the lesion was completely closed. We used a twin grasper (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) as a grasping device for all the patients. A 9 mm OTSC was chosen for use in the esophagus and colon, and a 10 mm device was used for the stomach, duodenum and rectum. The overall success rate and complications were evaluated, with a particular emphasis on patients who had undergone ESD due to adenocarcinoma. In technical successful cases we included not only complete closing by using OTSCs, but also partial closing where complete closure with OTSCs is almost difficult. In overall clinical successful cases we included only complete closing by using only OTSCs perfectly. All the OTSCs were placed by 2 experienced endoscopists. The sites closed after ESD included not only the perforation site but also all defective ulcers sites.RESULTS: A total of 23 patients [mean age 77 years (range 64-98 years)] underwent OTSC placement during the study period. The indications for OTSC placement were GI bleeding (n = 9), perforation (n = 10), fistula (n = 4) and the prevention of post-ESD duodenal artificial ulcer perforation (n = 1). One patient had a perforation caused by a glycerin enema, after which a fistula formed. Lesion closure using the OTSC alone was successful in 19 out of 23 patients, and overall success rate was 82.6%. A large lesion size (greater than 20 mm) and a delayed diagnosis (more than 1 wk) were the major contributing factors for the overall unsuccessful clinical cases. The location of the unsuccessful lesion was in the stomach. The median operation time in the successful cases was 18 min, and the average observation time was 67 d. During the observation period, none of the patients experienced any complications associated with OTSC placement. In addition, we successfully used the OTSC to close the perforation site after ESD in 6 patients. This was a single-center, retrospective study with a small sample size. CONCLUSION: The OTSC is effective for treating GI bleeding, fistulae as well as perforations, and the OTSC technique proofed effective treatment for perforation after ESD.

Analysis of risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To explore the morbidity and risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Risk scoring system and predictor for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To establish a scoring system to predict clinicallyrelevant postoperative pancreatic fistula(CR-POPF)after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).METHODS: The clinical records of 921 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) was defined and classified by the international study group of pancreatic fistula(ISGPF).We used a logistic regression model to determine the independent risk factors of CR-POPF and developed a scoring system based on the regression coefficient of the logistic regression model. The optimal cut-off value to divide the risk strata was determined by the Youden index. The patients were divided into two groups(low risk and high risk). The independent sample t test was used to detect differences in the means of drain amylase on postoperative day(POD) 1, 2 and 3. The optimal cut-off level of the drain amylase to distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinical POPF in the two risk strata groups was determined using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves.RESULTS: Grade A POPF occurred in 106(11.5%)patients, grade B occurred in 57(6.2%) patients,and grade C occurred in 32(3.5%) patients. A predictive scoring system for CR-POPF(0-6 points) was constructed using the following four factors: 1 point for each body mass index ≥ 28 [odds ratio(OR) = 3.86;95% confidence interval(CI): 1.92-7.75, P = 0.00],soft gland texture(OR = 4.50; 95%CI, 2.53-7.98, P =0.00), and the difference between the blood loss and transfusion in operation ≥ 800 mL(OR = 3.45; 95%CI,1.92-7.75, P = 0.00); and from 0 points for a 5 mm or greater duct diameter to 3 points for a less than 2 mm duct(OR = 8.97; 95%CI: 3.70-21.77, P = 0.00). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of this score was 0.812. A score of 3 points was suggested to be the best cut-off value(Youden index = 0.485). In the low risk group, a drain amylase level ≥ 3600 U/L on POD3 could distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinicalPOPF(the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and85%, respectively). In the high risk group, the best cutoff was a drain amylase level of 1600(the sensitivity and specificity were 77 and 63%, respectively).CONCLUSION: A 6-point scoring system accurately predicted the occurrence of CR-POPF. In addition, a drain amylase level on POD3 might be a predictor of this complication.

Risk factors to predict severe postoperative pancreatic fistula following gastrectomy for gastric cancer

AIM:To allow the identification of high-risk postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)patients with special reference to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula(ISGPF)classification.METHODS:Between 1997 and 2010,1341 consecutive patients underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at the Department of Digestive Surgery,Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine,Japan.Based on the preoperative diagnosis,total or distal gastrectomy and sufficient lymphadenectomy was performed,mainly according to the Japanese guidelines for the treatment of gastric cancer.Of these,35 patients(2.6%)were diagnosed with Grade B or C POPF according to the ISGPF classification and were treated intensively.The hospital records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively.RESULTS:Of 35 patients with severe POPF,17(49%)and 18(51%)patients were classified as Grade B and C POPF,respectively.From several clinical factors,the severity of POPF according to the ISGPF classification was significantly correlated with the duration of intensive POPF treatments(P=0.035).Regarding the clinical factors to distinguish extremely severe POPF,older patients(P=0.035,65 years≤vs<65 years old)and those with lower lymphocyte counts at the diagnosis of POPF(P=0.007,<1400/mm3vs 1400/mm3≤)were significantly correlated with Grade C POPF,and a low lymphocyte count was an independent risk factor by multivariate analysis[P=0.045,OR=10.45(95%CI:1.050-104.1)].CONCLUSION:Caution and intensive care are required for older POPF patients and those with lower lymphocyte counts at the diagnosis of POPF.

Novel risk scoring system for prediction of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND The available prediction models for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) do not incorporate both preoperative and intraoperative variables. AIM To construct a new risk scoring system for CR-POPF that includes both preoperative and intraoperative factors. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving PD (PPPD) between January 2011 and December 2016 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Patients were divided into a study (01/2011 to 12/2014) or validation (01/2015 to 12/2016) group according to the time of admission. POPF severity was classified into three grades: Biochemical leak (grade A) and CR-POPF (grades B and C). Logistic regression was used to create a predictive scoring system. RESULTS Preoperative serum albumin ≥ 35 g/L [P = 0.032, odds ratio (OR)= 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.99], hard pancreatic texture (P = 0.004, OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.10-0.64), pancreatic duct diameter ≥ 3 mm (P = 0.029, OR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.27-0.93), and intraoperative blood loss ≥ 500 mL (P = 0.006, OR = 1.002, 95%CI:1.001-1.003) were independently associated with CR-POPF. We established a 10-point risk scoring system to predict CR-POPF. The area under the curve was 0.821 (95%CI: 0.736-0.905) and the cut-off value was 3.5. Including drain amylase levels improved the predictive power of the model. CONCLUSION This study established a 10-point scoring system to predict CR-POPF after PD/PPPD using preoperative and intraoperative parameters. Ultimately, this system could be used to distinguish between high- and low-risk populations in order to facilitate timely interventions after PD.

Early complications after interventions in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM: To identify the possible predictors of early complications after the initial intervention in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.METHODS: We collected the medical records of 334 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who received initial intervention in our center. Complications associated with predictors were analyzed.RESULTS: The postoperative mortality rate was 16% (53/334). Up to 31% of patients were successfully treated with percutaneous catheter drainage alone. The rates of intra-abdominal bleeding, colonic fistula, and progressive infection were 15% (50/334), 20% (68/334), and 26% (87/334), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that Marshall score upon admission, multiple organ failure, preoperative respiratory infection, and sepsis were the predictors of postoperative progressive infection (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Single organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission, and C-reactive protein level upon admission were the risk factors of postoperative colonic fistula (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Moreover, preoperative Marshall score, organ failure, sepsis, and preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome were the risk factors of postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P &#x0003c; 0.05).CONCLUSION: Marshall score, organ failures, preoperative respiratory infection, sepsis, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and C-reactive protein level upon admission are associated with postoperative complications.

Acute mediastinitis arising from pancreatic mediastinal fistula in recurrent pancreatitis

Acute mediastinitis is a fatal disease that usually originates from esophageal perforation and surgical infection.Rare cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis can occur following oral cavity and pharynx infection or can be a complication of pancreatitis.The most common thoracic complications of pancreatic disease are reactive pleural effusion and pneumonia,while rare complications include thoracic conditions,such as pancreaticopleural fistula with massive pleural effusion or hemothorax and extension of pseudocyst into the mediastinum.There have been no reports of acute mediastinitis originating from pancreatitis in South Korea.In this report,we present the case of a 50-year-old female suffering from acute mediastinitis with pleural effusion arising from recurrent pancreatitis that improved after surgical intervention.

Pancreatic fistula after pancreatectomy:Evolving definitions,preventive strategies and modern management

Pancreatic resection is the treatment of choice for pancreatic malignancy and certain benign pancreatic disorders. However, pancreatic resection is technically a demanding procedure and whereas mortality after a pancreaticoduodenectomy is currently < 3%-5% in experienced high-volume centers, post-operative morbidity is considerable, about 30%-50%. At present, the single most significant cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreatectomy is the development of pancreatic leakage and fistula (PF). The occurrence of a PF increases the length of hospital stay and the cost of treatment, requires additional investigations and procedures, and can result in life-threatening complications. There is no universally accepted definition of PF that would allow standardized reporting and proper comparison of outcomes between different centers. However, early recognition of a PF and prompt institution of appropriate treatment is critical to the prevention of potentially devastating consequences. The present article, reviews the evolution of post resection pancreatic fistula as a concept, and discusses evolving definitions, the current preventive strategies and the management of this problem.

Biliary fistula after treatment for hydatid disease of the liver:When to intervene

AIM:To determine the outcome of patients with biliary fistula(BF)after treatment for hydatid disease of the liver. METHODS:Between January 2000 and December 2010,out of 301 patients with a diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the liver,282 patients who underwent treatment [either surgery or puncture,aspiration,injection and reaspiration(PAIR)procedure]were analysed.Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of postoperative biliary fistula(PBF)(PBF vs no-PBF groups,respectively).Preoperative clinical,radiological and laboratory characteristics,operative characteristics including type of surgery,peroperative detection of BF,postoperative drain output,morbidity,mortality and length of hospital stays of patients were compared amongst groups.Multivariate analysis was performed to detect factors predictive of PBF.Receiver operative characteristics(ROC)curve analysis were used to determine ideal cutoff values for those variables found to be significant.A comparison was also made between patients whose fistula closed spontaneously(CS)and those with intervention in order to find predictive fac-tors associated with spontaneous closure. RESULTS:Among 282 patients[median(range)age, 23(16-78)years;77.0%male];210(74.5%)were treated with conservative surgery,33(11.7%)radical surgery and 39(13.8%)underwent percutaneous drainage with PAIR procedure A PBF developed in 46(16.3%) patients,all within 5 d after operation.The maximum cyst diameter and preoperative alkaline phosphatase levels(U/L)were significantly higher in the PBF group than in the no-PBF group[10.5±3.7 U/L vs 8.4±3.5 U/L(P<0.001)and 40.0±235.1 U/Lvs 190.0±167.3 U/L(P=0.02),respectively].Hospitalization time was also significantly longer in the PBF group than in the no-PBF group[37.4±18.0 d vs 22.4±17.9 d(P< 0.001)].A preoperative high alanine aminotransferase level(>40 U/L)and a peroperative attempt for fistula closure were significant predictors of PBF development (P=0.02,95%CI:-0.03-0.5 and P=0.001,95%CI:0.1-0.4),respectively.Comparison of patients whose PBF CS or with biliary intervention(BI)revealed that the mean diameter of the cyst was not significantly different between CS and BI groups however maximum drain output was significantly higher in the BI group(81.6± 118.1 cm vs 423.9±298.4 cm,P<0.001).Time for fistula closure was significantly higher in the BI group(10.1 ±3.7 d vs 30.7±15.1 d,P<0.001).The ROC curve analysis revealed cut-off values of a maximum bilious drainage<102 mL and a waiting period of 5.5 postoperative days for spontaneous closure with the sensitivity and specificity values of(83.3%-91.1%,AUC:0.90)and (97%-91%,AUC:0.95),respectively.The multivariate analysis demonstrated a PBF drainage volume<102 mL to be the only statistically significant predictor of spontaneous closure(P<0.001,95%CI:0.5-1.0). CONCLUSION:Patients with PBF after hydatid surgery often have complicated postoperative course with serious morbidity.Patients who develop PBF with an output <102 mL might be managed expectantly.

Drainage fluid and serum amylase levels accurately predict development of postoperative pancreatic fistula

AIM To investigate potential biomarkers for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula( POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).METHODS We prospectively recruited 83 patients to this study. All patients underwent PD(Child's procedure) at the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery at the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University between June 2011 and April 2015. Data pertaining to demographic variables, clinical characteristics, texture of pancreas, surgical approach, histopathological results, white blood cell count, amylase and choline levels in the serum, pancreatic/gastric drainage fluid, and choline and amylase levels in abdominal drainage fluid were included in the analysis. Potential correlations between these parameters and postoperative complications such as, POPF, acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, and biliary fistula, were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-eight out of the 83(33.7%) patients developed POPF. The severity of POPF was classified as Grade A in 8(28%) patients, grade B in 16(58%), and grade C in4(14%), according to the pancreatic fistula criteria. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, higher amylase level in the abdominal drainage fluid on postoperative day(POD)1 and higher serum amylase levels on POD4 showed a significant correlation with POPF(P < 0.05). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, amylase cut-off level of 2365.5 U/L in the abdominal drainage fluid was associated with a 78.6% sensitivity and 80% specificity [area under the curve(AUC): 0.844; P = 0.009]. A cut-off serum amylase level of 44.2 U/L was associated with a 78.6% sensitivity and 70.9% specificity(AUC: 0.784; P = 0.05).CONCLUSION Amylase level in the abdominal drainage fluid on POD1 and serum amylase level on POD4 represent novel biomarkers associated with POPF development.

A case of biliary gastric fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation （RFA） is an effective and safe therapeutic modality in the management of liver malignancies, performed with ultrasound guidance. Potential complications of RFA include liver abscess, ascites, pleural effusion, skin burn, hypoxemia, pneumothorax, subcapsular hematoma, hemoperitoneum, liver failure, tumour seeding, biliary lesions. Here we describe for the first time a case of biliary gastric fistula occurred in a 66-year old man with a Child＇s class A alcoholic liver cirrhosis as a complication of RFA of a large hepatocellular carcinoma lesion in the nl segment. In the light of this case, RFA with injection of saline between the liver and adjacent gastrointestinal tract, as well as laparoscopic RFA, ethanol injection （PEI）, or other techniques such as chemoembolization, appear to be more indicated than percutaneous RFA for large lesions close to the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrocolic fistula in Crohn’s disease detected by oral agent contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report of a novel ultrasound modality

BACKGROUND Fistulas are common complications of Crohn’s disease(CD).Gastrocolic fistulas(GFs)are rare,occult and potentially life-threatening complications.Few cases of GFs have been reported.Oral agent contrast-enhanced ultrasound(OA-CEUS)is a novel technique of ultrasound(US)for gut.Contrast agent made by Chinese yam is taken orally to dilate the lumen of the upper gastrointestinal tract.Thus,the impediment of gas inside gastrointestinal tract is removed and a good acoustic window is provided for gastroin-testinal tract scanning.This paper describes a case of GF secondary to CD detected by OA-CEUS when it was missed by endoscopy and computed tomography(CT).To our knowledge,this is the first report of GF secondary to CD detected by OA-CEUS up to date.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old woman with a 6-year history of CD was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain and diarrhea for 5 months without obvious predisposing causes.Initial gastroscopy failed to show any evidence of lesions.Colonoscopy revealed multiple erosions,mucosal nodularity,linear ulcers and a cobblestone appearance.A CT scan of her abdomen showed a complex multilocular structure adherent to the greater curvature of the stomach in her left lower abdomen,with fluid,gas and significant surrounding inflammation.CT also demonstrated an abdominal abscess,which was later treated with US-guided drainage.Colonoscopy,gastroscopy and CT missed the presence of a GF.OA-CEUS was performed.A contrast agent made from Chinese yam was taken orally to dilate the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.A good acoustic window was provided for gastrointestinal tract scanning and the impediment of gas inside the gastrointestinal tract was removed.With the aid of the“window”,a canal with hypoechoic wall was identified connecting the greater curvature of stomach to the splenic colon flexure in free sections.We also observed the hyperechoic gas flowing dynamically inside the canal.Thus,a GF was suspected.US is the first imaging modality taking GF into account.At the same time,OA-CEUS identified the site of the fistula and its two orifices.Gastroscopy was performed again,revealing a small ulcer approximately 5 mm in diameter,which was considered as an orifice.On the basis of OA-CEUS and other examinations,the patient was diagnosed with a GF secondary to CD.Then,laparoscopic exploration,partial stomach resection,transverse colostomy and abdominal abscess drainage were performed.The patient recovered uneventfully.CONCLUSION GFs are rare,occult and potentially life-threatening complications in CD.US is one of the first-line modalities to evaluate CD and its complications.OA-CEUS,a novel technique of US for gut,may be helpful in reducing the possibility of a missed diagnosis of GF.