Inguinoscrotal hernias containing stomach: risk of emergency presentation

Introduction Inguinoscrotal hernias are the commonest form of abdominal wall hernia, but for them to contain stomach is extremely rare. The management of these hernias can be very challenging owing to their acute nature of presentation and distortion of anatomy. Our aim was to systematically review the literature for all reported cases of inguinoscrotal hernias containing stomach. In turn we analysed patient demographics, site of hernia, presentation and treatment. Outcomes were reviewed where available. Method We conducted a systematic search of the PUBMED, Embase and Medline databases with a combination of keywords: Hernia AND (inguin* OR scrot*) AND (gastric OR gastro*). An author's own case has also been included. Results There were 20 case reports included in the review, plus the author’s own case. They ranged in publication date from 1942 to 2020. Mean age at presentation was 71 years (range 49 to 87). All cases were male. In total, 62% (n = 13) of cases presented with combined symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting, 48% (n = 10) presented with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) and 48% (n = 10) presented with gastric perforation. All successfully treated cases with gastric perforation required a midline laparotomy approach, whereas 56% (n = 5) of patients in the GOO group were successfully treated conservatively. There were three deaths reported in this review, all in the gastric perforation group. Conclusion Stomach as a content of inguinoscrotal hernias is extremely rare. These hernias predominantly present acutely in the form of GOO or gastric perforation. All patients with gastric perforation will require a midline laparotomy. Patients with GOO can be successfully managed either surgically or in selective cases with conservative management.

Impact of Inter-Hospital Transfer on Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Emergency Abdominal Surgery: A Tertiary Referral Center’s Perspective

Background In trauma patients, the impact of inter-hospital transfer has been widely studied. However, for patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery (EAS), the effect of inter-hospital transfer on outcomes is largely unknown. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective observational study. Outcomes of transferred patients undergoing EAS were compared to patients primarily admitted to a tertiary care hospital from 01/2016 to 12/2018 using univariable and multivariable analyses. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results Some 973 patients with a median (IQR) age of 58.1 (39.4–72.2) years and a median body mass index of 25.8 (22.5–29.3) kg/m2 were included. The transfer group comprised 258 (26.3%) individuals and the non-transfer group 715 (72.7%). The population was stratified in three subgroups: (1) patients with low surgical stress (n = 483, 49.6%), (2) with hollow viscus perforation (n = 188, 19.3%) and (3) with potential bowel ischemia (n = 302, 31.1%). Neither in the low surgical stress nor in the hollow viscus perforation group was the transfer status associated with mortality. However, in the potential bowel ischemia group inter-hospital transfer was a predictor for mortality (OR 3.54, 95%CI 1.03–12.12, p = 0.045). Moreover, in the hollow viscus perforation group inter-hospital transfer was a predictor for reduced hospital length of stay (RC -10.02, 95%CI −18.14/−1.90, p = 0.016) and reduced severe complications (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.18–0.77, p = 0.008). Conclusion Other than in patients with low surgical stress or hollow viscus perforation, in patients with potential bowel ischemia inter-hospital transfer was an independent predictor for higher mortality. Taking into account the time sensitiveness of bowel ischemia, efforts should be made to avoid inter-hospital transfer in this vulnerable subgroup of patients.

Specific imaging features of intestinal perforation on supine abdominal X-ray evaluation in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis

BackgroundNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with high mortality and morbidity in neonates. For infants with NEC, intestinal perforation is the most serious complication, and confirming perforation and performing radical surgical treatment as early as possible may reduce mortality and sequelae. The aim of this study was to identify the specific imaging characteristics of intestinal perforation after NEC on supine abdominal X-ray for the early diagnosis of intestinal perforation.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Infants admitted to the hospital from 2013 to 2020 with NEC (Bell’s stage ≥Ⅱ) were divided into perforation and non-perforation groups. All infants were examined by abdominal X-ray in the erect and supine positions. The sensitivity and specificity of specific X-ray signs were analyzed.ResultsA total of 598 infants were included, 113 of whom suffered from perforation. On the supine abdominal films, lucency over the liver shadow, the liver falciform ligament sign, the football sign, the Rigler sign, the triangle sign and more than any one of the above signs had sensitivities of 64.60%, 45.13%, 37.17%, 30.97%, 15.93% and 86.73%, respectively. None of these signs were found on erect or supine abdominal films in the non-perforation group. The total of accuracy of prediction was 46.76%, and the specificity of all the signs was 100%.ConclusionSpecific signs on supine abdominal X-ray could be used to confirm perforation in neonates with NEC with 86.73% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Trends in the Surgical Management and Outcomes of Complicated Peptic Ulcer Disease

Background Older data indicate that less patients undergo surgery for complicated peptic ulcer disease (PUD). We evaluated contemporary trends in the surgical management and outcomes of patients with complicated PUD. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (2005-2014) was queried for patients with complicated PUD (hemorrhage, perforation, or obstruction). Trend analyses were used to evaluate changes in management and outcomes. Results There were 1 570 696 admissions for complicated PUD during the study period. Majority (87.0%) presented with hemorrhage, 10.6% presented with perforation, and 2.4% had an obstruction. The average age was 67 years. Overall, admissions with complicated PUD decreased from 180 054 in 2005 to 150 335 in 2014. The proportion of patients managed operatively decreased from 2.5% to 1.9% in the hemorrhage group, 75.0% to 67.4% in the perforation group, and 26.0% to 20.2% in the obstruction group (all P-trend < .05). Overall, among patients managed operatively, the use of acid-reducing procedures decreased from 25.9% to 13.9%, mortality decreased from 11.9% to 9.4% (both P-trend < .001), while complications remained stable (10.4% to 10.3%, P-trend = .830). Conclusions There are fewer admissions with complicated PUD and more patients are treated nonoperatively. Despite subtle improvements, significant proportions of patients still die from complicated PUD indicating the need for improved preoperative optimization and postoperative care among these patients.

Effect of glenoid perforation during total shoulder arthroplasty on glenoid component cement fixation and suprascapular nerve

Background Arthritic glenoids are susceptible to vault perforation during total shoulder arthroplasty. We investigated the effects of glenoid perforation and subsequent cement extrusion on the suprascapular nerve and on the glenoid cement infiltration. Methods Total shoulder arthroplasty using three-pegged glenoid components were performed on 10 cadaveric shoulders assigned to two groups (perforation vs. control). In perforation group, the glenoids were reamed eccentrically and intentionally perforated medially through the central peg hole, whereas control group received perpendicular reaming with no perforation. Bone cement was applied to each peg. Spatial relationship between the extruded cement and the suprascapular nerve, and the amount of cement infiltration into the cancellous bone were evaluated. Results In perforation group, five specimens were perforated anteriorly, and two posteriorly. In the two posteriorly perforated specimens, the suprascapular nerve was in direct contact with extruded cement at the spinoglenoid notch. Perforation group showed significantly less cement infiltration into the cancellous bone than control group ( p = 0.008). Conclusions Glenoid perforation decreases the volume of cement infiltration into the cancellous bone potentially compromising glenoid component fixation. Glenoid perforation tends to occur anteriorly rather than posteriorly in arthritic glenoids; however, if perforation occurs posteriorly, the suprascapular nerve is at immediate risk from the extruded cement. Level of evidence: Basic science study.

Comparison between Rescue Flap and Double Flap Technique

Objectives Endoscopic techniques in pituitary surgery lead to inevitable mucosal loss of the sphenoethmoidal recess and posterior nasal septum in the nasal cavity. There is no other comparative study between primary reconstruction of septal perforation and secondary healing in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative patient morbidity with or without posterior septal perforation in endonasal pituitary surgery by comparing two commonly used techniques: rescue and double nasoseptal flaps. Design Prospectively randomized study. Setting Tertiary academic center. Participants Sixty patients underwent endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures Functional results (breathing) using visual analog scale (VAS), sphenoid sinusitis, presence of synechia, perforation in the posterior septum, and crusting in the sphenoethmoidal recess were assessed. Results Pre- and postoperative mean VAS scores were 71.67 ± 11.47 and 67.67 ± 9.71 mm in the intact septum group and 77.67 ± 14.06 and 62.67 ± 10.48 mm in the posterior septal perforation group. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative VAS values in all groups. There was significant worsening in both groups; worsening in VAS values was much higher in the posterior septal perforation group. In the posterior septal perforation group, much more crusting was seen. Conclusions This is the first study to compare the postoperative patient morbidity in endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery with and without a posterior septal perforation. Reconstruction of the posterior septum along with less mucosal loss yields better postoperative nasal symptom score.

Differences in Clinical Course of Intraprocedural and Delayed Perforation Caused by Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Colorectal Neoplasms: A Retrospective Study

Background: Although the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a minimally invasive treatment for large superficial colorectal neoplasms is increasing, colorectal ESD remains technically challenging. As perforation in the colorectum is generally considered to be associated with a higher risk of complications, the aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of perforation caused by colorectal ESD. Methods: This retrospective study included 635 lesions treated with colorectal ESD, between February 2011 and December 2015, in a tertiary cancer center. We evaluated and compared the clinical course and short-term outcomes of the intraprocedural perforation group with those of the delayed perforation and no perforation groups. Results: Perforation occurred in 45 (7.1%) of the 635 cases. Thirty-six cases were intraprocedural perforation (5.7%), all of which were successfully closed with endoclips during the procedure. Nine cases of delayed perforation occurred (1.4%). No emergency surgery was performed in the intraprocedural perforation group; however, 5 of 9 cases underwent emergency surgery in the delayed perforation group (56%, p < 0.0001). There were statistically significant differences between the intraprocedural and delayed perforation groups with regard to the hospitalization period, fasting period, abdominal pain scale, peak white blood cell (WBC) count, and peak C-reactive protein (CRP), and between the intraprocedural and no perforation groups with regard to the location of the lesion, hospitalization period, fasting period, abdominal pain scale, peak WBC, peak CRP, and en bloc resection rate. Conclusions: While intraprocedural perforation due to colorectal ESD can be managed conservatively, delayed perforation can lead to serious adverse events.

Factors Associated with Perforated Appendicitis in Elderly Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background. The incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients is high and carries increased morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of perforation in elderly patients who presented with clinical of acute appendicitis.Methods. This was a retrospective study, reviewing medical records of patients over the age of 60 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Patients were classified into two groups: those with perforated appendicitis and those with nonperforated appendicitis. Demographic data, clinical presentations, and laboratory analysis were compared.Results. Of the 206 acute appendicitis patients over the age of 60 years, perforated appendicitis was found in 106 (50%) patients. The four factors which predicted appendiceal rupture were as follows: male; duration of pain in preadmission period; fever (>38°C); and anorexia. The overall complication rate was 34% in the perforation group and 12.6% in the nonperforation group.Conclusions. The incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients was higher in males and those who had certain clinical features such as fever and anorexia. Duration of pain in the preadmission period was also an important factor in appendiceal rupture. Early diagnosis may decrease the incidence of perforated appendicitis in elderly patients.

Eustachian Tube Function in Cleft Palate Children

The cleft palate population has a high prevalence of chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). The present study attempts to relate this pathology to a functional obstruction of the eustachian tube (ET). Employing two methods, the forced-response test and the inflation-deflation test, various parameters of ET function were evaluated in 41 children and adolescents with cleft palates. The results indicated that cleft palate children have a limited ability to open the ET actively by swallowing, as evidenced by an inability to equilibrate applied positive or negative pressures. These children demonstrated little ability to alter pressure in the middle ear (ME) by either the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver. Passive ET airflow resistance in these children is not different from that of a traumatic perforation group. However, in the majority of cases (73%), the resistance of the tube increased with swallowing, suggesting a constriction of the ET rather than a dilation. Further, for those individuals capable of tubal dilation, the efficiency of dilation as measured by the resistance ratio was significantly less than that reported for the traumatic perforation group. Eustachian tube function in this population was not demonstrably dependent on age, sex, or type of cleft. The cleft palate children of the present study had severe functional obstruction of the ET. This obstruction was primarily related to the inability of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle to dilate the ET actively during swallowing and appears to be the major factor responsible for the pathogenesis of OME in this population.