Modified technical protocol for single-port laparoscopic appendectomy using needle-type grasping forceps for acute simple appendicitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Because of the mild inflammatory status in acute uncomplicated appendicitis,our team developed a novel technical protocol for single-port laparoscopic appendec-tomy using needle-type grasping forceps(SLAN)and achieved positive clinical outcomes.However,the intraoperative procedure lacked stability and fluency due to a series of problems highlighted by the small incision design of the proto-col(only 1 cm long).Therefore,there is a growing clinical demand to further opti-mize the SLAN protocol.CASE SUMMARY An adult male patient was admitted for persistent right lower abdominal pain with preoperative computed tomography findings suggestive of appendicitis accompanied by localized peritonitis.A modified technical protocol for SLAN based on minimally invasive surgical principles was used,and the patient was confirmed to have acute simple appendicitis by postoperative pathological ana-lysis.Postoperative recovery was uneventful,and no postoperative complications,such as incision infection or severe incision pain,were observed.The patient was discharged successfully on postoperative day 2.CONCLUSION The modified technical protocol of SLAN may be a new minimally invasive surgical alternative for patients with acute simple appendicitis.

Effects of oral probiotics on inflammation and intestinal function in adult patients after appendectomy:Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Appendectomy is an acute abdominal surgery that is often accompanied by severe abdominal inflammation.Oral probiotics are one of the postoperative treatments for rapid rehabilitation.However,there is a lack of prospective studies on this topic after appendectomy.AIM To investigate whether the postoperative probiotics can modulate the inflammatory response and restore intestinal function in patients following appendectomy.METHODS This was a prospective,randomized trial.A total of 60 emergency patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=30)and a probiotic group(n=30).Patients in the control group started to drink some water the first day after surgery,and those in the probiotic group were given water supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis capsules for 5 consecutive days postsurgery.The indices of inflammation and postoperative conditions were recorded,and the data were analyzed with RStudio 4.3.2 software.RESULTS A total of 60 participants were included.Compared with those in the control group,the C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin 6 and procalcitonin(PCT)levels were significantly lower in the probiotic group at 2 d after surgery(P=2.224e-05,P=0.037,and P=0.002,respectively,all P<0.05).This trend persisted at day 5 post-surgery,with CRP and PCT levels remaining significantly lower in the probiotic group(P=0.001 and P=0.043,both P<0.05).Furthermore,probiotics0.028,both P<0.05).CONCLUSION Postoperative oral administration of probiotics may modulate the gut microbiota,benefit the recovery of the early inflammatory response,and subsequently enhance recovery after appendectomy.

Clinical significance of peri-appendiceal abscess and phlegmon in acute complicated appendicitis patients undergoing emergency appendectomy

BACKGROUND Although antibiotic therapy has become the primary treatment for acute unco-mplicated appendicitis,the management of acute complicated appendicitis nece-ssitates careful consideration of various treatment options.AIM To analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent emergency appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon,identify factors influencing the postoperative length of hospital stay(LOS),and improve treatment strategies.METHODS The clinical data of acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon who underwent emergency appendectomy at The Depart-ment of Emergency Surgery,Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from January 2016 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS A total of 234 patients were included in our study.The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith were significantly correlated with the occurrence of peri-appendiceal abscess in patients with acute complicated appendicitis(P<0.001 and P=0.015,respectively).Patients with symptoms lasting longer than 72 h had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with symptoms lasting 72 h or less[hazard ratio(HR),1.208;95%CI:1.107-1.319;P<0.001].Additionally,patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with phlegmon(HR,1.217;95%CI:1.095-1.352;P<0.001).The patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses were divided into two groups based on the median size of the abscess:Those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm(n=69)and those with abscesses 5.0 cm or larger(n=82).Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses measuring 5.0 cm or larger had a significantly longer postoperative LOS than those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm(P=0.038).CONCLUSION The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith are significant risk factors for the formation of peri-appendiceal abscesses in patients with acute complicated appendicitis.Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses experience a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with peri-appendiceal phlegmon.

Laparoscopic Appendectomies at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Acute appendicitis represents an urgent surgical condition, requiring the removal of the vermiform appendix. Laparoscopy is the standard surgical approach. This study aimed to outline the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis. Patients and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective analysis was carried out in the Emergency and Digestive Surgery departments of the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, spanning two years from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. The study included all patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for non-complicated acute appendicitis. Results: The study included 12 cases of non-complicated acute appendicitis treated with urgent laparoscopy. The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 8.9 years, with a sex ratio of 0.7. The predominant symptom leading to consultation was pain in the right iliac fossa, with an average time to consultation of 6.4 ± 5.7 hours. Patient histories included diabetes in one case, obesity in two cases, and one case of prior abdominoplasty. During surgery, a phlegmonous appendix was observed in nine patients. The average duration of hospital stay was 3.6 ± 1.3 days, with all patients experiencing uncomplicated recoveries. Conclusion: The practice of emergency laparoscopic appendectomy is still relatively infrequent in our setting and presents an ongoing challenge.

A comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and robotic appendectomy among ACS-NSQIP hospitals

Objective:Robotic general surgery remains controversial,with some employing the technology for common laparoscopic procedures such as appendectomies.Very few studies have compared robotic appendectomy(RA)to existing techniques,partly due to the relative scarcity of data.The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for RA versus laparoscopic appendectomy(LA).Methods:This retrospective cohort study evaluated procedural specific databases of the American Col-lege of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(ACS-NSQIP)for appendectomy be-tween January 2016 and December 2019 and included all available cases at the time of analysis(June 2021).Demographic and surgical outcomes including composite 30-day complications,specific com-plications,and length of operation were analyzed using a univariate analysis.Results:In total,there were 52,559 appendectomies in the NSQIP database between 2016 and 2019.Analysis was restricted to those who underwent minimally invasive approaches.In total,49,850 patients were included in the analysis.Of those,49,800 patients underwent LA,and 50 patients underwent RA.Participants who underwent RA were older(35.8±4.5 y vs.23.0±0.2 y,p<0.01).There was no dif-ference in the total number of comorbidities(92.0%vs.73.4%,p=0.32)or the severity of appendicitis(p>0.90)between RA and LA cases.RA had a longer median operation time(71.0 min vs.46.0 min,p<0.01)but a shorter postoperative stay(0.7 d vs.1.3 d,p<0.01).There was no difference in the frequency of readmission likely related to procedure(4.0%vs.3.0%,p=0.88)or complications(18.0%vs.23.8%,p=0.88);however,RA was associated with increased 30-day mortality(2.0%vs.<0.1%,p<0.01)compared to LA.Conclusion:Our results demonstrated that LA and RA had a similar frequency and profile of complica-tions.Robotic procedures took longer but resulted in shorter postoperative stays.Our study revealed that RA constituted a mere 0.1%of all cases,with only 50% showing pathology consistent with appendicitis,despite 92.2%of LA cases presenting with the condition.Despite our findings of RA offering some benefit,more research is necessary,particularly regarding outcomes and value delivery.

Fecal microbiota transplantation as potential first-line treatment for patients with Clostridioides difficile infection and prior appendectomy

Clostridioides difficile infection(CDI)is a global health problem.The association of appendectomy on the severity and prognosis of CDI has been reported in many literatures,but there are still contradictions.In a retrospective study entitled“Patients with Closterium diffuse infection and prior appendectomy may be prone to word outcomes”published in World J Gastrointest Surg 2021,the author found that prior appendectomy affects the severity of CDI.Appendectomy may be a risk factor for increasing the severity of CDI.Therefore,it is necessary to seek alternative treatment for patients with prior appendectomy when they are more likely to have severe or fulminant CDI.

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.

Asymptomatic low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm:A case report

BACKGROUND Low-grade appendiceal neoplasms(LAMN)are characterized by low incidence and atypical clinical presentations,often leading to misdiagnosis as acute or chronic appendicitis before surgery.The primary diagnostic tool for LAMN is abdominal computed tomography(CT)imaging.Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of LAMN management,necessitating en bloc tumor excision to minimize the risk of iatrogenic rupture.Laparoscopy,known for its minimal invasiveness,reduced postoperative discomfort,and expedited recovery,is a safe and reliable approach for LAMN treatment.Despite the possibility of pseudomyxoma peritonei development,appendectomy and partial appendectomy generally result in negative tumor margins and favorable outcomes,which can be attributed to the disease’s slow growth and lower malignancy.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a pelvic spaceoccupying lesion detected 1 mo prior.Physical examination showed a soft abdomen without tenderness or rebound and no palpable masses.No shifting dullness was noted,and digital rectal examination revealed no palpable mass.Enteroscopy revealed a raised,smooth-surfaced mass measuring 3.0 cm in the cecum.Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a markedly thickened and dilated appendix with visible cystic shadows.Laparoscopic surgery was performed and revealed a significantly dilated appendix,leading to laparoscopic resection of the appendix and part of the cecum.Post-surgical pathologic analysis confirmed LAMN.The patient received symptomatic and supportive post-operative care and was discharged on postoperative day 4 without complications such as abdominal bleeding,intestinal obstruction,or incision infection.No tumor recurrence was observed during a 7-mo follow-up period.CONCLUSION LAMN is a rare disease that lacks specific clinical manifestations.Abdominal CT plays a crucial role in diagnosing LAMN,and laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Appendiceal bleeding caused by vascular malformation: A case report

BACKGROUND Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding(LGIB)is a common occurrence in clinical practice.However,appendiceal bleeding is an extremely rare condition that can easily be overlooked and misdiagnosed.The preoperative detection of appen-diceal bleeding often poses challenges due to the lack of related guidelines and consensus,resulting in controversial treatment approaches.CASE SUMMARY We presented a case of a 33-year-old female who complained of hematochezia that had lasted for 1 d.Colonoscopy revealed continuous bleeding in the appen-diceal orifice.A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed immediately,and a pulsating blood vessel was observed in the mesangium of the appendix,accor-dingly,active bleeding into the appendicular lumen was considered.Pathological examination revealed numerous hyperplastic vessels in the appendiceal mucosa and dilated capillary vessels.CONCLUSION The preoperative detection of appendiceal bleeding is often challenging,colo-noscopy is extremely important,bowel preparation is not routinely recommend-ed for patients with acute LGIB or only low-dose bowel preparation is recom-mended.Laparoscopic appendectomy is the most appropriate treatment for appendiceal bleeding.

Influence of sarcopenia and frailty in the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis

In developed countries,the average life expectancy has been increasing and is now well over 80 years.Increased life expectancy is associated with an increased number of emergency surgical procedures performed in later age groups.Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical diseases,with a lifetime risk of 8%.A growing incidence of acute appendicitis has been registered in the elderly population and in the oldest groups(>80 years).Among patients>50-year-old who present to the emergency department for acute abdominal pain,15%have acute appendicitis.In these patients,emergency surgery for acute appendicitis is challenging,and some important aspects must be considered.In the elderly,surgical treatment outcomes are influenced by sarcopenia.Sarcopenia must be considered a precursor of frailty,a risk factor for physical function decline.Sarcopenia has a negative impact on both elective and emergency surgery regarding mortality and morbidity.Aside from morbidity and mortality,the most crucial outcomes for older patients requiring emergency surgery are reduction in function decline and preoperative physical function maintenance.Therefore,prediction of function decline is critical.In emergency surgery,preoperative interventions are difficult to implement because of the narrow time window before surgery.In this editorial,we highlight the unique aspects of acute appendicitis in elderly patients and the influence of sarcopenia and frailty on the results of surgical treatment.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: Which way to go?

AIM: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from 293 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis were studied. These comprised of 165 patients who underwent conventional appendectomy and 128 patients treated laparoscopically. The two groups were compared with respect to operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, complication rate and cost. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences regarding patient characteristics between the two groups. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 2 patients (1.5%). Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a shorter hospital stay (2.2 d vs 3.1 d, P = 0.04), and lower incidence of wound infection (5.3% vs 12.8%, P = 0.03). However, in patients with complicated disease, intra-abdominal abscess formation was more common after laparoscopic appendectomy (5.3% vs 2.1%, P = 0.002). The operative time and analgesia requirements were similar in the two groups. The cost of treatment was higher by 370 € in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and effi cient as open appendectomy, provided surgical experience and equipment are available.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: How to discourage surgeons using inadequate therapy

Acute appendicitis(AA) develops in a progressive and irreversible manner, even if the clinical course of AA can be temporarily modified by intentional medications. Reliable and real-time diagnosis of AA can be made based on findings of the white blood cell count and enhanced computed tomography. Emergent laparoscopic appendectomy(LA) is considered as the first therapeutic choice for AA. Interval/delayed appendectomy at 6-12 wk after disease onset is considered as unsafe with a high recurrent rate during the waiting time. However, this technique may have some advantages for avoiding unnecessary extended resection in patients with an appendiceal mass. Nonoperative management of AA may be tolerated only in children. Postoperative complications increase according to the patient's factors, and temporal avoidance of emergent general anesthesia may be beneficial for high-risk patients. The surgeon's skill and cooperation of the hospital are important for successful LA. Delaying appendectomy for less than 24 h from diagnosis is safe. Additionally, a semi-elective manner(i.e., LA within 24 h after onset of symptoms) may be paradoxically acceptable, according to the factors of the patient, physician, and institution. Prompt LA is mandatory for AA. Fortunately, the Japanese government uses a universal health insurance system, which covers LA.

Unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and implications of unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: The demographic and histopathological data of 1621 patients (≥ 16 years-old) who underwent appendectomy to treat an initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 1999 and November 2011 were retrospectively assessed. Microscopic findings were used to classify the patients under six categories: appendix vermiformis, phlegmonous appendicitis, gan- grenous appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, supurative appendicitis, and unusual histopathologic findings. The demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with unusual histopathologic findings were evaluated in detail, and re-analysis of archived resected appendix specimens was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 912 males and 709 females, from16 to 94 years old, were included in the study and comprised 789 cases of suppurative appendicitis, 370 cases of appendix vermiformis, 243 cases of perforated gangrenous appendicitis, 53 cases of flegmaneous appendicitis, 32 cases of gangrenous appendicitis, and 134 (8.3%) cases of unusual histopathological findings. The unusual histopathological findings included fibrous obliteration (n = 62), enterobius vermicularis (n = 31), eosinophilic infiltration (n = 10), mucinous cystadenoma (n = 8), carcinoid tumor (n = 6), granulomatous inflammation (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 4; one of them mucinous), and mucocele (n = 3), adenomatous polyp (n = 1), taenia sup (n = 1), ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), appendiceal diverticula (n = 1), and B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). None of the 11 patients with subsequent diagnosis of tumor were suspected of cancer prior to the appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Even when the macroscopic appearance of appendectomy specimens is normal, histopathological assessment will allow early diagnosis of many unusual diseases.

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy vs conventional laparoscopic appendectomy:Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To assess the differences in clinical benefits and disadvantages of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy(SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy(CLA).METHODS: The Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were electronically searched up through January 2013 to identify randomized controlled trails(RCTs) comparing SILA with CLA.Data was extracted from eligible studies to evaluate the pooled outcome effects for the total of 1068 patients.The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2.0.For dichotomous data and continuous data,the risk ratio(RR) and the mean difference(MD) were calculated,respectively,with 95%CI for both.For continuous outcomes with different measurement scales in different RCTs,the standardized mean difference(SMD) was calculated with 95%CI.Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed when necessary.RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified that compared SILA(n = 535) with CLA(n = 533).Five RCTs had a high risk of bias and one RCT had a low risk of bias.SILA was associated with longer operative time(MD = 5.68,95%CI: 3.91-7.46,P < 0.00001),higher conversion rate(RR = 5.14,95%CI: 1.25-21.10,P = 0.03) and better cosmetic satisfaction score(MD = 0.52,95%CI: 0.30-0.73,P < 0.00001) compared with CLA.No significant differences were found for total complications(RR = 1.15,95%CI: 0.76-1.75,P = 0.51),drain insertion(RR = 0.72,95%CI: 0.41-1.25,P = 0.24),or length of hospital stay(SMD = 0.04,95%CI:-0.08-0.16,P = 0.57).Because there was not enough data among the analyzed RCTs,postoperative pain was not calculated.CONCLUSION: The benefit of SILA is cosmetic satisfaction,while the disadvantages of SILA are longer operative time and higher conversion rate.

Fulminant Clostridium difficile infection: An association with prior appendectomy?

AIM: To examine if fulminant Clostridium difficile infections(CDI) resulting in colectomy was associated with a prior appendectomy and whether any association affected the severity of the disease.METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent colectomy for CDI between 2001 and 2011.The appendectomy rate was calculated based on the absence of an appendix on the surgical pathology report.This was compared to an established lifetime risk of appendectomy in the general population.A chart review was performed for mortality and traditional markers of CDI disease severity.Fisher’s exact test was used to calculate the likelihood of association between prior appendectomy,mortality,and clinical markers of severity of infection.RESULTS: Fifty-five specimens were identified with pseudomembranous colitis consistent with CDI.All patients had a clinical history consistent with CDI and 45 of 55(81.8%) specimens also had microbiological confirmation of CDI.Appendectomy was observed in 24 of 55 specimens(0.436,99%CI: 0.280-0.606).This was compared to the lifetime incidence of appendectomy of 17.6%.The rate of appendectomy in our sample was significantly higher than would be expected in the general population(43.6% vs 17.6%,P 【 0.01).Disease severity did not differ based on presence or absence of an appendix and no association was detected between prior appendectomy and mortality(OR = 0.588,95%CI: 0.174-1.970).CONCLUSION: The rate of appendectomy in the patients whose CDI led to colectomy,was significantly higher than the calculated lifetime risk,suggesting an association of appendectomy and severe CDI resulting in colectomy.Larger prospective studies are needed to assess any potential causal relationships affecting fulminant CDI.

Suture granuloma of the abdominal wall with intra-abdominal extension 12 years after open appendectomy

Most complications after appendectomy occur within ten days; however, we report the unusual case of a suture granuloma 12 years after open appendectomy. The afebrile 75-year-old woman presented with a slightly painful palpable mass in the right lower abdomen. There was no nausea or vomiting and bowel movements were normal. She lost 10 kg during the 3 mo before presentation. The patient had undergone an appendectomy 12 years previously. Physical examination revealed a tender mass, 10 cm in diameter, under the appendectomy scar. The preoperative laboratory findings, tumor markers and plain abdominal radiographs were normal. Multi-slice computed tomography scanning showed an inhomo-genous abdominal mass with minimal vascularization in the right lower abdomen 8.6cm×8cm×9 cm in size which communicated with the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall was thickened, weak and bulging. The abdominal wall mass did not communicate with the cecum or the ascending colon. Complete excision of the abdominal wall mass was performed via median laparotomy. Histopathological examination revealed a granuloma with a central abscess. This case report demonstrates that a preoperative diagnosis of abdominal wall mass after open appendectomy warrants the use of a wide spectrum of diagnostic modalities and consequently different treatment options.

Appendectomy and Clostridium difficile colitis:Relationships revealed by clinical observations and immunology

Advances in understanding the interaction between the human immune system and the microbiome have led to an improved understanding of the function of the vermiform appendix as a safe-house for beneficial bacteria in the colon.These advances have been made despite long standing clinical observations that the appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure.However,more recent clinical data show that an appendectomy puts patients at increased risk for recurrent Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)-associated colitis,and probably other diseases associated with an altered microbiome.At the same time,appendectomy does not apparently put patients at risk for an initial onset of C.difficile-associated colitis.These clinical observations point toward the idea that the vermiform appendix might not effectively protect the microbiome in the face of broad spectrum antibiotics,the use of which precedes the initial onset of C.difficile-associated colitis.Further,these observations point to the idea that historically important threats to the microbiome such as infectious gastrointestinal pathogens have been supplanted by other threats,particularly the use of broad spectrum antibiotics.

New strategy during complicated open appendectomy: Convert open operation to laparoscopy

AIM: To introduce a new strategy during complicated open appendectomy - converting open operation to laparoscopy.

Chewing gum for declining ileus and accelerating gastrointestinal recovery after appendectomy

Objective: Ileus usually occurs after abdominal surgery and is allied with complication and delays recovery. It is hypothesized that chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus by improving early recovery of gastrointestinal function. This study aimed to explore whether chewing gum after appendectomy accelerates the recovery of gastrointestinal function.Methods: Randomized control trial was used in this study. This study was conducted in the General Surgery Department at Zagazig University Hospital. A total of 240 patients undergoing appendectomy were involved in this study; they were divided into the chewing sugar-free gum group(120) and the control group(120). Two tools were utilized in this study. Tool I: Structured Interviewing Schedule: part 1: assessment of personnel characteristics. Part 2: assessment of anthropometric measurements of the studied subjects as well as pre-and intraoperative indicators of them. Tool II: postoperative assessment sheet: assessed postoperative parameters of the intestinal function, occurrence of postoperative ileus, and related symptoms were assessed among studied participants.Results: There were highly significant statistical differences in the time of resumption of gastrointestinal functions and postoperative ileus symptoms between the two groups(P<0.001), which was significantly shorter in the chewing gum group compared to the control group.Conclusions: The use of chewing gum is a useful and cheap method that can be employed to cut down the time to recover and accelerate normalization of gastrointestinal function. Chewing sugar-free gum after abdominal surgery is recommended to be added to the protocol of nursing care in the surgery units as well as its involvement in the nursing curriculum.

Successful management of adult lymphoma-associated intussusception by laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy

Although primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is a rare malignancy, it can cause an intussusception in adults and can be a clinically challenging condition to manage. Intussusception could progress to lifethreatening complications if left untreated or could delay chemotherapy if inappropriate surgical management is used. We report a 31-year-old man diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus who was being treated with antiretroviral therapy. He presented with nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and intermittent, cramping abdominal pain for over 1 wk. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a well-defined homogeneous mass in the mesenteric root region, together with a long segmental wall thickening in the ileum with ileocolic-type intussusception, which was suspected to be caused by a lymphoma. The intussusception was successfully laparoscopically reduced, and the tumor involvement of the appendix was confirmedby appendectomy with intraoperative frozen section. Systemic chemotherapy was immediately initiated after surgery without the need for bowel resection.