Search

A man in his late 30s presented with a history of recurrent colicky abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and intermittent mass formation in the lower abdomen. The mass was mobile, non-tender and fluctuant, and appeared in the right iliac fossa during episodes of pain and disappeared once the pain subsided. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scan revealed a thick membrane-like structure covering the clumped small bowel loops, suggestive of an abdominal cocoon. A midline laparotomy was carried out with extensive adhesiolysis, and a membrane incision was performed. The final histopathological diagnosis was primary encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis of idiopathic origin is rare and typically presents as an acute or subacute intestinal obstruction. A CECT scan is the diagnostic modality of choice, with a thick peritoneal membrane covering the small bowel loops being the hallmark sign. Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment for idiopathic cases, while medical management may address secondary causes., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: Malignant large bowel obstruction (LBO) is a frequent complication affecting women with gynecologic cancers and is an indication for emergent surgery. However, the life expectancy and subsequent medical care utilization are unknown. We sought to estimate overall survival (OS) following colostomy and describe subsequent healthcare utilization among patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with advanced gynecologic cancers who underwent colostomy with palliative intent due to LBO at our institution between March 2014 and January 2023. Summary statistics were used to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of the study population. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and we defined healthcare utilization at the end-of-life using criteria published by the National Quality Forum., Results: A total of 78 patients were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 61 (range: 34-83), and most patients had recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (n = 51, 65.4%), followed by cervical cancer (n = 16, 20.5%), and uterine cancer (n = 10, 12.8%). The median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 and median postoperative length of stay was five days (range: 1-26). The median follow-up for all patients was 4.5 months (range: 0.07-46.2), and the median OS was 4.5 months (95% CI: 2.9-6.0), including 12 patients (15.4%) with <30-day OS and 21 (26.9%) with <60-day OS. In the last 30 days of life, 62.7% of patients were re-admitted to the hospital, 53.0% were seen in the emergency department, and 18.5% were admitted to an intensive care unit., Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients died within 60 days of surgery, and many had high healthcare utilization at the end of life., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is widely used as a bridge to surgery (BTS) procedure for obstructive colorectal cancer. However, evidence regarding the optimal interval between SEMS placement and elective surgery is lacking., Methods: We retrospectively collected data from patients with BTS between January 2013 and October 2021. Inverse probability treatment-weighted propensity score analyses were used to compare short- and long-term outcomes between the short-interval (SI) and long-interval (LI) groups, using a cutoff of 20 days., Results: In total, 138 patients were enrolled in this study (SI group, n = 63; LI group, n = 75). In the matched cohort, the patients' backgrounds were well balanced. The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II postoperative complications was not significantly different between the SI and LI groups (19.0% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.47). There were no significant differences between the SI and LI groups in the 3-year recurrence-free survival (68.0% vs. 76.4%, P = 0.73) or 3-year overall survival rates (86.0% vs. 90.6%, P = 0.72)., Conclusions: A longer interval did not deteriorate the oncological outcomes. Individual perioperative management with an appropriate interval to improve the patient's condition is required to ensure safe surgery., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.)

Procalcitonin has been investigated as a marker for bowel ischemia. This study examined the role of procalcitonin in predicting failure of non-operative management (NOM) in bowel obstructions. Patients with bowel obstructions at a single center from August 2022 to January 2023 were prospectively enrolled (n = 79). Lactic acid (LA) and procalcitonin were collected after surgical consultation. The primary outcome was success or failure of NOM. Univariate analysis, multivariable logistic regression, and performance measures of procalcitonin and LA in predicting bowel ischemia was performed. Of 79 patients included, 48 (61%) required operative intervention during index admission. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, procalcitonin, nor LA between groups. Time from last bowel movement was associated with failure of NOM (OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.01-1.06]; P = .008), though initial procalcitonin or LA was not. Procalcitonin >.3 ng/mL had acceptable sensitivity in screening for bowel ischemia., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adulthood is rare. Further, most cases are attributable to Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias with central tendon hernias being particularly uncommon. We report a case of central congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an adult presenting as large intestinal obstruction and respiratory failure. Open repair of the hernia was performed, which brought about the resolution of the patient's symptoms. This case report highlights the possibility for congenital diaphragmatic hernia to present in adulthood and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in these situations., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare condition that has only around 400 reported cases so far. Typically, the superior mesenteric artery branches off the abdominal aorta at 45° to create an aortomesenteric distance of 10-28 mm, with the duodenum passing through. However, if this aortomesenteric angle reduces to less than 25°, the third portion of the duodenum becomes compressed between the SMA and aorta, causing mechanical obstruction., Case Presentation: This case report aims to demonstrate the diagnostic difficulties and the laparoscopic management of a 52-year-old Indian male presenting with abdominal pain and vomiting, with associated weight loss. Imaging was further suggestive of high intestinal obstruction, and he was later found to have superior mesenteric artery syndrome., Conclusion: Taking into account a significant reduction in morbidity, we propose laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy to be the new procedure of choice for superior mesenteric artery syndrome., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) represents evidence-based transformation in perioperative care, which has been demonstrated to reduce both recovery times and postoperative complication rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the ERAS program in comparison with conventional postoperative care. This longitudinal cohort observational study enrolled 120 consecutive patients diagnosed with intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancers, with 40 patients in the ERAS group and 80 patients receiving conventional postoperative care forming the non-ERAS group. Our study compares the effectiveness of ERAS protocols to non-ERAS methods, focusing on the time to first flatus, defecation, the resumption of normal diet, and early mobilization. The main endpoints are morbidity and hospitalization length. The results showed that despite a longer admission-to-surgery interval in the ERAS group, median hospitalization was significantly shorter compared to the non-ERAS group ( p = 0.0002). The ERAS group showed a tendency towards a lower incidence of overall postoperative complications, indicating that implementing the ERAS protocol does not increase the risk of postoperative complications, ensuring the safety of enhanced recovery strategies for patients. Also, ERAS patients had notably fewer stomas than those in the non-ERAS group, indicating the potential effectiveness of reducing stoma necessity. This study shows that ERAS surpasses conventional care for colonic or rectal surgery patients, reducing hospital stays and costs while enhancing recovery. This highlights the comprehensive advantages of adopting ERAS in surgical settings.

Background: A volvulus refers to the torsion or rotational twisting of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, with a predilection for impacting the caecum and sigmoid colon, often resulting in the development of bowel obstruction. The risk factors associated are old age, chronic fecal impaction, psychiatric disorders, colonic dysmotility, prior abdominal surgical procedures, diabetes, and Hirschsprung's disease. Elderly are most commonly affected with sigmoid volvulus but there are few cases among young adults that culminate in grave complications. Although it is rare, but young individuals presenting with acute abdomen secondary to sigmoid volvulus need urgent attention. To prevent more invasive surgical procedures, endoscopic detorsion is preferred nowadays with complete recovery of patients. We present a case of young female who was successfully managed with endoscopic detorsion., Case Presentation: 27 years old Asian Pakistani female presented with worsening abdominal distention, constipation and vomiting since 2 days. On examination she was afebrile, vitally stable. Abdomen was distended, tympanic percussion with generalized tenderness. Abdominal radiograph was obtained which showed dilated bowel loops followed by Computed tomography of abdomen which was suggestive of Sigmoid volvulus causing intestinal obstruction. Patient was immediately moved to endoscopy unit and endoscopic detorsion of volvulus was done. For individuals who present with sigmoid volvulus and do not exhibit signs of peritonitis or colonic gangrene, the recommended course of action involves acute endoscopic detorsion, followed by scheduled surgical intervention., Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the significance of clinicians considering sigmoid volvulus as a rare but important cause when evaluating abdominal pain in young and otherwise healthy patients. A delay in diagnosis and treatment extending beyond 48 hours leads to colonic necrosis, amplifying the associated morbidity and mortality. Swift intervention is imperative to mitigate these complications and attain a conclusive remedy., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction and Purpose of the Study: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) accounts for a substantial proportion of emergency surgical admissions. Malignancy is a common cause of obstruction, either due to a primary tumour or intra-abdominal metastases. However, little is known regarding the current treatment or outcomes of patients with malignant SBO. This study aimed to characterise the treatment of malignant SBO and identify areas for potential improvement and compare overall survival of patients with malignant SBO to patients with non-malignant SBO., Materials and Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of a multicentre observational study of patients admitted with SBO. Details regarding these patients' diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes up to 1-year after admission were recorded. The primary outcome was overall survival in patients with malignant SBO., Results: A total of 316 patients with small bowel obstruction were included, of whom 33 (10.4%) had malignant SBO. Out of the 33 patients with malignant SBO, 20 patients (60.6%) were treated with palliative intent although only 7 patients were seen by a palliative team during admission. Nutritional assessments were performed on 12 patients, and 11 of these patients received parenteral nutrition. 23 patients underwent surgery, with the most common surgical interventions being loop ileostomies (9 patients) and gastrointestinal bypasses (9 patients). 4 patients underwent right hemicolectomies, with a primary anastomosis formed and 1 patient had a right hemicolectomy with a terminal ileostomy. Median survival was 114 days, and no difference was seen in survival between patients treated with or without palliative intent., Conclusion: Malignant SBO is associated with significant risks of short-term complications and a poor prognosis. Consideration should be given to the early involvement of senior decision-makers upon patient admission is essential for optimal management and setting expectation for a realistic outcome., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Trichobezoars are conglomerates of hair within the gastro-intestinal tract, commonly detected in the stomach, and they can present with the Rapunzel syndrome. Isolated small-bowel trichobezoars are extremely rare. Three female patients presented with abdominal pain and bilious vomiting, and underwent various imaging examinations. Two were diagnosed with small-bowel trichobezoars with intestinal obstruction and one with intestinal obstruction only. All three underwent surgery. Two underwent laparoscopic exploration and one underwent a laparotomy. One and two patients had isolated small-bowel trichobezoars in the ileum and jejunum, respectively. Two patients were followed up by a psychiatrist, and all recovered well without recurrence. These three cases emphasise the importance of a comprehensive medical history and imaging in patients with small-bowel obstruction to determine the possibility of bezoars.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract (Lequet et al., 2017). It results from incomplete obliteration of the vitelline (omphaloenteric) duct. Observed diverticulum complications include inflammation and perforation, hemorrhage and obstruction (Kawamoto et al., 2015). We are reporting on a case of Meckel's diverticulum revealed by acute intestinal obstruction., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Background: Anisakiasis, a zoonotic disease caused by the nematode Anisakis, poses a significant concern for public health, particularly in regions with high consumption of raw or undercooked fish., Case Presentation: We present a case report of a 41-year-old woman who developed severe abdominal symptoms, ultimately diagnosed with intestinal obstruction due to Anisakis infestation, requiring surgery. Despite the absence of prominent eosinophilia or specific radiological findings, the diagnosis was confirmed through histological examination, highlighting the importance of considering anisakiasis in patients with a history of raw seafood consumption., Conclusion: The case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with anisakiasis, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the public regarding the risks of consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical assessment, imaging studies, and histological evaluation, to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Complicated appendicitis is associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications, including adhesive bowel obstruction. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the difference in rates of postoperative bowel obstruction in paediatric patients with complicated versus simple appendicitis and whether this is influenced by the surgical approach., Methods: A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies that analysed incidence of adhesive bowel obstruction in paediatric patients after appendicectomy. Studies from 1998 to 2022 were included in analysis. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID CRD42022309769)., Results: Pooled analysis of 6 studies with low risk of bias and adequate follow up periods, considering 58,962 cases of appendicectomy, revealed complex appendicitis was associated with a near two-fold increase in incidence of SBO (pooled odds ratio 2.02 (95% CI 1.35-2.69)). Interestingly, a similar pooled analysis of 10 studies, considering 62,433 cases of appendicectomy, revealed no significant difference between open and laparoscopic management of complex appendicitis (pooled odds ratio 0.93 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.62))., Conclusion: Complex appendicitis is associated with a two-fold increase in the rates of adhesive bowel obstruction. Whilst there are cosmetic advantages of a laparoscopic approach, surgical expertise should be favoured in decision making relating to surgical approach (laparoscopic versus open) as the evidence for a laparoscopic approach reducing risks of adhesive bowel obstruction is not convincing., Level of Evidence: Level II., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is often associated with acute necrotic collection (ANC) or walled-off necrosis (WON). Due to the close anatomical connection between the pancreas, the spleen, and the transverse colon, necrotizing pancreatitis is often combined with spleen or colon involvement. Gastrointestinal dysfunction usually caused by pancreatitis leads to paralytic intestinal obstruction. However, pancreatitis combined with mechanical colonic obstruction is extremely rare. It can easily be misdiagnosed as malignant intestinal obstruction, and diagnosing the cause of intestinal obstruction becomes more critical when accompanied by Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH). Surgical resection is the primary method for the previous occurrence of colonic complications. In this case report, upon admission, a 37-year-old patient was diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis with sinistral portal hypertension. On the 6th day after admission, the patient developed a sudden colonic obstruction. After identifying the cause, the patient underwent a transanal decompression tube and minimally invasive necrosectomy, avoiding colon resection. In acute necrotizing pancreatitis combined with colonic mechanical obstruction, it is essential to clarify the etiology, and focus treatment on clearing the peripancreatic necrotic tissue, non-surgical treatment to deal with colonic obstruction is feasible, and the principle of individualized treatment should be used throughout the disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

Background/aim: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is becoming the standard bridge-to-surgery (BTS) strategy for potentially curable left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of SEMS placement as a BTS strategy for both right- and left-sided OCRC., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively compared the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with OCRC who underwent placement of a SEMS versus a trans-nasal/anal decompression tube (DCT). The cohort comprised 57 patients with stage II/III right-sided OCRC (DCT, n=20; SEMS, n=8) or left-sided OCRC (DCT, n=9; SEMS, n=20). The short-term outcomes were the incidence of postoperative complications, rate of laparoscopic surgery, rate of stoma construction, and postoperative hospital stay; long-term outcomes were the 3-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS)., Results: The SEMS group had a higher rate of laparoscopic surgery (85.7% vs. 6.9%, p<0.001), lower rate of stoma construction (10.7% vs. 34.5%, p=0.03), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (14 vs. 17 days, p=0.04) than the DCT group. Both groups had a similar incidence of postoperative complications. The 3-year OS and RFS were also similar in the DCT and SEMS groups for both right-sided OCRC (OS, 75.0% vs. 87.5%, HR=1.51, 95% CI=0.22-10.25, p=0.7; RFS, 65.0% vs. 50.0%, HR=0.97, 95% CI=0.28-3.36, p=0.9) and left-sided OCRC (OS, 88.8% vs. 90.0%, HR=1.19, 95% CI=0.10-14.29, p=0.9; RFS, 77.8% vs. 85.0%, HR=1.03, 95% CI=0.16-6.5, p=0.9)., Conclusion: SEMS placement is a reasonable BTS strategy for left- and right-sided OCRC that achieves comparable short- and long-term outcomes to DCT insertion., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been widely performed in the past, however, given its limited weight loss compared to some other procedures, this technique is less often used. Furthermore, a number of complications leading to band removal have been reported in the past few years., Methods: We present a late acute bowel obstruction by sigmoid strangulation in a female patient with the LAGB performed 15 years ago., Results: The laparoscopic exploration displayed a post-LAGB intestinal strangulation of the sigmoid loop which was caused by the connecting tube. Since the bowel was still viable, the tube was cut and the obstruction has been successfully resolved. The patient was discharged three days after the surgery., Conclusion: Although less often performed, knowledge of LAGB complications can be of importance. We believe that, the present strangulation of the sigmoid by the LAGB tubing is the world's first ever case reported. Nevertheless, when it is still proposed to selected patients, an adequate length of the intra-abdominal tubing could reduce the risk of loop formation and prevent this kind of obstruction by internal hernia.

Competing Interests: Disclosure All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary Patients with ileocolonic Crohn’s disease often experience the development of fibrotic stenoses of the ileocecal valve. When these are associated with symptoms of abdominal pain or intermittent small-bowel obstruction, endoscopic treatment may be indicated. These stenoses can be quite difficult to manage with endoscopy, inasmuch as many of these strictures are complex. Complex strictures often have multiple areas of narrowing or are >4 cm in length. Attempts to treat these complex strictures with traditional endoscopic therapy with balloon stricturoplasty or needle-knife stricturotomy usually fail. Even in an ideal setting, such as in patients with a short stricture, these stenoses often need multiple procedures to get the stenotic valve open enough to alleviate obstruction-type symptoms. In the current case, the stricture was refractory to multiple sessions of balloon dilation. Therefore, authors performed stricturotomy and then placed a fully covered LAMS across the area. The stent was removed 12 weeks later, with improvement of stenosis and resolution of the patient’s symptoms. Combination therapy increased the likelihood of success in this case. Jordan Sparkman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA Amy Tyberg, MD, FASGE, FACG, Associate Editor for Focal Points

Rationale: The mesodiverticular band (MDB) of a Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a rare, yet notable etiology of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in adults. Due to the nonspecific symptoms and challenging diagnosis thereof, preoperative clinical suspicion and strategic management are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Therefore, we presented a case in which laparoscopic surgery was strategically performed to alleviate ileus, due to a preoperative diagnosis of SBO, suspected to be secondary to an MD with a concomitant MDB., Patient Concerns: A 32-year-old male patient presented with a half-day's duration of epigastric pain, abdominal distension, and tenderness, resulting in the working diagnosis of SBO., Diagnoses: Initial non-contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed SBO without signs of strangulation, postulated to be caused by an MD and concomitant MDB, resulting in conservative management. The symptoms persisted, necessitating contrast-enhanced CT. However, the dilated bowel loop suggestive of an MD that had been observed on non-contrast CT could not be confirmed on contrast-enhanced CT., Interventions: Decompression therapy using a long tube provided minimal relief, prompting laparoscopic surgery on the 5th day post-admission for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes., Outcomes: An MD resection effectively relieved the SBO. The histopathological analysis revealed a true diverticulum with ectopic pancreatic tissue, confirming the diagnosis of an MD. At the band site, vascular and neural structures were encased in a sheath, consistent with the remnants of the vitelline duct mesentery; and histopathologically diagnosed as an MDB. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 9th day, postoperatively., Lessons: Decompression therapy and strategic laparoscopic surgery based on the preoperative working diagnosis of SBO yielded favorable outcomes, highlighting the importance of the early clinical suspicion of an MD and a concomitant MDB, as the etiology of SBO. The imaging variability and rarity of an MD in adults emphasizes the need for a heightened awareness and an accurate diagnosis for optimal management. Early intervention should be deliberated for patients with suspected intestinal ischemia. However, this case accentuates the clinical implications of strategic planning and employing minimally invasive techniques in the management of an MD-related SBO in adults., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

To explore the clinical curative effect of enteroscopic stent implantation combined with laparoscopy in patients with colorectal cancer and intestinal obstruction. A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of patients with colorectal cancer and intestinal obstruction in Gastrointestinal Surgery of Henan Provincial People's Hospital between November 2019 and October 2020. Among patients, there were 46 cases in traditional group (laparotomy+intraoperative intestinal irrigation), 42 cases in stent-laparotomy group (enteroscopic stent implantation+laparotomy), and 41 cases in stent-laparoscopy group (enteroscopic stent implantation+laparoscopy). The perioperative situation, levels of biochemical indexes, peripheral serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and prognosis were compared among the three groups. The results showed that among the three groups, operation time [(203.6±30.5) min] was longer, postoperative exhaust time [(1.2±0.3) d] and length of hospital stay [(10.5±2.1) d] were shorter, and intraoperative blood loss [(102.5±22.3) ml] was less in stent-laparoscopy group (all P values<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in stent-laparoscopy group was lower than that in traditional group (4.8% vs 21.7%, P <0.05). At 1 day after surgery, EOS was decreased, while PLT and CRP were increased in all three groups. Compared with traditional group and stent-laparotomy group after surgery, EOS was increased, while PLT and CRP were decreased in stent-laparoscopy group [EOS: (4.2±0.2) % vs (3.6±0.3) % vs (3.9±0.2) %; PLT: (259.6±11.4)×10 9 /L vs (294.4±11.5)×10 9 /L vs (271.7±10.7)×10 9 /L; CRP: (8.8±2.0) vs (16.4±2.2) vs (14.9±2.3) ng/L; P <0.05]. At 3 months after surgery, levels of serum CEA and CA199 were decreased in the three groups. There was no significant statistical difference in serum CEA or CA199 among the three groups. During 3 years of follow-up, there was no significant statistical difference in postoperative recurrence rate or incidence of postoperative metastasis among the three groups. The study indicated that enteroscopic stent implantation combined with laparoscopy was more advantageous in terms of reducing intraoperative blood loss, accelerating recovery of postoperative exhaust function, relieving surgical stress and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications, which could decrease levels of serum CEA and CA199.

Introduction: Patients presenting with large bowel obstruction (LBO) frequently undergo emergency surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. In malignant LBO, endoscopic approaches with placement is a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS), have been proposed to prevent emergency surgery and act as a bridge to an elective procedure-with the intention of avoiding a stoma and reducing morbidity. This systematic review aims to assess the quality and outcomes of data available on the use of SEMS in benign causes of colonic obstruction., Methods: This systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered on Prospero (ID: CRD42021239363). PUBMED, MEDLINE, HMIC, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE, APA and Cochrane databases were searched. Studies were assessed for quality utilising the MINORS criteria. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random effects models., Results: Sixteen studies were included for analysis. 300 patients were included with an average age of 68, and a male predominance of 57%. The quality of the papers included were at risk of bias. The pooled rate of technical success of procedure was 94.4% (95% CI 90.5-96.8%) The pooled rate of clinical success was 77.6% (95% CI: 66.6-85.7%). Adverse effects were low, with perforation 8.8% (4.5-16.6%), recurrence 26.5% (17.2-38.5%) and stent migration 22.5% (14.1-33.8%)., Discussion: This systematic review demonstrated that SEMS for benign colonic obstruction can be a safe and successful procedure. The utilisation of SEMS in malignant disease as a bridge to surgery has been well documented. Whilst the limitations of the data interpreted are appreciated, we postulate that SEMS could be utilised to decompress patients acutely and allow pre-operative optimisation, leading to a more elective surgery with less subsequent morbidity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Rationale: Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor known for its locally aggressive properties. Intra-abdominal AF primarily occurs in the small intestine mesentery, ileocolic mesocolon, omentum, retroperitoneum, and pelvis, and rarely originates from the intestinal wall. Here, we report a rare case of small bowel obstruction caused by duodenum-derived AF with β-catenin (CTNNB1) T41A mutation., Patient Concerns: A 35-year-old male had a 4-month history of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which gradually worsened over time., Diagnoses: Based on the results of CT examination, histopathology and Sanger sequencing, the patient was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction caused by duodenum-derived AF., Interventions: Due to the extensive adhesion between the tumor and surrounding tissue, it is extremely challenging to completely remove the tumor through surgical resection with negative margins in this case. In order not to damage the function of surrounding vital organs, gastrojejunostomy was performed to relieve the symptoms of small bowel obstruction., Outcomes: The patient experienced a successful recovery. It is important to note that this patient is still at risk of local recurrence and requires regular follow-up., Lessons: The best treatment should be taken based on the individual patient to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Moreover, histopathology plays a crucial role in diagnosing and differentiating duodenum-derived AF. The detection of mutations in exon 3 of the CTNNB1 has become strong evidence for diagnosing duodenum-derived AF., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction secondary to the use of fortified milk is a rare cause in pre-term patients., Case Report: We present the case of a female pre-term newborn admitted as a result of abdominal distension and rectal bleeding, which mimicked necrotizing enterocolitis. On abdominal X-ray, she had an obstruction pattern, and on ultrasonography, echogenic masses at the distal ileum were observed. Given the lack of improvement with conservative management, urgent exploratory laparotomy was decided upon. At surgery, compact milk masses at the level of the distal ileum were identified as the cause of intestinal obstruction. Appendicostomy and lavage with saline solution through the ileocecal valve were performed. This allowed milk masses to come out towards the colon, and a great amount of acholic stools to be expelled., Conclusion: The increase in "milk curd syndrome" cases should lead us to consider this cause in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in pre-term newborns fed with fortified milk.

Background: Abdominal cocoon is a very uncommon yet dangerous cause of intestinal obstruction., Case Presentation: We present a case of a 62-year-old Asian male patient with a history of depression who exhibited an idiopathic abdominal cocoon complicated by necrosis. Upon laparotomy investigation, nearly the entire small intestine was enveloped in a thick membrane resembling a cocoon, and it was discovered that he lacked a greater omentum. The patient recovered well and was discharged on an oral diet on the 20th day following surgery. During the 3-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, even gaining 10 kg in weight, and noted that his depression had improved., Conclusions: Small bowel obstruction presents with nonspecific symptoms, posing challenges in differential diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is recommended since it facilitates precise preoperative assessment, optimizing surgical planning and reducing postoperative complications. Remarkably, cessation of antidepressant medication post-surgery hints at a potential correlation between omental deficit, gut microbiota alterations, and depressive symptoms., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy present with a profound inflammatory response, which could be an independent pathophysiological component in prolonged recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone on the inflammatory response and recovery after emergency laparotomy., Methods: In this double-blinded placebo-controlled trial, patients were prospectively stratified according to surgical pathology (intestinal obstruction and perforated viscus) and randomized to preoperative 1 mg/kg dexamethasone or placebo at a ratio of 1 : 1. The primary outcome was C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes were postoperative recovery, morbidity, and mortality., Results: A total of 120 patients were included in the trial. On postoperative day 1, the C-reactive protein response was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (a median of 170 versus 220 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.015; mean difference = 49 (95% c.i. 13 to 85) mg/l) and when stratified according to intestinal obstruction (a median of 60 versus 160 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.002) and perforated viscus (a median of 230 versus 285 mg/l for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; P = 0.035). Dexamethasone administration was associated with improved recovery (better haemodynamics, better pulmonary function, less fatigue, and earlier mobilization). Furthermore, the dexamethasone group had a lower 90-day mortality rate (7% versus 23% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.33 (95% c.i. 0.11 to 0.93); P = 0.023) and a decreased incidence of postoperative major complications (27% versus 45% for dexamethasone and for placebo respectively; relative risk 0.62 (95% c.i. 0.37 to 1.00); P = 0.032)., Conclusion: A single preoperative high dose of intravenous dexamethasone significantly reduces the inflammatory response after emergency laparotomy and is associated with enhanced recovery and improved outcome., Registration Number: NCT04791566 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Lesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow-up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable., (© 2024 Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background : Patients with prior abdominal surgeries are at higher risk for intra-abdominal adhesive tissue formation and subsequently higher risk for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Purpose : In this study, we investigated whether surgical intervention for SBO was more likely following specific types of abdominal surgeries. Research Design : With retrospective chart review, we pooled data from 799 patients, ages 18 to 89, admitted with SBO between 2012 and 2019. Patients were evaluated based on whether they underwent surgery or were managed conservatively. They were further compared with regard to past surgical history by way of type of abdominal surgery (or surgeries) undergone prior to admission. Results : Of the 799 patients admitted for SBO, 206 underwent surgical intervention while 593 were managed nonoperatively. There was no significant difference in number of prior surgeries (2.07 ± 1.56 vs 2.36 ± 2.11,  P = .07) or in number of comorbidities (2.39 ± 1.97 vs 2.65 ± 1.93,  P  = .09) for surgical vs non-surgical intervention. Additionally, of the operations evaluated, no specific type of abdominal surgery predicted need for surgical intervention in the setting of SBO. However, for both surgical and non-surgical intervention following SBO, pelvic surgery was the most common type of prior abdominal surgery (45% vs 43%). There are significantly more female pelvic surgeries in both the operative (91.4% vs 8.6%,  P  < .0001) and nonoperative groups (89.9% vs 10.2%,  P  < .0001). Conclusion : Ultimately, no specific type of prior operation predicted the need for surgical intervention in the setting of SBO., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) impacts the health care system and patient quality of life. Previously, we evaluated differences between medical and surgical admissions in the management of SBO. This study investigates indications for readmission based on original admission to medical (MS) or surgical services (SS). A retrospective chart review was performed for 799 patients aged 18 to 89 admitted between 2012 and 2019 with a diagnosis of SBO. Patient characteristics examined included length of stay (LOS), prior abdominal operations, prior SBO, use of small bowel follow through imaging, operative intervention, mortality, and 30-day readmission. There was no difference in readmission rates in patients originally admitted to MS or SS (13.2% vs 12.7%, P = .86). Patients admitted to SS were more likely to be readmitted for recurrent SBO (39% vs 8.6%, P = .006). Patients admitted to MS were more likely to be readmitted for other reasons (73.9% v. 40.2%, P = .004). In the MS cohort, 30.4% (7 patients) had surgery during their initial admission for SBO, and none of those patients were readmitted for recurrent SBO (rSBO). In the SS cohort, 23% had surgery during their initial admission and 31.6% were readmitted for rSBO ( P = .002). Patients admitted to SS were more likely to be readmitted for rSBO and to require surgery. Patients admitted to MS were more likely to be readmitted for other reasons. None of the MS patients who had surgery were readmitted for SBO. 31.6% of SS patients who had surgery were readmitted for SBO., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract: Transmesentric hernias are a type of internal hernia, in which there is herniation of bowel loops through a defect in the mesentery. They present with a wide variety of symptoms without any specific radiological features, leading to a delay in diagnosis and high mortality rate. Here, we present a case series of four patients with this rare but fatal cause of small bowel obstruction. Three children presented to the emergency department with small bowel obstruction. The other baby was a preterm neonate with an antenatal scan showing small bowel obstruction. All children underwent emergency laparotomy and were found to have a mesenteric defect with herniation and gangrene of the small bowel. Resection anastomosis of the gangrenous segment and closure of the mesenteric defect were done. The differential for small bowel obstruction in children should include transmesentric hernia. Laboratory or imaging investigations are often inconclusive. Timely exploration can save lives in this rare but life-threatening condition., (Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 African Journal of Paediatric Surgery.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

BACKGROUND Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerating stenosing enteropathy (CMUSE) is a rare noninfectious chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract confined to the small bowel. Chronic inflammatory wasting leads to protein loss and weight reduction, and some patients eventually develop small bowel stenosis. The etiopathogenesis of CMUSE remains unknown. CASE REPORT A thin 62-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and distension accompanied by bilateral lower-extremity edema for 2 months. After a series of medical tests, rheumatic or immune-related diseases, hyperthyroidism, and tuberculosis were excluded, and common digestive system diseases were also excluded. Abdominal CT showed incomplete obstruction of the small bowel. Enteroscopy showed small-bowel luminal narrowing. The patient subsequently underwent partial resection of the small bowel with end-to-side anastomosis. The small-bowel stricture was about 120 cm from the ileocecal junction, and about 12 cm of small bowel was resected. Postoperative pathology of the resected material revealed multifocal ulceration of the mucosa with massive inflammatory cell infiltration and extensive hyperplastic fibrous tissue, consistent with the characteristics of CMUSE disease. At follow-up 6 months after surgery, he had no abdominal pain or distension, and his anemia and lower-extremity edema were improved. CONCLUSIONS CMUSE diagnosis requires a combination of patient history, imaging, endoscopy, pathology, and exclusion of other digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease. It is a chronic wasting disease, often accompanied by weight loss, abdominal pain, melena, and hypoproteinemia. Surgery is an important treatment for intestinal strictures caused by CMUSE.

Gastroduodenal stenting (GDS) is a less invasive alternative to gastrojejunostomy for the management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO). GDS is a minimally invasive treatment with good technical and clinical success, and severe complications that require surgical intervention are rare. Stent fracture is an uncommon complication associated with GDS; however, migration of the fractured distal segment can result in small bowel obstruction. Adverse effects of stent fractures in patients with mGOO have rarely been reported. We herein report two surgical cases of small bowel obstruction caused by the migration of fractured metal stent in patients with mGOO.

Background: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) was introduced for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) a few decades ago. However, its long-term outcomes remain controversial, especially for stage IV CRC. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcomes of SEMS as a "bridge to surgery" (BTS) for obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors in stage IV CRC by one-to-one propensity-score matching. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center from January 2007 to December 2017. Patients with obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors of stage IV CRC underwent primary resection (PR) or placement of a SEMS as a BTS. They were divided into SEMS and PR groups, and their short- and long-term outcomes were compared. Results: In total, 52 patients were reviewed (SEMS group, 21; PR group, 31). Sixteen patients in both groups were matched using propensity scores. Patients in the SEMS group more frequently underwent laparoscopic surgery than those in the PR group (75% versus 19%, P  = .004). The two groups showed no significant differences in perioperative and pathological outcomes. The 5-year overall survival was not significantly different between groups (29% versus 20%, P  = .53). Conclusions: As a BTS, the use of SEMS for obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors in CRC stage IV can be a comparable option to PR in terms of short- and long-term outcomes, and would be less invasive with respect to surgical procedures.

Background: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery relies on technically challenging intracorporeal suturing for critical parts of the operation. Barbed sutures have been developed to provide an alternative to suturing for certain manoeuvres within a procedure. Barbed sutures theoretically negate the need for knot tying and allow for continuous application of tension; however the barbs can unintentionally adhere to surrounding tissues. We describe a case series of three patients who developed V-Loc™ (barbed) suture related small bowel obstruction (SBO) to promote awareness of this unusual but preventable complication., Methods: Medical records of patients diagnosed with V-Loc™ related SBO between 2018 and 2021 at a tertiary centre were reviewed. Data regarding presentation, diagnosis, management and outcomes were obtained., Results: Three patients were identified where V-Loc™ sutures were aetiologically related to early post-surgical small bowel obstruction secondary to small bowel adherence to barbed suture tail or adhesions between barbed suture tail and unintended viscera. In these cases, non-absorbable V-Loc™ sutures were used to close the small bowel mesenteric defect at Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. All patients required adhesiolysis at re-look laparoscopy prior to resolution. All patients were discharged home well after relook laparoscopy., Conclusion: Overly long or exposed V-Loc™ suture tails can result in SBO following laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Cutting the suture tail as close as practical to the final throw of the suture and/or covering exposed suture ends may prevent this complication., (© 2024 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure Supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82074214). All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary Sessile laterally spreading tumors are usually asymptomatic. However, GI bleeding (occult or obscure), abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, and iron-deficiency anemia could be the only clues to a large colonic polyp. Although bowel obstruction is often seen because of a bulky mass or a pedunculated polyp, large circumferential sessile polyps can theoretically affect bowel peristalsis and lead to bowel obstruction. With the advances in the field of tissue resection, polyp size is no longer a deciding factor against endoscopic resection. However, when resection of large circumferential or semicircumferential colonic lesions with ESD are undertaken, it is essential to reserve any uninvolved part of the mucosal layer by the tumor in a longitudinal manner to limit the risk of delayed stricture. Often, performing early serial dilation is beneficial before fibrosis fully settles in. In cases where full circumferential tissue resection is inevitable, placement of a prophylactic covered metal stent has also been described as a tool to prevent late-onset luminal stenosis. Tara Keihanian, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA Amy Tyberg, MD, FASGE, FACG, Associate Editor for Focal Points

Background: Acute small intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency in the sub-Saharan region. Over the decades, complicated inguinal hernias have been identified as a leading cause. However, we observed from our clinical practice that complicated inguinal hernias were not the most common etiology., Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the common etiology of acute small bowel obstruction in the study center and compare our findings with that from other centers and existing literature., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, cross sectional study carried out over a period of five years (January 2017 to December 2021). This study looked at the patients presenting with acute, mechanical, small bowel obstruction that did not respond to conservative treatment in our hospital facility. Relevant information were extracted from patients' clinical details and entered into the proforma prepared for this study., Results: A total of 147 patients were recruited into this study out of which 85(57.8%) were males and 62 (42.2%) were females (M:F=1.44:1). Majority (80.3%) of the patients that presented with post-operative bowel adhesion had previous appendectomy. Simple bowel obstruction was seen in 93 (63.3%) patients while strangulated obstruction and gangrenous bowel were seen in 26 (17.7%) patients and 22 (15.0%) patients respectively. Majority (47.6%) of the patients had adhesiolysis done while others had bowel resection., Conclusion: The common cause of acute small bowel obstruction as observed in this study is post-operative adhesions arising from previous appendectomy and laparotomies., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Annals of African Medicine.)

Background: The optimal treatment strategy for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction remains controversial. Emergency colonic resection has been the standard of care; however, self-expanding metallic stenting as a bridge to surgery may offer short-term advantages, although oncological concerns exist. Decompressing stoma may provide a valid alternative, with limited evidence., Objective: To perform a systematic review and Bayesian arm random-effects model network meta-analysis comparing the approaches for management of malignant left-sided colonic obstruction., Data Sources: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was conducted from inception to August 22, 2023., Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies., Interventions: Emergency colonic resection, self-expanding metallic stent, and decompressing stoma., Main Outcome Measures: Oncologic efficacy, morbidity, successful minimally invasive surgery, primary anastomosis, and permanent stoma rates., Results: Nineteen of 5225 articles identified met our inclusion criteria. Stenting (risk ratio 0.57; 95% credible interval, 0.33-0.79) and decompressing stomas (risk ratio 0.46, 95% credible interval: 0.18-0.92) resulted in a significant reduction in the permanent stoma rate. Stenting facilitated minimally invasive surgery more frequently (risk ratio 4.10; 95% credible interval, 1.45-13.13) and had lower overall morbidity (risk ratio 0.58; 95% credible interval, 0.35-0.86). A pairwise analysis of primary anastomosis rates showed increased stenting (risk ratio 1.40; 95% credible interval, 1.31-1.49) compared with emergency resection. There was a significant decrease in the 90-day mortality with stenting (risk ratio 0.63; 95% credible interval, 0.41-0.95) compared with resection. There were no differences in disease-free and overall survival rates, respectively., Limitations: There is a lack of randomized controlled trials and propensity score matching data comparing short-term and long-term outcomes for diverting stomas compared to self-expanding metallic stents. Two trials compared self-expanding metallic stents and diverting stomas in left-sided malignant colonic obstruction., Conclusions: This study provides high-level evidence that a bridge-to-surgery strategy is safe for the management of left-sided malignant colonic obstruction and may facilitate minimally invasive surgery, increase primary anastomosis rates, and reduce permanent stoma rates and postoperative morbidity compared with emergency colonic resection., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2024.)

Objectives: Intussusception is the invagination of a proximal segment of the intestine into a more distal segment. The present study aimed to determine the sensitivity of the ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and the correlation between IMA and the severity of intestinal ischemia in intussusception cases., Methods: Thirty-six consecutive children aged between 0 and 16 years presenting with the clinical and radiological features of intestinal obstruction caused by intussusception were enrolled in the study. The age- and sex-matched control group was composed of patients undergoing outpatient surgery. The patients were categorized as cases of type I (ileoileal), type II (ileocecal), and type III (colocolic) based on the ultrasonography findings., Results: The mean IMA level of the intussusception group was 179.13 ± 220.33 ng/mL, whereas the mean level was found as 89 ± 70.9 ng/mL in the control group. When the patients were categorized as ileoileal, ileocecal, and colocolic, the mean IMA levels were detected as 235.65 ± 268.14 ng/mL, 174.46 ± 212.8 ng/mL, and 46.95 ± 19.56 ng/mL, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between the invaginated segment lengths measured by the surgeon during the operation and IMA levels., Conclusions: Our study findings reveal that IMA can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic marker in patients presenting with symptoms and signs suggestive of intussusception. Thus, patients can be screened for mechanical bowel obstruction due to intussusception and may be referred to pediatric surgery centers earlier for further examination., Competing Interests: Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Sarcopenia influences the short- and long-term outcomes of various medical conditions including malignancy. Ishii's screening test estimates the probability of sarcopenia based on a score calculated by three simple variables: age, grip strength, and calf circumference. We investigated the clinical significance of Ishii's score for patients with non-metastatic obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC) who underwent curative surgery after intraluminal decompression., Methods: Ishii's score was calculated in 79 patients with OCRC. Muscle volume loss and decreased muscle quality were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) images as skeletal muscle index (SMI) and intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC), respectively., Results: There were 46 men and 33 women, with a median age of 70 years old. The cutoff value for Ishii's score was 155.1 and 15 patients were in the high-score group. The high-score group was significantly associated with worse time to recurrence (TTR) and overall survival (OS), and a high Ishii's score was an independent negative prognostic factor for TTR (hazard ratio = 2.93, P = 0.015). A high Ishii's score was significantly associated with a low SMI value but not with the IMAC value., Conclusion: A high Ishii's score was independently associated with poorer TTR in patients with non-metastatic OCRC., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.)