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Introduction: In general, abdominal emergencies are urgent situations that require a prompt and correct diagnosis and treatment. They involve a broad spectrum of diagnoses and can occur in all age groups. The situation is often modified in oncologic patients according to the extent and level of progression of the primary oncological disease., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the group of adult patients with abdominal emergencies treated in Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute between 2011-2017., Results: In total, 601 patients underwent emergency surgery during the 7-year period. The causes included gastrointestinal obstruction (43%), intra-abdominal inflammatory complications (33%) and bleeding (17%). Acute appendicitis or cholecystitis was the cause in only less than 4% of all patients., Conclusion: The problems of acute abdominal emergencies in oncologic patients are substantially different from those in the general population, particularly in terms of the causes where gastrointestinal obstruction is the leading cause.

Purpose: Early management is crucial for acute intestinal blood flow disorders; however, no published study has identified criteria for the time limit for blood flow resumption. This study specifically examines the time factors for avoiding intestinal resection., Methods: The subjects of this retrospective cohort study were 125 consecutive patients who underwent emergency surgery for a confirmed diagnosis of intestinal strangulation (n = 86), incarceration (n = 27), or volvulus (n = 12), between January 2015 and March 2021. Intestinal resection was performed when intestinal irreversible changes had occurred even after ischemia was relieved surgically. We analyzed the relationship between the time from computed tomography (CT) imaging to the start of surgery (C-S time) and intestinal resection using the Kaplan-Meier method and calculated the estimated intestinal rescue rate. Patient background factors affecting intestinal resection were also examined., Results: The time limit for achieving 80% intestinal rescue rate was 200 min in C-S time, and when this exceeded 300 min, the intestinal rescue rate dropped to less than 50%. Multivariate analysis identified the APACHE II score as a significant influencing factor., Conclusion: A rapid transition from early diagnosis to early surgery is critical for patients with acute abdomen originating from intestinal blood flow disorders. The times from presentation at the hospital to surgery should be reduced further, especially for severe cases., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a condition typified by the failure of the small bowel to propel contents in the absence of physical obstruction. CIPO is diagnosed after eliminating other causes, presenting a diagnostic challenge in emergency surgery. We report a case of a 32-year-old man with a rare mitochondrial disorder, Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), who presented to our hospital acutely unwell with peritonitis. Laparotomy revealed distended small bowel with no transition point, and turbid fluid with no macroscopic source. Postoperatively he had severe electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies. The diagnosis of CIPO leading to paralytic ileus and bacterial translocation was established and managed with aggressive electrolyte and vitamin replacement. He was discharged day 12 post operatively after a prolonged ileus with follow-up from a quaternary metabolic unit. We discuss here the challenges and gold standard in the emergency management of CIPO., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Intestinal obstruction is defined as a blockage or partial blockage of the passage of the intestinal contents. It is a potentially risky surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Its pattern differs from country to country and even from place to place within a country. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the magnitude, pattern and management outcome of intestinal obstruction in Arba Minch General Hospital., Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch General hospital from January 09, 2015, to November 09, 2018. The data collection period was from December 15, 2018, to February 09, 2019. A simple random technique was applied to select 801 study participants. Then, the required data entered into Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to the statistical package for the social sciences software package version 20 for analysis. The binary logistic regression analysis has been done to determine crude statistical associations between independent variables and dependent variables. Linearity, Multivariate normality and multicollinearity were checked between independent and dependent variables by using scatter plot and Q-Q plot respectively. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the binary logistic regression analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance factors were identified based on a p-value of < 0.05 and with a 95% confidence interval., Result: This study revealed that the overall magnitude of intestinal obstruction was 40.60% with 95% CI (34.95-45.95). The magnitude of unfavorable management outcomes and deaths during the study period were 22.3% with 95% CI (18.00-27.00) and 7.1% with 95% CI (4.00-10.00) respectively. Persistent tachycardia 10.3 (3.28-32.42), Dehydration 13.7 (3.34-56.56), elevated serum creatinine 10.2 (1.89-54.94), gangrenous small bowel volvulus 2.7 (1.27-5.84), ischemic bowel 3.4 (1.17-9.81) and perforated bowl 7.68 (2.96-19.93) were significantly associated with the management outcome of intestinal obstruction., Conclusion and Recommendation: Intestinal obstruction was the most common among all acute abdomen cases and its management outcome highly associated with dehydration. Adequate early preoperative resuscitation and proper post-operative care with appropriate surgical techniques and wound care with sterile techniques would help to reduce further mortality. This could be achieved by increasing public awareness of health-seeking behavior. Moreover, health facilities capable of handling patients with small bowel obstruction should be available within the reach of the community.

Although improved medical therapies have been associated with decreased rates of emergent intestinal resection for inflammatory bowel disease, prompt diagnosis and management remain of utmost importance to ensure appropriate patient care with reduced morbidity and mortality. Emergent indications for surgery include toxic colitis, acute obstruction, perforation, acute abscess, or massive hemorrhage. Given this broad spectrum of emergent presentations, a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional support services, and enterostomal therapists are required for optimal patient care and decision making. Management of each emergency should be individualized based on patient age, disease type and duration, and patient goals of care., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common presentation to emergency abdominal surgery. The most frequent causes of SBO are congenital, postoperative adhesions, abdominal wall hernia, internal hernia and malignancy. Patients: A 27-year-old woman was hospitalized because of acute abdominal pain, blockage of gases and stools associated with vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography showed an acute small bowel obstruction without any obvious etiology. In view of important abdominal pain and the lack of clear diagnosis, an explorative laparoscopy was performed. Diagnostic of pelvic inflammatory disease was established and was comforted by positive PCR for Chlamydia Trachomatis . Results: Acute small bowel obstruction resulting from acute pelvic inflammatory disease, emerging early after infection, without any clinical or X-ray obvious signs was not described in the literature yet. This infrequent acute SBO etiology but must be searched especially when there is no other evident cause of obstruction in female patients. Early laparoscopy is mostly advised when there are some worrying clinical or CT scan signs.

Introduction: Crohns disease (CD) as a chronic inflammatory disease can affect the entire digestive tract and therefore involves a wide range of symptoms and health problems. It often mimics other diseases of the digestive tract. In the case of acute abdomen in a patient with CD, it is necessary to approach it individually in cooperation with a gastroenterologist in order to reduce the extent of resection and to ensure fewer resections., Case Reports: In our two case reports, we present patients with bowel obstruction and inflammatory acute abdomen. The first patient benefits from conservative treatment despite the presence of a bowel obstruction (resulting from inflammation) before subsequent surgical treatment. It is a relatively common acute complication of CD. The second patient, despite her ongoing pregnancy and the impossibility of using appropriate imaging techniques in the follow-up treatment, with regard to her clinical condition, requires an urgent surgical solution due to a fairly rare perforation to abdominal cavity. Key words: Crohns disease - surgery - acute abdomen - bowel obstruction - peritonitis.

Background: Unlike the elective treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC), sufficient data and consensual guidelines on acute care are lacking., Objectives: To analyze a cohort of MCRC patients who required urgent surgery due to acute abdomen and to identify risk factors contributing to the patient's perioperative mortality and morbidity., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer who required urgent laparotomy at the Rabin Medical Center. Comparative analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square and Student`s t-test., Results: Between 2010 and 2015, 113 patients underwent urgent laparotomy due to colorectal cancer complications, of which 62 patients were found to have a metastatic, stage IV, disease. Large bowel obstruction was the most common indication for urgent laparotomy. In-hospital mortality was 30% (n=19), and overall 30 day mortality was 43%. Fifteen patients (24%) required more than one surgery. The average length of hospital stay was 21 days. Age and lactate levels at presentation were the only prognostic factor found for mortality (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: MCRC laparotomy patients incur a significant burden of care and have a relatively high incidence of early mortality. Our data suggest high, verging on unacceptable, mortality and complication rates in this subgroup of patients. This finding is further accentuated in the subgroup of older patients presenting with lactatemia. These data should be considered by surgeons when discussing treatment options with patients and families.

Cecal diverticulum is a rare clinical condition which may present as acute abdomen through diverticulitis and perforation of diverticulitis. Surgical treatment of cecal diverticulitis has been controversial, with studies recommending options ranging from conservative management with antibiotics alone to aggressive resection. Two cases, one of which was pre- diagnosed with cecal tumor perforation and the other with cecal tumor leading to intestinal obstruction, were urgently operated. To both patients, right hemicolectomy was applied. Pathologic evaluation revealed cecal diverticulitis in both patients. Right hemicolectomy is principally reserved for patients experiencing perforation of the diverticulum and extensive inflammatory reaction.

Sclerosing mesenteritis (SM) is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by chronic non-specific inflammation involving the adipose tissue of the bowel mesentery. It may be asymptomatic but it commonly presents with abdominal pain. Some individuals may have a palpable abdominal mass and affected individuals may develop small bowel obstruction or acute abdomen. We report a case of 27-year old man who presented to the Surgery Department at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku Awka, Anambra State with acute abdomen and intestinal obstruction. He subsequently, had a surgical resection, which was histologically confirmed as a sclerosing mesenteritis. Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare disorder and this is the first case being reported in the literature from South-East, Nigeria.It is therefore, important to alert physicians, more especially the surgeons on the need to have a high index of suspicion in every case of intestinal obstruction.

Background: The term acute abdomen denotes any sudden spontaneous non traumatic disorder whose main manifestation is in the abdominal area. It is one of the most commonly encountered emergencies in the practice of general surgery but there is no much study regarding the magnitude and pattern in Ethiopia and in the study area in particular., Objective: The study was aimed at assessing the causes, pattern and outcomes of surgical regimen of acute abdomen in the study area., Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted in all adult patients with acute abdomen admitted in Mekelle hospital from Sept, 2008 to August, 2010. Patient demographics, clinical features, white cell count levels, operative findings and outcomes were adequately recorded. Adequate recording has been maintained in the hospital. The source.and the study groups (N-299) were patients of adult age categories., Results: A total of 2628 surgical procedures were performed during the study period. Of these, 299 cases were surgical emergency conditions for acute abdomen accounting for (11.4%) of all surgeries. During the. study period, there were 989 adult surgical emergency procedures of which 299 (30.2%) cases were laparotomies for acute abdomen. The age ranged from 15 years to 95 years (mean = 31.5 years). The male to female ratio was (M: F; 4.1:1). In this series, the most common symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distention accounting for 299 (100.0%), 149 (49.8%) and 38 (16.4%) respectively. The frequent. clinical signs were tenderness, localized guarding and rebound tenderness accounting for 287 (96.0%), 269 (90.0%) and 139 (46.4%) respectively. Acute abdomen was most common between 20-29 years of age at a rate of 96 (32.1%) with male 74 (24.7%) preponderance. Acute appendicitis was the leading cause of acute abdomen accounting for 159 (53.2%) followed by small bowel obstruction 48 (16.0%), sigmoid volvulus 38 (12.7%) and PPUD 13 (4.3%). Of the surgically treated patients for acute abdomen 92 (30.8%) had post-operative complications other than deaths. The three commonest immediate post-operative complications observed were wound infection (19.7%), pneumonia (9.0%) and sepsis (2.0%). In this series, there were 19 deaths giving an overall mortality rate of (6.4%). The low rate of mortality observed in study may be attributed to early presentation, early diagnosis and prompt surgical interventions., Conclusion: The present study has depicted that acute abdomen commonly occurred in the 2nd to 3rd decades of life, majority caused by acute appendicitis and males were predominantly affected than females. Small bowel obstruction, sigmoid volvulus, PPUD and incarcerated hernias were other observed causes of acute abdomen.

The ileosigmoid knot (ISK) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. ISK is a condition in which the ileum wraps around the base of the sigmoid colon and forms a knot, leading to high mortality with rapid progression to bowel gangrene. We herein report a rare case of ISK at week 13 of pregnancy. The ISK was diagnosed by computed tomography, and the patient underwent emergency surgery for acute abdomen. Laparotomy showed segmental gangrenous change in the sigmoid colon, which was twisted around the distal ileal loop. The gangrenous bowel was resected, and primary anastomosis was performed. To our knowledge, the present case involves the first and earliest pregnancy in which a preoperative diagnosis of ISK was made and successful treatment was performed with surgery. A radiologic approach should be undertaken for prompt diagnosis and optimal management, even in early pregnancy.

Commonly, small bowel obstruction (SBO) is caused by either postoperative adhesions or external hernias. Internal hernias are rare, accounting for less than 2% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. An internal hernia through the falciform ligament is extremely uncommon and is usually secondary to a congenital or iatrogenic defect caused by trocars insertion. In this article, we report a case of SBO in a virgin abdomen that appeared to be caused by a congenital defect in the falciform ligament. A search of the literature was done identifying all reported cases of internal hernias caused by falciform ligament defect in order to guide diagnosis and management as well as avoidance of hernias caused by iatrogenic defects.

An abdominal cocoon is an extremely rare condition, and has been reported mainly in young adolescent women as a cause of small bowel obstruction. In these patients, the small bowel is encased in a fibrous sac called an abdominal cocoon. We hereby present two cases who were diagnosed only by laparotomy and their correlation with the literature. They both received early intervention, thus preventing the need for bowel resection. The pathology of both membranes showed inflammation.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for recurrent small-bowel obstruction (SBO), when performed early after failed conservative treatment., Methods: Between 1999 and 2005, elective laparoscopic adhesiolysis was attempted in 46 patients with recurrent SBO after abdominal or pelvic surgery. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was done during the acute onset of SBO after the patient failed to respond to 24 h of conservative treatment., Results: Fifteen patients (32.6%) presented with recurrent SBO and 31 patients (67.4%) presented with recurrent SBO and chronic abdominal pain. Postoperative adhesions were identified laparoscopically in all patients: as isolated bands in 11 patients, enteroperitoneal angulation in 12 patients, entero-enteral angulation in 17 patients, and extensive dense and matted intra-abdominal adhesions in 6 patients. Successful complete laparoscopic adhesiolysis was achieved in 42 of the 46 patients (91.3%). Conversion to minilaparotomy was required for a convoluted mass of adherent bowel in one patient (2.2%) and laparotomy was required for extensive dense and matted adhesions in three patients (6.5%). The mean follow-up was 46.5 months (range 24-89 months). Forty-three patients (93.5%) were asymptomatic after the operation. Only one patient (2.2%) had a further two episodes of SBO over 38 months of follow-up., Conclusion: Laparoscopic intervention, when done early after the onset of symptoms, is highly feasible, safe, and effective in selected patients with recurrent SBO caused by postoperative adhesion.

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction remains one of the commonest causes of acute abdomen worldwide. The pattern of intestinal obstruction varies from one place to another. We report the pattern of intestinal obstruction observed in a semi urban Nigerian hospital over a 5 year period., Materials and Methods: Records of patient admitted and managed for intestinal obstruction between April 2001 and April 2006 at the federal medical centre, Owo, Southwestern Nigeria, were reviewed. Demographic data as well as parameters relating to the symptoms, duration, onset, type, diagnosis, intraoperative findings, as well as postoperative outcomes were retrieved. All data was entered into a personal computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 11., Results: A total of 95 patients were managed during the period. The mean age was 39 years. The male:female ratio was 1.8:1. Adhesive intestinal obstruction was the commonest cause of symptoms in 44%, followed by volvulus in 14% and external hernias in 11% of the patients. A correct preoperative diagnosis was made in over 70% of the patients. Out of those with adhesive obstruction, 75% had a previous abdominal or groin operation while 57% had surgical exploration for failed conservative management. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6 days and the overall mortality rate was 20%., Conclusion: Adhesive intestinal obstruction is the commonest cause in this semi-urban population which was studied. Obstructed hernia is becoming increasingly less common as a cause of intestinal obstruction.

Medical errors during surgery are usually under-reported and not well studied. During the past decade, increased interest in medical malpractice has been shown by both the public and the authorities. A particularly high risk of medical errors is seen in emergency settings, unexpected change in procedure, or in patients with a high body mass index. Visually or acoustically controlled monitoring before wound closure are recommended to eliminate human error as thoroughly as possible. Prevention remains the key to solving the problem.

We recently treated a patient with strangulating intestinal necrosis caused by the enlarged abdominal cysts characteristic of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). A 75-year-old Japanese woman with a 30-year history of ADPKD underwent surgery to treat a diagnosis of acute abdomen. Surgery confirmed that the mesenterium was stretched caudally over the huge cysts that occupied the entire abdominal cavity, and the intestines were necrotic from the jejunum to the transverse colon. Veins from the necrotic intestine were dilated, and an arterial pulse could be felt. These findings resulted in a diagnosis of strangulation necrosis of the intestine caused by occlusion of the mesenteric vein by the enlarged cysts. The necrotic intestine was excised, and a proximal jejuno-transverse colostomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed hemorrhagic necrosis and marked congestion of the resected intestine. This case describes a rare, but clinically important, variation of ADPKD.

Introduction: Colonic duplication is an uncommon congenital anomaly. Bowel obstruction, presence of an abdominal mass, and sometimes bleeding and perforation may be the clinical manifestations., Objective: To report a patient with colonic duplication who underwent to surgical treatment due to acute abdominal pain., Report of the Case: 17 year-old, female patient admitted to the emergency room due to acute abdominal pain and signs of intestinal obstruction, at her initial evaluation she was tachycardic, hyperthermic with 38 degrees C, dehydration, abdominal distention, acute abdominal pain, absent peristalsis and peritoneal signs. Laboratories with Hb 14.2 g/dL, leucocytosis of 16,000 mm3, plain abdominal films showed dilation of intestinal loops and air-fluid levels. A laparotomy for intestinal obstruction was performed; operative findings were a tubular colonic duplication that demands a complete resection of the duplicated segment., Conclusion: Colonic duplication is a rare congenital anomaly, the onset of the symptoms can occur during infancy or early childhood. It must be consider as differential diagnoses in patients with intestinal obstruction and palpable abdominal mass in this rank of ages.

An unusual case of small bowel obstruction in a patient with "virgin abdomen" was successfully diagnosed and the localized pathology was elucidated by a computed tomography scan, and the case was successfully treated by laparoscopy.

Traumatic rupture of diaphragm is sometimes diagnosed many years after the traumatic event. Due to the silent nature of diaphragmatic injuries, the diagnosis is easily missed or difficult. We describe a rare case of right diaphragmatic hernia, in which the diagnosis was made many years after the trauma. The incidence of right diaphragmatic hernia is about 11-14% of all diaphragmatic hernias. The patient showed acute hernia of the small intestine and was treated with resection of the intestinal loop and repair of breakthrough by suture. The diagnosis was made with a standard X-ray of thorax and abdomen. CT scan and NMR give more accurate information in these cases. The surgical repair is the treatment of choice in all traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Small gut volvulus is rare in adults and usually presents with acute intestinal obstruction. We report a 25-year-old man with primary small gut volvulus who presented with hematemesis. The gangrenous gut was resected at laparotomy. He is well 3 months later.

Objective: A prospective study was performed over a 3-month period in a tertiary referral centre to evaluate the appropriateness and contribution of plain abdominal radiographs (PAR) in the diagnosis and management of adult patients presenting with acute abdominal pain., Methods: Forward stepwise logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between PAR findings and the final diagnosis. The Chi-squared test was used to determine any changes in patient management including requirement for surgical intervention based on PAR findings (p < 0.05)., Results: Of 168 patients (246 PAR), 59 (35%) had positive findings on PAR. PAR were most sensitive in cases of intestinal obstruction (odds ratio, OR = 33.548, r = 0.561). The sensitivity was further increased if three of the following predictive signs were present: exaggerated bowel sounds (OR = 13.350, r = 0.154), abdominal distension (OR = 2.993, r = 0.234) and age over 50 years (OR = 2.301, r = 0.027). PAR were non-diagnostic in 82% of patients with acute abdominal pain (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: PAR do not play a major role in influencing the management of patients with acute abdominal pain without coexisting bowel obstruction.

Background: Conventional surgical management of acute small bowel obstruction involves laparotomy. The laparoscopic approach has not been favoured due to the presumed increased risk of bowel injury., Methods: A retrospective review of our experience of laparoscopic management of acute small bowel obstruction was undertaken. Nine patients were identified from 1997 to 2003. The aetiology of obstruction was identified laparoscopically in all cases. Eight cases were caused by bands or local adhesions and one patient had a bezoar., Results: Laparoscopic treatment was successful in 78% of patients including one laparoscopy-assisted procedure. Conversion to laparotomy was performed in two patients, one due to difficult adhesiolysis and one due to iatrogenic bowel injury during adhesiolysis. The mean operating time was 74 minutes. There were no postoperative complications and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.3 days., Conclusion: This small series demonstrates that laparoscopy can serve as a good diagnostic tool as well as treatment of acute small bowel obstruction. In an appropriately selected patient, laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction is a feasible therapeutic approach and appears to convey the benefits of a short postoperative hospital stay, reduced postoperative complications and possibly reduced subsequent adhesion formation.

Computed tomography (CT) is often the first modality ordered in patients with suspected bowel obstruction. Three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging is now seen as a valuable tool for illustrating pathologic findings to clinicians and surgeons. Three cases are reported in which 3D CT volume rendering was used to demonstrate transition points in proximal small bowel obstructions in patients who had received oral contrast.

Although supravesical hernias were described as early as 1804, there have been fewer than 100 cases reported in the literature. The supravesical fossa is a triangular area bounded laterally and above by median and medial umbilical ligaments, and below by the peritoneal reflection that passes from the anterior abdominal wall to the dome of the bladder. A hernia starting in this fossa usually protrudes through the abdominal wall as a direct inguinal hernia (external supravesical hernia). Less commonly, it remains within the abdomen, passing into spaces around the bladder (internal supravesical hernia). A 43-year-old mill worker presented with an enlarged painful mass in the left groin. He underwent a surgical repair of a direct inguinal hernia without addressing an unrecognized supravesicular component. Eight hours after his discharge next morning, he presented with acute abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. The second surgery revealed the presence of a left lateral internal supravesical hernia with incarcerated small bowel. This was also repaired, and the patient was discharged in stable condition. This report aims to review and discuss the surgical anatomy of these rare supravesical hernias and calls attention to this type of hernia as an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction.

We report a case of small bowel obstruction secondary to coin ingestion. A 22-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a 3-week history of abdominal pain. Upon initial history the patient denied any foreign body ingestion. Only after computed tomography (CT) scanning of the abdomen and pelvis did the patient admit to deliberate ingestion of a single United States penny coin. During surgical evaluation it was found that the coin had lodged near the ileocecal valve and an inflammatory mass had formed around the intraluminal coin, causing a 10 x 7 cm fibrous tumor to completely obstruct the small bowel. It is thought that oxidation of the coin, with subsequent exposure of its high zinc content, instigated the inflammatory cascade.

Body packing is a well recognized method of drug trafficking by smuggling drug containers in the gastrointestinal tract. Medical professionals might get involved with body packers after presentation by law enforcement or in case of medical emergencies such as drug overdose or mechanical intestinal obstruction due to the containers within the gastrointestinal tract. Besides the medical aspects in treating these patients, physicians must be aware of all the different legal specifics in dealing with body packers. In case of medical emergencies, drug traffickers have the legal status of regular patients with respect to professional medical discretion. The question remains of what physicians should do with the drugs after surgical removal? Even though the body packer remains the legal owner of the drugs, physicians may not return the drugs, since that constitutes the criminal offence of dealing in narcotics. Returning the drugs to law enforcement authorities is also prohibited because of professional medical discretion. The only way out of this predicament is for physicians to destroy the drugs under the observation of witnesses.

Introduction: The main role of the radiologist in the management of patients with suspicion of small bowel obstruction is to help triage patients into those that need immediate surgical intervention from those that require medical therapy or delayed surgery. Ultrasound examination is usually considered not helpful in bowel obstruction because of air in the intestinal lumen that interferes the evaluation of the intestinal loops, however recently some Authors attested the increasing important role of sonography in the acute abdominal disease. Aim of our report is to demonstrate the value of free fluid detected by US in differentiating between low and high-grade small bowel obstruction., Materials and Methods: The study is based on 742 consecutive patients who presented symptoms of the acute abdomen; all patients had undergone initial serial abdominal plain film and US examinations prior to any medical intervention. We reviewed the imaging findings of 150 cases in whom small bowel obstruction was clinically suspected and confirmed at surgery. We consider the following radiographic and US findings: dilatation of small bowel loops; bowel wall thickness; presence of air-fluid levels; thickness of valvulae conniventes; evidence of peristalsis; presence and echogenicity of extraluminal fluid. We looked at the value of extraluminal peritoneal fluid at US examination in differentiating low and high-grade small bowel obstruction based on the surgical outcome., Results: In 46 patients altered peristaltic activity, thin bowel walls, fluid filled loops with hyperechoic spots in the bowel segment proximal to obstruction were noted at US, whereas radiographic features were: moderate dilatation of small bowel loops, with thin bowel wall and evidence of numerous and subtle valvulae conniventes; presence of air-fluid levels was also noted. In 70 other patients, US examination revealed all the findings described in the precedent cases and also the presence of free extraluminal fluid; abdominal plain film showed an increased dilatation of small bowel loops with moderate thickened wall and air-fluid levels. In 34 other patients US examination revealed the presence of thick-walled loops, hypoperistalsis and a larger amount of free extraluminal fluid. Radiographic findings in these patients were: horizontal featured and markedly dilated small bowel loops presenting parietal thickness, presence of intraluminal fluid stasis and evidence of thickened, sparse and incomplete valvulae conniventes. At surgery etiology of small bowel obstructions was various, but most of cases related to adhesions (70 cases). The presence of extraluminal fluid were confirmed at surgery in 104 patients., Conclusions: Our experience using sonography in suspicion of SBO (small bowel obstruction) suggests the usefulness of this imaging modality to differentiate a functional or obstructive ileus, demonstrating the evidence of intestinal peristalsis. Furthermore, the presence of a large amount of fluid between dilated small bowel loops suggests worsening mechanical small bowel obstruction, that requires not a medical therapy but immediate surgery.

Morgagni's hernia is a rare congenital diaphragmatic herniation and is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is quite rare in adults, and intestinal obstruction as a complication due to intrathoracic intestinal herniation rarely occurs. We present the plain radiography and computed tomography findings of an adult patient with acute abdomen symptoms due to Morgagni's hernia.

In a 79-year-old woman with acute abdomen CT revealed a 'whirl sign' configuration, pathognomonic for volvulus of the small bowel.

Context: Internal hernias account for only 0.2 to 0.9% of the cases of intestinal obstruction. They do not have specific clinical manifestations, and are usually diagnosed during laparotomy for acute intestinal obstruction. Internal hernias through the lesser omentum are extremely rare., Case Report: We report here the case of a 36-year-old patient who underwent exploratory laparotomy for acute intestinal obstruction. An internal hernia through the lesser omentum was found, with a strangulated ileal segment passing through the perforation into an abscess within the lesser sac. The surgical procedures included ileal resection, primary anastomosis, abscess removal, and placement of a drain in the lesser sac. The patient was reoperated 6 days later for abdominal sepsis; a lesser sac abscess was removed and the abdominal incision was left open. The patient stayed in the Intensive Care Unit for 15 days, and eventually left the hospital on the 28th post-admission day, with complete recovery thereafter., Conclusion: The early diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction and immediate indication for laparotomy is the main task of the surgeon when faced with a case of acute abdomen with a hypothesis of internal hernia, so as to minimize severe postoperative complications, as illustrated by the present case.

Internal herniation through a congenital defect in the falciform ligament is extremely rare. We report an unusual observation of small bowel obstruction through an iatrogenic defect of the falciform ligament. Prompt diagnosis was made by helical CT, permitting a rapid surgical procedure to preserve the viability of the obstructed segment.

A 75-year-old man who had an emergency laparotomy for small bowel obstruction was found at operation to have multiple mid-ileal strictures. Histology of the resected specimen confirmed diaphragm disease of the bowel. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear but it is associated with long-term use of NSAID. Diagnosis is often difficult as many clinicians are unaware of this condition. The relevant literature has been reviewed., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Background: Diagnosis of small bowel volvulus is frequently delayed often resulting in bowel ischaemia and infarction and impairing clinical outcome. Instant and correct diagnosis and subsequent adequate surgery may improve the outcome., Methods: We describe a 19-year-old female with small bowel obstruction due to volvulus in whom the diagnosis was suspected based on the finding of air in the bowel wall and in the portal vein on a plain abdominal radiograph., Conclusions: Air, present in the portal vein and bowel wall on a plain abdominal X-ray, suggests bowel ischaemia or necrosis and that the need for laparotomy is urgent., (Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Purpose: Development of a new monocontrast examination of the small bowel., Material and Methods: The new examination was applied to 20 patients with suspected bowel obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. A contrast mixture, containing gelatin, a water-soluble contrast medium (Peritrast) and water (GPW-mixture) was given over an intestinal tube. The viscosity of the new contrast mixture was measured by rotation and flow viscosimetry. The diagnostic value and the degree of small bowel distension were determined independently by 3 examiners. By comparison 20 randomized selected small bowel follow-through examinations (SBFT) and 20 small bowel enemas were examined. Special questionnaires were used to determine subjective compatibility and discomfort., Results: Due to the viscosity of the new contrast medium and the administration over an intestinal tube, a good bowel distension was achieved with the GPW mixture. The bowel distension (p: < 0.01) and the diagnostic value (p: < 0.01) of the new examination in comparison to the SBFT was characterized as being significantly better. In comparison to the small bowel enema, distension was not significantly better (p: 0.31-1.0). The diagnostic value of the small bowel enema was characterized as significantly better by one of the three examiners in comparison to the new monocontrast-distenson examination (p-level < 0.01)., Conclusion: The monocontrast-distension examination is a potential alternative in patients in whom a small bowel enema with barium sulfate is contraindicated.

The most common causes for small-bowel obstructions with subsequent strangulation are intra-abdominal adhesions and external hernias. We report an unusual case of strangulated small-bowel hernia through a congenital window in the falciform ligament. The diagnosis and surgical treatment are discussed.

To investigate the association between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system and adhesions causing intestinal obstruction in childhood in order to determine whether HLA profiles can be used to identify and screen individuals at risk for intestinal adhesions, clinical and laboratory evaluations were done in a total of 42 (F:M = 27:15) patients. The mean age was 6.11 +/- 3.2 years (0.6-13 years). The patients were tested for HLA phenotype in two groups; the HLA phenotype distribution and relative risk (RR) for adhesions were determined. The study patients were children operated upon due to acute abdominal emergencies. Group 1 included patients who needed readmission after the surgery due to intestinal obstruction (n = 19), group 2 patients had no readmission for any reason following surgery (n = 23). Of the 19 patients in group 1, 9 were treated only medically and 10 needed surgical intervention. Among the patients in whom medical treatment was initiated (n = 14), 5 needed surgery during follow-up. There was an increased RR for certain HLA subtypes (A24 [9], HLA11, DR11 [5], B22) in patients presenting with intestinal obstruction due to adhesions. Among these, A24 (9) and DR11 (5) were statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Several possible mechanisms could link the HLA system with disease, especially those in which the immune response is suspected to be involved, but the questions of how the inflammatory response is initiated and the role of proinflammatory cytokines remain unclear. Future research developments are likely to focus on increased understanding of the molecular biology of the major histocompatibility complex and its biological function in the immune response and adhesion formation and intestinal obstruction. It is possible that HLA profiles can be used to identify individuals at risk for intestinal adhesions in the future.

Background/aims: Laparoscopic management of acute small bowel obstruction has potential advantages over classical laparotomy. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and the safety of this technique, as well as to find any predictive success factors., Methodology: A laparoscopic approach was undertaken in 68 out of 150 patients admitted between 1991 and 1997 for acute small bowel obstruction., Results: The cause of obstruction was bands or adhesions in 80% of the patients. A correct laparoscopic diagnosis was established in 66% of the cases. A laparoscopic treatment was performed successfully in 31 patients (46%), and was assisted by minilaparotomy in 4 patients (6%), and by open herniorraphy in 2 patients (3%). Thirty-one patients (46%) needed a conversion to laparotomy. There were 6 bowel injuries (9%), all recognized during laparoscopy. There were 2 deaths in converted patients and 2 early reoperations for persisting ileus in patients treated by laparoscopy alone or by assisted laparoscopy., Conclusion: Acute small bowel obstruction can be treated by laparoscopy alone, or assisted by minilaparotomy or open herniorraphy with advantages for the patient and few complications despite a high rate of conversion. There were no pre-operative predictive factors for successful laparoscopy, except for an isolated previous scar from an appendectomy. Pre-operative predictive success factors were parietal intestinal adhesions, as the only cause of obstruction. Multiple adhesions will mostly require conversion to laparotomy.

During a 4-year period we treated four patients with gallstone ileus by enterotomy and extraction of the impacted concrement. Diagnosis was quickly established by abdominal ultrasound examination in all cases. Lacking visibility of the gallbladder in the clinical setting of ileus and subileus proved to be a sonographic clue of gallstone ileus and prompted a thorough search for the obturating gallstone which could definitely be demonstrated as an intraluminal semicircular reflex with strong echos and a sonic shadow in all patients. Thus, due to early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, even in the absence of full-blown ileus, all of our elderly patients and those with a multitude of diseases still had a favorable outcome.

Gastric volvulus or volvulus of the small-bowel can occasionally be found in neonates and small infants. Since volvulus is an emergency case, the radiologist must know the characteristic radiological findings and the ultrasound signs in correlation to the clinical symptoms. Two forms of gastric volvulus can be distinguished: the organoaxial type and a mesenterioaxial form. Besides an idiopathic etiology, diaphragmatic alterations can be observed in children with volvulus of the stomach. Volvulus of the small-bowel occurs in children with malrotation type I or II or with nonrotation. Bile-stained vomiting starts within the first days of life and is followed by the clinical signs of high bowel obstruction and peritonitis. Primarily in cases of gastric volvulus, an ultrasound examination can show the wrong position of the stomach or the pyloric region. In cases of small-bowel volvulus, abnormal localization of the superior mesenteric artery can be demonstrated. The plain film features an upper small-bowel obstruction. Upper intestinal contrast studies may reveal the level of small-intestine obstruction. A contrast enema can rule out a concomitant colon nonrotation or malrotation. A rare form which can be misdiagnosed easily, is volvulus of the sigmoid with pathological elongation and positioning of the sigma. It appears mostly in school children with less urgent symptoms and can disappear spontaneously. A typical feature is pain in the left lower abdomen and complete obstruction in an opaque enema.

The successful use of a combination of "patch, drain, and wait" (PDW) and home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in the management of a case of acute, catastrophic midgut volvulus in a 2-year-11-month-old boy with near-total ischemia/necrosis of his small intestine is reported. The PDW approach to the highly effective management of acute midgut ischemia/necrosis in infancy and childhood (necrotizing enterocolitis and midgut volvulus) involves maximum gut salvage by avoidance of resection, stoma formation, or both through the use of extensive peritoneal cavity drainage by Penrose drains, TPN, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The extensive peritoneal drainage fosters capture of enteric fistulas with the formation of enterostomies at drain exit sites, while adhesions and ischemia/inflammation-induced hypervascular obliteration of the peritoneal cavity diminish the potential for peritonitis (no peritoneal cavity, no peritonitis) and facilitate impressive salvage of seemingly hopelessly lost ischemic/necrotic gut (a simulation of the in utero ischemic gut process leading to atresias and some varying, but generally mild, gut loss) while simultaneously contributing to the resorption of absolutely non-salvageable gut and the creation of a remarkably clean and adhesion-free peritoneal cavity resembling that of a newborn infant with midgut intestinal atresia.