Bowel Loops Research Articles

A Case Report of Left Paraduodenal Hernia in a young boy

Internal hernia is a relatively uncommon condition and is a rare type of intestinal obstruction. Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most frequent type of congenital hernia, especially on the left side. Although acute intestinal obstruction due to internal hernias is rare, it can be fatal if it is not identified and treated right away. The clinical diagnosis of paraduodenal hernia is difficult due to its rarity and variable symptoms. Here, we present the case of a 14-year-old boy who had been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for a week duration. The pain had been worse during the previous two days, and the boy also experienced nausea and repeated vomiting episodes. He was otherwise healthy and had no history of previous abdominal operations. A left paraduodenal hernia was diagnosed based on the findings of a computed tomography scan, which showed a dilated small bowel loop occupying the left hypochondrial region anterior to the pararenal region. Due to the complicated nature of the disease, the patient had an exploratory laparotomy, during which herniated jejunal loops were reduced and hernial sac wide opened to prevent a recurrence. The patient tolerated the procedure, and recovery was uneventful. This case sheds light on the importance of considering the diagnosis of left paraduodenal hernia in patients with abdominal pain, particularly among those who have not undergone abdominal surgery previously. Early detection and treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as intestinal perforation and peritonitis.

An adult case of large defect of small mesenteric hiatal hernia causing small bowel obstruction

BackgroundSmall mesenteric hiatal hernias (SMHHs) are defined as a small group of internal hernias (IHs) that frequently diagnosed in children. However, SMHHs are relatively rare in adults. Bowel loop herniation via an abnormal mesenteric defect can lead to strangulated intestinal obstruction. Congenital SMHHs are commonly observed in pediatric patients, with some cases involving neonatal death.Case presentationA 24-year-old healthy male patient visited our hospital with a 2-day history of a sudden onset lower abdominal pain. He was initially diagnosed with enteritis. However, his symptoms worsened, and he was brought to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed formation of a closed loop in the small intestine within the pelvis and signs of ischemia. As the patient was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by IH, emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed to loosen the obstruction. The patient was found to have ascites and small-bowel necrosis. A part of the small intestine that measured 30 cm was strangulated via a large-diameter defect (17 × 11 cm) in the ileal mesentery. Via a small abdominal incision, the necrotic bowel was resected, and the mesenteric defect was repaired.ConclusionSMHHs are rare in adults, and they should be considered as potential causes of strangulated intestinal obstruction in adults without a history of laparotomy or trauma.

Gastrointestinal effects of caffeine in preterm infants: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis

ObjectiveCaffeine is widely used in preterm infants to prevent or treat apnoea of prematurity. Adverse gastrointestinal effects of caffeine have not been thoroughly researched in preterm infants. With this systematic...

Dual-energy CT late arterial phase iodine maps for the diagnosis of acute non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy CT (DECT) iodine maps in comparison to conventional CT series for the assessment of non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). We evaluated data from 142 patients (72 men; 50.7%) who underwent DECT between 2018 and 2022, with surgically confirmed diagnosis of NOMI. One board-certified radiologist performed region of interest (ROI) measurements in bowel segments on late arterial (LA) and portal venous (PV) phase DECT iodine maps as well as LA conventional series, in both ischemic and non-ischemic bowel loops, using surgical reports as reference standard, and in a control group of 97 patients. Intra- and inter-reader agreement with a second board-certified radiologist was also evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to calculate the optimal threshold for discriminating ischemic from non-ischemic bowel segments. Subjective image rating of LA and PV iodine maps was performed. DECT-based iodine concentration (IC) measurements showed significant differences in LA phase iodine maps between ischemic (median:0.72; IQR 0.52-0.91mg/mL) and non-ischemic bowel loops (5.16; IQR 3.45-6.31mg/ml) (P <.0001). IC quantification on LA phase revealed an AUC of 0.966 for the assessment of acute bowel ischemia, significantly higher compared to both IC quantification based on PV phase (0.951) and attenuation values evaluated on LA conventional CT series (0.828). Excellent intra-observer and strong inter-observer agreements were observed for the quantification of iodine concentration. Conversely, weak inter-observer agreement was noted for conventional HU assessments. The optimal LA phase-based IC threshold for assessing bowel ischemia was 1.34mg/mL, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 96.48%. Iodine maps based on LA phase significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of NOMI compared to conventional CT series and PV phase iodine maps.

Finding of a Homozygous SLC26A3 Mutation in a German Newborn with Congenital Chloride Diarrhea Presenting with Polyhydramnios and Dilated Bowel Loops

Finding of a Homozygous SLC26A3 Mutation in a German Newborn with Congenital Chloride Diarrhea Presenting with Polyhydramnios and Dilated Bowel Loops

Spontaneous transomental hernia: A case report of a rare internal hernia with a challenging diagnosis

Introduction and importance: Transomental Hernia (TOH) is an extremely rare clinical condition that represents 1 to 4% of all internal hernias. Spontaneous TOH occurs in patients with no history of surgery or previous abdominal trauma. It happens after protrusion of the abdominal viscera, commonly the small bowel loops through a defect on the great omentum. Presentation of the case: We present a case of an occlusion due to TOH in 66- years- old man who underwent a laparotomy and operative exploration showed 10 cm of small bowel incarcerated through a defect in the right side of the greater omentum of 4 cm in diameter. Discussion: The diagnosis is usually delayed because symptoms are non-specific. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are important because patients present most frequently with gangrenous bowel making morbidity and mortality higher. Therefore, it constitutes a critical surgical emergency and must be quickly recognized and managed. Computed tomography (CT) scan plays a prominent role in diagnosis. Midline laparotomy is the main emergency approach for patients with unknown bowel obstruction. Some authors suggest laparoscopic approach but it requires surgeon’s experience and propitious patient’s conditions. Conclusion: TOH is the rarest type of internal hernia with extremely difficult preoperative diagnosis due to non-specific semiology. This type of hernia has the highest morbidity and mortality rates of all internal hernias. Thus; it must be suspected whenever there is bowel obstruction of unknown origin and quickly managed.

Role of computed tomography enteroclysis in the evaluation of small bowel diseases

Background: Examining small bowel loops within the peritoneal cavity poses significant challenges because of their length and overlapping nature. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE) in diagnosing small intestinal diseases and to understand its clinical application. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2021 in 30 patients undergoing CTE treatment. The day before treatment, bowel preparation included a low-residue diet, lots of fluids, an overnight fast of 8–12 h, and laxatives. A 16-slice Aquilion Lightning computed tomography (CT) scanner was used in general hospitals, and a 128-slice GE Healthcare helical CT scanner was used in multispecialty hospitals. Results: Among the 30 patients, 20 (66.7%) were male, and 10 (33.3%) were female, predominantly aged between 30 and 60 years old. Positive findings were noted in 23 patients (76.7%), including intestinal tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, small bowel obstruction, and neoplastic lesions. Various small intestinal pathologies, such as non-specific edema, intussusception, and ischemic bowel disease, were also identified. Conclusion: This raises the standard of current small bowel imaging by delivering suitable intestinal distension using the enteral volume challenge principle and helps identify and characterize small-bowel problems.

Giant intra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis infiltrating into the pancreas

Abstract: Intra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis is a proliferative fibroblastic lesion that constitutes 8% of all desmoid tumors and 0.03% of all neoplasm. It is histologically benign with a local aggressive nature and recurs even after excision. It can occur sporadically and or associated with familial adenomatous polyposis mutation. The present case is a 25-year-old female admitted with a chief complaint of abdominal mass gradually increasing in size in the last 6 months. Ultrasound of the whole abdomen initially suggested it to be a uterine/ovarian mass, which is further detailed by the contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan. The CT scan showed a large heterodense intraperitoneal mass lesion measuring 34 cm × 25 cm × 16 cm with foci of calcification and necrosis. The mass extended superomedially. It displaced and compressed the stomach wall. It was abutting the peritoneum and was associated with diffuse peritoneal thickening anterolaterally. Posteriorly it was abutting small bowel loops and inferiorly extending into the pelvis and compressing the urinary bladder wall. Posterosuperiorly seems to abut the left kidney and spleen. Desmoid tumor and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) remained as differentials radiologically and then the patient underwent laparotomy. Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed it to be fibromatosis. It is, therefore, justified to describe the tumor by considering its rarity, difficulties in diagnosis, and therapeutic ambit.

International expert guidance for defining and monitoring small bowel strictures in Crohn's disease on intestinal ultrasound: a consensus statement

Diagnostic imaging using CT enterography, magnetic resonance enterography, and intestinal ultrasound are important tools in evaluating stricturing Crohn's disease. Definitions of strictures have been developed for CT enterography and magnetic resonance enterography. However, expert recommendations for definitions and treatment response of strictures on intestinal ultrasound are not available. The aim of this study was to standardise definitions, diagnosis, and treatment response criteria in small bowel stricturing Crohn's disease on intestinal ultrasound. Using modified RAND-University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method, a diverse expert panel of 13 gastroenterologists, seven radiologists, and two patient representatives was assembled. A total of 466 statements on definitions and response to therapy of stricturing Crohn's disease on intestinal ultrasound were generated from a systematic review and from expert opinion, with subsequent rating for appropriateness. Two rounds of voting with an interposed survey result discussion were performed. Statements were classified as inappropriate, uncertain, or appropriate based on the median panel rating and degree of disagreement. Appropriateness was rated using a nine-point Likert scale (1 being inappropriate, 9 being highly appropriate). A naive or anastomotic small bowel Crohn's disease stricture on intestinal ultrasound is defined by the combination of bowel wall thickening, luminal narrowing, and pre-stenotic dilation. Bowel wall thickness is defined as being more than 3 mm. Luminal narrowing is defined as either a luminal diameter reduction of more than 50% in the narrowest area and relative to a normal adjacent bowel loop, or a luminal diameter of less than 1 cm. Pre-stenotic dilation is defined as more than 2·5 cm or an increase in bowel diameter relative to a normal adjacent bowel loop. Definitions for grading hyperaemia, inflammatory fat, wall stratification, intestinal ultrasound machine technical parameters, and image acquisition were also devised. Treatment response of strictures was defined as reduction in stricture length, bowel wall thickening, luminal narrowing, pre-stenotic dilation, and motility abnormalities. To our knowledge, this is the first intestinal ultrasound appropriateness rating exercise conducted for defining, diagnosing, and measuring response to therapy in small bowel stricturing Crohn's disease and informs future clinical use and intestinal ultrasound index development for clinical trials. Leona M and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Debating and Expanding on the Midgut Volvulus Case: A New Perspective

Since midgut volvulus is a rare but serious condition featuring twisted intestines, this presents significant problems with diagnosis and treatment- especially for adults. Early diagnosis and swift action are important in preventing such complications as juxtaposition of the bowel loops with volvulus, necrosis, etc. This study is based on recent developments of a case documented in then Jordanian American Physicians Academy Journal, and makes clear the difficulties involved in diagnosing midgut volvulus in a patient with cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Entering oublic health and reaching out to each discipline, means T.The fact that this study involved adult and pediatric cases demonstrates the need for advanced imaging technology and individualized treatment plans in order to improve patient outcomes.

Integrated Psychiatric and surgical care in managing self-inflicted abdominal trauma: A case report in a resource-limited setting

Introduction and Importance: Self-inflicted abdominal stab wounds present rare yet critical challenges requiring urgent surgical intervention and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Such injuries often correlate with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and alcohol dependence, posing significant clinical and psychological management hurdles. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol use and schizophrenia presented with a self-inflicted stab wound to the abdomen following auditory hallucinations. Upon admission, he was hemodynamically unstable, with eviscerated bowel loops and a lacerated greater omentum. Prompt surgical exploration revealed extensive abdominal trauma necessitating meticulous repair and intensive postoperative care. Clinical Discussion: The case highlights the intricate interplay between severe psychiatric illness and self-harm, exacerbated by alcohol intoxication. Integrated psychiatric and surgical care proved pivotal in achieving stabilization and facilitating recovery. The challenges encountered in a resource-limited setting included a lack of advanced imaging modalities, limited access to specialized psychiatric care, and constraints in postoperative monitoring equipment, underscoring the importance of adaptive management strategies. Conclusion: This report emphasizes the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing self-inflicted abdominal injuries. The successful outcome underscores the efficacy of timely surgical intervention and comprehensive psychiatric support. Integrated care models are essential for addressing the complex needs of patients with psychiatric comorbidities, ensuring holistic management and reducing the risk of recurrence in similar cases.

Retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Less than 200 cases of retroperitoneal lymphangiomas (RL), a rare type of benign cystic tumour of the lymphatic system that makes about 1% of all lymphangiomas, have been documented to date. Their rarity makes preoperative diagnosis challenging. 95% of lymphangiomas are found in the head, neck, and axilla where they are most frequently found. We are presenting a 30 years old woman, who presented to outpatient department (OPD) of general surgery with symptoms of recurrent left lumbar pain, radiating towards inguinal region for one month. The contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of abdomen and pelvis defined a large thin walled homogenous non enhancing hypodense cystic lesion in left side of abdomen in retroperitoneal location from left lobe of liver till pelvis on left side craniocaudally. The patient was planned for exploratory laparotomy. Midline laparotomy was performed. A cystic lymph-filled tumour was detected in the abdominal cavity adjacent to the bowel loops. Histologically the mass contained variable-sized cystic spaces lined by flattened endothelium consistent with lymphatic vessels, which on immunostaining were positive for CD31 and negative for Pan CK. The patient was discharged satisfactorily. In conclusion, retroperitoneal lymphangioma presents vaguely as abdominal pain or mass and grown to large sizes without causing any significant symptom. Tumour markers for the excised tissue are important for diagnosis. Laparotomy or laparoscopy are the two surgical excision methods used to treat retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma and it responds well to excision.

EP612 - Laparoscopic repair of sciatic hernia: A demonstrative case on minimally invasive technique

Abstract Background Sciatic hernias are rare pelvic hernias that pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A minimally invasive approach to repairing these defects offers the potential for reduced morbidity and quicker recovery. This report aims to highlight the feasibility, safety and provide an illustrative demonstration of the laparoscopic repair of a sciatic hernia. Methods A 72-year-old asymptomatic female diagnosed with a sciatic hernia underwent elective laparoscopic hernia repair as a day case. The preoperative evaluation, surgical technique and operative outcomes are detailed. Results A right-sided sciatic hernia containing a loop of the small bowel was diagnosed on cross-sectional imaging. Laparoscopically, a pre-peritoneal space in the right ovarian fossa was established, the hernia defect was delineated, and repair was performed using a polypropylene mesh prosthesis. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative adverse outcomes were reported. The patient was discharged on the same day, experiencing minimal discomfort, with a plan for outpatient follow-up. The literature on sciatic hernia repair is limited, and multiple operative techniques have been described. This report includes a step-by-step pictorial description of the laparoscopic sciatic hernia repair. Conclusion Laparoscopic repair of sciatic hernias can be performed safely and effectively, offering advantages such as reduced pain and faster recovery. This case underscores the importance of considering laparoscopic approaches for managing complex and rare hernias in the elderly population, emphasising tailored surgical planning and skilled execution.

Spermatic cord liposarcoma presented as scrotal swelling: a case report

BackgroundLiposarcoma is considered the most common among spermatic cord sarcomas. It usually presents as a progressively enlarging inguinoscrotal mass. The resemblance between the spermatic cord liposarcoma and the inguinal hernia allows the swelling to be tolerated for a long duration giving time for hematogenous dissemination. In this article, we share the experience of a unique case of metastatic liposarcoma of the spermatic cord that showed a stationary course of the lower abdominal satellite lesions on follow-up following palliative resection.Case presentationWe present a case of a 53-year-old male with progressively enlarging painless scrotal swelling over 1-year duration. A heterogeneous lesion of the right hemiscrotum and spermatic cord with non-specific radiological features was described by imaging. Two lower abdominal skip lesions were also discovered synchronously in addition to the primary one and were designated inoperable as they were adherent to the nearby bowel loops. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumour which was proven to be an undifferentiated liposarcoma with free safety margins based on histopathology. Finally, the patient was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy and sequential follow-up.ConclusionsDespite being a rare tumour, the radiologist should always consider the liposarcoma of the spermatic cord in the differential diagnosis of inguinoscrotal lesions even in the absence of typical imaging features. The diagnosis and management of spermatic cord liposarcoma remain a challenge with no clear accepted guidelines.

Case report: a safe laparoscopic technique for complicated appendicitis

A case of complicated appendicitis is presented to illustrate a safe laparoscopic appendectomy technique. What makes extirpation so difficult in complicated appendicitis? Infection and tissue injury initiate the release of cytokines, which attract the omentum and cause contiguous loops of bowel to adhere, effectively isolating the inflammatory locus. Surgical dissection must reverse this process. Visualization is excellent in laparoscopy; however, operators lack tactile sensation; and when organs are fused together, touch is a valuable aid to accurate dissection. Injury to the adjacent organs (small bowel, colon, fallopian tubes, or ureter) may occur and require repair or resection (cecectomy or hemicolectomy). What is needed is an operative technique that is safe and effective in these challenging situations, especially when the appendix is adherent to adjacent structures and encased in a cocoon of (highly vascularized) fibrous tissue, a phlegmon. The technique presented is derived from open surgery. It is utilized to avoid injuring vulnerable structures in the pelvis, when performing a proctectomy for ulcerative colitis or Hirschsprung’s Disease. This goal is accomplished by maintaining a plane of dissection that abuts the rectal wall. The same technique is applied in complicated appendicitis to avoid injuring adjacent organs. This procedure is contrasted with an alternate (simpler) technique applicable to uncomplicated appendicitis.

Endoscopic detorsion of sigmoid volvulus in a young female: a case report

BackgroundA 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 presentation27 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.ConclusionThis 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.

Omentoplasty versus cecal mobilization after abdominoperineal resection: A propensity score matching analysis.

Despite the minimally invasive approach and early rehabilitation, abdominal-perineal resection (APR) remains a procedure with high morbidity, notably due to postoperative trapped bowel ileus and perineal healing complications. Several surgical techniques have been described for filling the pelvic void to prevent abscess formation and ileus by trapped bowel loop. The aim of our study was to compare the post APR complications for cancer of two of these techniques, omentoplasty and cecal mobilization, in a single-center study from an expert colorectal surgery center. From 2012 to 2022, 84 patients were included, including 58 (69%) with omentoplasty and 26 (31%) with cecal mobilization. They all underwent APR at Bordeaux University Hospital Center. A propensity score was used to avoid confounding factors as far as possible. Patient and procedure characteristics were initially comparable. The 30-day complication rate was significantly higher in the cecal mobilization group (53.8% vs. 5.2% p < 0.01), as was the rate of pelvic abscess (34.6% vs. 0% p < 0.001). These findings suggest that, when feasible, omentoplasty should be considered the preferred method for pelvic reconstruction following APR.

Laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction secondary to a mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum in an adult: A case report and literature review.

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. 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. 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. Decompression therapy using a long tube provided minimal relief, prompting laparoscopic surgery on the 5th day post-admission for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 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. 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.

Real-time quantification of laser speckle contrast imaging during intestinal laparoscopic surgery: successful demonstration in a porcine intestinal ischemia model

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following colorectal cancer surgery, impacting patient outcome and leads to increasing healthcare consumption as well as economic burden. Bowel perfusion is a significant modifiable factor for anastomotic healing and thus crucial for reducing AL.AimsThe study aimed to calculate a cut-off value for quantified laser speckle perfusion units (LSPUs) in order to differentiate between ischemic and well-perfused tissue and to assess inter-observer reliability.MethodsLSCI was performed using a porcine ischemic small bowel loop model with the PerfusiX-Imaging® system. An ischemic area, a well-perfused area, and watershed areas, were selected based on the LSCI colormap. Subsequently, local capillary lactate (LCL) levels were measured. A logarithmic curve estimation tested the correlation between LSPU and LCL levels. A cut-off value for LSPU and lactate was calculated, based on anatomically ischemic and well-perfused tissue. Inter-observer variability analysis was performed with 10 observers.ResultsDirectly after ligation of the mesenteric arteries, differences in LSPU values between ischemic and well-perfused tissue were significant (p < 0.001) and increased significantly throughout all following measurements. LCL levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) at both 60 and 120 min. Logarithmic curve estimation showed an R2 value of 0.56 between LSPU and LCL values. A LSPU cut-off value was determined at 69, with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87. A LCL cut-off value of 3.8 mmol/L was found, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively. There was no difference in assessment between experienced and unexperienced observers. Cohen’s Kappa values were moderate to good (0.52–0.66).ConclusionReal-time quantification of LSPUs may be a feasible intraoperative method to assess tissue perfusion and a cut-off value could be determined with high sensitivity and specificity. Inter-observer variability was moderate to good, irrespective of prior experience with the technique.

Inter-fraction motion robustness in a prospective phase II trial on dose-escalated proton reirradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer

Background and purposeIntensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) enables generation of conformal dose plans with organ at risk (OAR) sparing potential. However, pelvic IMPT robustness is challenged by inter-fraction motion caused by constant anatomical variations. In this study, the dosimetric impact of inter-fraction motion on target coverage and dose to OAR was quantified in the prospective phase II study ReRad-II on dose-escalated proton reirradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Materials and methodsThe inter-fraction motion robustness was assessed for the initial twelve patients enrolled in the ReRad-II study. Patients with resectable LRRC were assessed for neoadjuvant IMPT (55 Gy(RBE)/44Fx) and unresectable recurrences for definitive IMPT (57.5–65 Gy(RBE)/ 46-52Fx). Target coverage and dose to OAR were assessed for robustly optimised three-field IMPT, on 12 plan computerized tomography (CT) scans (pCT) − and 47 repetitive control CT scans (cCTs) during the treatment. The target coverage and doses to OAR were re-calculated on each cCT and the mean dose ratio (pCT/cCT-ratio) and target coverage (V95%) was evaluated. ResultsThe target coverage was robust with a mean dose pCT/cCT-ratio of 1.00 (+/-1%). The V95% target coverage for every cCT were above the accepted worst-case scenario in the robust evaluation. Considerable variation in bladder-, bowel bag-, and bowel loop volume was observed. The OAR with the largest variation in ratio was the bladder (pCT/cCT-ratio: 1.3 (range: 0.5–4.7). ConclusionsIMPT for dose-escalated reirradiation of LRRC provided anatomically robust target coverage despite OAR changes. Inter-fraction motion resulted in OAR doses varying within clinically acceptable range.