Tube Decompression Research Articles

Treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer

Obstructive colorectal cancer is a common malignant bowel obstruction. Colostomy or colostomy following tumor resection may be the first choice for emergency surgery. The intestinal and systemic conditions of patients undergoing emergency surgery are often poor, and patients need to undergo multiple operations, which increase the surgical risk and economic burden and reduce the quality of life of patients. Poor intraoperative visualization may also affect the radical operation of emergency surgery. Transanal decompression tube (TDT) can rapidly decompress and drain the obstructed bowel, effectively relieve obstruction symptoms, and improve the success rate of primary radical resection. The TDT squeeze the tumor lightly, causing no spread of tumor cells, and is cheap, but the cavity of transanal decompression tube is small and easily blocked, and requires tedious flushing or regular replacement. Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) can relieve intestinal obstruction effectively, provide sufficient preparation time for preoperative examination and improvement of nutritional status. By improving patient's tolerance to radical surgery, SEMS might be used as an important treatment strategy choice for obstructive colorectal cancer. However, SEMS may squeeze the tumor, leading to the spread of tumor cells, increase the recurrence rate and metastasis rate, and reduce the survival rate. Moreover, intestinal wall edema still existed during the operation following SEMS, and the rate of ostomy after anastomosis was as high as 34%. We hypothesized that prolonging the interval between stent insertion and surgery to 2 months, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered during this interval (SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy), would help improve outcomes. The SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy is a safe, effective, and well tolerated treatment approach with a high laparoscopic resection rate, low stoma formation rate and improvement in the overall survival for patients with left-sided colon cancer obstruction. The patient physical status is improved, the primary tumor is downstaged, and intestinal wall edema is relieved during the relatively longer interval between SEMS placement and surgery. The SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy may be a preferred therapeutic strategy for obstructive left colon cancer.

Stent Placement Using a Combination of Decompression Tube and Colonoscopy for Malignant Ileocolonic Obstruction.

Stent Placement Using a Combination of Decompression Tube and Colonoscopy for Malignant Ileocolonic Obstruction.

Insertion of a decompression tube to the proximal colon under direct colonoscopic visual guidance in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Insertion of a decompression tube to the proximal colon under direct colonoscopic visual guidance in acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Incarcerated Stomach in Parastomal Hernia

Gastric outlet obstruction due to an incarcerated stomach in a parastomal hernia is extremely rare. Here, we present the management of such a case with a review of the literature. A 79-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of postprandial vomiting and associated parastomal and epigastric pain. She had a loop colostomy created for severe fecal incontinence secondary to anal stenosis. Imaging revealed a large parastomal hernia with an incarcerated gastric antrum. She was initially managed nonoperatively with a nasogastric tube. She underwent a semi-elective open Sugarbaker mesh repair of the parastomal hernia with good results. Gastric outlet obstruction secondary to incarceration of the stomach in a parastomal hernia is uncommon. A conservative approach with nasogastric tube decompression is a reasonable initial approach in a patient who is not critically unwell, which allows time for consideration of different parastomal hernia repair techniques.

Gas detection in the portal vein after aortobifemoral bypass: a case report

We present a case report of early surgical treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome after aortobifemoral bypass. A 73-year-old man was admitted to the I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University with critical lower limb ischemia. Aortobifemoral bypass with a synthetic prosthesis was performed via laparotomy. The postoperative period was complicated by the dynamic bowel obstruction. The patient's condition worsened (hypovolemic and septic shock, respiratory failure due to severe pneumonia). Initial tactics was conservative. Signs of bowel ischemia (pneumatosis of the intestinal wall, gas in the portal vein) were identified using “point of care” ultrasound, which led to a change in the treatment tactics. On the same day, decompression relaparotomy was performed and the intestinal decompression tube was inserted. The postoperative period proceeded with positive dynamics: early extubation with acceptable parameters of gas exchange, minimal dosages of vasopressor support. Bowel function improved and stool appeared on the 2nd day after surgery.Gas in the portal vein is an ultrasound phenomenon, which in 70 % of cases suggests necrosis of the intestinal wall. The detection of such a symptom in patients after the abdominal aorta surgery may indicate bowel ischemia, since mesenteric circulation disorders primarily develop in the inferior mesenteric artery. This condition requires urgent surgical intervention, but its differential diagnosis with postoperative paralytic ileus is not always possible, especially in the early stages. We demonstrate a case of early gas detection in the portal vein and the emergency intervention that allowed preventing irreversible ischemic damage of the bowel. “Point of care” ultrasound can help suspect this condition and determine the indications for early surgical intervention, which can positively influence the outcome. Received 19 April 2022. Revised 29 May 2022. Accepted 1 June 2022. Informed consent: The patient’s informed consent to use the records for medical purposes is obtained. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authors: The authors contributed equally to this article.

Obstructive and secretory complications of diverting ileostomy

This review aimed to highlight the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of obstructive and secretory complications associated with diverting ileostomy (DI). Obstructive complications at the stoma site are termed stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) or stoma-related obstruction (SRO). The incidence of SOO/SRO is 5.4%-27.3%, and the risk factors are multifactorial; however, the configuration of the stoma limb and the thickness of the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) may be of particular concern. Trans-stomal tube decompression is initially attempted with a success rate of 33%-86%. A thick RAM may carry the risk of recurrence. Surgical refinement, including a wider incision of the anterior sheath and adequate stoma limb length, avoids tension and immobility and may decrease SOO/SRO. Secretory complications of DI are termed high output stoma (HOS). Persistent HOS lead to water and sodium depletion, and secondary hyperaldosteronism, resulting in electrolyte imbalances, such as hypomagnesemia. The incidence of HOS is 14%-24%, with an output of 1000-2000 mL/d lasting up to three days. Treatment of HOS is commenced after excluding postoperative complications or enteritis and includes fluid intake restriction, antimotility and antisecretory drug therapies, and magnesium supplementation. Intensive monitoring and surveillance programs have been successful in decreasing readmissions for dehydration.

Unusual Diagnosis of Multiple Small Bowel Masses

Question: A 76-year-old man with hypertension and well-controlled diabetes presented to the hospital with poor appetite, abdominal distention, and intermittent nausea and vomiting for several weeks. He reported no fevers, sick contacts, or recent travel, but had an 18-pound unintentional weight loss during this time period with inability to tolerate solids for 4 weeks. Physical examination was notable for abdominal distension and tympany to percussion. Blood work showed a white blood cell count of 4,200/μL with a normal differential, hemoglobin of 13.1 g/dL, hematocrit of 38.2%, red blood cell count of 4.5 million/μL, and a platelet count of 239,000/μL. The metabolic profile was only notable for a potassium level of 2.8 mmol/L. There was no elevation in creatinine, calcium, or alkaline phosphatase. A computed tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis scan without contrast showed multiple small bowel masses resulting in a small bowel obstruction, with the most proximal small bowel mass located in the third portion of the duodenum (Figure A). After NG tube decompression, enteroscopy was performed and identified an ulcerated mass near the ampulla measuring approximately 4 cm, and a single 1.5-cm ulcerated mass with adjacent edematous and friable mucosa in the third portion of the duodenum (Figure B). Duodenal biopsy showed small intestinal mucosa with prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the lamina propria. Notably, these cells stained positive for CD138 on immunohistochemistry (Figure C). Serum protein electrophoresis and urine protein electrophoresis did not reveal any significant monoclonal spike or paraproteins. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy from the iliac crest was notable for an increased number of abnormal plasma cells, with less condensed nucleus and nucleolus. These abnormal plasma cells constituted 7% of the marrow (reference range, 0%–5%). The rest of the marrow differential consisted of the following: 63% myeloid cells (reference range, 30%–67%), 5% lymphocytes (reference range, 3%–17%), 25% erythroid cells (reference range, 10%–35%), and zero blasts (reference range, 0.3%–5%). There was no expression of kappa or lambda light chain. A subsequent whole-body positron emission tomography (PET)/CT showed no lytic lesions.

Optimal Insertion Depth of Gastric Decompression Tube with a Thermistor for Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery in Trendelenburg Position.

Monitoring core temperature is crucial for maintaining normothermia during general anesthesia. Insertion of a gastric decompression tube (GDT) may be required during laparoscopic surgery. Recently, a newly designed GDT with a thermistor for monitoring esophageal temperature has been introduced. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the optimal insertion depth of a GDT with a thermistor. Forty-eight patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position were included in the study. The GDT was inserted to a depth of nose-earlobe-xiphoid distance (NEX) + 12 cm and withdrawn sequentially, 2 cm at a time, at 5-min intervals. Temperatures of the GDT thermistor were compared with the core temperature of the tympanic membrane (TM) using Bland and Altman analysis. The correlation between optimal insertion depth of the GDT and anatomical distance (cricoid cartilage to the carina, CCD; carina to the left hemidiaphragm, CLHD) was evaluated, and a mathematical model to predict the optimal insertion depth of the GDT with a thermistor was calculated. Temperatures of TM and GDT thermistor at NEX + 4 cm showed good agreement and strong correlation, but better agreement and stronger correlation were seen at the actual location with the most minor temperature differences. The optimal insertion depth of the GDT was estimated as -15.524 + 0.414 × CCD - 0.145 × CLHD and showed a strong correlation with the actual GDT insertion depth (correlation coefficient 0.797, adjusted R2 = 0.636). The mathematical formula using CCD and CLHD would be helpful in determining the optimal insertion depth of a GDT with a thermistor.

ODP374 Abdominal Distention as a Unique Sign of Congenital Hypothyroidism

Abstract Background Most neonates with congenital hypothyroidism have a normal appearance at birth. Infrequent clinical presentations have been reported, including abdominal distention as the only sign, which remit with the initiation of levothyroxine therapy. Clinical Case Female newborn, full-term, appropriate weight for gestational age, six days old, who presented abdominal distension, without vomiting and with normal meconium elimination. No visceromegaly or abdominal masses were palpated. With the diagnosis of sepsis, treatment was started with ampicillin and amikacin, decompressive nasogastric tube and intravenous fluids. Abdominal X-ray showed intestinal distension. The requested cultures were negative. On the seventh day of life a TSH level of 89 mlU/L was reported; the free T4 value was analyzed and was found to be low. With the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism, levothyroxine therapy was indicated, and the abdominal distension remitted one week after initiation of therapy. Conclusion Most cases of congenital hypothyroidism are asymptomatic; abdominal distension, as the only sign of congenital hypothyroidism, is caused by the lower intestinal motility frequently observed in congenital hypothyroidism. Presentation: No date and time listed

Short-term outcomes of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube combined with conservative treatment in patients with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy.

To compare the short-term outcomes of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube combined with conservative treatment in patients with esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) after total gastrectomy. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 81 patients with EJAL who had undergone total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2014 and December 2021. The patients were divided into experimental (12 patients with new gastrointestinal decompression tube plus conservative treatment) and control (69 patients with conservative treatment) groups, according to the different treatment methods they received. Anatomic defect size linearly correlated with time to clinical success, hospital stay, and hospital cost in the control group. The two groups showed no significant differences in anastomotic defect size, time of defect after surgery, hospitalization cost, and time of antibiotic use. However, the time to clinical success was significantly shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (16.0 ± 8.3 vs. 23.6 ± 17.8, P = 0.04), as was the length of hospital stay (30.1 ± 6.3 vs. 36.8 ± 16.7, P = 0.017). Furthermore, when the defect size was ≥ 4mm, the time to clinical success, hospital stay, and hospital cost in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Placement of a new gastrointestinal decompression tube is a safe treatment. When the defect size is ≥ 4mm, the time to clinical success, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost can be reduced.

S3409 Features of Recurrent Mechanical Obstruction With Nonobstructive Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumor

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a rare cause of bowel obstruction which is usually mechanical in nature. We present an unusual case of bowel obstruction in a patient with NET where no mechanical obstruction was found despite extensive work up. Case Description/Methods: A 56-year-old male was admitted after 9-10 admissions to another facility with bowel obstruction and 50-pound weight loss over 10 months. His symptoms included abdominal pain, distention, and vomiting. He had no prior abdominal surgeries. Previous CT abdomen revealed small bowel obstruction with transition point in the terminal ileum. Current CT showed gastric outlet obstruction (Figure A). Formerly he was managed nonoperatively with nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression. Prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal an obstruction. NGT output was 2.5 L. Push enteroscopy, video capsule endoscopy did not reveal any mechanical obstruction. MR enterography showed two right mesenteric nodules, larger of which was 2.1 x 2.3 cm in size. These were moderately FDG avid on PET-CT. Endoscopic ultrasound biopsy revealed a well differentiated NET. The lesions were intensely somatostatin receptor positive on Gallium-68 DOTATOC PETCT (Figure 1B). Pancreatic polypeptide was 2145 pg/mL (0-435), chromogranin A 1458 ng/ml (0-103), serotonin 278 ng/mL (50-200), and gastrin 208 ng/mL (0-100). He underwent partial duodenal resection with primary repair and peripancreatic lymph node resection. No obstructive pathology was found intraoperatively. Histopathology confirmed well differentiated NET with metastatic peripancreatic nodes. He has had no admissions over the past 3 months and has gained 33 pounds. Discussion: NET are rare tumors and use of appropriate diagnostic modalities are key to timely diagnosis. Despite improvement and availability of diagnostic modalities, most patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. NET presenting with bowel obstruction usually have an obstructing tumor. We wish to bring to light the unusual presentation of NET with mechanical obstruction on imaging but extensive negative work up for an actual obstructing lesion. It is possible that mesenteric inflammation and edema secondary to NET may have caused recurrent obstruction in this case. NET can present with mechanical obstruction and are often missed on conventional imaging. Gallium-68 DOTATOC PETCT may be a reasonable investigation in a patient with unexplained recurrent gastrointestinal obstruction.Figure 1.: A, CT abdomen with dilated stomach and duodenum and decompressed distal small bowel suggestive of gastric outlet obstruction (arrow) (B) Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT scan showing somatostatin receptor positive peripancreatic nodules consistent with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (chevron).

273. EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS OF ‘TUBELESS’ ESOPHAGECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL CANCER WITHIN AN ERAS PROTOCOL

Abstract Classically, esophagectomy used to routinely left chest drains, as well as decompressive nasogastric tube (NGT) and feeding jejunostomy, making the postoperative period slower and more uncomfortable for patients. Our objective is to evaluate the results of not using tubes and drains (tubeless esophagectomy) in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing McKeown esophagectomy within an ERAS protocol in our center. Retrospective, descriptive and comparative study of two consecutive groups undergoing McKeown esophagectomy. The first group (P) included 25 patients with tubes and drains (April 2018–August 2019) and the second group (T) 25 patients undergoing tubeless esophagectomy (July 2020–December 2021). In group P all patients were left with thoracic drainage and jejunostomy and in selected cases abdominal drainage; no patient was left with NGT. In group T (‘TUBELESS’) no drains or NGT were placed. No jejunostomy was performed except in those patients at high risk of malnutrition, and a phantom jejunostomy was used instead. Both study groups are comparable in terms of epidemiological characteristics, etiology, preoperative tumor stage and neoadjuvant treatment. In group P, 86% of the patients underwent or already had a jejunostomy, 100% of the patients were left with a left thoracic drain and 28% with an abdominal drain. None of the patients had a cervical drain or NGT. In group T no cervical, abdominal or thoracic drain was placed, but 2 patients (8%) underwent a jejunostomy due to high risk of malnutrition. Table 1 shows the postoperative results. There are no significant differences in 90-day mortality, readmission rate or anastomotic leakage. Despite the widespread thought of the need for the use of chest drains after esophagectomy, abstention from their use, as well as abstention from the use of decompressive nasogastric tube and feeding jejunostomy (replacing it with the use of a ghost jejunostomy), does not increase morbimortality and improves the postoperative comfort of the patient, as well as the hospital stay.

272. IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ERAS PROTOCOL IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ESOPHAGECTOMY: EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS

Abstract Esophagectomy is a complex surgery and has classically been a surgery with high morbidity and mortality and high hospital stay. The implementation of ERAS protocols in esophageal surgery is lagging behind other digestive surgeries due to its complexity, but little by little ERAS protocols are starting to be implemented in high volume units. Retrospective and descriptive analysis of 50 patients undergoing elective McKeown esophagectomy (April 2018–December 2021). The ERAS protocol starts with prehabilitation. Unless contraindicated, they receive an epidural catheter and a minimally invasive approach; no abdominal or cervical drains, decompressive nasogastric tube or feeding jejunostomy are left in place unless risk of malnutrition. From the first postoperative day they begin to sit up and start respiratory and motor rehabilitation; after leaving the ICU, they begin to deambulate and the bladder catheter is removed. The descriptive study used median and interquartile range (IQR) for quantitative variables and percentage of cases for qualitative variables. A total of 50 patients were analysed. The 70% were men, median age was 64,50 years (55,75–71), BMI 23.20 (20,9-26,3). The 20% were diabetic, 28% were bronchopathic and 14% had some type of heart disease. The 54% had an ASA ≥3. The etiology was neoplasic in 90% and 10% due to stenosis after caustic ingestion; 79,7% received neoadjuvant treatment. Feeding jejunostomy was performed in 42%, abdominal drainage was placed in 18% and thoracic drainage in 50%. The epidural catheter was removed on the 3rd day (2,25-5,75). Table 1 shows the postoperative results. The implementation of an ERAS protocol in esophageal surgery is necessary and feasible with good results, without an increase in morbimortality and with a decrease in hospital stay and an improvement in patient comfort.

257. DIFFERENCES IN PERIOPERATIVE STRATEGIES IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER TREATMENT IN 13 NORDIC UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS CALL FOR HIGH-LEVEL EVIDENCE REGARDING THESE PRACTICES

Abstract The Nordic countries have similar health care systems and registries simplifying epidemiological research and the treatment of esophageal cancer is largely centralized. However, differences in treatment traditions can hamper the possibility to assess results and harmonize control arms in joint randomized trials. In setting up a Nordic multi-center randomized trial regarding the use of nasogastric tube (NG-tube) decompression, we aimed to investigate differences in perioperative routines after esophageal resection at Nordic University hospitals. All Nordic University Hospitals with an upper gastrointestinal cancer center (UGC) were contacted regarding a Nordic randomized controlled trial exploring the effects and complications associated with the use of NG-tube after esophagectomy for cancer. Those who chose to join the trial were sent a questionnaire regarding surgical volumes and practices including mean annual number of esophagectomies, surgical method/access, and routine use of pyloric drainage and jejunostomy. In addition, the current standard postoperative use of NG-tube and routine X-ray/CT evaluation, along with postoperative traditions regarding the start of liquid diet was enquired. High volume centers were defined as performing &amp;gt;20 procedures/year. Thirteen of 17 centers with a combined catchment area of 16 million inhabitants and an annual volume of 445 esophagectomies joined the trial network. All, but one center used a total minimally invasive- or hybrid surgical approach but otherwise, the routine use of pyloric drainage and jejunostomy varied widely without being statistically different. All 13 centers reported routine use of NG-tube and 4 employed continuous suction. The NG-tube was removed between 3 and 7 days postoperatively, but also strategies between the centers (suction on NG-tube, start of liquid diet, routine X-ray/CT evaluation) varied without being statistically significant Firm adherence to standardized operations and safety protocols are implemented in Nordic UGCs to reduce the potential consequences of complications. However, the results find the differences in perioperative care after esophagectomy apparent, highlighting the need for high-level evidence regarding these practices. A unified approach may facilitate clinical trial initiatives. There is a paucity of evidence regarding optimal NG-tube use after esophagectomy for cancer and a randomized trial (kiNETiC ISRCTN39935085) investigating this issue is underway.

Enhanced gastric decompression for palliation of malignant bowel obstruction.

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a sequela of advanced intraabdominal cancer and has a profound impact on quality of life. Common therapy is endoscopic decompressive gastrostomy tube placement. Standard gastrostomy tubes are poorly designed to completely evacuate the dependent portions of the stomach due to their location on the anterior gastric wall. In our institution we have begun placing the ASPIRE Assist gastrostomy tube (ASPIRE Bariatrics, Exton, PA) which includes a 15cm long, 30Fr fenestrated gastric tube extension for enhanced gastric decompression. This tube is FDA indicated for gastric decompression and marketed for endoscopic weight loss. The purpose of this study is to review our experience managing MBO utilizing the ASPIRE Assist tube. This is a retrospective analysis of outcomes at a single institution. All decompressive endoscopic gastrostomy tubes placed by two surgeons between November 2019 and July 2021 were reviewed. Endoscopic placement was performed utilizing standard safe tract and Ponsky pull techniques. Fourteen patients were identified (10F:4M), mean age 70 (range 35-89). Primary cancer diagnoses included gynecologic (8), colorectal (3), bladder (1), small bowel (1), peritoneal serous (1). During the 12months before decompressive gastrostomy tube placement, mean number of hospital admissions for MBO was 1.6 (range 1-3). Following tube placement, twelve patients had no further hospital admissions for MBO over their lifespan of mean 270days (range 8-679days). One patient had 1 admission for MBO in the 12months before tube placement and 3 admissions in the 4months after placement. A second patient had 2 admissions in the 12months before tube placement and 1 admission in their 54-day lifespan after placement. There were no major complications. Endoscopic placement of the ASPIRE Assist gastrostomy tube is safe for palliation of MBO and may improve gastric decompression compared with standard endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. Enhanced gastric decompression can better manage symptoms, reduce hospital encounters, and improve quality of life. Further study is needed, however, our initial data appears promising.

What are the Outcomes Following Decompression Tube Placement After Initial Biopsy of Non-keratocystic Lesions?

Decompression is a common treatment for intrabony lesions of the jaws. The goal of decompression is to relieve the internal pressure and allow bony regeneration to decrease cystic size. Our standard institutional practice is to place decompression tubes within all cystic lesions at time of the initial biopsy.1 In maladies such as the odontogenic keratocyst, the literature has shown significant benefit of decompression in volume reduction, as well as increased wall thickness.2,3 Decompression of other cystic lesions has not yet proven beneficial.

Strangulated Umbilical Hernia: A Case Report

Background: The abdominal wall hernia repair was one of the most frequently performed operations by general surgeons worldwide. The second most common hernia operation is repairs of umbilical hernia. It is estimated that 5% of individuals will develop an abdominal wall hernia over their lifetime. This study aimed to present a case of strangulated umbilical hernia.&#x0D; Case presentation: 51 years old male patient presented with sharp, non-radiating pain in the left abdominal region, obstipation, and noted bulge at his umbilicus about one year ago that did not shrink when he was lying down two days ago, the diameter about 7 cm. A plain Abdominal X-ray showed partial small bowel obstruction. The patient was taken to the operation theatre for laparotomy resection and reanastomose ileum and repair hernia defect with mesh. Prior to surgery, the patient received antibiotic therapy with Cefazolin 2gr intravenous, and the nasogastric decompression tube (NGT) was installed. On exploration, it was found necrotic ileum along 15 cm and performed resection, followed by end-to-end anastomosis. After the surgical procedure, the patient's hemodynamics was stable.&#x0D; Conclusion: Overall mortality and prognosis of hernia are influenced by whether the surgery was emergent or elective. Mortality is increased to up to 3% with emergency surgery for strangulated bowel, notably when bowel resection is performed.

58 The Unfolding Situation of Caecal Volvulus: A Review of 36 Cases

Abstract Aim Caecal Volvulus is a rare cause of bowel obstruction. However, there has been a steady rise in the number of cases over the decades. The demographic profile of patients developing Caecal Volvulus has changed to a much older population. We conducted a retrospective review to find the incidence, demographic profile, management, and outcomes of Caecal Volvulus patients in our institution during the last nine years. Method A total of 38 patients were diagnosed with Caecal Volvulus at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust between 01.01.2011 to 31.03.2020. Results Most of our patients were females (78%) with a median age was 76 years. The majority (86%) had at least one medical comorbidity, and 36% had a previous abdominal operation. Abdominal pain was the main complaint in 94% of patients. All patients had a CT scan to confirm their diagnosis. Most of our patients (84%) underwent surgery. Open right hemicolectomy was the most commonly performed operation (87%). Out of the six patients who did not undergo surgery, three responded to bowel rest and nasogastric tube decompression; one patient underwent successful colonoscopic decompression. In contrast, two patients, unfortunately, passed away. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days, with a 30-day mortality of 3%. Conclusion Caecal Volvulus remains a rare cause of bowel obstruction. Most of our patients were old, frail and had medical comorbidities. More than a third of them had undergone previous abdominal surgery. Early CT scan followed by surgery was associated with low mortality.

Pneumoperitoneum: A rare life threatening complication post ERCP!

Respected Editor, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive medical procedure commonly used to identify and treat biliary system and pancreatic disorders. It is the combination of both endoscopic and radiologic imaging techniques that, although widely used, and usually a safe procedure, it can rarely lead to life threatening complications including but not limited to pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage and perforation leading to pneumoperitoneum. The occurrence of free air in the peritoneal cavity post-ERCP is a rare event (&lt; 1%), which is usually the result of duodenal or ductal perforation related to therapeutic ERCP with sphincterotomy.[1] Our discussion is based on the incidence of pneumoperitoneum occurring in patients post ERCP. According to a case report, a 29- year- old female was diagnosed with postpartum jaundice and biliary stones. Consequently, she was investigated using ERCP and treated with biliary stenting and bile flow restoration. Post ERCP, the patient developed severe epigastric pain radiating to the right shoulder and x-ray revealed air under the diaphragm, i.e. pneumoperitoneum.[2] In another report, a 72 year old woman who underwent ERCP to treat biliary stricture and provide stenting was found to have pneumobilia and pneumoperitoneum due to rupture of intrahepatic bile ducts during ERCP.[3] Another case has been reported with the same issue in which an 84 year old known case of pancreatic carcinoma with hepatic and lung metastasis underwent multiple ERCPs due to obstructive jaundice, performed an urgent CT scan, the very next day, which showed the presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity.[4] Therefore, in light of the cases mentioned above-, physicians should be mindful of this rare, life- threatening complication of ERCP and take great care and warn the patient before performing the procedure. A useful strategy to combat this complication, a nasogastric tube for bowel decompression immediately after ERCP can greatly reduce the chances of developing a pneumoperitoneum.

Clinical application of gastrointestinal decompression in anastomotic fistula after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Cervical anastomotic fistula is one of the most common complications after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, leading to septic shock and even death. It is therefore very important to provide effective symptom management after diagnosis of anastomotic fistula. Placing the gastrointestinal decompression tube beside the anastomotic site and connecting the tube to a gastrointestinal decompression disk could support the prevention and treatment of anastomotic fistula after surgical treatment of esophageal cancer.Thirty-eight patients with anastomotic fistula after undergoing McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in our hospital from April 2017 to January 2021 were divided equally into control and observation groups according to the gastrointestinal decompression method used. Gastrointestinal decompression tubes were placed 45 to 50 cm from the incisors in the control group or 25 to 30 cm from the incisors in the observation group. The treatment efficacy was compared between the 2 groups.The drainage time, length of hospital stay after anastomotic fistula detection, and fistula healing time in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < .05 for all).Placing the gastrointestinal decompression tube connected to a gastrointestinal decompression disk next to the anastomotic site is a simple procedure and may significantly improve the drainage time, length of hospital stay, and fistula healing time of patients who develop anastomotic fistula resulting from McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.