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Introduction: The burden of chronic liver disease (CLD) is on the rise and liver transplantation remains the best treatment modality for the end stage liver disease (ESLD). Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital has started doing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and we aim to report our experience and early postoperative outcomes of the first 10 living donor liver transplants performed in our institute. Methods: This is a retrospective review and included all patients who were operated for LDLT from the year 2019 to 2023 for various indications. Demographic data, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, Child score, etiology of CLD, liver graft type, graft-to-recipient weight ratio, operative time, blood transfusion and complications were analysed. Results: From 2019 to 2023, in total, 10 patients underwent LDLT, including one paediatric transplant. The most common etiology was alcohol (50%) and right lobe was the preferred graft. The average operative time was 7.9 ± 2.56 hours. There were no re exploration or re transplantation. The mean duration of hospital stay was around 21.37 ± 6.43 days. All patients were followed for one to five years. Four recipients had Clavien Dindo Grade II and above complications, including bile leak and post-operative bleeding. One mortality occurred on 27th post-operative day due to covid infection. Conclusions: Living donor liver transplantation is a feasible option for patients with end stage liver disease and is safe to be performed in low volume centre with the help of expertise and good team work.

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula remains the most challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. As per the definition by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula, post operative pancreatic fistula is diagnosed on or after postoperative day 3. However, several studies have demonstrated that drain fluid amylase on postoperative day 1 may be a better predictor. This study was conducted to determine the diagnostic value of day one drain amylase in predicting the development of post-operative pancreatic fistula. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of patients, who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between April 2016 and May 2017. Post operative pancreatic fistula was defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (2005) criteria. The diagnostic value of day one drain amylase was determined by doing a receiver operating curve analysis and compared with the postoperative day 3 value. Results: A total of 49 patients were included. Post operative pancreatic fistula developed in 28 patients (Grade A - 40.8%; B - 12.2%; C - 4.1%). Receiver operating curve analysis confirmed the predictive relationship of day one drain amylase with an area under the curve of 0.79 and kappa 0.5. For clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, day 3 drain amylase was the better predictor (AUC for DFA3 was 0.73 while AUC for DFA1 was 0.51). A day one drain amylase cut-off value of 350 U/L demonstrated a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 77.8% with an accuracy of 76.2%. Conclusions: Day one drain amylase predicts postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy but for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, day three drain amylase is a better predictor. Keywords: Amylase; drain fluid amylase; pancreaticoduodenectomy; Pancreatic fistula

Abstract Background Pancreatic ascites refers to the massive accumulation of pancreatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity and is a rare entity. Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis is the most common cause. Ascites is commonly seen in patients with alcoholic liver disease and is usually a consequence of portal hypertension. Biliary pancreatitis, pancreatic trauma and cystic duplications of biliopancreatic ducts, ampullary stenosis, or ductal lithiasis are the remaining causes. Case presentation A 53-year-old Chhetri man, a chronic alcoholic, presented with epigastric pain and abdominal distension. He had made several previous visits to a local hospital within the past 6 months for a similar presentation. Serum alkaline phosphatase 248 IU/L, serum amylase 1301 IU/L, and lipase 1311 IU/L were elevated while serum calcium was decreased (1.5 mmol/l). Ascitic fluid amylase was elevated (2801 IU/L). A computed tomography scan of his abdomen revealed features suggestive of acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. The case was managed with a conservative approach withholding oral feedings, starting total parenteral nutrition, paracentesis, octreotide, and pigtail drainage. Conclusion Pancreatic ascites is a rare entity. Diagnosis is suspected with raised ascitic fluid amylase in the presence of pancreatic disease. Such cases can be managed by conservative approach or interventional approach. We managed this case through a conservative approach.

Abstract Background Benign biliary stricture is an infrequent condition and the majority occur following cholecystectomy. This case report highlights the occurrence of such a stricture 11 years after cholecystectomy without development of biliary cirrhosis. Case presentation Our patient was a 55-year-old Nepalese woman who presented to our hospital with cholangitis of 1-month duration and a history of cholecystectomy 11 years ago. A diagnosis of benign biliary stricture without features of biliary cirrhosis was made, and the patient was successfully managed with a multidisciplinary approach. Conclusion Benign biliary stricture can present even decades after cholecystectomy. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment of choice, and a long-term favorable outcome can be expected.

Abstract Background Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and persistent inflammatory disease resulting in pancreatic insufficiency leading to diabetes and steatorrhea. Abdominal pain is the most debilitating feature and is often refractory to treatment. Medical management with adequate analgesia and replacement of pancreatic enzyme supplements is the first line in management of chronic pancreatitis. Surgery is reserved for those who fail medical management. The choice of surgical procedure and timing of surgery is a topic of debate. The objective of this study was to analyze surgical safety along with short- and long- term outcomes of Frey’s procedure for patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Methods This was a retrospective review of cases of chronic pancreatitis who underwent Frey’s procedure from 2016 January to 2019 February at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Demographics, intraoperative findings, perioperative outcomes, and short- and long-time outcomes were analyzed. Results Total of 26 patients (age ranged 17–52, male − 14) underwent Frey’s procedure in the study period. Alcohol was etiology in six patients while the majority (76.9%) were nonalcoholic. Half of the patients had tropical pancreatitis. Intractable pain was present in all cases along with pseudocyst in three and pseudoaneurysm in one case. The mean preoperative Izbicki scores were 53.4 ± 17.6. Six patients had diabetes and two patients had steatorrhea. Major complications were seen in 11.5% of cases while mortality was in one patient. The median duration of the hospital stay was seven days. Over a median follow up of 17 months (range, 3–38), there were significantly lower pain scores postoperatively and 92% were pain-free. Only one new case of diabetes developed postoperatively. Conclusion Our early experiences suggests that Frey’s procedure can be a safe option for patients with chronic pancreatitis, with acceptable perioperative morbidity with adequate pain relief without worsening of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function.

Background. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with extensive fluid sequestration. The aim of this study was to determine association of fluid sequestration at 48 hours after hospital admission (FS48) in AP patients with demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes of AP. Methods. A prospective observational study was carried out on all adult patients with AP admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal, from January to September 2017. FS48 was calculated as the difference between fluid input and output in the first 48 hours of admission. The Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn’s test examined the difference in FS48 between mild AP, moderately severe AP, and severe AP. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate association between FS48 with patients’ characteristics and outcomes of AP. Outcomes of AP assessed included pancreatic necrosis, persistent organ failure, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Results. Eighty patients (median age 44 years; 57% male) with a median FS48 of 1610 mL were evaluated. The median FS48 for mild AP, moderately severe AP, and severe AP were 1,180 mL, 2,380 mL, and 3,500 mL, respectively. There was a significant difference in pairwise comparisons between mild AP and moderately severe AP, along with mild AP and severe AP. Younger age, other etiology, and higher creatinine were independently associated with increased FS48. Increased FS48 was significantly associated with pancreatic necrosis, persistent organ failure, and in-hospital mortality. Conclusions. In our study population, younger age and higher creatinine were predictors of increased FS48. Increased FS48 was associated with poorer outcomes of AP.

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome results from extrinsic compression of the celiac axis and or celiac ganglion by the MAL and diaphragmatic crura. A seventy five years lady presented with post prandial epigastric pain for 6 months. She had undergone considerable investigations for other diagnoses before an abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed median arcuate ligament impinging celiac artery at its origin. She successfully underwent laparotomy and release of median arcuate ligament.

Introduction: In the era of minimally invasive therapy, endoscopic or interventional radiological techniques have become preferred technique for palliating advanced malignant hilar obstruction due to carcinoma gallbladder or cholangiocarcionmas. However, in selected group of these locally advanced unresectable disease and fit patients, surgical segment III bypass could still be a viable option for palliation. Methods: I retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all the patients of segment III bypass performed over last six years (Oct 2012- May 2018) and analyzed the indication, perioperative morbidity, symptom relief and survival. Results: Total 17 patients underwent palliative biliary bypass over the specified period. Among them 8 patients underwent segment three III biliary bypass for proximal biliary obstruction. Except 1 patient, all segment three bypass were offered to malignant proximal biliary obstruction. One patient developed postoperative sepsis and had mortality on day 7. Symptom relief in the form of relief of pruritus, improved sleep pattern and improved appetite was seen in 5 patients. In remaining 2 patients, the bilirubin didn’t drop to normal level and the symptom reliefs were partial. However, the patient had good satisfaction over not having an external tube attached to their body. Despite the patent anastomosis, failure in dropping bilirubin level significantly was considered due to segmental obstructions. One patient survived for 18months, 1 had follow up to 13 months. Three patients were lost to follow up after 3 months. Two patients had six weeks follow up and were symptomatically doing better. Conclusion: Surgical segment III bypass is still a good option for palliating malignant hilar obstruction in selected group of patients.

A 57 year old male presented to our outpatient clinic with history of on and off melena, weight loss and decreasing appetite for 10 months duration and a noticeable mass on the right upper quadrant. Abdominal examination revealed an intra-abdominal lump in right upper quadrant which was subsequently evaluated by colonoscopy, which revealed an ulcero-proliferative growth in the hepatic exure and the biopsy from it con rmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Contrast enhanced computed tomography demonstrated hepatic  exure mass with possible invasion into adjacent duodenum without features of advanced disease. After completion of necessary preoperative assessment and investigations, patient was explored with curative intent and underwent extended right hemicolectomy with en bloc pancreaticodudenectomy. Patient was discharged on 10th postoperative day and at 14 months follows up; he was doing well without any evidence of recurrence. Keywords: colectomy; locally advanced; pancreaticoduodenectomy.

A 57 year old male presented to our outpatient clinic with history of on and off melena, weight loss and decreasing appetite for 10 months duration and a noticeable mass on the right upper quadrant. Abdominal examination revealed an intra-abdominal lump in right upper quadrant which was subsequently evaluated by colonoscopy, which revealed an ulcero-proliferative growth in the hepatic flexure and the biopsy from it confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Contrast enhanced computed tomography demonstrated hepatic flexure mass with possible invasion into adjacent duodenum without features of advanced disease. After completion of necessary preoperative assessment and investigations, patient was explored with curative intent and underwent extended right hemicolectomy with en bloc pancreaticodudenectomy. Patient was discharged on 10th postoperative day and at 14 months follows up; he was doing well without any evidence of recurrence. Keywords: colectomy; locally advanced; pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Introduction: Incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) varies in different parts of the world. The published data are mainly based on retrospective analysis of hospital admissions, which show that there are considerable geographical differences in the incidence rate. There are also regional divergences with regard to the etiology, and its impact on morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we compare the clinical course of acute biliary and non-biliary pancreatitis at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) as well as we compare the morbidity and mortality and duration of hospital stay in these groups. Methods: This prospective study included the patients with a diagnosis of AP over a period of one year. Eighty-five patients with the diagnosis of AP were included in the study. Revised Atlanta classification system (2012) was used to diagnose and define the severity of disease. The occurrence of local and systemic complications, median duration of hospital stay and mortality in AP was studied. Results: Among 85 patients, 34 patients were females and 51 were males. Among them, 46 patients belonged to the biliary group and 39 belonged to the non-biliary group. Alcohol intake was the major etiology in the non-biliary group (n = 26) and all of them were male. The majority of the gallstone induced AP patients were female (n = 29). Twenty-nine patients developed severe acute pancreatitis (SAP: 16 in biliary and 13 patients in non-biliary group). Complications were mostly seen in SAP. The acute fluid collection was the most common local complication (15 patients in biliary and 15 patients in non-biliary group, p > 0.05) and respiratory failure was the most common systemic complication (18 patients in biliary and 16 patients in non-biliary group, p > 0.05) in both groups. Three patients in biliary group and four patients in non-biliary group died due to multi-organ failure (p > 0.05). There was no statistical significant difference in the median duration of hospital stay in these groups. Conclusion: Though pathogenesis vary for different etiologies, once the disease process has started, local complications, systemic complications, duration of hospital stay and mortality in AP depends on the severity of the disease irrespective of the etiology.

Introduction:A casual relation has been thought to exist between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. The present study was carried out to find correlation between H. pylori and gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: A case control study was performed in the department of endoscopy, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, between January 2008 and February 2009. All patients having carcinoma stomach on endoscopic evaluation later confirmed by histopathological examination were included. Total 50 healthy individuals, with no positive finding in endoscopy were included in control group. Results: Total 37 cases were analyzed. There were 23 (62.2%) males and 14 (37.8%) females. Majority were above 60 years (46%). Blood group A was commonest group found in patients with carcinoma stomach. Distal part, antrum, 20 (54%) was commonest location of tumor and Borrmann type three was commonest endoscopic type of tumor presentation. Majority of patients received triple therapy and H. pylori detection was low in those treated with triple therapy. Distal tumors were significantly associated with increased prevalence of H. pylori positivity. Total incidence of H. pylori in cases was 54% (20/37). In 15 (75%) cases, H. pylori could be detected by both ELISA and biopsy method. Incidence of H. pylori in controls was 64% (32/50). There was no statistically significant difference in H. pylori presence in cases and control. Conclusions: Our study couldn’t establish association between H. pylori and gastric cancer. More prospective trials can help find out correlation between combination of risk factors and gastric cancer. Keywords: helicobacter pylori; gastric cancer; risk factors.

Introduction: Hypoalbuminemia, as a marker of malnutrition and disease, is associated with higher risk of poor postoperative outcomes. However, no study has been reported from our country until now. Our aim was to identify the relationship between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and the development of complications after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: A prospective study of 106 patients who underwent major elective gastrointestinal surgery between July 2012 to June 2013 in Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal were considered for the study. Serum albumin was determined preoperatively in all patients. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as albumin less than 35 mg/dl. Thirty-day postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: The patients were 70 males (66 %) and 36 females (34%) with a mean age of 50 years (23-81). Thirty-six patients (34%) had hypoalbuminemia. Overall complication rate was 32%. Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly higher rate of postoperative complications (26.4 and 5.6%; P50 year), BMI (3 hours) and hypoalbuminemia (

Introduction- Different techniques and modifications have been described to bring down the incidence of pancreatic fistula rate. However, no techniques have been accepted as a gold standard. Since 2011, we have been performing pancreaticojejunostomy by continuous dunking technique. Here, we intend to present our experience with the defined technique. Methods: Prospectively maintained medical records of the patients (operated between Sept 2011 to Jan 2016) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticoenteric reconstruction by continuous dunking techniques were reviewed and analyzed. Postoperative complications mainly, incidence of post pancreatectomy fistula (POPF), hemorrhage (PPH) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) along with other major complications were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was also performed to find the difference in fistula rate in patients with or without addition of Braun’s anastomosis. ISGPS definition was used to define the major, surgery specific complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results: Total 51 patients underwent pancreaticojejunostomy with the defined technique with Male to female ratio of 23:28. Total 13.7% (7/51) patients received preoperative biliary drainage. Overall, clinically significant fistula rated was 15.6% (8/51), PPH 13.7% (7/51) and 0% clinically significant DGE (overall DGE 13.7%, 7/51). Mortality rate was 5.8% (3/51). Subgroup analysis performed between patients with or without addition of Braun’s anastomosis revealed 0% clinically significant fistula rate with no mortality in the group. Conclusion: Surgery specific complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticoenteric reconstruction with our technique are comparable to published results from high volume centers. Addition of Braun’s anastomosis is a promising modification to bring down the POPF rate to a minimum.

A 57 year old male presented to our outpatient clinic with history of on and off melena, weight loss and decreasing appetite for 10 months duration and a noticeable mass on the right upper quadrant. Abdominal examination revealed an intra-abdominal lump in right upper quadrant which was subsequently evaluated by colonoscopy, which revealed an ulcero-proliferative growth in the hepatic flexure and the biopsy from it confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Contrast enhanced computed tomography demonstrated hepatic flexure mass with possible invasion into adjacent duodenum without features of advanced disease. After completion of necessary preoperative assessment and investigations, patient was explored with curative intent and underwent extended right hemicolectomy with en bloc pancreaticodudenectomy. Patient was discharged on 10th postoperative day and at 14 months follows up; he was doing well without any evidence of recurrence. Keywords: colectomy; locally advanced; pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Introduction:A casual relation has been thought to exist between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. The present study was carried out to find correlation between H. pylori and gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: A case control study was performed in the department of endoscopy, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, between January 2008 and February 2009. All patients having carcinoma stomach on endoscopic evaluation later confirmed by histopathological examination were included. Total 50 healthy individuals, with no positive finding in endoscopy were included in control group. Results: Total 37 cases were analyzed. There were 23 (62.2%) males and 14 (37.8%) females. Majority were above 60 years (46%). Blood group A was commonest group found in patients with carcinoma stomach. Distal part, antrum, 20 (54%) was commonest location of tumor and Borrmann type three was commonest endoscopic type of tumor presentation. Majority of patients received triple therapy and H. pylori detection was low in those treated with triple therapy. Distal tumors were significantly associated with increased prevalence of H. pylori positivity. Total incidence of H. pylori in cases was 54% (20/37). In 15 (75%) cases, H. pylori could be detected by both ELISA and biopsy method. Incidence of H. pylori in controls was 64% (32/50). There was no statistically significant difference in H. pylori presence in cases and control. Conclusions: Our study couldn’t establish association between H. pylori and gastric cancer. More prospective trials can help find out correlation between combination of risk factors and gastric cancer. Keywords: helicobacter pylori; gastric cancer; risk factors.

Introduction: Severe acute pancreatitis, according to Atlanta classification, is a heterogeneous group of patients with different outcomes. The patients with local complications and without organ failure have better outcome. This study has been conducted to determine the proportion of moderately severe acute pancreatitis and validate this subgroup in our population of patients. Methods: A total of 172 patients with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were categorized into three groups according to presence or absence of local complications and organ failure as mild acute pancreatitis, moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis and were compared in terms of need for intensive care unit care, length of ICU stay, need for intervention, length of hospital stay and mortality. Results: Fifty seven (33%) were categorized as moderately severe acute pancreatitis. Need for ICU care (19.3% vs 100%, p < 0.001), length of ICU stay (1 vs 9.8 days, p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (8.3±3.7 vs 16.6±8.1 days, p < 0.001) and mortality (0% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001) between moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis was significantly different. Moreover, mild acute pancreatitis and moderately severe acute pancreatitis had no mortality. Conclusions: This study showed that moderately severe acute pancreatitis exists as a separate group different from mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis with no mortality as in mild acute pancreatitis. Keywords: moderately severe acute pancreatitis; Atlanta classification; outcome.

Introduction: Severe acute pancreatitis, according to Atlanta classification, is a heterogeneous group of patients with different outcomes. The patients with local complications and without organ failure have better outcome. This study has been conducted to determine the proportion of moderately severe acute pancreatitis and validate this subgroup in our population of patients. Methods: A total of 172 patients with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were categorized into three groups according to presence or absence of local complications and organ failure as mild acute pancreatitis, moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis and were compared in terms of need for intensive care unit care, length of ICU stay, need for intervention, length of hospital stay and mortality. Results: Fifty seven (33%) were categorized as moderately severe acute pancreatitis. Need for ICU care (19.3% vs 100%, p < 0.001), length of ICU stay (1 vs 9.8 days, p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (8.3±3.7 vs 16.6±8.1 days, p < 0.001) and mortality (0% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001) between moderately severe acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis was significantly different. Moreover, mild acute pancreatitis and moderately severe acute pancreatitis had no mortality. Conclusions: This study showed that moderately severe acute pancreatitis exists as a separate group different from mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis with no mortality as in mild acute pancreatitis. Keywords: moderately severe acute pancreatitis; Atlanta classification; outcome.

Introduction: Post-operative nasogastric intubation after emergency laparotomy is a common practice in many centers, with the intent of hastening the return of bowel function, relieving gastrointestinal discomfort, reducing various post-operative complications and reducing hospital stay. However, bowel rest and gastric decompression have been re-examined in the light of more recent data. Many studies and meta-analyses over the last 50 years have challenged the routine use of nasogastric tubes after laparotomy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the need for routine nasogastric decompression after emergency laparotomy. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted for 12 months (May 1, 2007 to Apr 30, 2008) in the Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, after ethical approval. Patients were enrolled as per criteria (Box 1), and subsequently allocated by simple randomization into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis, intestinal obstruction and abdominal trauma were randomized to two groups – with or without nasogastric tube after surgery. Gastric upset, return of bowel function and postoperative complications were compared. Results: Total of 115 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of gastric upset (P: 0.38), wound complications (P: 0.30), respiratory complications (P: 0.30) and anastomotic leak (P: 0.64) between two groups. Bowel function returned in comparable times in both groups (correlation coefficient: 0.14; P: 0.54). Nasogastric tube had to be reinserted in three patients in the group with nasogastric decompression postoperatively, and four in the group without (P: 0.43). Thus, routine nasogastric decompression neither prevented the development of gastrointestinal discomfort nor precluded the need for tube replacement once it was discontinued. For every patient who required post-operative nasogastric decompression, at least 14 patients were spared one. Mean hospital stay was significantly more in the decompressed group (7.52 days; correlation coefficient: 0.22; P

Abdomen is a Pandora's Box. During our routine patient evaluation we come across different types of abdominal lumps out of which some are straight forward and diagnosed after routine clinical examinations and available investigations. At times these abdominal lumps present differently from their usual presentations and create confusions despite undergoing necessary investigations. The truth is explored only after opening the Pandora's Box. We present a case of 21 years old male who presented with history of gradually increasing right sided upper abdominal lump of three years duration. He was thoroughly investigated with USG and CT scan abdomen along with other supportive investigations and was diagnosed to have Hydatid cyst of liver. Accordingly patient was prepared for surgery and it was only at the time of laparotomy that he was found to have right sided giant hydronephrosis with a nonviable renal parenchymal tissue. He underwent right sided nephrectomy and had a good postoperative recovery. So at times the abdominal lumps keep on creating diagnostic dilemmas. Key words: abdominal lump, giant hydronephrosis