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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 2017Gossypibomas remain a dreaded and unwanted complication of surgical practice. Despite significant interest and numerous guidelines, the number of reported cases remains...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Gossypibomas remain a dreaded and unwanted complication of surgical practice. Despite significant interest and numerous guidelines, the number of reported cases remains sparse due to various factors, including potential legal implications. Herein, we review related data from India to ascertain if the problem is better or worse than that reported in world literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar, to collect and analyze all case reports and case reviews regarding the condition in India.
RESULTS
On analysis of the results, there were 100 publications reporting a total of 126 events. The average patient age was 38.65 years. Average time to discovery was 1225.62 days. Forty-nine percent of reported cases were discovered within the 1 st year. The most common clinical features were pain (73.8%), palpable mass (47.6%), vomiting (35%), abdominal distention (26%), and fever (12.6%). Spontaneous expulsion of the gossypiboma was noted in five cases (3.96%). Transmural migration was seen in 36 cases (28.57%).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite advancements in surgical approaches and preventive measures, gossypibomas continue to be a cause of significant morbidity. A safe working culture, open communication, teamwork, and an accurate sponge count remain our best defence against this often unpredictable complication of surgery.
Topics: Foreign Bodies; Humans; India; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 28079043
DOI: 10.4103/0022-3859.198153 -
Journal of the American Dental... Jan 2017Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common chronic oral mucosal condition of the oral cavity. Investigators in clinical trials have evaluated the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common chronic oral mucosal condition of the oral cavity. Investigators in clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of RAS. However, the results are conflicting rather than conclusive. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of RAS, the authors conducted a systematic review.
TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED
The authors searched 9 electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or potential clinical controlled trials (CCTs), published in any language, in which the investigators compared Chinese patent medicines with vitamin tablets or placebos for the treatment of RAS.
RESULTS
The authors included 11 RCTs and 1 CCT in the review. Results showed that Chinese patent medicines were beneficial for patients with RAS in relieving ulcer pain and reducing the duration and frequency of attacks. The reported adverse effects of Chinese patent medicines included stomachache, abdominal distention, diarrhea, mild nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which were either self-limiting or could be relieved by treatment cessation.
CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Chinese patent medicines may be effective for treatment of RAS by means of relieving pain and reducing ulcer size and episode duration and frequency.
Topics: Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Recurrence; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28062049
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2016.08.025 -
Journal of Endovascular Therapy : An... Feb 2017To provide an updated systematic literature review and summarize current evidence on proximal aortic neck dilatation (AND) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To provide an updated systematic literature review and summarize current evidence on proximal aortic neck dilatation (AND) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
METHODS
A review of the English-language medical literature from 1991 to 2015 was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies reporting AND after EVAR. Studies considered for inclusion and full-text review fulfilled the following criteria: (1) reported AND after EVAR, (2) included at least 5 patients, and (3) provided data on AND quantification. The search identified 26 articles published between 1998 and 2015 that encompassed 9721 patients (median age 71.8 years; 9439 men).
RESULTS
AND occurred in 24.6% of patients (95% CI 18.6% to 31.8%) over a period ranging from 15 months to 9 years after EVAR. No significant dilatation of the suprarenal part of the aorta was reported by most studies. The incidence of combined clinical events (endoleak type I, migration, reintervention during follow-up) was higher in the AND group (26%) when compared with 2% in the group without AND (OR 28.7, 95% CI 5.43 to 151.67, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
AND affects a considerable proportion of EVAR patients and was related to worse clinical outcome, as indicated by increased rates of type I endoleak, migration, and reinterventions. Future studies should focus on a better understanding of the pathophysiology, predictors, and risk factors of AND, which could identify patients who may warrant a different EVAR strategy and/or a closer post-EVAR surveillance strategy.
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Chi-Square Distribution; Dilatation, Pathologic; Endoleak; Endovascular Procedures; Foreign-Body Migration; Humans; Odds Ratio; Retreatment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27974495
DOI: 10.1177/1526602816673325 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2016Constipation within childhood is an extremely common problem. Despite the widespread use of osmotic and stimulant laxatives by health professionals to manage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Constipation within childhood is an extremely common problem. Despite the widespread use of osmotic and stimulant laxatives by health professionals to manage constipation in children, there has been a long standing paucity of high quality evidence to support this practice.
OBJECTIVES
We set out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of osmotic and stimulant laxatives used to treat functional childhood constipation.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Trials Register from inception to 10 March 2016. There were no language restrictions. We also searched the references of all included studies, personal contacts and drug companies to identify studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared osmotic or stimulant laxatives to placebo or another intervention, with participants aged 0 to 18 years old were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome was frequency of defecation. Secondary endpoints included faecal incontinence, disimpaction, need for additional therapies and adverse events.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Relevant papers were identified and two authors independently assessed the eligibility of trials, extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was frequency of defecation. Secondary endpoints included faecal incontinence, disimpaction, need for additional therapies and adverse events. For continuous outcomes we calculated the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model. For dichotomous outcomes we calculated the risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI using a fixed-effect model. The Chi(2) and I(2) statistics were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used in situations of unexplained heterogeneity. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence supporting the primary and secondary outcomes using the GRADE criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
Twenty-five RCTs (2310 participants) were included in the review. Fourteen studies were judged to be at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. Meta-analysis of two studies (101 patients) comparing polyethylene glycol (PEG) with placebo showed a significantly increased number of stools per week with PEG (MD 2.61 stools per week, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.08). Common adverse events in the placebo-controlled studies included flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and headache. Participants receiving high dose PEG (0.7 g/kg) had significantly more stools per week than low dose PEG (0.3 g/kg) participants (1 study, 90 participants, MD 1.30, 95% 0.76 to 1.84). Meta-analysis of 6 studies with 465 participants comparing PEG with lactulose showed a significantly greater number of stools per week with PEG (MD 0.70 , 95% CI 0.10 to 1.31), although follow-up was short. Patients who received PEG were significantly less likely to require additional laxative therapies. Eighteen per cent (27/154) of PEG patients required additional therapies compared to 31% (47/150) of lactulose patients (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.83). No serious adverse events were reported with either agent. Common adverse events in these studies included diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and pruritis ani. Meta-analysis of 3 studies with 211 participants comparing PEG with milk of magnesia showed that the stools per week were significantly greater with PEG (MD 0.69, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.89). However, the magnitude of this difference was quite small and may not be clinically significant. One child was noted to be allergic to PEG, but there were no other serious adverse events reported. One study found a significant difference in stools per week favouring milk of magnesia over lactulose (MD -1.51, 95% CI -2.63 to -0.39, 50 patients), Meta-analysis of 2 studies with 287 patients comparing liquid paraffin (mineral oil) with lactulose revealed a relatively large statistically significant difference in the number of stools per week favouring liquid paraffin (MD 4.94 , 95% CI 4.28 to 5.61). No serious adverse events were reported. Adverse events included abdominal pain, distention and watery stools. No statistically significant differences in the number of stools per week were found between PEG and enemas (1 study, 90 patients, MD 1.00, 95% CI -1.58 to 3.58), dietary fibre mix and lactulose (1 study, 125 patients, P = 0.481), senna and lactulose (1 study, 21 patients, P > 0.05), lactitol and lactulose (1 study, 51 patients, MD -0.80, 95% CI -2.63 to 1.03), hydrolyzed guar gum and lactulose (1 study, 61 patients, MD 1.00, 95% CI -1.80 to 3.80), PEG and flixweed (1 study, 109 patients, MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.33), PEG and dietary fibre (1 study, 83 patients, MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.64 to 1.04), and PEG and liquid paraffin (2 studies, 261 patients, MD 0.35, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.95).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The pooled analyses suggest that PEG preparations may be superior to placebo, lactulose and milk of magnesia for childhood constipation. GRADE analyses indicated that the overall quality of the evidence for the primary outcome (number of stools per week) was low or very low due to sparse data, inconsistency (heterogeneity), and high risk of bias in the studies in the pooled analyses. Thus, the results of the pooled analyses should be interpreted with caution because of quality and methodological concerns, as well as clinical heterogeneity, and short follow-up. There is also evidence suggesting the efficacy of liquid paraffin (mineral oil). There is no evidence to demonstrate the superiority of lactulose when compared to the other agents studied, although there is a lack of placebo controlled studies. Further research is needed to investigate the long term use of PEG for childhood constipation, as well as the role of liquid paraffin. The optimal dose of PEG also warrants further investigation.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Defecation; Dietary Fiber; Enema; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactulose; Laxatives; Magnesium Hydroxide; Male; Mineral Oil; Osmosis; Polyethylene Glycols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Senna Extract; Sennosides; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27531591
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009118.pub3 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten 2016Diabetes, a state of relative insulin resistance, is negatively associated with both the presence and growth abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), which could suggest a... (Review)
Review
Diabetes, a state of relative insulin resistance, is negatively associated with both the presence and growth abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), which could suggest a protective role of obesity against AAA presence or growth. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated a trend toward a positive, though statistically non-significant, association between body mass index (BMI) and the presence of AAA. With respect to the association between obesity and AAA growth, however, the evidence had been very limited. To determine whether obesity (or BMI) is associated with AAA growth, we reviewed currently available studies with a systematic literature search. Our comprehensive search identified seven eligible studies reporting the association of BMI and AAA growth rates, which included data on a total of 3,768 AAA patients. All seven identified studies demonstrated no association between BMI and AAA growth. Despite a trend toward a positive association between BMI and AAA presence, the reason why BMI is not associated with AAA growth (suggested in the present review) is unclear. A discrepancy between associated comorbidities (coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and AAA presence and between the same comorbidities and AAA growth, however, could be identified. Further investigations are required to elucidate why BMI is not associated with AAA growth despite the trend for a positive association with AAA presence.
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Body Mass Index; Dilatation, Pathologic; Disease Progression; Humans; Obesity; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27058797
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000505 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 2015With the widespread use of abdominal imaging, an incidentally found dilated common bile duct (CBD) is a common radiographic finding. The significance of a dilated CBD as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the widespread use of abdominal imaging, an incidentally found dilated common bile duct (CBD) is a common radiographic finding. The significance of a dilated CBD as a predictor of underlying disease and long-term outcome have not been well elucidated.
GOALS
A systematic review of studies on patients with dilated CBD was performed to identify etiologies and clinical factors that may predict which patients require further diagnostic testing and long-term outcomes. A PubMed search for relevant articles published between 2001 and 2014 was performed.
RESULTS
The search yielded a total of 882 articles, and after careful individual review for eligibility and relevancy, 9 peer-reviewed studies were included. A cause of the CBD dilation was found on average in 33% of cases and the most common causes were: CBD stone, chronic pancreatitis, and periampullary diverticulum. The overall CBD diameter was not associated with finding a causative lesion. Coexisting CBD and intrahepatic bile duct dilation, age, and jaundice were found to be indicators of pathologic lesions. Dilation of both the CBD and pancreatic duct was suggestive of pancreatic disease, especially pancreatic malignancy in the setting of obstructive jaundice. Follow-up was reported in 6 studies ranging from 6 to 85 months, and generally there was no change in the diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Incidentally found biliary tract dilatation can be a manifestation of significant biliary tract disease including malignancy. Long-term outcome is not well defined and further prospective studies examining the most cost-effective approach to evaluation are needed.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Biliary Tract Diseases; Common Bile Duct; Dilatation, Pathologic; Diverticulum; Female; Gallstones; Humans; Incidental Findings; Jaundice, Obstructive; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Diseases; Pancreatic Ducts; Radiography
PubMed: 26302495
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000394 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Nov 2015Consensus on standard methods to assess chronic abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently lacking. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Consensus on standard methods to assess chronic abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently lacking.
AIM
To systematically review the literature with respect to instruments of measurement of chronic abdominal pain in IBS patients.
METHODS
Systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline databases for studies using pain measurement instruments in patients with IBS.
RESULTS
One hundred and ten publications were reviewed. A multitude of different instruments is currently used to assess chronic abdominal pain in IBS patients. The single-item methods, e.g. the validated 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS), and questionnaires assessing gastrointestinal symptoms severity, focus mostly on the assessment of only the intensity of abdominal pain. Of these questionnaires, the validated IBS-Symptom Severity Scale includes the broadest measurement of pain-related aspects. General pain questionnaires and electronic momentary symptom assessment tools have been used to study abdominal pain in IBS patients, but have not yet been validated for this purpose. The evidence for the use of provocation tests, e.g. the rectal barostat with balloon distention, for measurement of abdominal pain in IBS is weak, due to the poor correlation between visceral pain thresholds assessed by provocation tests and abdominal pain as assessed by retrospective questionnaires.
CONCLUSIONS
The multitude of different instruments to measure chronic abdominal pain in IBS makes it difficult to compare endpoints of published studies. There is need for validated instruments to assess chronic abdominal pain in IBS patients, that overcome the limitations of the currently available methods.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Databases, Factual; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Surveys and Questionnaires; Visceral Pain
PubMed: 26290286
DOI: 10.1111/apt.13378 -
Rheumatology International Nov 2015Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly called Wegener's Granulomatosis, is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and belongs to the family of... (Review)
Review
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly called Wegener's Granulomatosis, is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and belongs to the family of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides. The main clinical symptoms of GPA are vasculitis primarily involving upper and lower respiratory tracts, as well as kidneys. Gastrointestinal manifestations of GPA are less common (0-20 %), with gastric presentation mimicking a gastric cancer as an initial symptom. This is a descriptive case report of one patient, together with systematic review of the literature. We described a 31-year-old Chinese woman who presented with complaints of abdominal distention, anorexia for 2 months. Gastroscopy was carried out for three times, and stomach cancer was suspected. However, histopathology of gastric biopsy revealed a chronic inflammation with mucosal ulceration, frequent neutrophils and lymphocytes infiltration, and local granulomatous formation, whereas no sign of stomach carcinoma was observed. In view of the positive cANCA test, a diagnosis of GPA was considered. From the onset of the GPA in the patients, no other organs have been involved in the disease. The patient was successfully treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. As shown in the report, patients who present only with gastrointestinal manifestations represent challenges to diagnosis. ANCA testing can serve as a decisive diagnostic tool. Although uncommon, GI involvement may be a major feature in GPA, sometimes presenting as gastric tumor-like lesions. Diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with GI symptoms accompanied by evidence of systemic vasculitis, and ANCA test should be used as a diagnostic measurement to clarify differential diagnosis.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; Biomarkers; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gastroscopy; Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Predictive Value of Tests; Stomach Diseases; Stomach Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26248531
DOI: 10.1007/s00296-015-3334-x -
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford,... Sep 2015Cervical stenosis is a major and specific postoperative complication following radical trachelectomy. The current article presents a review of studies describing the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Cervical stenosis is a major and specific postoperative complication following radical trachelectomy. The current article presents a review of studies describing the incidence, risk factors and treatment methods of cervical stenosis after this fertility sparing procedure.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase (January 1994 through November 2014) using the following terms: uterine cervix neoplasms, cervical cancer, radical trachelectomy, fertility sparing and fertility preservation. We included original articles and case series. Case reports, review articles, articles not in English and articles not mentioning cervical stenosis were all excluded.
RESULTS
We identified 1547 patients. The incidence rates of cervical stenosis ranged from 0% to 73.3% with an average rate of 10.5%. Among patients with abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic radical trachelectomy, the incidences of cervical stenosis were 11.0%, 8.1%, 9.3% and 0%, respectively. In patients in whom whether cerclage was placed or not, the incidence rates of cervical stenosis were 8.6% and 3.0%, respectively (P=NS). Among those in whom whether anti-stenosis tools were placed or not, the incidences of cervical stenosis were 4.6% and 12.7%, respectively (P<0.001). Cervical stenosis was a potential cause of infertility and increased the use of artificial reproductive technology. Surgical dilatation resolved stenosis in the majority of cases but had to be repeated.
CONCLUSIONS
Cervical stenosis is related to the surgical approach, cerclage and anti-stenosis tools utilised. It affects not only the quality of life but also obstetrical outcomes of patients following radical trachelectomy. Greater attention should be given to the prevention and treatment of this complication.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Fertility Preservation; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; Humans; Incidence; Laparoscopy; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Cervical Diseases; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 26049687
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.05.012 -
Journal of Pregnancy 2014The aim of this review was to identify clinically significant ultrasound predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in fetal gastroschisis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to identify clinically significant ultrasound predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in fetal gastroschisis.
METHODS
A quasi-systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Ovid using the key terms "gastroschisis," "predictors," "outcome," and "ultrasound."
RESULTS
A total of 18 papers were included. The most common sonographic predictors were intra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and bowel dilatation not otherwise specified (NOS). Three ultrasound markers were consistently found to be statistically insignificant with respect to predicting adverse outcome including abdominal circumference, stomach herniation and dilatation, and extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD).
CONCLUSIONS
Gastroschisis is associated with several comorbidities, yet there is much discrepancy in the literature regarding which specific ultrasound markers best predict adverse neonatal outcomes. Future research should include prospective trials with larger sample sizes and use well-defined and consistent definitions of the adverse outcomes investigated with consideration given to IABD.
Topics: Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gastroschisis; Humans; Intestines; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 25587450
DOI: 10.1155/2014/239406