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The management of Carcinoma of the Rectum is fairly standardized and protocolized, based on universally followed guidelines, including the NCCN, ESMO, and ASCO guidelines. However, there are certain advances and practices recommended which are contentiously requiring further debates and studies. The present study addresses these issues in its right perspective based on literature evidence.

Background: Pharyngoesophageal stricture with laryngeal involvement due to corrosive ingestion is rare, and limited literature is available regarding management. Outcome is unpredictable due to progressive scaring of anastomosis and associated respiratory complications. Here, we share our experience of managing this challenging entity. Materials and Methods: Of 57 corrosive ingestion patients, we reviewed 15 patients of isolated pharyngoesophageal stricture managed in our unit of a tertiary care center between 2008 and 2016. The medical records, initial management, operative data, postoperative course, and follow-up data of these 15 patients were reviewed. These 15 patients divided into Group A of endless string insertion and dilatation and Group B of five patients who underwent additional colonic interposition. Results: Of 15 patients, 10 patients belonged to Group A of endless string insertion and dilatation and five patients belonged to Group B with additional coloplasty. All the 10 patients were successfully dilated with endless string insertion, whereas in coloplasty group, four patients out of five are taking normal diet, and one patient succumbed due to nonoperative cause. All 15 patients had no respiratory complication postoperatively, and five patients who were on tracheostomy before surgery are weaned off completely. All 14 patients have no dysphagia, have no respiratory complications, and have gained weight. Conclusion: Severe upper aerodigestive injury is rare and its management is herculean task, but satisfactory functional reconstruction can be achieved in the majority of patients without the need for permanent tracheostomy or feeding jejunostomy by our technique giving good quality of life.

A primary pancreatic-isolated hydatid cyst, that too in tail of pancreas with no lesion in liver, is a rare presentation of this disease. We report a case of 30-year-old lady presenting with only abdominal pain and on imaging found to be a cystic lesion in tail of pancreas without any liver lesion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan is helpful in diagnosis by identifying the presence of multiloculation, curvilinear calcification, or the presence of daughter cysts. She was successfully treated by distal pancreatectomy without splenectomy.

Angiomatous malformation is the most common vascular abnormality, accounting for 30-40% cases of obscure GI bleeding from small bowel. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in severe or recurrent hemorrhage requiring multiple blood transfusions. However, the diffuse nature of the lesions poses a challenge to localize them accurately preoperatively, for exact resection. We present a case in which we have used selective mesenteric angiography with selective cannulation and exact localization of the lesion by injecting dye such as methylene blue, indigo carmine, and fluorescein, to localize the angiomatous malformation before surgical resection and also to determine the exact resection to be done.

INTRODUCTION : Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is an accepted procedure for elective splenectomy. Advancement in technology has extended the possibility of LS in massive splenomegaly [Choy et al., J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 14(4), 197-200 (2004)], trauma [Ren et al., Surg Endosc 15(3), 324 (2001); Mostafa et al., Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 12(4), 283-286 (2002)], and cirrhosis with portal hypertension [Hashizume et al., Hepatogastroenterology 49(45), 847-852 (2002)]. In a developing country, these advanced gadgets may not be always available. We performed LS using conventional and reusable instruments in a public teaching the hospital without the use of the advanced technology. The technique of LS and the outcome in these patients is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Patients undergoing LS for various hematological disorders from 1998 to 2004 were included. Electrocoagulation, clips, and intracorporeal knotting were the techniques used for tackling short-gastric vessels and splenic pedicle. Specimen was delivered through a Pfannensteil incision. RESULTS : A total of 26 patients underwent LS. Twenty-two (85%) of patients had spleen size more than 500 g (average weight being 942.55 g). Mean operative time was 214 min (45-390 min). The conversion rate was 11.5% ( n = 3). Average duration of stay was 5.65 days (3-30 days). Accessory spleen was detected and successfully removed in two patients. One patient developed subphrenic abscess. There was no mortality. There was no recurrence of hematological disease. CONCLUSION : Laparoscopic splenectomy using conventional equipment and instruments is safe and effective. Advanced technology has a definite advantage but is not a deterrent to the practice of LS.