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Mesh Hernioplasty is the gold standard for Inguinal hernia.However, it is not free of complications. Mesh migration causing intestinal obstruction, albeit rare, is a serious and complications. Timely surgical intervention is very important in the management of this condition. We report a rare case of an elderly male patient with mechanical bowel obstruction due to mesh migration 9 years after a right inguinal hernia meshplasty.

Background: Biliary obstruction can present with distressing symptoms and increased morbidity which leads to liver fibrosis, cholestasis, portal inflammation and ductular proliferation. Experimental studies showed reversal of histological findings in liver after biliary decompression surgery; however only a limited data is available regarding the same. Methods: Prospective observational study of 28 liver biopsies from 14 patients of obstructive jaundice, who underwent decompression surgery and showed clinical deterioration at 6 weeks with normal HIDA scan. Patients were clinically evaluated. Both intra (1 st bx) and postoperative (2 nd bx) liver biopsies were studied for fibrosis, cholestasis, ductular proliferation and portal inflammation. Result: Patient’s age ranged from 24 to 75 years (8 Males and females 6), commonest symptom being jaundice. In 1 st bx, most of the patients showed histological evidence of obstruction, which improved at least partially after surgery. There was no definite correlation of fibrosis with etiology. Fibrosis was less commonly seen with shorter duration of symptoms and younger males had higher prevalence. Increase/static grades of fibrosis were seen in 35.71% patients each, while 28.57% showed regression. No correlation of age and etiology with status of fibrosis was observed. Regression was more common in males and with absence of cholangitis while progression was more common in females and with presence of cholangitis. Conclusion: We wonder whether younger males are more prone for fibrosis but males in general have better prognosis regarding the reversal. Also, cholangitis could be an important factor for deciding the further course of fibrosis. However we require larger data with multivariate analysis for the confirmation of the same. DOI: 10.21276/APALM.1223

A case of isolated localised mucormycosis of the bile duct in an immuno-competent 54 year old female patient is described. Mucormycosis is rare in immuno-compet ent patients. Isolated localised mucormycosis of the bile duct has not yet been described in the literature.

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

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

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are soft tissue tumours arising from the mesenchyma in the gastrointestinal tract. These are rare tumours. However, over the past few years with the better understanding of the pathogenesis of GIST and better imaging facilities, the diagnosis is made more frequently. The characteristic diagnostic feature of GIST is the expression of CD34 and receptor tyrosine kinase KIT, CD117 by these tumours. The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate has led to improved outcome. The presentation of GIST however remains non-specific, and varies depending upon the size and the organ of origin. We present a series of four cases of GIST with varied presentation.

Objective: To assess the role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of rib and lung involvement in tuberculous abscess in the retromammary region. Design and patients: Eight patients with tuberculous retromammary abscess were examined by CT and the findings were evaluated. A cold abscess (purulent collection with absence of acute inflammation) was aspirated in all cases. Diagnosis was confirmed by acid-fast bacillus culture, or histologic examination. Results: CT showed a relatively well marginated, inhomogeneous, hypodense lesions in all eight cases. Following administration of intravenous contrast medium, these lesions showed enhancing walls, suggestive of an infective collection. Lung involvement was seen in one patient. A direct communication from the retromammary lesion through the thoracic wall into the pleura was seen in five cases. In four cases destroyed rib fragments within the abscess were noted. Conclusion: A tuberculous abscess in the retromammary region is usually shown on CT as a focal, well-marginated, inhomogeneous, hypodense lesion with a surrounding enhancing rim. A direct communication with the pleura, a destroyed rib fragment in the abscess, and associated lung involvement may be revealed by CT.

The etiology of corrosive esophageal strictures is different from that reported in Western literature, with acid ingestion being a major cause. This study evaluated functional and morphological changes in the colon used as neoesophagus. Functional changes in the neoesophagus were evaluated by symptom score of dysphagia and manometry. Barium study and fluoroscopy were done to evaluate the flow patterns and endoscopy with histopathological examination to study the adaptive changes in the colon. Thirty-five patients with corrosive injury presented between 2007 and 2010. Isolated esophageal involvement was seen in 22 patients; 11 of them underwent colonic replacement. The passage of barium was smooth, without any hold up at the upper or lower anastomotic line. Endoscopic biopsy at 6 months and 1 year did not show any change in the mucosal pattern or in the muscularis layer of the transposed colon. Functional evaluation showed relief of dysphagia in all 11 patients after surgery. The mean preoperative dysphagia score was 7.81 (range 5–10), at 1 month was 0.73 (range 0–2), and at 3 months post-surgery was 0.45 (range 0–2). Manometric study at 3 months after the surgery in all 11 patients and in five patients at the end of 6 months showed no evidence of peristalsis in the neoesophagus. Three of the latter five patients demonstrated a 4–5-cm zone with a high pressure in the intraabdominal part of the transposed colon compared with that in the intrathoracic part of the colon. On barium studies, reflux from the stomach into the neoesophagus was not seen in any of the 11 patients. Esophagocoloplasty was associated with symptom relief, and the reflux of gastric content was low because of 4–5 cm of the colon being intraabdominal in a positive pressure environment.

Structured training on box trainers in laparoscopic skills in the initial years of residency has been used and found to be effective. Although there are studies that confirm immediate improvement after training, there is a lack of well-designed trials addressing the crucial issue of retention of these skills over time. The purpose of this study is to assess improvement in laparoscopic skills of surgical trainees after structured training on box trainers, compared with traditional training (observing and assisting laparoscopic procedures in the operation rooms) immediately and after 5 months.Forty surgical residents in their first 2 months of residency training were randomized to either structured training on box trainers, in addition to traditional training, or to traditional training alone. Groups were equivalent with regards to demographics, previous operative experience, and baseline skills. Structured training consisted of 4 sessions with 6 tasks on box trainers under supervision and self practice. Task-based objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) were completed before and after each task. At the end of the training, residents were assessed by a blinded faculty member with the global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills (GOALS) rating scale. Residents also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Focus group discussions were conducted for both groups. The GOALS were repeated for both the groups at the end of 5 months to assess retention of skills.The mean GOALS score was significantly higher for the structured training group (mean/SD 20.35 + 0.74) compared with the traditional training group (mean/SD 16.35 + 1.75, p0.01) at the end of 5 months. The mean global rating scale (GRS) score was significantly higher (Pre 7.55 + 0.99 vs. Post 16.4 + 0.68, p0.01) for the structured training group at the end of course. Residents in the structured training group had significantly improved skills immediately after the training and had better retention of skills at the end of five months.Structured training on box trainers, in addition to traditional training, compared with traditional training alone, leads to better skills and improved confidence of residents. There is significant retention of skills at the end of 5 months. These results provide support for incorporation of structured training with box trainers for laparoscopic skills into surgical training programs.

Splenectomy has been the conventional surgical treatment for patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Aim: To define response to surgical therapy, pre operative factors influencing outcome and tolerability of surgery in adult patients undergoing splenectomy for ITP. Method: We analyzed prospectively maintained data of 33 patients who were diagnosed as ITP and underwent splenectomy over the last 10 years. The age, presenting complaints, bleeding manifestations, clinical details and other investigations were noted. Details of immediate pre-operative administration of blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and other forms of therapy were also recorded. Operative details with regards to blood loss and the presence of accessory spleens were obtained. Postoperative course in terms of clinical improvement, rates of complications and platelet counts was also noted. Results: Skin petechiae and menorhhagia were common presenting symptoms in patients (mean age 26.5±10.5 yrs) with ITP. Eighteen patients underwent splenectomy for failure of therapy and fifteen for relapse on medical treatment. Mean platelet bags transfused in immediate pre-operative period were 2.8±0.8. Mean intra-operative blood loss was 205±70.5 ml. Accessory spleens were removed in 1 case (3.03%). The immediate postoperative response was complete in 19 cases (57.58%) and partial in 13 cases (39.39%). The platelet counts increased significantly from 23142±12680/ µL (Microliter) (mean ± SD) preoperatively to 170000±66000/µL (Microliter) within 24-48 hours after splenectomy ( P < 0.05). The mean platelet count was 165000+66000/µL (Microliter) at the end of one month when steroids were tapered off gradually. Four patients (12.12%) had complications (one each of wound hematoma, wound infection, splenic fossa collection and upper GI hemorrhage) in postoperative period but all responded to therapy. One relapsed patient was detected with accessory spleen and responded after re-surgery. Response to splenectomy was better in young patients and in those patients who had higher immediate post-splenectomy thrombocytosis. Conclusions: Splenectomy is safe and effective therapy in ITP patients with no response to steroids and relapse after medical therapy. Response to splenectomy was more in young patients and in those patients who had higher immediate post-splenectomy thrombocytosis.

Gallstone disease is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Cholecystectomy is mandatory to avoid recurrence of pancreatitis. Our objective was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with gall-stone induced pancreatitis.All patients presenting to us within the time frame from February 2004 to June 2008 with acute biliary pancreatitis were included in the study. The severity of pancreatitis was assessed by Ranson's criteria. ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed when the common bile duct (CBD) was dilated (6 mm) with either calculi or sludge as seen on imaging. Patients with successful ERCP with predicted demanding laparoscopic cholecystectomy were discharged instead for an elective LC, 4-6 weeks later. Patients with mild pancreatitis (with Ranson's score of 3 or less) and predicted uncomplicated LC underwent surgery at the same admission. The difficulty of the procedure was determined by the presence of adhesions in the gallbladder area, dissection in Calot's triangle, tackling the dilated cystic duct, intra-operative bleeding, and the need for a drain.A total of 26 patients (12 male and 14 female; age range 23-75 years) with acute biliary pancreatitis comprised the study group. Eleven patients with suspected choledocholithiasis underwent ERCP and clearance of the CBD was done in all of them. Nine patients (2 ERCP and 7 non-ERCP) underwent early LC in the same admission. Seventeen patients (9 ERCP and 8 non-ERCP) were predicted as difficult cases for LC and underwent delayed LC. No patient had recurrent pancreatitis in the interval period.There was no significant difference in the operative difficulty between early and delayed LC when patients were selected for timing of LC based on pre-defined criteria.

Pancreatic trauma is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is often difficult and surgery poses a formidable challenge.Data from 17 patients of pancreatic trauma gathered from a prospectively maintained database were analysed and the following parameters were considered: mode of injury, diagnostic modalities, associated injury, grade of pancreatic trauma and management. Pancreatic trauma was graded from I through IV, as per Modified Lucas Classification.The median age was 39 years (range 19-61). The aetiology of pancreatic trauma was blunt abdominal trauma in 14 patients and penetrating injury in 3. Associated bowel injury was present in 4 cases (3 penetrating injury and 1 blunt trauma) and 1 case had associated vascular injury. 5 patients had grade I, 3 had grade II, 7 had grade III and 2 had grade IV pancreatic trauma. Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan was used to diagnose pancreatic trauma in all patients with blunt abdominal injury. Immediate diagnosis could be reached in only 4 (28.5%) patients. 7 patients responded to conservative treatment. Of the 10 patients who underwent surgery, 6 required it for the pancreas and the duodenum. (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy-3, pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy-1, debridement with external drainage-1, associated injuries-duodenum-1). Pancreatic fistula, recurrent pancreatitis and pseudocyst formation were seen in 3 (17.05%), 2 (11.7%) and 1 (5.4%) patient respectively. Death occurred in 4 cases (23.5%), 2 each in grades III and IV pancreatic trauma.Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan is a useful modality for diagnosing, grading and following up patients with pancreatic trauma. Although a majority of cases with pancreatic trauma respond to conservative treatment, patients with penetrating trauma, and associated bowel injury and higher grade pancreatic trauma require surgical intervention and are also associated with higher morbidity and mortality.

A case of isolated localised mucormycosis of the bile duct in an immuno-competent 54 year old female patient is described. Mucormycosis is rare in immuno-competent patients. Isolated localised mucormycosis of the bile duct has not yet been described in the literature.

We report a 38-year-old lady with carcinoid tumor of the extrahepatic biliary tract who presented with recurrent obstructive jaundice and previous surgery for suspected choledocholithiasis. MRCP revealed a large bile duct tumor extending from the confluence up to the superior aspect of the pancreas; this was completely excised, with bilio-enteric anastomosis. These tumors are characteristically slow growing and, therefore, are amenable to aggressive surgical excision, which offers the best chance of cure.

The commonest complication of hepaticojejunostomy for the management of biliary strictures is recurrent cholangitis. We report a 54-year-old man who underwent choledochojejunostomy after choledochal cyst excision, and later developed ischemic stricture of the Roux-en-Y loop intestinal loop and recurrent cholangitis. The stricturous intestinal loop was excised with re-anastomosis with new Roux-en-Y loop, with uneventful recovery.

Impalpable testis is a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in adults, for both radiologist and surgeons, with few reports in literature addressing this problem in adults. Laparoscopy is a reliable and definitive procedure obviating the necessity of advance investigation and subsequent inguinal exploration in adults.To study the utility of laparoscopy as combined diagnostic and therapeutic modality for undescended testis in adults.Prospective study from a single surgical unit of a large tertiary referral centre during August 2000 to January 2002.Nine patients of unilateral undescended testis with average age 22.7 years (range 13-31 years) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and orchidectomy subsequent to detailed clinical, ultrasound and examination under anaesthesia (EUA) procedure. All patients were operated with one 10 mm umbilical camera port, one suprapubic port and 1 lateral port.None of the patients had palpable testis or an inguinal cough impulse on clinical examination and during EUA. In only 3(33.3%) patients, the ultrasound could locate the testis situated at the deep ring. On laparoscopy all testes were identified, 4 were present at the deep ring, 3 were intra-abdominal and 2 had blind ending vas entering the deep ring. Mesh plug was inserted in the internal ring in these 2 patients, after dissecting the peritoneum. None of the patients had intra or post-operative complications and all were discharged on the next day.Laparoscopy is one of the most satisfactory methods for the diagnosis and management of non-palpable testis in adult cryptorchid patients.

Esophageal perforation is a serious condition; a delay of more than 48 hours in initiation of treatment leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Management of such patients is a surgical dilemma. We successfully managed 4 patients (2-iatrogenic, 1-tuberculous, 1-Boerhaave's syndrome) with delayed presentation of esophageal perforation by esophageal exclusion and paraesophageal mediastinal drainage, achieving good control of mediastinal sepsis, healing of perforation and at the same time avoiding thoracotomy and subsequent second surgery.

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

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

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

Rationale and Objectives: Various devices are used to aid in the education of laparoscopic skills ranging from simple box trainers to sophisticated virtual reality trainers. Virtual reality system is an advanced and effective training method, however it is yet to be adopted in India due to its cost and the advanced technology required for it. Therefore, box trainers are being used to train laparoscopic skills. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the overall effectiveness of the box-training course. Study Procedure: The study was conducted during six-day laparoscopic skills training workshops held during 2006. Twenty five surgeons; age range of 26 to 45 years, of either sex, who had not performed laparoscopic surgery before; attending the workshop were evaluated. Each participant was given a list of tasks to perform before beginning the box-training course on day one and was evaluated quantitatively by rating the successful completion of each test. Evaluation began when the subject placed the first tool into the cannula and ended with task completion. Two evaluation methods used to score the subject, including a global rating scale and a task-specific checklist. After the subject completed all sessions of the workshop, they were asked to perform the same tasks and were evaluated in the same manner. For each task completed by the subjects, the difference in the scores between the second and first runs were calculated and interpreted as an improvement as a percentage of the initial score. Statistical Analysis: Wilcoxon matched-paired signed-ranks test was applied to find out the statistical significance of the results obtained. Results: The mean percentage improvement in scores for both the tasks, using global rating scale, was 44.5% + 6.930 (Mean + SD). For task 1, using the global rating scale mean percentage improvement was 49.4% + 7.948 (Mean + SD). For task 2, mean percentage improvement using global rating scale was 39.6% + 10.4 (Mean + SD). Using Wilcoxon matched-paired signed-ranks test, 2-tailed P -value< 0.0001 which is extremely significant. Conclusion: This study confirms that a short-term, intensive, focused course does improve laparoscopic skills of trainees. Box-trainers can be used to change the present day didactic training into objective and competency-based. Global rating scale and checklist provide an inexpensive and effective way of objective assessment of performance of laparoscopic skills.