Duration Of Perforation Research Articles

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF BOEY SCORE TO PREDICT 30 DAYS MORTALITY IN PERFORATED PEPTIC ULCER PATIENTS

Perforated peptic ulcers remain a life-threatening condition despite advancements in surgical and medical treatments. Accurate risk stratification of patients can improve outcomes by guiding clinical decision-making. The Boey scoring system is widely used for predicting mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcers, yet its diagnostic accuracy warrants further evaluation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Boey score in predicting 30-day mortality among patients with perforated peptic ulcers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgical Unit VI, Civil Hospital Karachi, over a six-month period from December 7, 2020, to June 7, 2021. A total of 149 patients diagnosed with perforated peptic ulcers were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. The Boey score was calculated for each patient based on preoperative shock, comorbid illness, and duration of perforation >24 hours. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the frequency distribution of mortality, and the association between Boey score and mortality was analysed using appropriate statistical methods, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study included 149 patients, with a minimum age of 21 and a maximum age of 50. Of the total, 32 patients (21.5%) experienced 30-day mortality. Among patients with a Boey score of 1, 2.68% had 30-day mortality, and 0.67% of patients with a Boey score of 2 died. Patients with a Boey score of 3 had the highest mortality rate, with 18.1% of this group experiencing 30-day mortality. In contrast, 81.9% of patients with a Boey score of 1 to 3 survived beyond 30 days. Conclusion: The Boey scoring system demonstrated vital predictive accuracy for 30-day mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcers. This scoring tool effectively identifies high-risk patients, allowing for timely and appropriate management. Despite modern treatment advances, perforated peptic ulcer remains associated with significant mortality, particularly in high-risk patients, as identified by the Boey score.

Human Acellular Dermal Allograft Patch on Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

This study aimed to investigate the outcome of using the human acellular dermal allograft patch compared with the conven- tional paper patch in traumatic tympanic membrane perforation. This was a retrospective study including 41 patients (42 ears) treated with 22 human acellular dermal allografts and 20 paper patches for acute traumatic tympanic membrane perforation from April 2013 to June 2020. The procedure was performed by applying human acellular dermal allograft or paper patches after trimming of perforation margins under local anesthesia. Patient's age, sex, cause, duration, side, location, size of perforation, and the result of healing was analyzed. The audiologic or computed tomography data were also investigated when available. There was no significant difference in sex, age, affected side ratio, size and duration of perforation, recovery confirmation time, and audiogram results between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the size or duration of perforation between the success and failure groups. The human acellular dermal allograft and paper-patch groups showed no significant difference in the recovery confirmation time (70.7 ± 42.3 vs. 89.9 ± 119.4 days, P = .486) and recovery rate (95.5% vs. 85.0%, P = .333). However, the patch maintenance time of the human acellular dermal allograft group was statistically longer than the paper-patch group (32.9 ± 14.9 vs. 15.6 ± 19.9 days, P = .001). On multivariable regression analysis, patch material was the only parameter associated with patch maintenance time (P = .002). Treatment outcomes of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation using human acellular dermal allograft showed better or similar therapeutic efficacy compared to paper patch. The important advantage of this material is to stay in situ for a sufficient time without being detached until successful healing.

Validation of Boey's scoring system in predicting short-term morbidity and mortality in peptic ulcer perforation peritonitis

Aim: This study aims to assess the validation of Boey's scoring system in predicting short-term morbidity and mortality amongst patients with peptic ulcer perforation (PULP) peritonitis. Methodology: 110 patients with PULP peritonitis were included in this study. Boey's score was calculated based on three parameters, pre-operative shock, concomitant medical illness and duration of perforation >24 h. All patients with PULP were treated with exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal lavage and omental patch repair and the patients were then followed up throughout the data collection period to look for clinical outcomes. The main outcomes assessed were mortality and short-term morbidity (1 month). Data were analysed using SPSS (IBM, Delhi, India). Chi-square test was used to check for the association between the outcome variables and the categorised Boey's score. The level of statistical significance was assigned as a P < 0.05. Results: Amongst the 110 patients, half belonged to the age group of 31–50 years, and 90% were male. The most common site of perforation was the first part of duodenum (78%). The rate of mortality was 10%. With respect to the distribution of the Boey's score, the percentage of patients with Boey's score 0, 1, 2 and 3 was found to be 12.75%, 58.2%, 24.5% and 5%, respectively, and their corresponding mortality was found to be 0%, 4.7%, 25.9% and 40%, respectively. Their morbidity at 1 week was found to be 21.4%, 42.6%, 80% and 100%, respectively, and morbidity at 1 month was found to be 0%, 39.3%, 75% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: There was a significant association between mortality and morbidity at 1 week and at 1 month with the distribution of Boey's score. This highlights the importance of Boey's score in determining the outcome amongst perforated peptic ulcer patients. Boey's score being an easily applicable score for day-to-day clinical practice can aid clinicians in predicting the outcome amongst perforated ulcer patients. Several studies have also shown better accuracy with Boey's scoring system when compared to the other scoring systems.

Surgical outcomes of myringoplasty using platelet-rich plasma and evaluation of the outcome-associated factors

Abstract Objective Tympanic membrane perforations must be closed with surgery; however, most surgical procedures are considerably invasive in nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive myringoplasty using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and an atelocollagen sponge for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations, as well as to identify the factors affecting the surgical outcome. Methods The records of 118 patients who underwent surgical closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforation at an ear–nose–throat clinic were reviewed retrospectively. After removing the margin of the perforation via a transcanal approach under local anesthesia, an atelocollagen sponge injected with PRP was inserted into the perforation as a scaffold. If the size of the perforation decreased after the surgery, the same surgical procedure was repeated. The success rate of closure after the last surgery was evaluated in terms of the size of the perforation. In addition, the relationships of the success rate with the cause and duration of perforation and patient age were also examined. Results The perforation was closed after initial or repeat surgeries in 95.8% (68/71) of cases with small-sized perforations, 80.0% (32/40) of cases with middle-sized perforations, and 85.7% (6/7) of cases with large-sized perforations. Multiple surgeries (up to four times) were required for middle- and large-sized perforations, and even for some small-sized perforations. The number of re-operations required for closure significantly increased with increase in the size of the perforation (Kruskal–Wallis test, p Conclusion Minimally invasive myringoplasty using PRP has a satisfactory success rate even for large-sized tympanic membrane perforations. PRP is autologous and its use is non-toxic and safe. Although informed consent from the patient is necessary for the repetition of the surgery and for patients older than 80 years, this technique appears to be a promising office-based procedure for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations.

A STUDY ON CORRELATION OF SIZE AND SITE OF TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION WITH DEGREE OF CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS IN CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA

Background: Tympanic membrane perforations are common cause of hearing loss. This study was designed to analyze the relation between tympanic membrane perforation and conductive hearing loss. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with dry tympanic membrane perforations of safe type were included. The patients were divided into groups in according to size, site and duration of perforation. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 100 patients were included in this study. All the patients clinical data was analyzed statistically using paired t-test. Results:Hearing loss increased as the size of perforation increased. Posterior quadrant perforations were associated with more hearing loss as compared to anterior quadrant perforations. Also duration of disease was in linear relation with mean hearingloss. Conclusions: The degree of conductive hearing loss as a result of tympanic membrane perforation would be expected with the size, site and duration of perforation. Keywords: Tympanic membrane, Conductive hearing loss, Perforation, hearing loss, posterior quadrant, ear.

Comparative study between POMPP score versus Boey score to predict morbidity and mortality in peptic perforation peritonitis

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) results from an imbalance between stomach acid-pepsin and mucosal defense barriers. It affects 4 million people worldwide annually. Peptic ulcer perforation is one of the most common surgical emergencies and is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. This is due to presence of various risk factors among the population like H. pylori infection, long term NSAID use, alcohol ingestion, smoking and steroid use. Peptic ulcer perforation peritonitis usually requires an emergency surgical intervention and hence the need for this study, to compare POMPP and Boey scores as predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with peptic perforation peritonitis.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the hospitals attached to Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute from November 2018 to May 2020. All patients above 18 years with features of hollow viscus perforation with per-operative finding of perforated peptic ulcer were included in the study. Patients with histopathology suggestive of malignancy were excluded.Results: A total of 65 patients were included in the study. On analysis of the data by Chi-square test, P value of both POMPP and Boey scores was found to be &lt;0.05 which is statistically significant. The most important predictive factors of mortality and morbidity were duration of perforation &gt;24 hours, age &gt;65 years and pre-operative shock.Conclusions: Both scoring systems are easy to use and can assist in accurate and early identification of high-risk patients and are important in predicting mortality and morbidity in patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

A Systematic Review of Nonautologous Graft Materials Used in Human Tympanoplasty.

Nonautologous graft materials may solve several dilemmas in tympanoplasty by obviating the need for graft harvest, facilitating consistent wound healing, and permitting graft placement in the clinical setting. Prior studies of nonautologous grafts in humans have shown variable outcomes. In this systematic review, we aim to 1) summarize clinical outcomes and 2) discuss limitations in the literature regarding nonautologous grafts for tympanoplasty in humans. A literature review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The study size, etiology and duration of perforation, type of nonautologous graft, and postoperative closure rate were assessed. The PRISMA approach yielded 61 articles, including 3,247 ears that met inclusion criteria. Studies evaluated nonautologous grafts including paper patch, gelatin sponge, growth factors, porcine small-intestinal submucosa, among others. Traumatic perforations (62.3%) were most commonly studied, whereas postinfectious perforations (31.9%) and other etiologies (5.8%) comprised a minority of cases. Acute perforations of <8 weeks duration constituted just over half of all treated ears. Overall closure rate was 82.1%, with significantly higher closure rates in acute (89.9%) versus chronic perforations (64.9%, P < .01), regardless of material. A median postoperative air-bone gap of 5.6 dB was found in the 23% of studies reporting this metric. The majority of publications reviewing nonautologous materials in tympanoplasty evaluate acute or traumatic perforations, and few rigorously report hearing outcomes. Given available data, porcine submucosa and basic fibroblast growth factor may hold promise for chronic perforation closure. Future studies should report closure rates and hearing outcomes in perforations >8 weeks duration. Laryngoscope, 131:392-400, 2021.

Correlation of tympanic membrane perforations with hearing loss

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Tympanic membrane perforations are common cause of hearing loss. This study was designed to analyze the relation between tympanic membrane perforation and hearing loss.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; In this prospective study, patients with dry tympanic membrane perforations of safe type were included. The patients were divided into groups in according to size, site and duration of perforation. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 49 patients with 70 dry tympanic membrane perforations were studied. Data was analyzed statistically using paired t-test. Hearing loss increased as the size of perforation increased. Posterior quadrant perforations were associated with more hearing loss as compared to anterior quadrant perforations. Also duration of disease was in linear relation with mean hearing loss.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt;The degree of conductive hearing loss as a result of tympanic membrane perforation would be expected with the size, site and duration of perforation.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Surgical outcomes of myringoplasty using platelet-rich plasma and evaluation of the outcome-associated factors

ObjectiveTympanic membrane perforations must be closed with surgery; however, most surgical procedures are considerably invasive in nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive myringoplasty using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and an atelocollagen sponge for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations, as well as to identify the factors affecting the surgical outcome. MethodsThe records of 118 patients who underwent surgical closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforation at an ear–nose–throat clinic were reviewed retrospectively. After removing the margin of the perforation via a transcanal approach under local anesthesia, an atelocollagen sponge injected with PRP was inserted into the perforation as a scaffold. If the size of the perforation decreased after the surgery, the same surgical procedure was repeated. The success rate of closure after the last surgery was evaluated in terms of the size of the perforation. In addition, the relationships of the success rate with the cause and duration of perforation and patient age were also examined. ResultsThe perforation was closed after initial or repeat surgeries in 95.8% (68/71) of cases with small-sized perforations, 80.0% (32/40) of cases with middle-sized perforations, and 85.7% (6/7) of cases with large-sized perforations. Multiple surgeries (up to four times) were required for middle- and large-sized perforations, and even for some small-sized perforations. The number of re-operations required for closure significantly increased with increase in the size of the perforation (Kruskal–Wallis test, p<0.01). The cause and duration of perforation were not predictors of the surgical outcome. However, patient age was a significant predictor of the surgical outcome; patients older than 80years had a significantly worse success rate than younger patients (Fisher’s exact test, p<0.01). ConclusionMinimally invasive myringoplasty using PRP has a satisfactory success rate even for large-sized tympanic membrane perforations. PRP is autologous and its use is non-toxic and safe. Although informed consent from the patient is necessary for the repetition of the surgery and for patients older than 80years, this technique appears to be a promising office-based procedure for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations.

Clinical Analysis of Paper Patch Myringoplasty in Patients with Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

The aims of our study were to evaluate the outcome of office-based paper patch grafting in tympanic membrane (TM) perforation regardless of the disease duration or etiology and to compare the clinical factors influencing the successful closure of perforation between the success and failure groups of paper patch myringoplasty. This is a retrospective study of 114 patients that underwent paper patch myringoplasty in an outpatient setting (success group, 83 cases; failure group, 31 cases). Thirteen clinical factors with potential impact on the healing status of the TM were investigated: gender, age, laterality, etiology, duration of perforation, tinnitus, hearing loss, otorrhea, size and location of perforation, status of contralateral ear, ipsilateral findings of computed tomography, and duration of complete healing. The follow-up period was at least 1 year. The total success rate of paper patch grafting was 72.8%. The mean age of the failure group was significantly more higher than that of the success group. Significant differences in the etiology as well as in the history of otorrhea were found between the success and failure groups. There were no significant differences for any of the other factors between chronic and non-chronic perforations. The predictors of successful outcome were patient's age, etiology of perforation, and history of otorrhea. Clinicians can attempt paper patch myringoplasty first in younger patients, traumatic TM perforation cases, and in patients with no history of otorrhea. Paper patch grafting can also be considered before formal surgical myringoplasty in the case of small, dry, chronic TM perforations.

A prospective study of clinical profile, management and outcome of surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcer in northern India: a tertiary hospital experience

Introduction: This is a prospective study of patients of adult age group admitted with clinical features suggestive of perforated peptic ulcer. The study comprised of 70 patients. In our study we aimed to provide a complete epidemiological, clinical and management description of Peptic ulcer Perforation in adult age group patients. Methods: all the patients who were undergoing exploratory laparotomy were taken. A detailed history, thorough clinical examination and necessary routine blood investigations and X-ray chest and flat plate abdomen in standing position were performed in each case. Results: Perforated peptic ulcer is more common in male in the age group 30-50 years and most common presenting symptom was pain abdomen. Smoking and alcohol beverage consumption were risk factors in most cases (78.5%) in causation of perforation. Most common site of ulcer perforation is duodenal 1st part (94.3%). Out of 63 patients in whom perforation size was 1 cm. Size of perforation is directly proportional to the quantity of peritoneal fluid. Conclusion: Peptic ulcer perforation in present scenario is a disease of relatively younger age group. Rural background, poor socioeconomic status and occupation like farmer and labourer seem to contribute to causation of peptic ulcer perforation. The most important risk factors for the determination of mortality in perforated peptic ulcer disease are duration of perforation (especially if >24 hrs), condition of the patient at the time of presentation, size of perforation as well as preoperative management.

Risk factors associated with conversion of laparoscopic simple closure in perforated duodenal ulcer

BackgroundPrecise patient selection criteria are necessary to guide the surgeon in selecting laparoscopic repair for patients with perforated peptic ulcers. The aims of this study are to report surgical outcomes after surgery for perforated duodenal ulcers and identify risk factors for predicting failure of laparoscopic simple closure for perforated duodenal ulcer. MethodsIn total, 77 patients who underwent laparoscopic simple closure for perforated duodenal ulcers from January 2007 to September 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into totally laparoscopic and conversion groups. The characteristics of patients, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, conversion rates and suture leakage rates of each group were investigated. ResultsLaparoscopic repair was completed in 69 (89.6%) of 77 patients, while 8 (10.4%) underwent conversion to open repair. Patients in the conversion group had longer perforation time, larger perforation size, more suture leakage, longer hospital stay, and higher 30-day mortality rate than those in the totally laparoscopic group. The size of perforation was the only risk factor for conversion in multivariable analysis. Patients with an ulcer perforation size of ≥9 mm or with perforation duration of ≥12.5 h had a significantly increased risk for conversion and suture leakage. ConclusionsUlcer size of ≥9 mm is a significant risk factor for predicting conversion in laparoscopic simple closure. Suture leakage is associated with ulcer size (9 mm) and duration of perforation (12.5 h).

Preoperative factors affecting tympanic membrane regeneration therapy using an atelocollagen and basic fibroblast growth factor.

The use of growth factors to achieve closure of perforated tympanic membranes (TMs) has recently become popular. However, preoperative factors affecting treatment outcomes have seldom been discussed. To evaluate preoperative factors contributing to the success or failure of healing of perforated TMs. Retrospective cohort study of 153 patients (48 males and 105 females) in whom the duration of perforation was longer than 6 months prior to treatment and who were observed for at least 1 year after treatment between July 2009 and June 2012. Eight factors considered likely to affect the outcome of perforation closure were statistically evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Each perforated TM was filled with a synthetic graft material (atelocollagen sponge and silicone membrane) containing human basic fibroblast growth factor to promote wound healing after TM perforation closure. Complete closure vs residual perforation. After 1 year of follow-up, 101 patients (66.0%) achieved complete closure, 30 patients (19.6%) had residual pinhole perforations (<1 mm diameter), and 22 patients (14.4%) had larger residual perforations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for each explanatory variable identified a TM without calcification (odds ratio [OR], 2.68 [95% CI, 1.17-6.15]; P = .03) and a perforation not involving the tympanic annulus (odds ratio, 2.75 [95% CI, 1.09-6.94]; P = .04) as significant. Insignificant factors included perforation margin identified on microscopy (OR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.99-6.27]; P < .001), perforation margin without epithelial migration (OR, 7.27 [95% CI, 0.66-80.49]; P = .11), absence of preoperative otorrhea (P = .38), no previous ear operations (P = .82), perforation size (P = .14), and patient age (P = .26). Tympanic membrane regeneration therapy can be applied to all patients, except those with cholesteatoma or malignant neoplasm. However, patients with severe calcification of the TM and those with marginal perforations close to the fibrous annulus should be treated more prudently to achieve perforation closure.

Use of ambulatory anesthesia with manually assisted ventilation for tympanic membrane regeneration therapy in children

PurposeTo present the utility of ambulatory anesthesia using manually assisted ventilation via a facemask for tympanic membrane (TM) regeneration therapy in children. Material and methodsThe study included 10 children (age 4–11years) in whom the duration of perforation before treatment exceeded 6months and who were followed for at least 1year after treatment between December 2009 and December 2012. Under ambulatory anesthesia using manually assisted ventilation via a facemask, TM regenerative therapy with atelocollagen combined with basic fibroblast growth factor was performed in children who could not tolerate the procedure under local anesthesia alone. ResultsAll of the children completed the TM regenerative therapy under ambulatory anesthesia in less than 5min. Complete closure was achieved in nine (81.8%) ears after 1year of postoperative follow-up. ConclusionTM regenerative therapy can be performed under local anesthesia in less than 5min without a skin incision. However, local anesthesia is often insufficient in small children undergoing this procedure. Therefore, ambulatory anesthesia using manually assisted ventilation via a facemask is appropriate to complete this procedure safely in small children.

Predictors for outcome of paper patch myringoplasty in patients with chronic tympanic membrane perforations

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the outcome of paper patch myringoplasty for chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations and to explore the predictive factors for a successful closure. A retrospective study was performed in a tertiary referral center. Data of the patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed: the treatment outcomes and the potential predictive factors including age, sex, the affected ear, hearing level, duration of perforation, causes, location and size of perforations, relationship between the perforation border and the malleus, status of TM surface, and the number of patch applications. Complete closure was achieved in 27 of the total 43 subjects. Among the 11 clinical and TM factors, only the perforation size remained significant as the predictor after multivariable logistic regression (p = 0.029, OR 4.4). The patients with perforation ≤ 5% of the TM showed higher closure rate (78.3%) than those with perforation >5% (45.0%). In conclusion, paper patch myringoplasty showed overall success rate of 62.8%. In patients with perforations smaller than 5% of the TM, the closure rate was 78.3%. The predictor of the treatment outcome was the perforation size. We can try paper patch myringoplasty first in patients who had dry chronic perforations smaller than 5% of the TM without middle ear disease.

Recent trends in peptic perforation

Introduction: The peptic perforation is one of the commonest abdominal surgical emergencies. Common causes are H.pylori, increased inadvertent use of NSAIDS, smoking and stress of modern life. During last few years there has been great revolution in availability of the newer broad spectrum antibiotics, better understanding of disease, effective resuscitation, prompt surgery under modern anaesthesia techniques, and intensive care unit resulted in reducing the mortality. Materials and methods: This prospective study was carried out in the department of surgery during period from 1st May 2009 to 30th November 2011. All were indoor patients with diagnosis of peptic perforation in stomach and/or duodenum excluding other sites. Each patient was study in detail with relevant clinical history, examination, laboratory investigations and management. The study comprised of total 50 patients operated for peptic perforation by various modalities. Results: the middle age group was commonest. Smoking, alcohol and stress were common etiological factors. The perforation was common in anterior surface of the first part of duodenum. Wound infection and bronchopneumonia were common post-operative complications. Discussion: The duration of perforation more than 24 hours and size of the perforation more than 1 cm has increase morbidity & mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt management of shock & septicaemia is important for better prognosis of patients. The simple closure with omentopexy of peptic perforation still remains the first choice as a treatment. H-pylori eradication treatment is mandatory after simple closure of the perforation to prevent recurrence of ulcer.

Evaluation of Hearing Loss in Tympanic Membrane Perforation

To evaluate and analyse the hearing loss in tympanic membrane perforation based on size, site and duration of perforation. The material for this study was comprised of 100 patients of either sex and of age 15years and above selected randomly. Size of tympanic membrane perforation was assessed under microscope using calibrated wire look. Patients were divided into three groups according to size; group I (0-9mm(2)), Group II (9-30mm(2)), Group III (≥30mm(2)); according to site into anterior and posterior group; according to involvement of malleus into malleolar and non malleolar and according to duration into Group A (<1year), Group B (1-5years), Group C (≥5years). Hearing loss was measured in each case with pure tone audiometry. Data was analysed statistically using paired t-test. Hearing loss increased as the perforation size increased [I vs. II (t-4.23, p<0.001), II vs. III (t-8.19, p<0.001), I vs. III (t-11.68, p<0.001)]. Hearing loss was more in posterior quadrant perforation than anterior quadrant perforation but difference was not significant statistically (t-1.15, p>0.05). Hearing loss was more in malleolar perforation (t-5.74, p<0.001). Hearing loss increased as the duration of disease increased [A vs. B (t-2.01, p<0.043), A vs. C (t-5.49, p<0.001), B vs. C (t-4.14, p<0.001)].

Endoscopic clips for closing esophageal perforations: case report and pooled analysis

Acute and chronic esophageal perforations have traditionally been treated with surgery or a conservative approach. Recently, endoscopic repair has been reported in some case reports. To describe a case of a chronic esophagoperitoneal fistula successfully closed by endoscopic clips after several failed reoperations and stent placement. To perform a pooled analysis of the reports describing such closures. Case report and pooled analysis. Tertiary-care hospitals. Our patient presented with mature perforation in the distal esophagus caused by laparoscopic band gastroplasty. Patients for pooled analysis identified by a MEDLINE search (1966 to January 2007) performed for all the English language articles that reported esophageal perforation/fistulae and endoscopic clips. Endoscopic clip application after ablation of epithelialized edges in our patient. Pooled analyses for demographic and perforation variables, along with predictors for closure time after clipping, were performed. Closure of esophageal perforations. The fistula in our patient closed in 3 weeks after endoscopic clipping. The literature review identified a total of 11 articles that describe 17 patients (acute 7, intermediate 4, and chronic 6). The most common cause was iatrogenic (65%), and the size of the perforation ranged from 3 to 25 mm. The median healing time after clipping was 18 days (interquartile range 6-26). Both univariable and multivariable analyses identified only the duration of perforation as a significant predictor of closure time, P values .003 and .02, respectively. Small sample size, nonrandomized sample. Endoclips may be effective for closing both acute and chronic esophageal perforations. The duration of the perforation is a significant factor for predicting closure time.

Thoracoscopic management of postoperative esophageal leak

Esophageal perforation is an uncommon problem, but one that is associated with high mortality (9%-36%). 1-3 Treatment consists of aggressive surgical management and broadspectrum antibiotics. Surgical approaches to management of esophageal perforation include primary closure, esophagectomy, use of esophageal T-tube, exclusion-diversion, and mediastinal drainage. Selection of treatment depends on factors such as the cause and duration of perforation, clinical condition of the patient, and the degree of surrounding tissue injury. During the past decade, advances in minimally invasive surgical technology have allowed surgeons to apply thoracoscopic methods to the management of esophageal disease. Thoracoscopic operations have been applied to esophageal myotomy, resection of esophageal diverticulum, excision of esophageal leiomyoma, antireflux operations, and esophagectomy. 4 In this report we used our experience in video-assisted thoracoscopic operations for the management of 2 patients in whom an esophageal perforation developed as a result of a thoracoscopic esophageal operation. Clinical summary. The first patient was a 60-year-old woman who was referred with a 2-year history of severe chest pain and intermittent dysphagia. Upper esophageal endoscopy showed no obstructive lesions. Esophageal manometry revealed high-amplitude contraction in the body of the esophagus consistent with a diagnosis of diffuse esophageal spasm. The patient was treated nonoperatively with calcium-channel blockers and nitrates without success. She was offered surgical treatment consisting of a long esophagomyotomy. The operation was performed through the right side of the chest with 4 thoracoscopic trocars. Intraoperative endoscopy after the myotomy revealed no air leaks (Fig 1). The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 on a clear liquid diet. On postoperative day 7, the patient returned with shortness of breath and acute chest pain. Gastrograffin contrast study revealed extravasation of contrast material at the midesophageal region. Endoscopy showed a small 3-mm perforation at the middle esophagus. The patient was reexplored thoracoscopically. Intraoperative endoscopy identified the

Is duodenal ulcer perforation best treated with vagotomy and pyloroplasty?

From 1967 to 1980, 65 patients underwent vagotomy and pyloroplasty for treatment of an acute perforated duodenal ulcer at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Their age ranged from 15 to 82 years, with a mean age of 49.6 years. All vagotomies were truncal and pyloroplasties were of the Heineke-Mikulicz variety. The condition of each patient was classified as acute or chronic depending on the duration of symptoms before perforation. The postoperative complication rate and perioperative mortality were higher in the group of patients whose symptoms had been present less than 3 months before perforation. Patients who underwent vagotomy and pyloroplasty more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms had a higher mortality compared with those who were operated on less than 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. We mainly attributed the perioperative death rate of 11 percent to advanced patient age and associated cardiopulmonary disease. There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications in patients over 60 years of age compared with those under 40 years; hence, age alone does not preclude definitive treatment, such as vagotomy and pyloroplasty. The degree of contamination found at operation did not correlate with a poor postoperative course. There was no significant increase in the mortality in the group with gross contamination. Of the patients available for long-term follow-up, 85 percent remained free of symptoms. These results compare favorably with reports for the elective treatment of duodenal ulcer with vagotomy and pyloroplasty. We conclude that vagotomy and pyloroplasty is acceptable, safe, and ideal for patients with acute perforated duodenal ulcers, except when significant cardiopulmonary disease exists or when the duration of perforation is more than 24 hours.