Comparison of the clinical effects of dual-modality endoscopy and traditional laparotomy for the treatment of intra-and extrahepatic bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Bile duct stones(BDSs)may cause patients to develop liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer.Currently,the success rate of surgical treatment for intrahepatic and extrahepatic BDSs is not satisfactory,and there is a risk of postoperative complic-ations.AIM To compare the clinical effects of dual-modality endoscopy(duodenoscopy and laparoscopy)with those of traditional laparotomy in the treatment of intra-and extrahepatic BDSs.METHODS Ninety-five patients with intra-and extrahepatic BDSs who sought medical services at Wuhan No.1 Hospital between August 2019 and May 2023 were selected;45 patients in the control group were treated by traditional laparotomy,and 50 patients in the research group were treated by dual-modality endoscopy.The following factors were collected for analysis:curative effects,safety(incision infection,biliary fistula,lung infection,hemobilia),surgical factors[surgery time,intraoperative blood loss(IBL)volume,gastrointestinal function recovery time,and length of hospital stay],serum inflammatory markers[tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-8],and oxidative stress[glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),and advanced protein oxidation products(AOPPs)].RESULTS The analysis revealed markedly better efficacy(an obviously higher total effective rate)in the research group than in the control group.In addition,an evidently lower postoperative complication rate,shorter surgical duration,gastrointestinal function recovery time and hospital stay,and lower IBL volume were observed in the research group.Furthermore,the posttreatment serum inflammatory marker(TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-8)levels were significantly lower in the research group than in the control group.Compared with those in the control group,the posttreatment GSH-Px,SOD,MDA and AOPPs in the research group were equivalent to the pretreatment levels;for example,the GSH-Px and SOD levels were significantly higher,while the MDA and AOPP levels were lower.CONCLUSION Dual-modality endoscopy therapy(duodenoscopy and laparoscopy)is more effective than traditional laparotomy in the treatment of intra-and extrahepatic BDSs and has a lower risk of postoperative complications;significantly shortened surgical time;shorter gastrointestinal function recovery time;shorter hospital stay;and lower intraop-erative bleeding volume,while having a significant inhibitory effect on excessive serum inflammation and causing little postoperative oxidative stress.

Delay for Performing Laparotomy for Extra Uterine Pregnancy in N’Djamena Mother and Child University Hospital

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is defined as any pregnancy developed outside the uterine cavity. Objective: to study the relationship between the duration of laparotomy for EP and maternal prognosis. Patients and method. This was a prospective analytical study performed during a period of six (06) months, from May 1st to October 30, 2023, on delay time to perform laparotomy for EP in N’Djamena Mother and child University hospital (NMCUH). We included in this series all patients admitted for EP managed by laparotomy. Data were collected using Word software and analyzed using SPSS 18.0 version 2018. The p value statistical test was used to compare variables (p significant if ≤5%). Results: We recorded 92 cases of EP out of 5751 pregnancies, giving a frequency of 1.6%. Among patients diagnosed with EP, 76/92 (82.6%) had an indication of laparotomy. In 90.8%, the EP was ruptured. On admission, the diagnosis of EP was made within 1 hour in 15.8% of cases. The time to sign the consent allowing doctor to operate was >1 hour in 14.5% of cases. The operating room was unavailable in 34.2% of cases, with an unavailability of >1 hour in 17.1% of cases. Total salpingectomy was performed in 93.4%. Salpingotomy was performed in 6.6%. The lethality rate was 3.9% with significant value when the delay after indication and admission in the operating room is >1 (p value = 0.03). Conclusion: Various factors, such as the search for blood products, the time loss to sign the consent form and the unavailability of the operating room, delay the laparotomy, influence maternal prognosis. Anticipation on these factors is necessary in order to limit the proportion of delays.

Post-laparotomy heterotopic ossification of the xiphoid process: A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic ossification(HO)represents all types of extraskeletal ossification in the body.It occurs in various areas,including the skin,subcutaneous tissue,muscle,and joints.Surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic HO.Postoperative radiotherapy,oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,and topical sealants,such as bone wax,have been recommended as preventive measures.As HO is rare in occurrence,these recommendations are based on personal experiences,and there is a lack of information on individualized treatments depending on its location.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was admitted for symptomatic HO along a laparotomy scar.Surgical excision was performed for an 11 cm-sized ossification originating from the xiphoid process,and bone wax was applied to the excisional margin.However,the surgical wound failed to heal.After several weeks of saline-soaked gauze dressing,delayed wound closure was performed.The patient was finally discharged eight weeks after the excision.Because HO can occur in various areas of the body,a treatment strategy that may be effective for some may not be for others.Bone wax has been used as a topical sealant over excisional margins in the shoulder,elbow,and temporomandibular joints.However,in our case,its application on an abdominal surgical wound delayed its primary healing intention.The valuable lesson was that,when choosing a treatment method for HO based on available research data,its location must be considered.CONCLUSION Complete excision should be the priority treatment option for symptomatic HO along the laparotomy scar.Bone wax application is not recommended.Core Tip:Heterotopic ossification(HO)represents all types of extraskeletal ossification,and occurs in various areas,including the skin,muscle,and joints.There are some suggested treatment and preventive approaches for symptomatic HO,which include surgical excision and preventive measures such as postoperative radiotherapy,oral nonsteroidal anti-inflam-matory drugs,and topical sealants(bone wax).However,these recommendations are based on personal experiences limited to HO in certain locations.It is important to individualize our treatment approaches depending on its location.For symptomatic HO along the laparotomy scar,complete surgical excision should be the priority treatment option,and bone wax application is not recommended.

Emergency exploratory laparotomy and radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer combined with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality.Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is a frequent complication of GC.Radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy are widely used surgical procedures in the clinical management of GC.This study intends to probe the clinical efficacy and safety of radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy on the basis of exploratory laparotomy in patients with GC combined with UGIB,hoping to provide valuable information to aid patients in selecting the appropriate surgical intervention.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy in patients with GC and UGIB combined.METHODS A total of 89 GC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China between July 2018 and July 2020 were selected as participants for this study.The 89 patients were divided into two groups:radical resection group(n=46)treated with exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy and Palliative group(n=43)treated with palliative therapy.The study compared several variables between the two groups,including surgical duration,intraoperative blood transfusion volume,postoperative anal exhaust time,off-bed activity time,length of hospitalization,and incidence of complications such as duodenal stump rupture,anastomotic obstruction,and postoperative incision.Additionally,postoperative immune function indicators(including CD3^(+),CD4^(+),CD8^(+),CD4^(+)/CD8^(+),and CD3^(+)/HLADR^(+)),immunoglobulin(IgG and IgM),tumor markers(CEA,CA199,and CA125),and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17,and TNF-α)were assessed.The surgical efficacy and postoperative quality of life recovery were also evaluated.The patients were monitored for survival and tumor recurrence at 6 mo,1 year,and 2 years post-surgery.RESULTS The results indicated that the duration of operation time and postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two surgical procedures.However,patients in the radical resection group exhibited shorter intraoperative blood loss,anus exhaust time,off-bed activity time,and inpatient activity time than those in the Palliative group.Although there was no substantial difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications,such as duodenal stump rupture and anastomotic obstruction,between the radical resection group and Palliative group(P>0.05),the radical resection group exhibited higher postoperative immune function indicators(including CD3^(+),CD4^(+),CD8^(+),etc.)and immunoglobulin levels(IgG,IgM)than the Palliative group,while tumor markers and inflammatory factors levels were lower than those in the radical resection group.Additionally,surgical efficacy,postoperative quality of life,and postoperative survival rates were higher in patients who underwent radical gastrectomy than in those who underwent palliative therapy.Moreover,the probability of postoperative tumor recurrence was lower in the radical gastrectomy group compared to the palliative therapy group,and these differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared to palliative therapy,exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy can improve immune function,reduce the levels of tumor markers and inflammatory factors,improve surgical efficacy,promote postoperative quality of life recovery,enhance survival rates,and attenuate the probability of tumor recurrence.

Preventing surgical site infection using operating room bundle of care in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery

Objective:Surgical procedures manifest immense risks to patients.One of the adverse events that healthcare professionals see as a threat to the patient’s health is the development of complications known as surgical site infection(SSI).Although several effor ts are being under taken to determine the proper means to reduce such complications,there is still a high incidence of SSI worldwide.Surgery requires knowledge in infection control and high precision in maintaining a clean surgical site.This study tested the effectiveness of an operating room(OR)bundle of care in preventing SSI in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery.Methods:A quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design was utilized to determine its effectiveness.The study was composed of 60 par ticipants divided into two groups:30 subjects were selected to receive the OR bundle of care,while the other 30 subjects received the usual care.The groupings were determined through a systematic random sampling technique.The OR bundle of care had three interventions,namely:(1)maintaining perioperative normothermia,(2)no pre-operative surgical site hair removal,and(3)changing gloves before abdominal wall closure.These patients were evaluated using the standard instrument,Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool(BWAT)in the post-intervention phases of the wound healing process,which are as follows:hemostasis,inflammatory,and proliferative phases.To describe the difference in the patients’wound status after implementation of the OR bundle of care in each post-intervention phase,Friedman’s test was used.To describe the difference in the patients’wound status in both groups after implementation of the OR bundle of care,the Mann–Whitney U test was used.Results:The patient’s wound status was lower,indicating a more healing process.Differences between the wound status of the control and the experimental group were observed on the third postoperative day.This indicates that the experimental group’s wound status healed much faster and more effectively than the control group based on the BWAT scoring severity scoring.A significant difference in the patient’s wound status from the hemostasis phase compared with the proliferative phase was observed.Conclusions:The OR bundle of care has been shown to be effective in preventing SSI in patients who had undergone exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery in the selected hospital,if there is uniform and consistent implementation of the said intervention.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Appendectomy Compared to Laparotomy in the Treatment of Acute Appendicitis

Objective:To analyze the clinical effects of laparoscopic appendectomy compared to traditional laparotomy in treating acute appendicitis.Methods:90 patients with acute appendicitis were selected as research subjects.They were divided into a control group and an observation group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group underwent traditional laparotomy,while the observation group underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.The intraoperative indicators,postoperative recovery indicators,postoperative stress indicators,and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operative time of the observation group was longer,but the incision length was shorter and the blood loss was lesser(P<0.05);the observation group had shorter postoperative first gas-passing time,recovery of gastrointestinal function,ambulation time,and lower postoperative pain score.The observation group had lower postoperative stress index levels(P<0.05);the observation group had a lower postoperative complication rate(P<0.05).Conclusion:Aside from prolonging the operative time,laparoscopic appendectomy is more ideal than traditional laparotomy in all other indicators and has better therapeutic effects in treating acute appendicitis.

Emergency laparotomy in octogenarians: A 5-year study of morbidity and mortality

AIM: To determine the morbidity and mortality associated with emergency laparotomy for a clinically acute abdomen in patients aged ≥ 80 years. METHODS: In this retrospective audit, octogenarians undergoing emergency laparotomy between 1st January 2005 and 1 st January 2010 were identified using the Galaxy Theatre System. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery through groin crease incisions or Lanz or Gridiron incisions were excluded. Also simple appendectomies were excluded. All patients were aged 80 years or more at the time of their surgery. Data were obtained using casenote review with a standardised proforma to determine patient age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, indications for surgery, early (within 30 d) and late (after 30 d) complications, mortality and length of stay. Data were inserted into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed. RESULTS: One hundred patients were identified from the database (Galaxy) as having undergone emergency laparotomy. Of those, 55 underwent the procedure for intestinal procedures and 37 for secondary peritonitis.There was a 2:1 female predominance; average age 85 and ASA grade 3. Bowel resection was required in 51 out of the 100 patients and 22 (43%) died. Other procedures included appendicectomy, adhesiolysis, repair of AAA graft leak and colostomies for the pathological process resulting in an acute abdomen. Twelve of 100 patients (12%) suffered intra-operative complications, including splenic and bowel-serosal tears. Seventy patients (70%) had postoperative complications including myocardial infarction, wound infection, haematoma and sepsis. Overall mortality was 45/100 patients (45%). The major causes of death were sepsis (19/45 patients, 42%), underlying cancer (13/45 patients, 29%); with others including bowel obstruction (2/45 patients, 4%), myocardial and intestinal ischaemia and dementia. CONCLUSION: Emergency laparotomy in octogenarians carries a significant morbidity and mortality. In particular, surgery requiring bowel resection has higher mortality than without resection.

Comparative analysis of APACHE-Ⅱ and P-POSSUM scoring systems in predicting postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy

BACKGROUND Laparotomy remains one of the commonest emergency surgical procedures.Early prognostic evaluation would aid in selecting the high-risk patients for an aggressive treatment.Awareness about risks could potentially contribute to the quality of perioperative care and optimum utilization of resources.Portsmouth modification of Physiological and operative severity for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (P-POSSUM) and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE-Ⅱ) have been the most widely used scoring systems for emergency laparotomies.It is always better to have a single scoring system to predict outcomes and audit healthcare organizations.AIM To compare the ability of APACHE-II and P-POSSUM to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.METHODS All patients undergoing emergency laparotomy at the Tata Main Hospital,Jamshedpur between December 2013 and November 2014 were included in the study.In this observational study,P-POSSUM and APACHE-Ⅱ scoring were done,and the outcome analysis evaluated with mortality being the primary outcome.RESULTS For P-POSSUM,at a cut off value of 63 to predict mortality using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis,the area under the curve was 0.989;and for APACHE-Ⅱ,at the cut off value of 24,the area under the curve was 0.965.CONCLUSION Because the ability of APACHE-Ⅱ to predict mortality was similar to P-POSSUM and APACHE-Ⅱ does not need scoring for intra-operative findings and histopathology reports,APACHE-Ⅱ can be used pre-operatively to assess the risk in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.However,for audit purposes,either of the two scoring systems can be used.

Comparison of two different laparotomy methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma

AIM:To compare two different laparotomy methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma.METHODS:Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups:A and B.Group A was assigned a traditional laparotomy method(embedding tumor fragments directly into the liver with tweezers).Group B was subjected to an improved laparotomy method(injection of tumor fragments into the liver through a 15 G syringe needle).The operation time, incision length, incision infection rate, and mortality rate were compared between the two groups after laparotomy.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed to evaluate tumor formation rates and the characteristics of the tumors 2 wk after laparotomy.RESULTS:The mean operation times for the two groups(Group A vs Group B) were 23.2 ± 3.4 min vs 17.5 ± 2.9 min(P < 0.05); the incision length was 3.3 ± 0.5 cm vs 2.4 ± 0.6 cm(P < 0.05); and the mortality rate after 2 wk was 26.7% vs 0%(P < 0.05); all of these outcomes were significantly different between the two groups.The incision infection rates in the two groups were 6.7% vs 0%(P > 0.05), whichwere not significantly different.MRI performed after 2weeks showed that the tumor formation rates in the two groups were 90.9%vs 93.3%(P>0.05).These rates were not significantly different between the two groups.The celiac implantation rate and abdominal wall metastasis rate in the two groups were 36.4%vs 13.3%(P<0.05)and 27.2%vs 6.7%(P<0.05),respectively,which were significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION:The tumor formation rates were not significantly different between the two methods for modeling rabbit VX2 hepatocarcinoma.However,the improved method is recommended because it has certain advantages.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Catheter Drainage versus Open Laparotomy with Temporary Closure for Treatment of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Patients with Early-stage Severe Acute Pancreatitis

This study aimed to examine the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous catheter drainage（PCD） versus open laparotomy with temporary closure in the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome（ACS） in patients with early-stage severe acute pancreatitis（SAP）. Clinical data of 212 patients who underwent PCD and 61 patients who were given open laparotomy with temporary closure in our hospital over the last 10-year period were retrospectively analyzed, and outcomes were compared, including total and post-decompression intensive care unit（ICU） and hospital stays, physiological data, organ dysfunction, complications, and mortality. The results showed that the organ dysfunction scores were similar between the PCD and open laparotomy groups 72 h after decompression. In the PCD group, 134 of 212（63.2%） patients required postoperative ICU support versus 60 of 61（98.4%） in the open laparotomy group（P〈0.001）. Additionally, 87（41.0%） PCD patients experienced complications as compared to 49 of 61（80.3%） in the open laparotomy group（P〈0.001）. There were 40（18.9%） and 32（52.5%） deaths, respectively, in the PCD and open laparotomy groups（P〈0.001）. In conclusion, minimally invasive PCD is superior to open laparotomy with temporary closure, with fewer complications and deaths occurring in PCD group.

Laparoscopic versus laparotomy approach to endometrial cancer: A prospective study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic (LPS) and laparotomy (LPT) approaches for endometrial cancer, and to assess intraoperative and postoperative results, disease-free survival and overall survival. Methods: We designed a prospective observational study, every patient diagnosed of endometrial cancer and subsidiary to surgical staging was included. Total hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed in every case. Paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed depending on tumor histology. Results: 70 patients with endometrial cancer were enrolled, 49 (70%) were treated laparoscopically and 21 (30%) laparotomically. There was not statistical significant difference in the mean operative time, it was 183.06 ± 21.03 min (range 120 - 230) in the LPS group and 195.24 ± 28.39 min (range 130 - 240) in the LPT group, mean difference 12.16 (95% CI ﹣0.2 - 24). There was no difference in the number of lymph nodes resected. Mean blood loss was lower in the LPS group. There were less postoperative complications, 3 (6.12%) in the LPS group and 7 (33.3%) in the LPT group (p Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach for endometrial cancer offers similar results in terms of survival and oncological radicality as the laparotomic approach and a lower rate of complications, a quicker convalescence time and a shorter hospital stay.

A comparative analysis of spontaneous fertility after myomectomy by laparotomy associated or not with a“second look”laparoscopy

Objective:The importance of a“second look”laparoscopy for adhesion formation after myomectomy by laparotomy in improving fertility is not clearly defined in our context.The aim of this study was to compare spontaneous fertility after myomectomy by laparotomy between women who underwent a“second look”laparoscopy and those who did not.Methods:We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from January 1,2008 to December 31,2015,comparing spontaneous fertility between patients who underwent“second-look”laparoscopy after myomectomy by laparotomy to those who did not.Firstly,data was collected from the records of patients included in the study.Secondly,through phone calls,informed consent for each participant was obtained after which inquiries were made regarding their fertility status.Results:After a period of 24 months,23 patients(47.9%)with“second look”laparoscopy conceived,compared to 37 patients(35.2%)without“second look”laparoscopy(p=0.136);and 24 patients(50.0%)with“second look”had term pregnancies compared to 39 patients(37.1%)without“second look”laparoscopy(p=0.134).Conclusion:Spontaneous fertility rates seemed to be improved after a“second look”laparoscopy,however,there was no statistically significant difference between spontaneous fertility rates obtained after myomectomy by laparotomy,irrespective of the fact that the patient had undergone a“second look”laparoscopy or not at Yaounde Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital.

RESULTS OF SECOND-LOOK LAPAROTOMY WITH EXTENSIVE DISSECTION OF RETROPERITONEAL LYMPH NODE IN OVARIAN CANCER PATIENTS

Objective: To evaluate retrospectively the results of extensive lymphadenectomy during second-look laparotomy on patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: A total of 63 patients with ovarian malignancies received second-look laparotomy (SLL). Retroperitoneal lymph nodes, including pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes below the level of left renal vein, were extensively dissected. Results: Of the 63 patients, residual tumor was found in 24 (38.0%) on SLL. The frequency of residual tumor was positively correlated with the clinical stage and with the amount of tumor left after initial debulking but not with degree of differentiation of tumor cells. Lymph node metastasis(LNM) was pathologically confirmed in 19 cases (30.2%), of which no residual tumor was found in 8 patients. Tumor recurred in only 4 of the 39 patients (10.3%) with negative SLL. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rate were 75.0% and 68.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Extensive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was recommended during SLL. It favored a decrease in recurrence rate in ovarian cancer patients negative on SLL.

Minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is associated with a higher incidence among residents in highaltitude areas.Hypoxic environment at high altitudes inhibits the phagocytic and oxygen-dependent killing function of phagocytes,thereby increasing the inflammatory factors,inhibiting the body’s innate immunity and increasing the risk of colon cancer.AIM To examine the effect of minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas.METHODS Ninety-two patients with colon cancer in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2021 were selected and divided into the minimally invasive surgery and laparotomy groups using the random number table method,with 46 patients in each group.Minimally invasive surgery was performed in the minimally invasive group and laparotomy in the laparotomy group.Operative conditions,inflammatory index pre-and post-surgery,immune function index and complication probability were measured.RESULTS Operative duration was significantly longer and intraoperative blood loss and recovery time of gastrointestinal function were significantly less(all P<0.05)in the minimally invasive group than in the laparotomy group.The number of lymph nodes dissected was not significantly different.Before surgery,there were no significant differences in serum C-reactive protein,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels between the groups,whereas after surgery,the levels were significantly higher in the minimally invasive group(26.98±6.91 mg/L,146.38±11.23 ng/mL and 83.51±8.69 pg/mL vs 41.15±8.39 mg/L,186.79±15.36 ng/mL and 110.65±12.84 pg/mL,respectively,P<0.05).Furthermore,before surgery,there were no significant differences in CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+levels between the groups,whereas after surgery,the levels decreased in both groups,being significantly higher in the minimally invasive group(55.61%±4.39%,35.45%±3.67%and 1.30±0.35 vs 49.68%±5.33%,31.21%±3.25%and 1.13±0.30,respectively,P<0.05).Complication probability was significantly lower in the minimally invasive group(4.35%vs 17.39%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic minimally invasive procedures reduce surgical trauma and alleviate the inflammatory response and immune dysfunction caused by invasive operation.It also shortens recovery time and reduces complication probability.

Clinico-Demographic Characteristics of Intestinal Tuberculosis in Pre-Operative Unsuspected Laparotomy as Incidental Findings in Bangladesh

Background: Clinical presentation of intestinal tuberculosis is varied. It is also essential to know the clinical and demographic characteristics of incidentally detected intestinal tuberculosis patient. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the clinic-demographic characteristics of intestinal tuberculosis in clinically and preoperatively unsuspected laparotomies. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from March 2002 to March 2004 for a period of two (2) years. All the patients underwent laparotomy presented without any suspicion of pulmonary or intestinal tuberculosis were included as study population. Patients who were without the history of cough, haemoptysis, antitubercular drug therapy were included. Per operative suspicion was raised due to enlarged lymph nodes in mesentery, omental masses, ileocaecal masses, suspicious growth in ileum, omental thickening, perforation suspected by tuberculosis. Biopsy was taken from suspicious lesions. Histopathology was confirmed the tubercular lesion. Results: A total number of 300 patients under laparotomy were recruited for this study of which 38 positive cases were found in the study with a percentage of 12.7%. Maximum affected age group was 21 to 30 years which was 16 (42%) cases. Male was predominant to female which was 28 (73.7%) cases and 10 (26.3%) cases respectively. Low socioeconomic people are affected more (76.3%). Most common presentation in positive cases was acute and sub-acute intestinal obstruction 20 (52.6%) followed by intestinal perforation (26.31%). Conclusion: In conclusion young age male patient is the most commonly affected intestinal tuberculosis which is frequently presented with sub-acute intestinal obstruction among the preoperatively unsuspected laparotomy patients.

A Prospective Study of Factors Influencing Wound Dehiscence after Midline Laparotomy

Aim: To evaluate the factors influencing fascial wound dehiscence after midline laparotomy in the patients of perforation peritonitis with an emphasis on measurement of “intra-abdominal” pressure (IAP) and fascial transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Methods: Hundred eligible adult patients with the diagnosis of perforation peritonitis who underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy were prospectively recruited. Forty five patients who developed midline abdominal wound dehiscence were compared with 55 patients without dehiscence. Results: The variables that were significantly associated with wound dehiscence include anemia, hypo proteinemia, duration of surgery, prolonged postoperative ileus, wound infection and postoperative pulmonary infection. Age, gender, jaundice, cause of peritonitis, wound contamination and types of surgery were non significant variables. The mean IAP value in the patients with dehiscence was significantly higher than “non-dehiscence” group (p = 0.000). The patients with wound dehiscence strongly expressed TGF-beta on the day of burst. Conclusion: The patients of peritonitis undergoing prolonged surgery in the presence of risk factors like anemia, hypo proteinemia, postoperative ileus, wound infection and postoperative pulmonary infection have high risk of abdominal wound dehiscence.

I-Gel: A Rescue Intubation Device in Unanticipated Difficult Intubation for Emergency Laparotomy

The “i-gel” is a newer, non-inflatable supraglottic airway device for clinical use and also for resuscitation purposes. It has also been found to be a useful ventilation and intubation device in anticipated simulated difficult airway situations. However, its use in unanticipated difficult airway situations in emergency set up has not been explored. We describe a case of 24 year male posted for emergency laparotomy that turned out to have an unanticipated difficult airway. Attempts to intubation and ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway insertion failed. However, “i-gel” proved to be a very handy intubating conduit in this critical situation.

Outcomes of Layered versus Mass Closure in Transverse Incision during Emergency Laparotomy in Children

Background: The value of laparotomy closure technique may be measured by the incidence of early and late wound complications. The best laparotomy closure technique should be less time consuming, easy and cost-effective, while preventing both early and late complications. Objective: To compare the outcomes of layered versus mass closure in transverse incision during emergency laparotomy in children. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2016 to June 2018. A total of 60 pediatric age cases that underwent laparotomy were included in this study. Cases were randomly allocated into two groups;30 patients were in Group A (Layered closure) and 30 patients were in Group B (Mass closure). The outcome variables were time required for wound closure, wound infection, wound dehiscence and incisional hernia. Data were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: The mean age of Group A and Group B patients were 31.08 ± 30.25 months and 34.70 ± 42.73 months respectively (p = 0.706). The ratio between male and female subject was 1.1:1 in Group A and 3.3:1 in Group B. The common diseases of the study patients who underwent laparotomy were intussusceptions, intestinal obstruction due to bands and adhesion, perforated appendix and perforation of small intestine due to blunt trauma respectively. Mean wound closure time was significantly less in mass closure group [28.20 ± 2.17 minutes in layered closure group and 18.80 ± 1.67 minutes in mass closure group, (p ≤ 0.001)]. Wound infection rate, incidence of superficial wound dehiscence, and incisional hernia were relatively less in mass closure group, however, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.053, p = 0.095 and p = 0.301 respectively). There was no complete wound dehiscence in Group A, but that was in 1 (3.3%) patient in Group B (p = 0.313). Conclusion: Mass closure technique is comparatively better than layered closure technique.

Closure of the Equine Nephrosplenic Space Using a Single LED Powered Trocar via Standing Mini-Laparotomy

Objective: To evaluate a technique using a custom-developed LED powered Single Port Trocar for closure of the nephrosplenic space via a standing mini-laparotomy. Design: Prospective case series. Animals: 60 client-owned horses with a history of nephrosplenic entrapment. Procedures: The nephrosplenic space was closed under direct visualization through a specifically designed LED powered Single Port Trocar in standing sedated horses having experienced recurrence or previous surgical correction of a nephrosplenic entrapment. Obliteration of the space was performed in a cranial to caudal direction in a simple continuous fashion. Time required for suturing the nephrosplenic space, as well as per and post-operative complications were recorded. Clients and referring veterinarians were asked to communicate any complication that occurred after discharge. Results: Surgical time ranged from 23 to 45 min. No complication except for self-limited spleen capsule bleeding occurred during the procedure. Minor wound discharge was noted in 2 cases, and another 2 horses developed post-surgical sweating patches close to the incision. All horses were allowed to progressively resume exercise, starting 1 month post discharge from the hospital. Cosmetic results were considered satisfactory and no recurrence of left dorsal displacement of the colon was reported post-surgery. Conclusions and clinical relevance: A Single Port LED powered Trocar is a technique that allows effective, fast, and safe closure of the nephrosplenic space in the standing horse with minimal instrumentation.

Postoperative Outcomes in Exploratory Laparotomy and Intestinal Resection in Children: A Secondary Descriptive Observational Analysis

Background: We previously reported independent predictors of intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. These were age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA), emergency situations, surgery and transfusion. ASA was the independent predictor of mortality. We conducted a secondary analysis of this previous retrospective study in patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy and intestinal resection. Objectives: The objective was to describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy and intestinal resection in the initial study and to present a research protocol for intraoperative and postoperative optimization. Methods: Secondary analysis of the initial study was used. The Ethics Committee approved the study. Results: There were 54 patients with a median age of 15.5 [0 - 172] months. Thirty-seven (68.5%) patients underwent intestinal resection, nine (16.7%) underwent exploratory laparotomy, and eight (16.8%) underwent laparotomy for volvulus. Fourteen (25.9%) patients had intraoperative and/or postoperative complications. Two (3.7%) patients had an intraoperative hemorrhagic shock. Two (3.7%) patients had a postoperative cardio-circulatory failure. Three (5.6%) had postoperative respiratory failure. One (1.8%) patient had postoperative multiple organ failure and neurologic failure. Three (5.6%) patients had postoperative abdominal sepsis. One (1.8%) patient had postoperative multiple organ sepsis and neuromeningeal sepsis. Four (7.4%) patients had postoperative pulmonary sepsis. Two (3.7%) had postoperative septicemia. Six (11.1%) patients had reoperations. Seventeen (31.5%) patients had an intraoperative transfusion. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.7% in two patients. Conclusion: The number of patients with postoperative complications in this cohort was not negligible. We, therefore, elaborated a research protocol where intraoperative patient management will be guided with transthoracic echocardiography for fluid and hemodynamic therapy optimization. The objective of this study protocol is to clarify the impact of intraoperative goal-directed fluid and hemodynamic therapy with transthoracic echocardiography on postoperative outcomes in terms of complications in pediatric surgical patients.