Ultrasonic manifestations and age distribution of internal abdominal hernia in children

Objective To observe the ultrasonic manifestations and age distribution of internal abdominal hernia in children.Methods Data of 53 children with internal abdominal hernia confirmed by operation were retrospectively analyzed.The ultrasonic findings were observed,and the age distribution of children was analyzed.Results Among 53 cases,"cross sign"was observed in 22 cases(22/53,41.51%),and"hernia ring beak sign"was detected in 26 cases(26/53,49.06%)by preoperative ultrasound,according to which 21 cases were diagnosed as internal abdominal hernia,with the accuracy of 39.62%(21/53).Meanwhile,manifestations of intestinal obstruction were noticed in 48 cases(48/53,90.57%),and intestinal necrosis was considered in 22 cases(22/53,41.51%).Four cases were misdiagnosed as intestinal perforation,appendicitis,intestinal atresia and volvulus,each in 1 case.The onset age of postoperative adhesive band internal hernia was larger than that of mesenteric hiatal hernia(P<0.05),while no significant difference of onset age was found among other types of internal abdominal hernias(all P>0.05).Intestinal ischemic necrosis was found in 25 cases,while the incidence of intestinal necrosis in children aged≤1 year,>1 and≤3 years,>3 and≤7 years and those>7 years was 66.67%(12/18),33.33%(4/12),36.36%(4/11)and 41.67%(5/12),respectively.Conclusion The characteristic ultrasonic findings of internal abdominal hernia in children included"cross sign"and"hernia ring beak sign".Internal abdominal hernia in children under 1 year had high risk of intestinal necrosis.

Sound waves and solutions:Point-of-care ultrasonography for acute kidney injury in cirrhosis

This article delves into the intricate challenges of acute kidney injury(AKI)in cirrhosis,a condition fraught with high morbidity and mortality.The complexities arise from distinguishing between various causes of AKI,particularly hemodynamic AKI,in cirrhotic patients,who experience hemodynamic changes due to portal hypertension.The term"hepatocardiorenal syndrome"is introduced to encapsulate the intricate interplay among the liver,heart,and kidneys.The narrative emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of cardiac function in AKI assessments in cirrhosis,unveiling the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy marked by impaired diastolic function.The conventional empiric approach involving volume expansion and vasopressors for hepatorenal syndrome is critically analyzed,highlighting potential risks and variable patient responses.We advocate for a nuanced algorithm for AKI evaluation in cirrhosis,prominently featuring point-of-care ultrasonography(POCUS).POCUS applications encompass assessing fluid tolerance,detecting venous congestion,and evaluating cardiac function.

Abdominal paracentesis drainage ameliorates myocardial injury in severe experimental pancreatitis rats through suppressing oxidative stress

BACKGROUND Abdominal paracentesis drainage(APD)is a safe and effective strategy for severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)patients.However,the effects of APD treatment on SAPassociated cardiac injury remain unknown.AIM To investigate the protective effects of APD on SAP-associated cardiac injury and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS SAP was induced by 5%sodium taurocholate retrograde injection in Sprague-Dawley rats.APD was performed by inserting a drainage tube with a vacuum ball into the lower right abdomen of the rats immediately after SAP induction.Morphological staining,serum amylase and inflammatory mediators,serum and ascites high mobility group box(HMGB)1,cardiac-related enzymes indexes and cardiac function,oxidative stress markers and apoptosis and associated proteins were assessed in the myocardium in SAP rats.Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and mRNA and protein expression were also examined.RESULTS APD treatment improved cardiac morphological changes,inhibited cardiac dysfunction,decreased cardiac enzymes and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis,proapoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels.APD significantly decreased serum levels of HMGB1,inhibited nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase expression and ultimately alleviated cardiac oxidative injury.Furthermore,the activation of cardiac nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase by pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid intraperitoneal injection was effectively inhibited by adding anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody in rats with mild acute pancreatitis.CONCLUSION APD treatment could exert cardioprotective effects on SAP-associated cardiac injury through suppressing HMGB1-mediated oxidative stress,which may be a novel mechanism behind the effectiveness of APD on SAP.

Computed tomography for pancreatic injuries in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography scan in diagnosing and grading the pattern of pancreatic injuries in children. METHODS:We conducted a retrospective study to review medical files of children admitted with blunt pancreatic injuries to the Maternity and Children Hospital Al-Madina Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The demographic details and mechanisms of injury were recorded. From the database of the Picture Archiving and Communication System of the radiology department, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images of the pancreatic injuries, severity, type of injuries and grading of pancreatic injuries were established. RESULTS:Seven patients were recruited in this study over a period of 5 years; 5 males and 2 females with a mean age of 7 years (age range 5-12 years). Fall from height was the most frequent mechanism of injury, reported in 5 (71%), followed by road traffic accident (1 patient, 14%) and cycle handlebar (1 patient, 14%) injuries. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grading system, 1 (14%) patient sustained Grade Ⅰ, 1 (14%) Grade Ⅱ, 3 (42%) GradeⅢ and 2 (28%) patients were found to have Grade Ⅴ pancreatic injuries. This indicated a higher incidence of severe pancreatic injuries; 5 (71.4%) patients were reported to have Grade Ⅲ and higher on the injury scale. Three (42%) patients had associated abdominal organ injuries. CONCLUSION: Pediatric pancreatic injuries due to blunt abdominal trauma are rare. The majority of the patients sustained extensive pancreatic injuries. MDCT findings are helpful and reliable in diagnosing and grad- ing the pancreatic injuries.

Penetrating Abdominal Injuries: Pattern and Outcome of Management in Khartoum

Background: The pattern and presentation of penetrating abdominal trauma vary according to places and the structure of the present health system. As well controversies in management exist ranging from mandatory exploration to selective non-operative management. Objectives: To determine the pattern of penetrating abdominal trauma, current management practiced and outcome in Khartoum. Patients and Methods: The study was prospective, descriptive and hospital-based. It was carried out at the main three hospitals in Khartoum State. It was conducted over a period of one year from 2012 Mar to 2013 Mar. All patients who presented penetrating injury to their abdomen were included. Results: The study included 85 patients with a mean age of 28 years (SD ± 10). The male to female ratio was 11:1. Most of the patients (89.4%) were in the first four decades of their life. Twenty-three patients (27.1%) presented shock. Stab wound is the commonest mode of trauma seen in 83.5% of our patients. The majority of our patients were managed by exploratory laparotomy (81.2%), however 16 (18.8%) underwent conservative measures. Of the operated group, solid organ injuries were found in 22.9%, yet hollow viscous injuries were reported in 86.9% of the patients. Registrars operated on 78.26% of the patients. The rate of negative laparotomy of this study was 8.7%. Complications and mortality were encountered in 25.9% and 4.7% respectively. The mean hospital stay was 8.47 days (SD ± 10.6). Conclusion: This study demonstrates no difference in the pattern of intra-abdominal injuries. The rate of operative treatment is acceptable, but more laparotomies can be avoided if the haemodynamic stable patients without features of peritonitis were given a period of observation. The overall outcome was satisfactory.

Correlation between Abdominal Ultrasonographic Findings and CD4 Cell Count in Adult Patients with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) resulting in progressive destruction of cell mediated immunity. The abdominal manifestations of AIDS are related to the level of CD+4 cells count as well as viral load. Abdominal ultrasound examination is easy to perform, non-invasive, inexpensive, readily available and reproducible investigation which provides valuable information about abdominal findings in AIDS. The objective of the study was to evaluate abdominal ultrasound findings in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and correlate these findings with the patients’ CD+4 counts. A cross-sectional study of abdominal ultrasound findings of adult patients with HIV/AIDS was conducted over a period of six months. The abdominal ultrasound findings and CD+4 counts were studied. Two hundred (40%) of the patients had normal abdominal ultrasound, while 60% (300) had various abnormalities. The common abnormalities included increased liver parenchymal echogenicity in 25.0%, hepatomegaly in 23.4%, splenomegaly in 6.6%, increased splenic echogenicity in 6.2% and thickened gallbladder wall in 12.6%, elevated renal parenchymal echogenicity in 6.4%, enlarged kidneys in 2.6%, lymphadenopathy in 6.0%, and ascites in 2.4%. Pelvic abscess was the least pathology in 0.2%. Most of the findings did not correlate with the patients’ CD+4?count except for lymphadenopathy and ascites. Although abdominal ultrasound examination is invaluable in the management of these patients, however, it has not shown to be useful in predicting the patients’ immune status.

Effect of abdominal trauma on hemorrhagic shock-induced acute lung injury in rats

瞄准：在老鼠在出血性的导致吃惊的尖锐的肺损害上评估腹的损伤的效果。方法：五个组被分配(n = 8 ) 在学习。我作为控制组，被带的组作为出血性的吃惊组，组织 II 是的组 III 出血性的吃惊 + 剖腹术，是的组 IV 是的出血性的吃惊 + 脾切除术和组 V 脾切除术 + 网膜切除术 + 出血性的吃惊组。出血性的吃惊被拉血并且在 10 min 以内把吝啬的动脉压(地图) 归结为 40 毫米汞柱导致。在 1 h 的一个低血压患者时期以后，动物被复活。Bronchoalveolar 洗室年龄(BAL ) 被执行在复活 malondialdehyde (MDA ) 以后与 BAL 液体的 40 mL 从牙槽的空间恢复房间， L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine (GSH ) 层次在浆液，红血球和肺织物被测量。结果：浆液，红血球，肺织物 MDA 和 GSH 层次显著地在出血性的吃惊组 II-V 被增加(P 【 0.05 ) 。在 BAL 液体的淋巴细胞， neutrophil 和牙槽的巨噬细胞计数显示了在控制和吃惊组之间的有效差量(P 【 0.05 ) 。结论：损伤的度增加出血性的导致吃惊的尖锐的肺损害。

Abscess rate of patients with penetrating abdominal injury in Zaria

Background: Penetrating abdominal injury occurs when a foreign object pierces the skin. The morbidity and mortality associated with penetrating abdominal trauma is related to the intra-abdominal complications. This study is, therefore, intended to determine the abscess rate resulting from penetrating abdominal trauma in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria. Method: A 6-year (January 2006-December 2011) retrospective study of penetrating abdominal trauma emphasizing on the rate of development of intra-abdominal abscess. Information was obtained from patients’ case notes, operating room log books and surgical audit data. Information extracted included cases of penetrating abdominal trauma, intra-operative findings and cases of intra-abdominal abscesses. Results: A total of 39 cases of penetrating abdominal trauma were treated within this period of six years. 3 (7.7%) were treated in 2006, 6 (15.4%) in 2007, 3 (7.7%) in 2008 and 11 (28.2%) in 2009, 8 (20.5%) in 2010, 9 (23.1%) in 2011. 26 (66.7%) were adult while 13 (33.3%) were paediatric cases. The male were 37 (94.9%) and the female were 2 (5.1%), with a sex ratio of 18.5:1 (male to female). The age range was 5 -60 years (39.92 mean). The commonest cause of injury was road traffic accident. At exploration, 13 (33.3%) had organ injury only, 17 (43.6%) suffer from both organ injury and intra-peritoneal emorrhage, 9 (23.1%) had retroperitoneal haemorrhage only. The intra-abdominal abscess rate of penetrating abdominal injury in Zaria was found to be 2.6%. Conclusion: Contamination from either foreign object or organ injury is found to increase the risk of post-operative intra-abdominal abscess. In this center, the abscess rate of penetrating abdominal trauma is comparatively low.

NonOperative Management of Blunt Solid Abdominal Organ Injury in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Over the past several years, nonoperative management has been increasingly recommended for the care of selected blunt abdominal trauma patients with solid organ injuries. Objective: To evaluate the pattern and outcome of blunt abdominal trauma using haemodynamic stability and ultrasonography in the selection of patients for nonoperative management in a facility without computed tomogram. Methods: Patients admitted with blunt abdominal trauma between February 2005 and January 2010 were prospectively studied. Haemodynamic stability and sonography formed the basis for selecting patients for nonoperative management. Results: In total, 58 patients suffered blunt abdominal trauma and 19(33%) patients were successfully managed nonoperatively suffered blunt solid abdominal organ injuries. Road traffic accidents inflicted 17(89%) patients while 2(11%) patients sustained sports injury (football). The spleen was the commonest solid organ injured 12(60%), while the liver and kidney were injured in 6(30%) and 2(10%) respectively. Associated injuries were fractured left femur recorded in 3(16%) patients and fractured rib in a patient (5%). Conclusion: Nonoperative treatment is a safe and effective method in the management of haemodynamically stable patient with blunt solid abdominal organ injury. This translated to a reduction in hospital stay, absence of the risk of blood transfusion as well as attendant morbidity and mortality associated with laparotomy. Establishment of trauma system, provision of diagnostic and monitoring facilities, good roads, and education on road safety is recommended for improved outcome.

The Incidence of Splenic Injury Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma (BAT), Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Experience

The aim of the study was to review traumatic splenic injury following blunt abdominal trauma (BAT), during the period from January 2009 to January 2015 at SQUH. The data for this study was retrospectively collected. It included 768 patients admitted to SQUH general surgery department following BAT. 43 patients with splenic injury were identified (34 males, 9 females). The mean age of patients with splenic injury was 36.0 years (34.4 years for males, 42.1 years for females). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (90.7%). Grade I, II are the most common grades of splenic injury. Non-Omani patients accounted for (51.2%) and most of them were pedestrians at the time of trauma. Ribs fracture is the most common injury associated with splenic injury. 36 (83.7%) patients were managed conservatively and 7 (16.3%) patients were splenectomized. Angioembolization was done for 11 (30.6%) patients. Despite the small population of Oman, high incidence of motor vehicle collision (MVC) increases the incidence of splenic injury among young age group.

Blunt Abdominal Trauma Leading to Pancreatic Injury in Childhood. Delay in Diagnosis Leads to Poor Outcomes—A Case Presentation

This case report illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing paediatric patients with life threatening pancreatic injuries. A high index of suspicion is essential as late diagnosis significantly affects outcomes. A 9-year-old child presented with epigastric pain following an accident on his pushbike. The patient was examined in paediatric accident and emergency (A/E) and was discharged. He returned twice more to A/E and on the third visit, 5 days after the initial incident, a CT scan was performed. This showed a classical injury to the body of the pancreas with a collection in the lesser sac. The patient was transferred to the regional hepato-pancreato-biliary unit (HPB unit) and underwent surgery. Pancreatic injuries can be difficult to detect clinically and patients may be well on initial presentation with normal observations and routine bloods. Early CT scanning confirms the diagnosis and results in early specialist referral and better outcomes.

Double ischemic ileal stenosis secondary to mesenteric injury after blunt abdominal trauma

The authors describe a rare case in which blunt abdominal trauma resulted in mesenteric injury with delayed double ischemic ileal stenosis. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated stenotic ileal loop with mural thickening. At surgery, a double stenotic bowel loop was found adjacent to a healed defect in the mesentery. Histological examination of the two resected segments showed fibrotic and ischemic lesions within the mesentery. Ischemic intestinal stenosis from mesenteric injury should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients suffering from intestinal occlusion with a history of blunt abdominal trauma.reserved.

Abdominal compartment syndrome:Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients.Nevertheless,a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units(ICU)and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality.It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population.Elevated intraabdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure.When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated,it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome,multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death.Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis,shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,definitions,risk factors,pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.

Abdominal hernias:Radiological features

Abdominal wall hernias are common diseases of the abdomen with a global incidence approximately 4%-5%. They are distinguished in external,diaphragmatic and internal hernias on the basis of their localisation.Groin hernias are the most common with a prevalence of 75%, followed by femoral(15%)and umbilical(8%).There is a higher prevalence in males(M:F,8:1).Diagnosis is usually made on physical examination.However,clinical diagnosis may be difficult,especially in patients with obesity,pain or abdominal wall scarring.In these cases, abdominal imaging may be the first clue to the correct diagnosis and to confirm suspected complications. Different imaging modalities are used:conventional radiographs or barium studies,ultrasonography and Computed Tomography.Imaging modalities can aid in the differential diagnosis of palpable abdominal wall masses and can help to define hernial contents suchas fatty tissue,bowel,other organs or fluid.This work focuses on the main radiological findings of abdominal herniations.

Incidence of unexplained intra-abdominal free fluid in patients with blunt abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal free fluid is commonly caused by injuries of solid or hollow organs in patients suffering from blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). However, it presents a diagnostic dilemma for surgeons when free fluid is unexplained, especially in stable BAT patients. This study was to analyze the incidence of such unexplained free fluid in BAT patients and its diagnostic value in abdominal organ injury. METHODS: Altogether 597 patients with BAT who had been treated at our trauma center over a 10-year period were reviewed. Stable patients with free fluid but without free air or definite organ injury on abdominal computed tomography were studied. Clinical management and operative findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four (5.70%) of the 597 patients met the inclusion criteria: 24 (4.02%) underwent therapeutic exploratory laparotomy: bowel injuries were found in 13, hepatic rupture in 3, colon rupture in 3, duodenal rupture in 2, spleen rupture in 1, pancreas rupture in 1, and gallbladder perforation in 1. In 2 patients, laparotomy was nontherapeutic. Those with moderate or large amounts of free fluid were more likely to suffer from a hollow viscus injury and have a therapeutic procedure. The mean time of hospital stay for the delayed laparotomy group was longer than that for the emergency group (19 5.12 vs. 12 2.24 days; t=2.73, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive correlation between the amount of unexplained free fluid and the determination of intra-abdominal organ injury. The proportion of BAT patients who required surgical intervention was high, particularly those with a moderate or large amount of free fluid, and most of them suffered from a hollow organ injury. Emergency laparotomy is recommended for these patients.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia:a rare and often missed diagnosis in blunt trauma

Dear editor,Traumatic abdominal wall hernia(TAWH)is defined as disruption of the abdominal wall musculature and fascia with herniation of intra-abdominal contents,in the absence of surgery to that area of the abdominal wall.[1]It is rare,with an incidence of 0.17%-0.90%in patients with blunt abdominal trauma.[2,3]Deceleration forces caused by falls from height or seat belt injuries are the most common causes of TAWH.[4]Low-energy blunt injuries from bicycle or motorcycles handlebars or charging animals are less frequent causes.Due to the rare incidence and complex presentation of this condition with other distracting injuries,this diagnosis is often not considered,resulting in missed or delayed diagnosis.We present a case of a 46-year-old male who suffered major abdominal trauma,and was found to have TAWH as well as intra-abdominal organ injury.

Peripheral Neuropathy after Open Abdominal Surgery with Self-Retaining Retractors. A Systematic Review of Randomised and Non-Randomised Clinical Trials

Objectives : A systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of incision retention available to surgeons conducting open abdominal or pelvic surgeries. Both the ability of the retractor to retain the wound and harm to the patient due to the retractor were reviewed. Methods : A search was conducted using the following databases: EMBASE, PubMed, BIOSIS, Engineering Village, Web of Science, Best practice, Science Direct, CRCnet BASE, Proquest, Wiley Online Library, and Comprehensive Biomaterial. Results : What the articles found were then narrowed down to those which matched the objective of the review. This resulted in ten articles to review. Two reviewers reviewed and summarized the articles. Femoral neuropathy was found to be a common complication due to Retractors. Other outcomes analysed or studied were found to be infected, postoperative pain and exposure provided. Femoral neuropathy can be estimated to occur at a rate between 2.6% and 7.5% in open pelvic and abdominal surgeries. The Alexis O-ring retractor was found to lower the required morphine intake following surgery when compared to the Belfour retractor. Conclusions : There is a lack of high quality/high levels of evidence studies that have been conducted on Retractors. Femoral neuropathy is the outcome most commonly documented in relation to Retractors. Surgeons need to be aware about the use and implementations of the retractors. Care should be taken in protecting the blades and during long surgery relocating retractors should be considered.

Bilateral Ectopic Kidneys Presenting as Lower Abdominal Pain

Background: Bilateral Ectopic Kidney is uncommon and usually diagnosed during a routine medical checkup. It could be misdiagnosed as an abdominopelvic mass. In-depth knowledge of its presentation will aid in its management. A poor anatomical relation of the kidneys with other abdominopelvic organs could lead to renal complications and surgical errors. This is of gynaecological importance and worthy of discussion for a lady of her reproductive age. Case presentation: A 20-year-old nulliparous lady of African descent presented with a long-standing history of dull lower abdominal pain. The pain has been intermittent and occasionally associated with a sensation of movement in the lower abdomen. She has a regular and normal menstrual cycle and has no lower urinary tract symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable with intact secondary sexual characteristics. The abdomen was soft, non-tender and without any organomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography, renal pyelogram and urinalysis were carried out after her consent was sought in accordance with the institution’s protocol. Urine analysis was normal and culture was negative. However further imaging revealed a bilateral pelvic ectopic kidney. Conclusion: Most of the cases reported are usually unilateral ectopic kidneys. It is, therefore, our belief that this information will be useful to medical practitioners such as surgeons, urologists, radiologists and gynaecologists. Such a diagnosis will enable clinicians to follow up with the client and preserve the renal function whiles preventing iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedures.

Isolated traumatic gallbladder injury: A case report

BACKGROUND Isolated gallbladder injury(GI)(IGI)directly induced by abdominal trauma is rare.Symptoms,indications,and imaging examinations of IGI are frequently non-specific,posing tremendous diagnostic challenges,which are simple to overlook and may have severe implications.Improving doctors'understanding of gallbladder injury(GI)facilitates early detection and decreases the likelihood of severe consequences,including death.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of IGI caused by blunt violence(after falling from three meters with the umbilicus as the stress point)and performed laparoscopic repair of the gallbladder rupture,which helps clinicians understand IGI and reduce the severe consequences of delayed diagnosis.Through extensive medical history and dynamic abdominal ultrasound evaluation,doctors can identify GI early and begin surgery,thereby decreasing the devastating repercussions of delayed diagnosis.CONCLUSION This article aims to improve clinicians'understanding of IGI and propose a method for the diagnosis and treatment of GI.