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Journal of Indian Association of... 2024Ladd's procedure, originally described in 1936 for the treatment of malrotation, does not traditionally include appendectomy as a standard step. We conducted a...
INTRODUCTION
Ladd's procedure, originally described in 1936 for the treatment of malrotation, does not traditionally include appendectomy as a standard step. We conducted a multinational survey to investigate the current consensus on the role of appendectomy in Ladd's procedure.
METHODOLOGY
An anonymous online survey was distributed to pediatric surgeons worldwide. The survey collected demographic data and explored surgical preferences related to the management of malrotation. Open-ended questions were used to assess the opinions regarding the necessity of appendectomy, decision-making factors, and complications associated with appendectomy during Ladd's procedure.
RESULTS
A total of 343 responses were received from 46 countries. Of the respondents, 319 (93%) were consultants and 24 (7%) were residents/trainees. When asked about the choice between open and laparoscopic Ladd's procedure, 292 (85%) preferred open surgery. Overall, 184 (53%) respondents favored appendectomy in both open and laparoscopic Ladd's procedure. Furthermore, 172 (50%) surgeons advocated for appendectomy in all malrotation cases, citing concerns about potential future appendicitis. While differences existed between all comparisons, none of them reached statistical significance. The factors influencing the decision to preserve the appendix included the risk of postoperative complications and the potential future use of the appendix as a surgical conduit. The surgical complications following appendectomy included surgical site infections in 14 (33%) patients, adhesive obstruction in 13 (31%) patients, intrabdominal abscesses in 10 (24%) patients, and fecal fistulas in 5 (12%) patients.
CONCLUSION
The majority of surgeons aim to perform appendectomy in all malrotation cases, considering the potential risks and benefits of this approach. These findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice and may inform future guidelines and decision-making algorithms.
PubMed: 38912021
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_258_23 -
Cureus May 2024Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency marked by inflammation of the appendix, often due to blockage of the appendix lumen by fecoliths, lymphoid hyperplasia, or...
Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency marked by inflammation of the appendix, often due to blockage of the appendix lumen by fecoliths, lymphoid hyperplasia, or neoplasms. While various causes are known, appendicitis triggered by a foreign body (FB) is exceptionally rare. This case report highlights a rare presentation of appendicitis in a 32-year-old male with no significant medical history, who presented with acute lower right abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. Initial evaluation suggested appendicitis, further supported by laboratory findings and diagnostic imaging revealing a retrocecal appendix with surrounding inflammation. Remarkably, an FB, a fish bone, was discovered lodged within the perforated appendix, elucidating the unusual etiology. Emergency laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis and facilitated prompt surgical intervention. This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation and consideration of uncommon causes in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain, illustrating the critical role of detailed history-taking and clinical acumen in guiding management decisions and ensuring favorable patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38910666
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60910 -
Contemporary Clinical Trials Jun 2024Despite a growing body of literature in the area of recruitment modeling for multicenter studies, in practice, statistical models to predict enrollments are rarely used...
Despite a growing body of literature in the area of recruitment modeling for multicenter studies, in practice, statistical models to predict enrollments are rarely used and when they are, they often rely on unrealistic assumptions. The time-dependent Poisson-Gamma model (tPG) is a recently developed flexible methodology which allows analysts to predict recruitments in an ongoing multicenter trial, and its performance has been validated on data from a cohort study. In this article, we illustrate and further validate the tPG model on recruitment data from randomized controlled trials. Additionally, in the appendix, we provide a practical and easy to follow guide to its implementation via the tPG R package. To validate the model, we show the predictive performance of the proposed methodology in forecasting the recruitment process of two HIV vaccine trials conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network in multiple Sub-Saharan countries.
PubMed: 38908745
DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107607 -
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 -
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 -
Cancers May 2024Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the tubular gastrointestinal tract (GI-NECs) are rare and associated with worse clinical outcomes. This population-based study aims...
Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the tubular gastrointestinal tract (GI-NECs) are rare and associated with worse clinical outcomes. This population-based study aims to highlight key demographics, clinicopathological factors, and survival outcomes in the US population. Data from 10,387 patients with GI-NECs were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database from 2000 to 2020. Most patients were >40 years old at the time of presentation with a median age of 63 years old, with almost equal ethnic distribution per US population data. The most common primary tumor site was the small intestine (33.6%). The metastatic spread was localized in 34.8%, regional in 27.8%, and distant in 37.3% of cases, and the liver was the most common site of metastasis (19.9%) in known cases of metastases. Most NEC patients underwent surgery, presenting the highest 5-year overall survival of 73.2% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (95% CI 72.0-74.4%), while chemotherapy alone had the lowest 5-year survival of 8.0% (95% CI 6.4-10.0%). Compared to men, women had a superior 5-year survival rate of 59.0% (95% CI 57.6-60.5%). On multivariate analysis, age > 65 (HR 2.49, 95% CI 2.36-2.54%, ≤ 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 2.57, 95% CI 2.52-2.62%, ≤ 0.001), tumor size > 4 mm (HR 1.98, 95%, CI 1.70-2.31%, ≤ 0.001), esophageal (HR 1.49, 95% CI 0.86-2.58%, ≤ 0.001), transverse colon (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.15-3.33%, ≤ 0.01), descending colon (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.12, 3.97%, = 0.02) anorectal sites, and liver or lung metastases were associated with worse survival. Surgical intervention and tumors located in the small intestine or appendix showed a better prognosis. GI-NECs are a group of rare malignancies associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, epidemiological studies analyzing national databases may be the best alternative to have a more comprehensive understanding of this condition, assess the impact of current practices, and generate prognosis tools.
PubMed: 38893117
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111998 -
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 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Jun 2024Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition...
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition even in some endemic areas. Schistosomal appendicitis, an incidentally discovered appendicitis associated with schistosomiasis histological findings, affects young males predominantly. Timely diagnosis and treatment, including appendectomy and anti-helminthic therapy, are crucial.
CASE REPORT
A 24-year-old Sudanese male patient presented with abdominal pain. Diagnosed with acute appendicitis, he underwent appendectomy, revealing appendix inflammation with Schistosoma ova in histopathology. Abdominal ultrasound detected no complications. Weakly positive Schistosoma serology was noted, but stool and urine analysis showed no infection evidence. Prescribed praziquantel, patient had 3-year post-op follow-up without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
This case report underscores the significance of including schistosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. It underscores the necessity of histopathological evaluations for accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the potential implications for clinical practice in similar settings.
Topics: Humans; Appendicitis; Male; Young Adult; Praziquantel; Appendectomy; Anthelmintics; Schistosomiasis; Diagnosis, Differential; Abdominal Pain; Ultrasonography; Animals; Treatment Outcome; Appendix
PubMed: 38890741
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04610-3