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Lancet (London, England) Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Appendicitis; Appendectomy; Preoperative Care; Time-to-Treatment; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Time Factors
PubMed: 38908872
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00636-6 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain caused by twisting of the omentum along its long axis, thus compromising its vascularity. Its presentation is...
INTRODUCTION
Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain caused by twisting of the omentum along its long axis, thus compromising its vascularity. Its presentation is non-specific and can mimic other common pathologies, making its pre-operative diagnosis challenging.
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 44-year-old female presented for periumbilical abdominal pain. Her laboratory results showed no leukocytosis and CRP was within normal range. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and IV contrast showed a well demarcated pericecal mass at the right side, mostly suggestive of transmesenteric internal herniation with strangulation. The patient eventually required laparoscopic surgical intervention.
DISCUSSION
The acute abdominal manifestations in patients with omental torsion are due to the development of edema and necrotic tissue distal of the torsion after the arterial supply and venous drainage have been obstructed. Rotation around the right gastroepiploic artery is considered to be the most common cause of omental torsion. Primary torsion is considered to be idiopathic, while secondary torsion occurs due to an identifiable predisposing pathology such as omental cysts, hernias, adhesions, or intra-abdominal tumors. Since symptoms of omental torsion are non-specific, it is crucial to consider the differential diagnosis and rule out other causes of acute abdomen. Surgical intervention is the mainstay treatment when there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, or when the patient's clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings worsen with conservative treatment.
CONCLUSION
Early surgical intervention in cases of omental torsion reduces the incidence of formation of abscesses, adhesions, and omental necrosis. In cases of non-operative candidates, conservative treatment is the best option; therefore, the choice of treatment of omental torsion should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
PubMed: 38906039
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109917 -
The Journal of International Medical... Jun 2024Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition characterized by chronic activation of the immune system and a tendency to form tumorous...
Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition characterized by chronic activation of the immune system and a tendency to form tumorous lesions. IgG4-RD is frequently characterized by the presence of tumor-like masses affecting multiple organs and is easily mistaken for a malignant neoplasm. However, IgG4-RD affecting the appendix is extremely rare, with only seven cases reported previously. We report the case of a woman in her early 60s who presented with insidious abdominal pain and radiological findings mimicking appendiceal neoplasms. After diagnosing appendiceal neoplasms, surgery was performed. The patient had a serum IgG4 concentration of <1.35 g/L, which did not satisfy one of the three revised comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD. A pathological examination was conducted, and the patient was diagnosed with appendiceal IgG4-RD. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previously reported cases of IgG4-RD affecting the appendix in patients with low serum IgG4 concentrations. This report may prove beneficial for the future understanding of IgG4-RD and for the revision of diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Topics: Humans; Female; Appendiceal Neoplasms; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Middle Aged; Immunoglobulin G; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Appendix
PubMed: 38902205
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241260540 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2024Emergencies and emergency surgeries are a central part of everyday surgical care in Germany. However, it is unclear how emergency surgery is practically trained in...
BACKGROUND
Emergencies and emergency surgeries are a central part of everyday surgical care in Germany. However, it is unclear how emergency surgery is practically trained in clinics on a daily basis and what training concept is underlying. Therefore, the aim of this survey study was to capture the status quo of emergency surgical training of German general and visceral surgeons.
METHODS
The members of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery were surveyed online (n = 5281). The questionnaire included demographic data and expertise in surgery and assistance in emergency surgery regarding common emergency surgical operations. In addition, further training measures in emergency surgery and their support by employers were queried.
RESULTS
Only complete questionnaires (n = 184, response rate 3.5%) were included in the analysis. Most participants were in training (n = 69; 38%), followed by senior physicians (n = 52; 29%), specialists (n = 31; 17%) and chief physicians (n = 30; 17%). 64% of the participants were employed at university hospitals or maximum care hospitals. Regarding further training opportunities, in-clinic shock room training was most frequently used. Outside of their own clinic, the ATLS course was most frequently mentioned. Operations for cholecystitis and appendicitis as well as emergency stoma procedures are the most common emergency procedures. There was a strong difference in the frequency of operated cases depending on the level of training. For operations to treat acute abdominal traumas (hemostasis of liver and spleen, packing) as well as outside of visceral surgery, only low competence was reported. Over 90% of survey participants consider emergency surgery to be an indispensable core competence. Neither in the old (76%) nor in the new training regulations (47%) is emergency surgery adequately represented according to the participants' assessment. There was a significantly lower prevalence of the "sub-steps concept" in emergency surgery at 38% compared to elective surgery (44%). Important elements of imparting skills in emergency surgery are simulation and courses as well as operative sub-steps, according to the majority of survey participants.
CONCLUSION
The results show that general and visceral surgeons in Germany are introduced to emergency surgery too little structured during further training and at specialist level. The survey participants had, as expected, hardly any experience in emergency surgery outside of visceral surgery but surprisingly also little experience in visceral surgical trauma care. There is a need to discuss the future organization of emergency surgical training. Adequate simulation structures and extracurricular courses could contribute to an improvement in this respect.
Topics: Humans; Germany; Surveys and Questionnaires; Female; Male; Clinical Competence; Adult; Emergencies; Middle Aged; General Surgery
PubMed: 38900254
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03360-6 -
Pain Research & Management 2024Common postoperative complications following surgery, particularly acute appendicitis surgery, include postoperative pain and vomiting, which can cause discomfort and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Common postoperative complications following surgery, particularly acute appendicitis surgery, include postoperative pain and vomiting, which can cause discomfort and delay recovery time.
METHODS
A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 80 cases of acute appendicitis of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II and aged 18-60 y/o scheduled for appendectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups: group A received 4 mg of ondansetron IV (2 ml) and group B received 2 ml of normal slain IV (placebo). Pain according to VAS, nausea and vomiting according to clinical symptoms, shivering and sedation according to the Bedside Shivering Assessment Scale (BSAS), and the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery were evaluated and compared between the groups.
RESULTS
There was a significant decline in the severity of pain only at 2 hours after surgery between the ondansetron and control groups (5.3 ± 1.0 vs. 6.0 ± 1.0; =0.01), not showing a difference between the groups at 6, 12, and 24 hours after appendectomy. Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 2 (5% vs. 25%; =0.03) and 6 (7.5% vs. 27.5%; =0.04) hours after appendectomy in the ondansetron group. At different times, the ondansetron and control groups did not differ in terms of pethidine consumption or sedation.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our study found that ondansetron was effective in reducing postoperative vomiting after acute appendicitis surgery. However, it did not show a clinically significant effect on postoperative pain. This trial is registered with IRCT20230722058883N1.
Topics: Humans; Double-Blind Method; Ondansetron; Adult; Male; Female; Pain, Postoperative; Appendicitis; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Appendectomy; Pain Measurement; Antiemetics; Treatment Outcome; Time Factors
PubMed: 38899063
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6429874 -
Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open 2024
PubMed: 38895131
DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2024-001495 -
Cureus May 2024Intrauterine appendicular perforation leading to meconium peritonitis is exceptionally rare, with few reported cases in the literature. This case underscores the...
Intrauterine appendicular perforation leading to meconium peritonitis is exceptionally rare, with few reported cases in the literature. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges and high mortality associated with neonatal appendicular perforation. Neonatal appendicitis and subsequent perforation are uncommon due to the funnel shape of the fetal appendix, which reduces susceptibility to luminal obstruction. While advances in neonatal care and diagnostic modalities have improved outcomes, challenges persist in timely diagnosis and management. We present the case of a preterm infant, one of dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twins delivered via cesarean section, who developed gross abdominal distension and respiratory distress shortly after birth. Diagnostic abdominocentesis revealed meconium-stained fluid, prompting further investigation with imaging and subsequent exploratory laparotomy. Extensive adhesions and cecal perforation were observed, necessitating a cecostomy. Despite interventions, the infant's condition deteriorated, leading to a fatal outcome. Intrauterine appendicular perforation leading to meconium peritonitis is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Antenatal suspicion and early surgical intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Factors contributing to neonatal appendicular perforation include ischemia, obstruction, and infective etiologies. Neonatal appendicular perforation is a rare but life-threatening condition requiring a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and management. Advances in diagnostic tools and antenatal monitoring have contributed to improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in cases of unexplained neonatal abdominal distension.
PubMed: 38894799
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60576 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024The role of infestation in the context of appendicitis is largely overlooked, but is considered an unexpected and significant appendicectomy finding. The aim of this...
The role of infestation in the context of appendicitis is largely overlooked, but is considered an unexpected and significant appendicectomy finding. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of findings in appendectomies and to evaluate the clinical and histopathologic features of patients with -associated acute appendicitis and those with appendiceal infestation. The medical records of all children who underwent an appendectomy in two large pediatric centers in Croatia between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Of 6359 appendectomies, 61 (0.96%) children were diagnosed with on histopathology and included in further analysis. The groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, laboratory values, clinical features and histopathological findings. : The incidence of enterobiasis fluctuated slightly in the individual study years, but was constant overall. The median age of all patients was 11 years (IQR 8.5, 13), with females predominating (60.7%). Acute appendicitis was observed in 34% of the appendiceal species. The patients with infestation, without appendicitis, were younger (9 years (IQR 8, 13) vs. 12 years (IQR 10, 15); = 0.020), had longer duration of symptoms (36 h (IQR, 12, 48) vs. 24 h (IQR, 12, 36); = 0.034), lower body temperature (37 °C (IQR 36.8, 37.4) vs. 37.6 °C (IQR, 37, 38.6) = 0.012), lower Appendicitis Inflammation Response (AIR) score (3 (IQR 2, 5) vs. 7 (IQR 5, 9.5) < 0.001), lower incidence of rebound tenderness (57.1% vs. 20%; = 0.003) and less frequent vomiting (12.5% vs. 47.6%; = 0.004) compared to the patients with -associated acute appendicitis. Acute inflammatory markers in the laboratory showed significantly higher values in the group of patients with acute appendicitis: C-reactive protein ( = 0.009), White blood cells ( = 0.001) and neutrophils ( < 0.001). Eosinophilia was not found in any of the groups, although eosinophil counts were significantly higher in children who had infestation than in those with -related appendicitis (2.5% (IQR 0.9, 4.3) vs. 1.8% (IQR 0.7, 2.1); = 0.040). : Pediatric surgeons should consider infestation as a differential diagnosis when removing a vermiform appendix. Younger age, longer duration of symptoms, lower body temperature, lower AIR score, lower diameter of the appendix and normal laboratory inflammatory markers could predict infection in children presenting with right iliac fossa pain and avoid unnecessary appendectomy.
PubMed: 38892909
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113198 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7-8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the... (Review)
Review
Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7-8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the best treatment approach depends on patient characteristics. Non-operative management (NOM), which involves the utilization of antibiotics and aggressive intravenous hydration, and surgical appendectomy are valid treatment options for healthy adults. NOM is also ideal for poor surgical candidates. Another important consideration is the timing of surgery, i.e., the role of interval appendectomy (IA) and the possibility of delaying surgery for a few hours on index admission. IA refers to surgical removal of the appendix 8-12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of appendicitis. It is ideal in patients with a contained appendiceal perforation on initial presentation, wherein an initial nonoperative approach is preferred. Furthermore, IA can help distinguish malignant and non-malignant causes of acute appendicitis, while reducing the risk of recurrence. On the contrary, a decision to delay appendectomy for a few hours on index admission should be made based on the patients' baseline health status and severity of appendicitis. Post-operatively, surgical drain placement may help reduce postoperative complications; however, it carries an increased risk of drain occlusion, fistula formation, and paralytic ileus. Furthermore, one of the most critical aspects of appendectomy is the closure of the appendiceal stump, which can be achieved with the help of endoclips, sutures, staples, and endoloops. In this review, we discuss different aspects of management of acute appendicitis, current controversies in management, and the potential role of endoscopic appendectomy as a future treatment option.
PubMed: 38892745
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113034 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Appendicitis is primarily diagnosed based on intraoperative or histopathological findings, and few studies have explored pre-operative markers of a perforated appendix....
Appendicitis is primarily diagnosed based on intraoperative or histopathological findings, and few studies have explored pre-operative markers of a perforated appendix. This study aimed to identify systemic biomarkers to predict pediatric appendicitis at various time points. The study group comprised pediatric patients with clinically suspected appendicitis between 2016 and 2019. Pre-surgical serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial selectin (E-selectin) levels were tested from day 1 to day 3 of the disease course. The biomarker values were analyzed and compared between children with normal appendices and appendicitis and those with perforated appendicitis (PA) and non-perforated appendicitis. Among 226 pediatric patients, 106 had non-perforated appendicitis, 102 had PA, and 18 had normal appendices. The levels of all serum proinflammatory biomarkers were elevated in children with acute appendicitis compared with those in children with normal appendices. In addition, the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in children with PA were significantly higher, with an elevation in TNF-α levels from days 1 and 2. In addition, serum IL-6 levels increased significantly from days 2 and 3 (both < 0.05). Serum ICAM-1 and E-selectin levels were elevated in the PA group, with consistently elevated levels within the first three days of admission (all < 0.05). These results indicate that increased serum levels of proinflammatory biomarkers including IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and E-selectin could be used as parameters in the prediction and early diagnosis of acute appendicitis, especially in children with PA.
Topics: Humans; Appendicitis; Child; Female; Male; Biomarkers; Cytokines; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Chemokines; Child, Preschool; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; E-Selectin; Adolescent; Appendectomy
PubMed: 38892260
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116076