Episodes Of Intestinal Obstruction Research Articles

Navigating the Labyrinth: When the "Mesenterium Commune" Turns Colonoscopy into an Endoscopic Rollercoaster.

These images involved the case of a 51-year-old woman who had a history of chronic abdominal pain, iron deficiency, and diarrhoea but no blood or mucus in her stool. She had never undergone major abdominal surgery, and her past medical evaluation diagnosed her with celiac disease, leading to the adoption of a gluten-free diet alleviating most of her gastrointestinal symptoms. However, years later, her abdominal pain returned, so she underwent an abdominal ultrasound, revealing non-specific bowel loop dilation, and a weakly positive faecal occult blood test led to a colonoscopy. Despite many efforts to advance the scope beyond the transverse colon, colonoscopy was arduous and not complete, even after several changes in decubitus and abdominal compressions. Therefore, a virtual colonoscopy was conducted, revealing no intraluminal masses, but the entire colon was located on the left side of the abdomen. Indeed, the results showed sigma and that most of the colon was curled up in the small pelvis. This rare anatomical variant, known as "Mesenterium commune" (MC), is a type of gut malrotation that develops in childhood due to a lack of omphalomesenteric loop rotation during the embryonic period. This condition can lead to episodes of intestinal obstruction, potentially resulting in an acute abdomen and leading to surgical correction. Symptoms include chronic recurring abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally bloody stools. Few cases of this extremely rare condition have been reported in the literature so far.

Eosinophilic enteritis presenting as intestinal obstruction: case report and review of the literature.

Eosinophilic enteritis (EE) is characterized by intense eosinophilic infiltrate of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical manifestations depend on the affected segment and intestinal layer. First-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids; surgery is reserved for complications. 84-year-old male patient with a history of right hemicolectomy and two episodes of intestinal obstruction presented to the ED with abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting. CBC showed leukocytosis and no eosinophilia. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed stenosis with thickening of the distal intestinal wall and partial intestinal obstruction. Colonoscopy found aphthous ulcers. Histopathology reported EE. The patient received budesonide and metronidazole, with resolution within 24 h.

Short- and Long-Term Intestinal Complications After Combined Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease, because it improves survival and quality of life. Currently, enteric exocrine drainage is the most commonly used method. Intestinal complications continue to be a major cause of posttransplant morbidity despite improvements in surgical technique. This study analyzed early and late intestinal complications related to SPK transplantation. We performed a retrospective analysis of 100 adult patients undergoing SPK transplantation between January 2009 and December 2019. We performed systemic venous drainage and exocrine enteric drainage with duodenojejunostomy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v2. This study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Istanbul and the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study. Ten patients had the following early intestinal complications (10%): ileus (n=4), intestinal obstruction (n=2), graft volvulus (n=1), duodenal graft fistula (n=1), and jejunal fistula after pancreas transplantation (n=1). Two cases required relaparotomy: graft repositioning with Roux-en-Y conversion (n=1) and Y-roux conversion (n=1). Eight patients had repeated episodes of intestinal obstruction (8%), of whom 2 required surgery for resolution with 100% postoperative mortality. SPK transplantation with enteric drainage via duodenojejunostomy has a low rate of short- and long-term postoperative intestinal complications. Surgery in patients with recurrent intestinal obstruction has a high mortality risk and should be performed in reference transplant centers.

The NHE3 Inhibitor Tenapanor Prevents Intestinal Obstructions in CFTR-Deleted Mice.

Mutations in the CFTR chloride channel result in intestinal obstructive episodes in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and in CF animal models. In this study, we explored the possibility of reducing the frequency of obstructive episodes in cftr−/− mice through the oral application of a gut-selective NHE3 inhibitor tenapanor and searched for the underlying mechanisms involved. Sex- and age-matched cftr+/+ and cftr−/− mice were orally gavaged twice daily with 30 mg kg−1 tenapanor or vehicle for a period of 21 days. Body weight and stool water content was assessed daily and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) once weekly. The mice were sacrificed when an intestinal obstruction was suspected or after 21 days, and stool and tissues were collected for further analysis. Twenty-one day tenapanor application resulted in a significant increase in stool water content and stool alkalinity and a significant decrease in GTT in cftr+/+ and cftr−/− mice. Tenapanor significantly reduced obstructive episodes to 8% compared to 46% in vehicle-treated cftr−/− mice and prevented mucosal inflammation. A decrease in cryptal hyperproliferation, mucus accumulation, and mucosal mast cell number was also observed in tenapanor- compared to vehicle-treated, unobstructed cftr−/− mice. Overall, oral tenapanor application prevented obstructive episodes in CFTR-deficient mice and was safe in cftr+/+ and cftr−/− mice. These results suggest that tenapanor may be a safe and affordable adjunctive therapy in cystic fibrosis patients to alleviate constipation and prevent recurrent DIOS.

Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction

Abdominal cocoon syndrome, also known as Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis, is characterized by a fibro-collagenous membrane that involves abdominal viscera and it’s a rare cause of intestinal obstruction.We present here two cases. Two male patients, 29 and 75 years old, were admitted to our emergency department with abdominal pain, vomiting, tender and painful abdomen but without changes in intestinal transit or peritoneal reaction. They were treated surgically and diagnosed with abdominal cocoon syndrome.Patients with abdominal cocoon syndrome usually present with recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction, which result from the compression of the bowel within the constricting cocoon. Most of the time, this clinical picture resolves with conservative measures, delaying the diagnosis. The definitive treatment consists of excision of the membrane with lysis of adhesions, which is usually reserved for more severe cases of obstruction.This is a rare disease, where a high suspicion index is of paramount importance, especially considering that most of the diagnoses are made at the surgery.

Does Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis Decrease the Risk of Recurrence in Small Bowel Obstruction and Who Benefits the Most from Laparoscopic Approach? A literature review.

Adhesions are usual sequelae of almost all abdominal surgery and their incidence increases with multiple explorations. One of the most common reasons for emergency general surgery is Small bowel obstruction due to adhesions (ASBO). The patients usually have classic signs and symptoms of intestinal occlusion and many will be treated by non-operative measures and ingestion of a water-soluble contrast medium. Some patients may not respond to conservative measures and will need surgical exploration and around 46% will end up in further episodes of intestinal obstruction. Laparoscopy has been utilized in these cases recently in contrast to the earlier belief that rendered it relatively contraindicated in the past. Laparoscopy has been advantageous in causing less pain, early mobilisation, and fast return of the bowel function, along with the low incidence of further adhesion formation, thus fewer recurrence rates of small bowel obstruction. We carried out a non-systemic search of the available literature (Pub Med, Google Scholar) to determine whether laparoscopic adhesiolysis decreases the risk of recurrence in patients with small bowel obstruction or not and to see which patients are suitable for laparoscopic adhesiolysis. We concluded that each patient should be individualised as this approach allows many patients with possible benefits from minimally invasive surgery. However, randomised control trials are needed to properly delineate the benefits of laparoscopic adhesiolysis over the conventional open procedures in the form of long-term outcomes and recurrence rates.

Fibromuscular dysplasia of mesenteric arteries: a rare cause of multiple bowel resections\u2014a case report and literature review

BackgroundFibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a type of unexplained nonatherosclerotic vascular disease that usually involves the renal and internal carotid arteries and rarely involves the mesenteric artery. Mesenteric artery FMD is difficult to distinguish from Crohn’s disease (CD) and Behcet’s disease (BD) solely based on symptoms. Patients with mesenteric artery FMD can present with an acute abdomen, but case reports of patients who have a long medical history and undergo multiple bowel resections are extremely rare.Case presentationThe patient was a 45-year-old woman with an 11-year history of intermittent lower abdominal pain and fever. At the age of 34 years, she underwent right hemicolectomy and appendectomy due to an acute abdomen. She suffered from oral ulcers between 34 and 36 years old. A clinical diagnosis of presumed CD was made by the age of 41, and she was treated with mesalazine; however, the effect was poor. At the age of 42, she came to our centre, and based on her atypical symptoms and examination results, we thought she had CD. Hence, she was treated with glucocorticoids for 3 years. However, when she was 45, due to steroid dependence, thalidomide tablets were added. Unfortunately, she suffered from another episode of intestinal obstruction. Therefore, she underwent enterectomy. The postoperative histopathological diagnosis was mesenteric artery FMD. She no longer underwent pharmacotherapy after the surgery. Although she did not have any of her previous symptoms and postoperative colonoscopy showed no signs of recurrence, splenomegaly and abnormal routine blood results were still present.ConclusionsPatients with mesenteric artery FMD can present with an acute abdomen. In addition, the symptoms and endoscopic manifestations of mesenteric artery FMD may appear similar to CD and BD. Hence, it is difficult to make a clear clinical diagnosis and proceed with treatment. Mesenteric artery FMD often requires surgical pathology to confirm its diagnosis. For patients who suffer from this disorder, surgery may be the best choice to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Inhibition of Na+ /H+ exchanger isoform 3 improves gut fluidity and alkalinity in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-deficient and F508del mutant mice.

Constipation and intestinal obstructive episodes are major health problems in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Three FDA-approved drugs against constipation-prone irritable bowel syndrome were tested for their ability to increase luminal fluidity and alkalinity in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) null (cftr-/- ) and F508del mutant (F508delmut/mut ) murine intestine. Guanylate cyclase C agonist linaclotide, PGE1 analogue lubiprostone and intestine-specific NHE3 inhibitor tenapanor were perfused through a ~3 cm jejunal, proximal or mid-distal colonic segment in anaesthetized cftr-/- , F508delmut/mut and WT mice. Net fluid balance was determined gravimetrically and alkaline output by pH-stat back titration. Basal jejunal fluid absorptive rates were significantly higher and basal HCO3- output was significantly lower in cftr-/- and F508delmut/mut compared to WT mice. In cftr-/- and F508delmut/mut mice, all three drugs significantly inhibited the fluid absorptive rate and increased alkaline output in the jejunum and tenapanor and lubiprostone, but not linaclotide, in the colon. After tenapanor pre-incubation, linaclotide elicited a robust fluid secretory response in WT jejunum, while no further change in absorptive rates was observed in cftr-/- and F508delmut/mut jejunum, suggesting that the increase in gut fluidity and alkalinity by linaclotide in CF gut is mediated via NHE3 inhibition. Lubiprostone also inhibited fluid absorption in cftr-/- and F508delmut/mut jejunum via NHE3 inhibition but had a residual NHE3-independent effect. Linaclotide, lubiprostone and tenapanor reduced fluid absorption and increased alkaline output in the CF gut. Their application may ameliorate constipation and reduce obstructive episodes in CF patients.

Jejunal obstruction due to ischemic stricture: an unusual presentation

Background: The most common causes of mechanical small bowel obstruction are postoperative adhesions and hernias. Other etiologies of small bowel obstruction include, diseases intrinsic to the wall of the small intestine, like tumors, strictures, intramural hematoma and processes that cause intraluminal obstruction like intussusception, gallstones, foreign bodies etc. Ischaemic enteritis is a rare etiology, reported only in about 0.1% of cases. Ischaemic strictures of the small bowel are a result of decreased blood supply to the small intestine. They require surgical intervention for their management.Methods: Author presented a 40 year-old diabetic female who presented with upper GI obstruction of 2month duration. Her history of illnesses included stroke, myocardial infarction and a transient episode of intestinal obstruction occurring simultaneously 3years ago. On investigations, she was found to have an occlusive distal jejunal stricture. Author studied the literature for the various management options and selected the most appropriate one for her.Results: Exploratory laparotomy with resection and end to end anastomosis of the jejunal segment was done. The histopathology of the segment revealed ischaemic enteritis with large vessel blockade causing stricture. The patient had an uneventful post op recovery and is asymptomatic two months since.Conclusions: Ischaemic enteritis results in small intestinal obstruction due to intestinal stenosis in its chronic phase. Diagnostic delay is due to the differential diagnoses and missing out on the transient phase of early ischemia.

A Case of Ileocecal Endosalpingiosis Presented with Repeated Episodes of Intestinal Obstruction

A Case of Ileocecal Endosalpingiosis Presented with Repeated Episodes of Intestinal Obstruction

THE ENTEROLITH CAUSING JEJUNAL OBSTRUCTION, AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION: A CASE REPORT

Enteroliths are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Patients can present with repeated episodes of intestinal obstruction as long as an enterolith is able to pass through the gut and then suddenly, they get stuck at the terminal ileum or present with the perforation peritonitis, as may happen in case of a diverticular disease. Here, we report the case of a young male presented to the emergency room with acute intestinal obstruction. During the explorative laparotomy, an enterolith was found stuck inside the proximal jejunum which was removed through an enterotomy. This was an interesting case, as the patient did not have any predisposing factors nor did we find any evidence of other pathologies intraoperatively. Moreover, the enterolith was stuck in jejunum, contrary to the belief that terminal part of the ileum is a most common site for the enteroliths to get stuck.

Abstract 673: Preoperative radiation therapy in advanced carcinoma colon with post-colostomy intestinal obstruction: The first report

Abstract Introduction We report the use of preoperative radiotherapy in a moribund patient with advanced carcinoma colon with complete intestinal obstruction who had undergone colostomy for a previous episode of intestinal obstruction. Methods Fifty-five-year-old man presented in Dec 2016 with acute intestinal obstruction with pain in abdomen and vomiting for 3 months. On exploratory laparotomy, a 12x15 cm hard mass in splenic flexure of colon was found involving root of mesentery, superior mesenteric vein and third part of duodenum and abutting tail of pancreas. Finding it unresectable, loop transverse colostomy was performed. He was started on Capecitabine. In Mar 2017, he presented to us in emaciated condition weighing 28 kilograms with acute intestinal obstruction with a large abdominal mass. He was started on nasogastric aspiration with total parenteral nutrition. Imaging revealed a 14x19 cm large abdominal mass involving pancreas, duodenum, spleen and transverse colon with dilated stomach. In view of poor general condition and advanced disease, the prognosis was discussed with the family and the idea of radiotherapy to relieve intestinal obstruction was discussed with family. After taking the consent, he was started on radiation therapy with 1.8 Gy per fraction after three-dimensional conformal radiation planning to spare maximum bowel. After 11 fractions, the patient started passing stools through the stoma. He was gradually started on enteral nutrition and was discharged to continue radiation therapy on outpatient basis. After 15 fractions, planning PET-CT scan was taken for adaptive therapy to make changes as per the reducing tumor size. He was also started on capecitabine as he was taking orally well. He completed 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. One month after completion of radiation therapy, he was found to be doing well and was planned for definitive surgery. Six weeks after the radiation therapy completion, extended left hemicolectomy with distal pancreatico-splenectomy and colostomy closure was performed. Histopathology showed residual viable poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma invading full thickness of colonic wall into pericolic soft tissues with a discontinuous microscopic nodular tumor deposit in pericolic soft tissue with all margins and nodes negative. Postoperatively, he developed biliary leak which healed with conservative management. Six weeks after the surgery, he recovered completely and was started on adjuvant Capecitabine. Five months after the surgery, he is doing well and is on oral Capecitabine. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of preoperative radiation therapy in advanced carcinoma colon and also in the setting of intestinal obstruction. Radiotherapy should be further tested in setting of malignant intestinal obstruction due to unresectable carcinoma colon and may spare patients with ileo/colostomy. Citation Format: Amit Jain, Elumalai L, Punam Goswami. Preoperative radiation therapy in advanced carcinoma colon with post-colostomy intestinal obstruction: The first report [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 673.

Adhesive disease of the abdominal cavity

After operations on the abdominal adhesions occur in 80-90% of cases, adhesive disease develops in 12-64% of cases. First about the causes of adhesions said George Punter in 1793. For the first time in the Russian literature on intraperitoneal adhesions mentioned V.P. Dobrovolsky in 1838. According to modern notions, adhesive disease is a separate nosological form, characterized by the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions, as a rule, manifested by recurrent episodes of intestinal obstruction or pain. The basis for the development of peritoneal commissures in abdominal cavity are a complex, diverse violations of the functions of various body systems. Trigger in the development of adhesion formation in abdominal cavity considered: mechanical, physical, infectious, implant, chemical factors and congenital anomalies (bands of lane, membranes of Jackson and others). As a result of inflammation of the peritoneum dystrophic process, accompanied by desquamation of the mesothelium and other connective tissue layers of the peritoneum, there is an allocation of exudate, coagulation of protein components and formation of fibrinous adhesions, which under normal fibrinolytic activity within 24-72 hours lysed. There are four degrees of prevalence of adhesions: grade I – local adhesions, occupying not more than 1/3 of one floor; II degree – additionally determined by single spikes in other areas. III and IV degree – adhesions, occupying 1/3 and 2/3 of the abdominal cavity, respectively. The clinical picture of adhesive disease is expressed aching pain in the abdomen, changing its character with the change of body position; periodic bloating, unstable chair; vomiting during exercise or after violation of the diet, the phenomena of complete or partial adhesive intestinal obstruction. Diagnostic informativeness of traditional x-ray methods is only 50-60%. The most informative is the use of contrast enterography and ultrasound examination of the abdomen with a directed study of problem areas of the abdomen. Prevention of adhesions is an important problem of practical surgery. Methods of preventing the formation of adhesions are the following: reduction of abdominal trauma, reducing inflammation in the area of operations, reducing the likelihood of deposition of fibrin in the free abdominal cavity, the suppression of postoperative paresis of the intestine, delimitation of the damaged serosal surfaces and interfere with adhesion by applying a protective film on the mesothelium. Application drugs does not negate the careful attitude to the tissues and accurate surgical interventions. Conservative treatment includes: electrophoresis lidazy, hydrocortisone, application of paraffin, ozokerite on the anterior abdominal wall, injection antispasmodics, nasogastric drainage, staging of hypertension and cleansing enemas and others. Indications for operative intervention are: absence of effect of conservative treatment, the deterioration of the patient, the symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction. The following types of surgery: enteroclysis, the imposition of intestinal anastomosis with or without bowel resection laparoscopic lysis of adhesions, entropicalia.

Clostridium difficile Infection in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients: A Single-center Experience

BackgroundC. difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of nosocomial infections in U.S. and leading cause of gastroenteritis associated death. Incidence of CDI in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients has been reported between 5.7% to 24.7% during first year after HSCT. Literature review reveals many risk factors i.e., allogenic-HSCT, extremes of age, myeloablative conditioning, prior vancomycin resistance (VRE) colonization, pre-transplant C. difficile colonization, severe mucositis, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), duration and type of antibiotics used, immunosuppression, proton pump inhibitor use and NAP1 C. difficile strain.MethodsTo study incidence and different variables for CDI, we performed a retrospective review of medical records of adult patients who underwent HSCT between 2013 and 2016 at our center. REDCap database was used to record key variables related to each patient’s HSCT and CDI, keeping in mind HIPPA guidelines. Categorical data were summed up as percentages and counts and numeric data as means, medians, standard deviations and ranges.ResultsA total of 181 HSCT recipients were included. Incidence of CDI was 10% (18 Patients). Cohort’s most common underlying malignancy was multiple myeloma (35.4%). 70% had autologous HSCT and 30% had allogenic HSCT. Among allogenic transplants, 53% had matched unrelated donor. Peripheral blood was the most common stem cell source (93%). Most common myeloablative conditioning regimen was melphalan (70%). 27% patients were on PPIs. 4% had PEG/NG tube placed and 12% were on TPN. 10% had diabetes mellitus. 5 patients had previous episodes of CDI. 69% developed mucositis. 5% patients developed acute GVHD. 6% had VRE colonization while 66% had no documentation for VRE. Out of positive CDI cases, 17% were NAP1 positive. No episode of ileus or mega colon was documented. Most common treatment regimen were metronidazole 500 mg per orally every 8 hourly (65%) and vancomycin 125 mg per orally four times a day (58.8%).ConclusionThis single-center study demonstrates that CDI has 10% incidence in patients undergoing HSCT. Risk factors include neutropenia, high dose chemotherapy, mucosal damage and provision of broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis. Data on CDI prophylaxis in these patients is emerging and randomized prospective trials are needed.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Heterozygous Null LDLR Mutation in a Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patient With an Atypical Presentation Because of Alcohol Abuse

Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #143890) have lifelong elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) that result in deposition of cholesterol in tendons— referred to as tendon xanthomas and occurring in ≈19% of heterozygous FH patients1—and an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. FH is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting from mutations in the LDL receptor ( LDLR ), APOB (apolipoprotein B), or PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9) genes.2 Heterozygous mutations in LDLR are the most common cause of FH. In addition to elevated LDL-C, patients harboring LDLR mutations may have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and only mild, if any, elevations in triglycerides.3–5 Severe hypertriglyceridemia is rarely seen in FH patients.5 We report an alcoholic patient who presented with severely elevated serum triglycerides and both tuberous and tendon xanthomas in whom the diagnosis of FH was confirmed by genetic testing. A 75-year-old Hispanic man was referred to us for genetic testing as part of a larger research protocol.6 His medical history included 3-vessel coronary artery bypass graft at age 47 and a myocardial infarction at age 60, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, gastro-esophageal reflux, hypertension, recurrent major depressive disorder with a history of a suicide attempt, heavy alcohol and tobacco abuse, and Alzheimer dementia (initially diagnosed at age 72 with superimposed frontal lobe damage from prior alcohol use). Hyperlipidemia was first diagnosed at age 34, although his wife noted that he had Achilles tendon xanthomas and arcus senilis since age 22 (when they first met). He had been tried on multiple medications (he could not recall exact names) and ultimately underwent ileal bypass surgery at age 41 for treatment. The ileal bypass was reversed at age 60 because of multiple episodes of intestinal obstruction. At age 66, he was …

Gallstone ileus after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Abstract Background Gallstone ileus is caused by the exit of a gallstone from the gallbladder or bile duct into the small intestine, resulting in bowel obstruction if this stone becomes lodged in a small bowel loop. Clinical case The case is presented of a 78 year-old woman with an episode of intestinal obstruction. After studying the main cause of the obstruction, it was decided to perform a laparotomy where a gallstone located in the terminal ileum was causing the obstruction. No fistula was observed between the gallbladder and the bile duct and the intestinal tract. It is important to note the history of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed a few months earlier, as it would probably be the cause of the passage of the gallstone to the small bowel. Conclusion Few reports of gallstone ileus have been described in the literature after performing an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In these cases, the intestinal obstruction usually occurs several months after the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, so the diagnosis is often delayed. Surgery is usually the definitive treatment and it consists of the removal the stone by enterotomy and performing a cholecystectomy. Biliary enteric fistula repair is not necessary since this does not form.

Skip segment Hirschsprung's disease in a patient with Shah-Waardenburg Syndrome

Abstract Introduction We present a new case of Skip segment Hirschsprung's disease (SSHD) associated to Waardenburg's syndrome, in a patient with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA). Even though there are more than 30 cases reported in the literature, SSHD's existence is controversial, due to the fact that there is not clear embriological theory to explain this phenomenon. Case report 20 months-old male patient, that at four days-old had a temporary ileostomy because of an episode of intestinal obstruction. A microileum and right microcolon was observed at the moment of surgery. Biopsies of the ileum and microcolon confirmed the aganglionism. At four months-old definitive surgery was performed according to Boley's procedure. Hystopathological study of the surgical piece showed absence of ganglion cells in cecum and ascending colon (SSHD). The postoperatory has been favorable. A mutation in SOX10 gen was objectified in the molecular study, that confirmed the Shah Waardenburg syndrome. Discussion Most of cases of SSHD were observed in patients with TCA, as in our case. These patients usually need a temporary stoma before the definitive surgery. We think that the only way to discover SSHD cases is to make extended biopsies in left, transverse and right colon, and in ileum, while performing the ileostomy or in the definitve surgery. Conclusion SSHD must be included as a new phenotype in Hirschsprung spectrum. Preservation of these intestinal segments can improve intestinal function, specially in patients with TCA.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the terminal ileum, synchronous

Abstract Background Among the rarest types of cancer found are the small intestine malignancies, representing only 2% of all gastrointestinal cancer and 0.1–0.3% of all malignancies. The most common subtype of this tumour is the adenocarcinoma, which is located mainly in the duodenum, jejunum and, rarely, in ileum. Clinical case A 75-year-old male, with no surgical history, who in the previous three months, referred to two clinical episodes of partial bowel obstruction and unquantified weight loss. When admitted into the surgical service, the patient referred to a partial bowel obstruction of more than one-week onset. A laparotomy was performed, finding three stenosis rings at the ileum end portion, carrying out an intestinal resection and enteral-enteral anastomosis. On the seventh day there was dehiscence of the anastomosis and abdominal sepsis. New surgery was performed with the resection of the intestinal anastomosis and an ileostomy. The pathologist report indicated a small bowel adenocarcinoma moderately differentiated, ulcerated, and multifocal. It was classified as stage III or T3N1M0. The patient progress was satisfactorily managed as outpatient with postoperative chemotherapy with five fluorouracil and cisplatin. The patient died a year later due to liver metastases. Conclusions Due to the extreme rarity of the case, it is very likely that general surgeons may find one or two cases of adenocarcinoma of the ileum in their professional career. Thus, they must suspect this pathology when faced with an episode of intestinal obstruction in the adult.

Intestinal occlusion due to cryptogenic, multifocal, ulcerous, stenosing enteritis treated by laparoscopy

Background: Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis (CMUSE) is characterized by stenotic zones and multiple mucosal ulcerations in the small bowel. The diagnosis is clinical and histopathological based on the history of periodic attacks of intestinal obstruction, vomiting and abdominal pain. According to our knowledge, this is the only report of treatment of CMUSE via laparoscopy. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old man arrived to the emergency room with intense colicky pain initiated 24 hours before arrival, accompanied by nausea, gastrobiliary vomiting, constipation and inability to pass flatus. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, generalized abdominal tenderness to palpation, peristalsis with metallic tone, no signs of peritoneal irritation, and extremities with mild edema. Laboratory exams showed hyperglycemia, hyponatremia and hypoalbuminemia. Plain abdominal X rays reveled dilated loops of small bowel and fluid levels mainly on the left hemiabdomen, suggesting mechanical ileus. No evidence of free air in the abdomen was found. Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement was initiated and a nasogastric tube was inserted for decompression. Medical management failed to improve the symptoms after 24 hours, so an exploratory laparotomy was performed. The affected segment was resected laparoscopically. Pathology reported multiple sites of ulceration concerning the mucosae and submucosae, myenteric plexus hypertrophy and pseudo pyloric gland metaplasia. Multiple eosinophils and neutrophils were detected. Patient was discharged from the hospital on the fifth postoperative day and started with prednisolone 30mg/day for 3 months. Three years after he has not had any other episode of intestinal obstruction. Conclusion: Diagnosis of CMUSE must be considered in cases of repeated attacks of small bowel obstruction and when stenotic areas and superficial ulcers are found. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered in patients with repeated attacks of intestinal obstruction and in whom CMUSE is suspected because it permits a diagnosis and resection of the affected segments with the advantages on the minimal invasive surgery.

Diagnostic Dilemma of a Rare, Giant Retroperitoneal Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Schwannoma is a benign tumour of peripheral nerve sheath. It usually arises from head, neck, and trunk. Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare entity, accounting for only 0.3–3% of total schwannomas. Majority of retroperitoneal schwannomas reported in literature have a diameter of 5 to 15 cm. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to low frequency, nonspecific clinical course, and nonspecific imaging features. Histology usually provides definitive diagnosis. Schwannomas are solitary, well-circumscribed, and noninvasive, so complete surgical excision provides good result. We report a case of a 23-year-old male, who presented with progressive abdominal distension and intermittent episodes of intestinal obstruction. CECT was suggestive of huge solid-cystic mass in abdominopelvic region. Image guided percutaneous aspiration revealed around 1 litre of frank pus and FNAC was suggestive of abscess. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large 32 × 28 × 26 cm mass with solid and cystic components containing 1 litre of pus. Histological features of tumour were suggestive of benign schwannoma and immunohistochemistry for S-100 was positive. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. We report this case of a retroperitoneal schwannoma because of giant size, rare location, unusual presentation, and diagnostic dilemma.