Extrinsic Obstruction Research Articles

Penoscrotal elephantiasis after treatment of prostate cancer: A case report

Penoscrotal elephantiasis (EPS) is a terminal state of lymphoedema defined by a progressive histopathological state characterized by chronic inflammatory fibromatosis of the subdermal and dermal connective tissue caused by lymphatic and venous stasis. Its clinical appearance is typical of an increase, sometimes considerable, in the volume of the external genital organs, which can lead to an unaesthetic appearance, a sexual impact, and psychological distress. The etiology can be primary or secondary to a parasitic disease (filariasis) or intrinsic or extrinsic lymphatic obstruction. Genital lymphedema may affect after cancer treatment and prostate cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in men, making it crucial to consider any complications that may occur following its treatment. We present a case of one patient, a 74-year-old man from Morocco, who underwent surgery two years ago for radical prostatectomy supplemented by radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The evolution was marked by an increase in scrotal size, with sexual and psychic prejudice. The Clinical examination revealed penoscrotal elephantiasis respecting the glans penis and both lower limbs. The diagnostic is clinical and etiological research requires specific complementary examinations, depending on the circumstances. Probably for this case, the penoscrotal elephantiasis was secondary to radical prostatectomy and/or post-radiotherapy.The patient was scheduled for surgical treatment involving en bloc resection of the elephantiasis scrotum, and immediate reconstruction after completely freeing the two testicles. The affected penile skin was also resected and replaced with a skin graft. The aesthetic and functional outcome was good with a follow-up of 7 months.

Predictors of symptom recurrence and survival in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction treated with self-expanding metal stents.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) poses a substantial symptomatic burden. While various therapeutic options exist, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are a common palliative choice for patients who are ineligible for surgery. We studied SEMS outcomes to identify factors influencing stent dysfunction and patient survival. A multi-centre, retrospective review of 190 patients with GOO undergoing SEMS at three tertiary hospitals was performed over 2016-2022. Technical success, clinical success and adverse outcomes were recorded. Predictors of stent dysfunction and survival were evaluated using multivariate regression. Technical success was achieved in 186/190 (97.9%) and clinical success in 156/186 (83.9%), defined as post-procedural gastric outlet obstruction symptom score (GOOSS) ≥2. Eighty-two (44.1%) patients experienced an adverse event with stent occlusion the most common (23.1%). Approximately one-third (32.3%) underwent a repeat intervention. Mean stent patency time was 67 days (standard deviation=76), and median post-stent survival was 95 days (37-197). Covered and partially covered SEMS carried three times the risk of stent dysfunction compared to uncovered SEMS (odds ratio 3.06, p=0.008). Mortality predictors were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥2 (p=0.03), extrinsic outlet obstruction (p=0.05) and presence of ascites (p=<0.001). SEMS demonstrated technical and clinical success but posed a high risk of recurrence, with stent patency time falling short of survival in our cohort. With an evolving landscape of therapeutics for GOO, appropriate patient selection is paramount. Individuals with reduced performance status, extrinsic obstruction and/or ascites may be better candidates for SEMS due to more limited life expectancy. In this setting, uncovered SEMS carry the lowest risk of reintervention.

Haemodynamic significance of extrinsic outflow graft stenoses during HeartMate 3™ therapy.

The HeartMate 3 (HM3) implantable left ventricular assist device connects the left ventricle apex to the aorta via an outflow graft. Extrinsic obstruction of the graft (eOGO) is associated with serious morbidity and mortality and recently led to a Food and Drug Administration Class 1 device recall of HM3. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the haemodynamic impact of extrinsic stenoses. Computed tomography (CT) images of two retrospectively identified patients with eOGO (29 and 36% decrease in cross-sectional area, respectively, by radiological evaluation) were acquired with a novel photon-counting CT system. Numerical evaluations of haemodynamics were conducted using a high-fidelity 3D computational fluid dynamics approach on both the patient-specific graft geometries and in two virtually augmented stenotic severities and three device flows. Visual analysis identified increased velocity, pressure, and turbulent flow in the outer anterior curvature of the outflow graft; however, changes in graft pressure gradients were slight (1-9 mmHg) across the range of stenosis severities and flow rates tested. Evidence of eOGO during HM3 support and the recent device recall can provoke clinical apprehension and interventions. The haemodynamic impact of a stenosis detected visually or by quantification of cross-sectional area reduction may be difficult to predict and easily overestimated. This numerical study suggests that, for clinically encountered flow rates and stenosis severities below 61% in cross-sectional area decrease, eOGO may have low haemodynamic impact. This suggests that patients without symptoms or signs consistent with haemodynamically significant obstruction might be managed expectantly.

Robotic pyeloplasty: technological global panacea or geo-surgical nightmare?

To the Editor, Pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is a well-recognised clinical entity characterised by functionally significant impairment of drainage of urine at the level of the pelvi-ureteric junction due to extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction and is encountered both by adult and paediatric urologists alike. Management of PUJO has been surgical historically, and the gold standard has been an open Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty. [...].

Percutaneous nephrostomy catheter-related infections in patients with gynaecological cancers: a multidisciplinary algorithmic approach

Percutaneous nephrostomy catheters (PCNs) are commonly utilized in patients with gynaecological cancers due to intrinsic or extrinsic urinary obstruction. Unfortunately, these foreign medical devices may be associated with several infectious complications, including: pyelonephritis, renal abscess, and bacteraemia, which may lead to further delay of life-saving cancer therapy. To evaluate the performance of our multidisciplinary algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of PCN-related infections (PCNIs) and identify risk factors for recurrent urinary device-related infections. Patients with gynaecological cancers having PCNIs were prospectively evaluated at our institution from July 2019 to September 2021. All patients were managed by our standardized algorithm and followed-up until reinfection or routine PCN exchange. Of 100 consecutive patients with PCNIs, 74 had adequate follow-up, and were analysed in three groups according to clinical outcome: reinfection with the same organism (26%), reinfection with a different organism (23%), and no reinfection (51%). Their median age was 54 years, and the most common cancers were cervical (65%), and ovarian (19%) with 53% being metastatic. The most frequently recovered micro-organisms were Pseudomonas (32%), Enterococcus (27%), and Escherichia (24%) species. The main risk factors for recurrent PCNI with the same organism were pelvic radiation therapy (P=0.032), pelvic fistulas (P=0.014), and a PCNI with the same pathogen within the previous year (P = 0.012). Our algorithm has allowed for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment of and identification of several key risk factors for recurrent PCNIs. These results may lead to further preventive measures for these infections.

Laser ureteroscopic endopyelotomy efficacy in pyeloureteral junction stenosis

Introduction. Pyeloureteral junction stenosis (PUJS) is a condition that affects urinary drainage at level of the renal pelvis and upper ureter. It is found in approximately 1 in 500 newborns, with a higher prevalence in males (2:1 ratio). PUJS is the main cause of congenital hydronephrosis and can also be caused by other specific pathologies. Endoscopic management is the primary treatment for PUJS, particularly in cases of aperistaltic and &lt;2cm intrinsic ureteral stenosis without aberrant vessels. Aim of the study. Efficacy assessment of endoscopic retrograde incision of PUJS for urinary drainage recovery and duration of postoperatory effect. Material and methods. 5 patients were operated, from November 2022 to February 2023. Each patient has been operated by using retrograde LASER endopyelotomy method. There were excluded patients with extrinsic ureteral obstruction, defected segment more than 2 cm, massive hydronephrosis, split renal function &lt;20%, tumor in the obstruction area, high ureteral insertion, patients &lt;18 years of age. Mean follow-up time of patients is 8 weeks. Results. One month after intervention patients were recalled for investigations. There were observed way more better results in the patients with grade 1 hydronephrosis than those with grade 2 (p = 0.002). All patients at 3-month postoperative follow-up reported resolution of symptoms. Conclusions. Efficacy of LASER endopyelotomy is 99.9% in first months of the follow-up, after double J stent extraction. More follow-up time and patients are required to present more statistically significant results.

Computational Optimization of Irradiance and Fluence for Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Treatment of Patients with Malignant Central Airway Obstruction.

There are no effective treatments for patients with extrinsic malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO). In a recent clinical study, we demonstrated that interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) is a safe and potentially effective treatment for patients with extrinsic MCAO. In previous preclinical studies, we reported that a minimum light irradiance and fluence should be maintained within a significant volume of the target tumor to obtain an effective PDT response. In this paper, we present a computational approach to personalized treatment planning of light delivery in I-PDT that simultaneously optimizes the delivered irradiance and fluence using finite element method (FEM) solvers of either Comsol Multiphysics® or Dosie™ for light propagation. The FEM simulations were validated with light dosimetry measurements in a solid phantom with tissue-like optical properties. The agreement between the treatment plans generated by two FEMs was tested using typical imaging data from four patients with extrinsic MCAO treated with I-PDT. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to test the agreement between the simulation results and measurements, and between the two FEMs treatment plans. Dosie with CCC = 0.994 (95% CI, 0.953-0.996) and Comsol with CCC = 0.999 (95% CI, 0.985-0.999) showed excellent agreement with light measurements in the phantom. The CCC analysis showed very good agreement between Comsol and Dosie treatment plans for irradiance (95% CI, CCC: 0.996-0.999) and fluence (95% CI, CCC: 0.916-0.987) in using patients' data. In previous preclinical work, we demonstrated that effective I-PDT is associated with a computed light dose of ≥45 J/cm2 when the irradiance is ≥8.6 mW/cm2 (i.e., the effective rate-based light dose). In this paper, we show how to use Comsol and Dosie packages to optimize rate-based light dose, and we present Dosie's newly developed domination sub-maps method to improve the planning of the delivery of the effective rate-based light dose. We conclude that image-based treatment planning using Comsol or Dosie FEM-solvers is a valid approach to guide the light dosimetry in I-PDT of patients with MCAO.

Endoscopic fluoroscopy: A technique to diagnose disorders of intestinal rotation

Background: Intestinal malrotation with Ladds bands is the most common cause of congenital extrinsic duodenal obstruction and the gold-standard for diagnosis is Upper Gastrointestinal series (UGI). However, a subset of patients presents with symptoms of chronic partial duodenal obstruction despite normal UGI. A novel technique, termed Endoscopic Fluoroscopy (EF), for the diagnosis of Occult Intestinal Rotational Abnormalities (OIRA) may assist this patient population in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan.

Genital elephantiasis in men

Penoscrotal elephantiasis (PSE) is defined as an increase, sometimes considerable, in the volume of the external genitalia, which will be responsible for an unsightly appearance, a sexological impact and a psychological harm. The cause may be primary or secondary to a parasitic disease (filarsiosis) or to intrinsic or extrinsic lymphatic obstruction. The diagnosis is essentially clinical, with penoscrotal involvement being the most frequent. The etiological research implies the realization of certain complementary examinations according to the circumstances. Surgical treatment ideally consists of excising the mass. followed by reconstruction using grafts or local flaps of healthy skin, which is an important way of restoring comfort to the patient. We report two cases of penoscrotal elephantiasis treated surgically with good functional and aesthetic results. We update, through our own experience, aspects of the diagnostic and therapeutic care of penoscrotal elephantiasis.

Investigating the encrustation of reinforced ureteral stents by computational flow dynamic simulations

PurposeIn cases of extrinsic ureteral obstruction, obstruction due to encrustation is particularly detrimental to functioning of the stent. A thorough understanding of the causes that lead to stent encrustation is essential. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations may provide a reliable screening platform for investigating the interplay between flow processes and encrustation dynamics in stents.MethodsUsing a tailor-made program, we attempted to evaluate a number of reinforced ureteral stents by CFD simulations with an obstructed or unobstructed ureter and steady or discontinuous flow patterns to identify critical regions with abrupt changes in shape susceptible to stagnant flow and encrustation.ResultsFor the Vortek® and Urosoft stents, the longitudinal opening of the stents confirmed the presence of critical regions. No critical region was observed for the Superglide stent. CFD simulations showed that cavities formed near the critical regions represented patently stagnant flow and were potentially susceptible to the formation of encrusting deposits. Encrustations were greater in the obstructed design than in the unobstructed design. In the model with a suddenly interrupted laminar flow, the peristaltic motion resulted in new discontinuous encrustation areas scattered throughout the entire external and internal surface of the stent.ConclusionThe analysis of fluid dynamics through the tested stents confirmed that encrustations are possible in regions of stagnant flow and showed that stent models with the smoothest possible surface are preferable. The discontinuous flow model provided results that are closer to the findings observed in the clinic and should be more often integrated into CFD simulations.

Uretero-pelvic junction obstruction in children: Is vascular hitch an effective and safe solutions in very long term outcome? Report of 25 years follow-up

Vascular (VH) according to Hellstrom-Chapman technique is considered a safe and effective alternative approach to pure extrinsic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO) with good results in short and medium term, but few data are available on long and verylong term outcomes. Our aim is to evaluate VH long and very-long term outcomes in patients treated in pediatric age focusing on relapse, development of hypertension and/or inferior polar kidney hypotrophy during puberty and adulthood. From 1990 to 2015 in our Department 76 children were treated by open or laparoscopic VH for pure extrinsic-UPJO. We were able to contact 54 of 76. 41 patients (25 males, 16 females) accepted to be studied. Mean follow- up time was 12.7 years (range 6-27 years); mean age at the assessment was 22.2 years. We excluded patients who were younger than 13 (if females) or 14 (if males) at the assessment (upper limits of physiological puberty onset). Patients were followed with US, MAG-3-scan and arterial blood pressure measurement. Collected data were compared with the preoperative ones by Student t-test. 95% of US images and MAG-3-scan reports were compatible with complete resolution of obstruction with good renal functionality. 87% of patients were completely healthy. We recorded 3 cases of hypertension (7%) not secondary to renovascular origin; 2 cases with recurrent flank pain (5%) with slightly dilated pelvis at the US and sub-obstructive pattern at MAG-3-scan with preserved renal function. Our experience confirms that VH, (open/laparoscopic) is a safe and effective procedure with good outcomes at very longterm follow-up. No patients at puberty and in adulthood required reoperation or presented polar hypotrophy and related vascular hypertension. VH is an alternative approach to pure extrinsic-UPJO. There were few data about long and very-long term outcomes in patients after this kind of surgery. We followed-up 41 patients confirming that VH (open/laparoscopic) is safe and effective with good long-term outcomes.

Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles since early pregnancy: Clues to correct diagnosis.

To characterize gastrointestinal bubbles detected since early pregnancy and to describe corresponding diagnoses. A retrospective cohort review of all cases in which gastrointestinal bubbles were detected starting in early prenatal transvaginal scans at 14-17 weeks of gestation between the years 2007 and 2021. Sonographic features and data regarding associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities, and pregnancy outcome were evaluated. Bubbles were detected in 23 of 27 073 early scans and a total of 31 394 scans. Diagnosis was available in 22 cases. Transient bubbles were detected in 10 cases and represented normal peristalsis. Fixed double bubble was detected in nine cases. Double-walled double bubbles represented duodenal duplications (three cases) and esophageal duplications (two cases). Simple cysts represented duodenal atresia (three cases) and a pancreatic cyst (one case). A triple bubble represented duodenal obstruction from Ladd bands in one case. Quadribubble was detected in two cases and represented jejunal atresia. Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles can accurately diagnose physiological versus pathological upper gastrointestinal conditions. Transient bubbles are physiological. Fixed double bubbles might represent either duodenal atresia or esophageal/duodenal duplications when a double wall is demonstrated. Three or four bubbles might represent more distal intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction.

External validation of a simplified prognostic model for survival in patients with extrinsic malignant ureteral obstruction treated with tandem ureteral stents – a retrospective cohort study

Introduction Prognostic models of survival can identify patients with extrinsic malignant ureteral obstruction who will benefit from long-term drainage as offered by tandem ureteral stents. The study aims to validate a simplified prognostic model published by Cordeiro et al. and to identify additional prognostic predictors in a cohort of patients drained solely with tandem ureteral stents. Methods Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent drainage of malignant ureteral obstruction with tandem ureteral stents between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively; patients with benign ureteral obstruction were excluded. Risk factors for survival included were: [1] the number of malignancy-related events (categorized as ≥4 and <4) and [2] the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Index (categorized as ≥2 and <2)]. Patients with ≥1 risk factor were grouped as intermediate-unfavorable risk and those without risk factors as favorable risk. The Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests were used for survival analysis. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of outcome. Results The study cohort consisted of 65 patients; the median age was 60 years (IQR 51–72). The median follow-up time from diagnosis of hydronephrosis was 51 months (IQR 38–64). Estimated probabilities of survival at 1 month, 6 months 1 year, and 2 years were 100%, 87%, 75% and 57%, respectively in the favorable risk group (n = 40), and in the intermediate-unfavorable risk group (n = 25), 96%, 72%, 52%, and 20%, respectively, (p = .003). On multivariable analysis, the presence of ≥4 malignancy-related events (HR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.07–3.86], p = .03) and lung metastasis (HR = 2.37, 95% CI [1.0–5.6], p = .05) were associated with shorter survival. Conclusions Our findings validate the prognostic model published by Cordeiro et al. The model can be applied when counseling patients being considered for drainage with tandem ureteral stents.

Duodenal fistula: a rare complication secondary to retained gallstones

Background: Retained or “spilled” gallstones are common occurrences during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with a reported incidence of 5-40%. Most often they are without consequence, however they can lead to postoperative complications, most commonly abscess formation with an incidence of approximately 60%. Rare complications include erosion of the retained stone into the wall of the small bowel, which carries the potential for extrinsic duodenal obstruction or small bowel perforation. Most common symptoms of retained gallstones develop within 3-6 months after cholecystectomy, however some have been reported as many as 20 years postoperatively.

SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE OF ENDOUROLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF RETAINED DOUBLE J STENTS IN THE COVID ERA

Introduction - Since their inception in 1967, Double J (DJ) stents have been widely used for the purpose of alleviation extrinsic and intrinsic obstruction. They are used as a modality of maintaining patency as well as drainage of the urinary tract as well as to facilitate the passage of small fragments post intervention. However, delayed removal or failure of follow up may lead to complications in the form of stent encrustation, migration, fracture, stone formation, adjacent organ penetration, urinary tract infections (UTI), ureteral erosion, or fistula formation. Many of these patients remain asymptomatic for months, and such forgotten stents are detected incidentally, resulting in late presentation (2). In the COVID era however, patients who had either been stented prior to or during the pandemic were unable to get their indwelling stents removed. This was due to either fear of approaching a hospital and risking exposure to COVID or an inability to travel amidst restrictions. Our study takes into account the impact of the pandemic with regards to timely stent removal. Materials and methods – Retrospective study design, patients enrolled from a tertiary care centre. Data obtained from hospital records. The eligibility criteria included all patients above the age of 18 with a forgotten stent (&gt;6 months in situ). All records included patients from January 2021 – December 2022. Data collection was done in accordance to SCARE 2020 criteria. Results- Mean age of patients - 49.45 years. 10 patients were females (41.66%) and 14 were males (48.34%). Mean duration of the indwelling stents was 3.68 years (range 6 months to 14 years). 6 patients had formal secondary education, 13 had primary education and 5 were found to be illiterate. 12 patients were from rural India and poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Out of the total patients 6 patients were unaware of indwelling stents. 14 patients cited covid as a reason for their delay in treatment. The commonest indication is DJ stent insertion for obstructive calculi - 8 patients (33%). 7 patients had undergone PCNL (29%). 5 patients required a combination of 2 endourological procedures. 12 patients required a PCNL (50%). Cystolithotrypsy was required in 7 patients. Conclusion – 58.3% of study participants cited covid as a cause for retained DJ stents. All participants were managed endourologically.

Mechanical Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Gastroesophageal Pacemaker Lead, Solved by Assisted Laparoscopy - Case Report and Literature Review

The use of implanted medical devices such as gastric pacers to treat a great variety of diseases, has gained ground over time. Even though these devices are useful as in cases of gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux or morbid obesity, they have risks and complications that can be life threatening. Extrinsic intestinal obstruction may be caused by the lead of an abdominally implanted pacemaker, and should be considered in patients with suggestive signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction and treated promptly to avoid further damage. We present the case of a 76-year-old patient with bowel obstruction caused by the lead of a gastric pacemaker solved by laparoscopic surgery

S2027 Extrinsic Compression of the Hepatic Flexure from Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma Masquerading as Cecal Bascule

Introduction: Cecal bascules are the rarest variant of cecal volvulus that involve upward folding of the cecum, without axial twisting or sigmoid involvement. We present a case in which a patient with a hepatic flexure obstruction from extrinsic compression masqueraded as a cecal bascule on imaging. Case Description/Methods: A 66-year-old woman with history of stroke, hypertension, recent obstructive cholestasis due to choledocholithiasis requiring biliary stent placement, presented with 3 days of right sided abdominal pain, 15lb weight loss and 3 weeks of constipation with thin stools. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed dilated loops of distal small bowel and cecum that folded anteriorly and superiorly with extensive pneumatosis (Figure A), consistent with cecal bascule (type III cecal volvulus). The ascending colon was dilated up to a decompressed hepatic flexure, where nonspecific bowel wall thickening was visualized. She had a normal colonoscopy a few months prior. The patient was initially managed conservatively, however a lower gastrointestinal series showed persistent obstruction at the hepatic flexure with bird-beak appearance (Figure B). She underwent an exploratory laparotomy that discovered a mass in the right upper quadrant involving the gallbladder and liver, causing extrinsic compression of the hepatic flexure and numerous omental nodules. Biopsies confirmed metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. The patient began evaluation for cancer staging, but ultimately passed one month after diagnosis. Discussion: The development of a cecal bascule is usually attributed to an abnormally mobile cecum due to improper development and insufficient fixation of the mesentery to the posterior parietal peritoneum. A mobile cecum may also be acquired in pregnancy due to enlargement of the uterus, or after abdominal surgery such as open appendectomies which require extensive division of peritoneal attachments to the cecum. Clinical presentation can be variable with abdominal pain, distention and nausea being most common symptoms and ranging to an acute abdomen and perforation. Diagnosis of type III cecal volvulus requires CT imaging confirming a distended cecum lying anterior to ascending colon. Treatment generally involves surgical resection of the affected bowel as colonoscopic detorsion may lead to recurrence. This is a unique case of an extrinsic malignant obstruction causing a cecal bascule, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for underlying etiologies.Figure 1.: A: Cecal bascule with extensive pneumatosis on CT. B: Lower gastrointestinal series showing obstruction at hepatic flexure with bird-beak appearance.

OGILVIE SYNDROME AFTER EMERGENCY CESAREAN SECTION: A CASE REPORT

Ogilvies syndrome describes an acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) consisting of dilatation of part or all of the colon and rectum without intrinsic or extrinsic mechanical obstruction. It often occurs in debilitated patients. Its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Several theories have been incriminated: nervous, vascular, hormonal,medicinal,metabolic disorder, infectious…Since computed tomography (CT) often reveals a sharp transition or cut-off between dilated and non-dilated bowel, the possibility of organic colonic obstruction must be excluded. If there are no criteria of gravity, initial treatment should be conservative or pharmacologic using neostigmine decompression of colonic gas is also a favored treatment. Surgery should be considered only as a final option if medical treatments fail or if colonic perforation is suspected. We report a case of colonic pseudo-obstruction (or Ogilvie syndrome), after caesarean section, treated medically and by colonoscopicexsufflation.

An Unusual Cause of a Cecal “Seesaw” and Pneumatosis Intestinalis

Question: A 66-year-old woman with history of stroke, previous hernia surgery with mesh placement, and obstructive cholestasis due to choledocholithiasis presented with 3 days of right-sided abdominal pain, 15-lb weight loss over 1 month, and 3 weeks of constipation with thin stools. Colonoscopy was normal a few months prior. Her prior episode of choledocholithiasis in 2017 led to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and placement of a double pig-tail stent. She was recently admitted 1 month ago for jaundice and right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain at which time magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed severe intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary duct dilation but no liver or pancreatic lesions. The cecum was nonspecifically distended and fluid filled. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a benign-appearing intrinsic duodenal stricture felt to be related to scar tissue from the previous hernia mesh surgery. ERCP revealed an occluded biliary stent that had migrated to the major papilla and a severe burden of choledocholithiasis. The occluded stent was removed, and partial removal of stones was achieved via basket extraction. A new biliary stent was placed with a plan to follow up in 4 weeks for repeat ERCP for further stone extraction and stent removal. Before this appointment she was readmitted for worsening RUQ pain. A computed tomography scan revealed dilated loops of distal small bowel and a dilated cecum that had folded anteriorly and superiorly with extensive pneumatosis. The ascending colon was also dilated up to a decompressed hepatic flexure, where nonspecific bowel wall thickening was visualized, suggesting a transition point. No obvious mass or lesion was noted at the hepatic flexure (Figure A). Despite clinical improvement with conservative management, a lower gastrointestinal series performed a few days later showed persistent severe obstruction at the hepatic flexure with bird-beak appearance (Figure B). What is the most likely explanation for these imaging findings and how should it be managed? See the Gastroenterology website (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting to Gastro Curbside Consult. The patient’s imaging findings are consistent with cecal bascule (type III cecal volvulus). Cecal bascules are the rarest variant of cecal volvulus that involve upward folding of the cecum, without axial twisting or sigmoid involvement.1Rabinovici R. Simansky D.A. Kaplan O. et al.Cecal volvulus. Dis Colon Rectum. 1990; 33: 765-769Crossref PubMed Scopus (119) Google Scholar Bascule in French means “seesaw,” describing the pathophysiology of the cecal presentation. Surgical management was indicated given the persistent and severe hepatic flexure stricture seen on lower gastrointestinal series. Exploratory laparotomy revealed numerous omental nodules and a mass was discovered in the RUQ involving the gallbladder and liver that was causing extrinsic compression of the hepatic flexure. The largest nodule was excised and confirmed a diagnosis of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. A distal loop ileostomy was created to decompress the colon and prevent ongoing colonic obstruction. No colonic resection was necessary. The patient began cancer staging and treatment planning, but unfortunately passed 1 month after diagnosis. This is a unique case of an extrinsic malignant obstruction causing cecal bascule. The development of a cecal bascule is usually attributed to an abnormally mobile cecum due to improper development and insufficient fixation of the mesentery to the posterior parietal peritoneum. A mobile cecum may also be acquired in pregnancy due to enlargement of the uterus or after abdominal surgery, such as open appendectomies, which require extensive division of peritoneal attachments to the cecum. Clinical presentation varies with abdominal pain, distention, and nausea being the most common symptoms but can progress to an acute abdomen and perforation.2Lung B.E. Yelika S.B. Murthy A.S. et al.Cecal bascule: a systematic review of the literature.Tech Coloproctol. 2018; 22: 75-80Crossref PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar Diagnosis of type III cecal volvulus requires computed tomography imaging confirming a distended cecum lying anterior to ascending colon. Treatment generally involves surgical resection of the affected bowel because colonoscopic detorsion may lead to recurrence.3Le C.K. Nahirniak P. Qaja E. Cecal volvulus. StatPearls Publishing. StatPearls Website, 2021Google Scholar

Mirizzi syndrome: case series and literature review

Introduction: Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is defined as extrinsic obstruction of the main bile duct by a stone impacted in the cystic duct or in the infundibulum of the gallbladder. Objective: To determine the incidence and describe the management of 15 cases diagnosed in the General Hospital of Zacatecas "Luz González Cosió". Material and methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional and comparative study, age, sex, diagnostic method, surgical management are described. Results: 719 cholecystectomies were performed in a period of 3 years, 15 cases of MS were found, with an incidence of 2.07%, the diagnosis was made intraoperatively in 11 cases, 10 cases (66%) were type I, 3 cases (19.8%) type V, 1 case (6.6%) type III and 1 case (6.6%) type IV, for type I 10 cholecystectomies were performed, the other types had a specific surgical management. Conclusion: It is a complex pathology of difficult pre-surgical diagnosis. It must be treated by experienced surgeons to reduce the risk of the dreaded bile duct injury.