Large Perforation Research Articles

Over-the-scope Technique for Partially Covered Self-expandable Metal Stent Placement to Treat Duodenal Perforation during EUS

Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is generally safe, duodenal perforation may occur during the procedure. When the iatrogenic break is wide, endoscopic positioning of a covered self- expandable metal stent is indicated to avoid a more invasive surgical approach. We evaluated the efficacy of the 'over-the-scope stenting' (OTSS) technique to treat iatrogenic duodenal perforations occurred during EUS. Data of patients with large iatrogenic duodenal perforations treated with OTSS procedure were collected in 5 centers. Technical success was defined as a correct stent placement on the perforation site, and clinical success as complete healing of the duodenal leak at stent removal 3 weeks later. A total of 15 (7 males; median age: 78 years, range 47-91) patients were included in this series. A correct stent positioning was achieved in all cases (technical success: 100%), and the perforation was healed in all, apart from one patient at stent removal (clinical success: 93%). This patient was successfully treated with a novel stent placement. No immediate post-procedural adverse events occurred, and no need for emergency surgery was recorded. In one (6.7%) patient, stent migration occurred 10 days after positioning, and it was spontaneously expulsed with stool movement without complications two days later. Our data showed that the OTTS technique for partially covered self-expandable metal stent placement is feasible, safe and effective to tread large iatrogenic duodenal perforation occuring during EUS.

Three‐dimensional visualization experimental study on proppant transportation and placement in the Hi‐way channel hydraulic fracturing technique

AbstractThe pattern of placement of the proppant in the fracture determines the stimulation and success of the surgery. Using a three‐dimensional visual parallel plate fracture model capable of simulating fracture height, length, and variable fracture width, we experimentally investigate the impact of fiber loading, fracture fluid viscosity, sand concentration, pulse time, perforation pattern, and injection rate on proppant transport, placement pattern, and access rate. Experimentally and visually, the migration process and the morphology of the proppant placement in the fracture were assessed. The formation laws of stable support columns and well‐shaped high conductivity fracture channels in fractures have been elucidated. Experimental results show that increasing the fiber concentration improves the channel rate and the proppant mass is large and stable. The channel rate increases with the viscosity of the fracturing fluid, and it is difficult to form a perfect channel when the viscosity is small. If the constructive displacement is too slight or too large, it will not favor the formation of a Hi‐way channel in the fracture. The optimal design displacement is 4.5 m3/min. When the proppant concentration is low, the passage rate is large, but the stability of proppant mass is poor under the scour of large displacement, the conductivity is low under the high closure pressure, the proppant concentration is too high, the suspension is difficult, the settlement rate is large, and it is difficult to form a large passage. The current column and the passage rate are larger for pulse times of 15–20 s. Cluster perforations are better than large continuous perforations. The higher the number of clusters in the same number of holes, the higher the channel rate. The formation laws of stable support pillars and well‐shaped high conductivity fracture channels in fractures have been elucidated, which can be useful for efficient stimulation of oil and gas reservoirs.

The Accuracy of Different Modalities Used for Preoperative Primary Tumour Localisation in Operated Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Aim Colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis areroutine pre-operative assessment tools in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. There have been some discrepancies regarding the location of cancer when seen by colonoscopy versus CT scan. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of a colonoscopy with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast, which is done routinely before surgery to localise the exact site of the tumour within the large bowel, whilst comparing both to the operative, grossand histopathology findings of the exact location. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on 165 colorectal cancer patients operated on between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, using electronic hospital records that were reviewed anonymously, comparing the location of cancer within the large bowels as was found on colonoscopy and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast, comparing both to post-operative histopathology specimen or intra-operative assessment in cases where no resection of the primary tumour was performed. Results CT and colonoscopy were both accurate in diagnosing 70.5% of cases that had done both investigations pre-operatively. The best results were obtained when the cancer was located in the caecum as confirmed post-operatively; the combined accuracy rate was 100%. CT was accurate, whilst colonoscopy was not in eight (6.2%)cases (all are rectal or sigmoid cancers), andcolonoscopy was accurate and CT was not in 12 cases, 10 of them were rectal and two were ascending colonic. Colonoscopy was not performed in 36 (21%)cases for a variety of reasons, including large bowel obstruction or perforation on presentation. In 32 of these cases, CT scan managed to accurately predict the location of cancer (mostly rectal and caecal), and CT scan was inaccurate in 20.6% of cases (34 out of 165), whilst colonoscopy was inaccurate in 13.9% of cases (18 out of 129). Conclusion Colonoscopy is more accurate in localising colorectal cancers than CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast. CT scan diagnoses regional and distant spread of colorectal cancers such as nodal status, invasion of neighbouring organsand/or peritoneum and the presence of liver metastases, whilst colonoscopy is limited to intraluminal diagnosis but can be both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, with higher accuracy, in general, in localising colorectal cancers. Both CT scan and colonoscopy were equal in appendicular, caecal, splenic flexureand descending colon cancerlocalisation accuracy.

One-Month Postoperative Reentry for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation After a Large Sinus Membrane Perforation: A Retrospective Clinical and Radiographic Analysis.

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a shortened protocol (using a lateral approach) for early surgical reentry, following a large sinus membrane perforation that occurred during maxillary sinus augmentation (lateral approach), for the rehabilitation of patients with an atrophic posterior maxilla. Between May 2015 and October 2020, seven patients underwent reentry surgery using a lateral approach protocol 1 month after a large sinus membrane perforation during maxillary sinus floor augmentation with lateral approach surgery. All patients presented a residual under-sinus bone height < 3 mm in the posterior maxilla. The sinus membrane was elevated during the reentry surgery, without any difficulty for any patient, using manual blunt elevators or piezoelectric devices, and the sinus floor height was augmented with bone substitute particles. No further perforations were made, and no complications were recorded during the follow-up period from 18 months to 6 years. The 1-month waiting period after the initial sinus surgery allows easy sinus membrane elevation and a lack of complications. This timing could be a feasible option for surgical reentry after a large sinus membrane perforation occurs. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2023;43:241-246. doi: 10.11607/prd.6463.

Abstract Number ‐ 133: Intraventricular Pseudoaneurysm embolization in Moyamoya disease with NBCA

Introduction Moyamoya is a chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive steno‐occlusion of intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and their proximal branches (ACA, MCA) with development of hypertrophied collateralizing perforators. [1] Affected adults can suffer intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH) from ruptures of hypertrophic collaterals in some cases with formation of a pseudoaneurysm. [2,3] Pseudoaneurysms can be treated conservatively, by microsurgical clipping or endovascular embolization). Endovascular therapy allows easier reach and multiple treatment modalities (coiling, liquid embolization). [4‐7] Methods We present the case of a 44 year old male with Moyamoya disease who suffered a large IVH. Results The patient was brought to the ED after becoming unresponsive. A CT head showed diffuse subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage. CTA revealed extensive Moyamoya disease with prominent hypertrophied ICA‐MCA perforator collaterals and irregular appearance of a right basal ganglia perforator, concerning for pseudoaneurysm. DSA showeda 4.2×3.3 mm pseudoaneurysm of a large hypertrophied perforator originating from the right ICA. A Magic 1.2 microcatheter was used over a 0.007” Hybrid microwire (both Balt, Montmorency, FR) to cannulate the perforator. A mixture of 3 cc of Lipiodol and 1 cc of n‐BCA (N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate) was injected in the aneurysm with care taken to avoid reflux into in the normal‐appearing portion of the vessel. The aneurysm was excluded from the circulation and post‐operative cone beam CT showed no evidence of large infarction or new intracranial bleeding. After several weeks of neurointensive care, the patient was discharged to rehab. Image description: A. CTA of the head demonstrating diffuse intraventricular hemorrhage (stars) and a spot sign in the territory of the right perforator collaterals concerning for aneurysm. B. DSA of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) demonstrating classic findings of moyamoya disease and a pseudoaneurysm (arrow) at the level of ahypertrophiedICA‐middle cerebral artery perforator collateral. C. Single shot X Ray of the glue cast within the aneurysm and adjacent portions of the vessel. The microcatheter tip is seen at the proximal end of the cast. D. Right ICA DSA after removal of the microcatheter demonstrates exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation and sparing of adjacent perforator collaterals. Conclusions This abstract illustrates a rare case of pseudoaneurysm formation after rupture of a hypertrophied perforator collateral in a case of severe moyamoya disease. Treatment of these lesions should aim to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation and to preserve as much perforator as possible as these vessels supply normal parench This abstract illustrates a rare case of pseudoaneurysm formation after rupture of a hypertrophied perforator collateral in a case of severe Moyamoya disease. Treatment of these lesions should aim to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation and to preserve as much perforator as possible as these vessels supply normal parenchyma.

Encountering Peritoneo-Cutaneous Perforators in Microsurgical DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

The vascular anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been well studied in the planning for autologous breast reconstruction. Preoperative imaging with computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides accurate assessment of this vascular anatomy, which varies widely across patients. Several papers to date have described their encounter with an anomalous "epiperitoneal" or "peritoneo-cutaneous" perforator during flap harvest, a perforator that pierces the posterior rectus sheath from a peritoneal origin, to traverse rectus abdominis and supply the DIEP flap integument. In the course of over 3,000 CTA assessments of the vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall, we have encountered dominant peritoneo-cutaneous perforators in 1% of cases, and smaller perforators seen in many more cases, approaching 5% of cases. With increasing sensitivity of imaging, we also describe a unique case of multiple large bilateral peritoneo-cutaneous perforators, and present these findings in the context of DIEP flap harvest. It is critical to recognize these peritoneo-cutaneous perforators preoperatively to avoid mistaking them for a DIEP during the raising of a DIEP flap. The routine use of preoperative CTA enables the safe identification of individual vascular anatomy, including significant peritoneo-cutaneous perforators.

Comparison of the underlay and over-underlay tympanoplasty: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

We aimed to compare the graft success rate and hearing outcomes in patients with large tympanic membrane (TM) perforation in underlay and over-underlay approaches. This is a prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a parallel design. Patients aged 15-75 years old with large TM perforation (more than 50% of TM) who operated at Khalili hospital affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Science, Iran, were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were recent otorrhea, revision surgery, and pathologic intraoperative findings such as the presence of cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, ear canal polyp, or damaged ossicle. In the first group, the underlay method and in the second group over-underlay method were performed. Graft success rate, atelectasis, and audiology outcomes were evaluated after 6months. The investigation was conducted on 84 patients in the underlay and 67 patients in the over-underlay group. Although there was a higher rate of graft failure (9%) in the over-underlay group in comparison with the underlay group (4.8%), the difference was not statistically significant (p-value=.34). No atelectasis was seen in both group. Although, between-groups comparison of the preoperative and postoperative speech reception thresholds (SRT) and air-bone gaps (ABG) values showed statistically significantly lower SRT and ABG in the over-underlay technique, the difference was clinically negligible. Both techniques provide the same graft success rate, but SRT and ABG were significantly lower in the over-underlay technique after the operation. 1b.

Antimicrobial Peptide Mastoparan-AF Kills Multi-Antibiotic Resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 via Multiple Membrane Disruption Patterns and Likely by Adopting 3–11 Amphipathic Helices to Favor Membrane Interaction

We investigated the antimicrobial activity and membrane disruption modes of the antimicrobial peptide mastoparan-AF against hemolytic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Based on the physicochemical properties, mastoparan-AF may potentially adopt a 3-11 amphipathic helix-type structure, with five to seven nonpolar or hydrophobic amino acid residues forming the hydrophobic face. E. coli O157:H7 and two diarrheagenic E. coli veterinary clinical isolates, which are highly resistant to multiple antibiotics, are sensitive to mastoparan-AF, with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) ranging from 16 to 32 μg mL-1 for E. coli O157:H7 and four to eight μg mL-1 for the latter two isolates. Mastoparan-AF treatment, which correlates proportionally with membrane permeabilization of the bacteria, may lead to abnormal dents, large perforations or full opening at apical ends (hollow tubes), vesicle budding, and membrane corrugation and invagination forming irregular pits or pores on E. coli O157:H7 surface. In addition, mRNAs of prepromastoparan-AF and prepromastoparan-B share a 5'-poly(A) leader sequence at the 5'-UTR known for the advantage in cap-independent translation. This is the first report about the 3-11 amphipathic helix structure of mastoparans to facilitate membrane interaction. Mastoparan-AF could potentially be employed to combat multiple antibiotic-resistant hemolytic E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic E. coli.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty for Large Perforations: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in South Korea.

Endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) provides minimally invasive transcanal access to the middle ear and improves middle ear visibility for the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. However, the literature on surgical outcomes for large TM perforations is lacking and limited to small series. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of ET for large TM perforations. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at nine tertiary referral hospitals in South Korea, where 252 patients who underwent ET as primary surgery from September 2019 to August 2021 were included. The outcome measures included the graft success rate and pre- and postoperative audiometric data. In 239 patients, the graft success rate of ET for large or subtotal perforations was 86.2% (206 patients), while the graft failure rate was 13.8% (33 patients). The graft failure rate was directly correlated with surgical techniques, including overlay and medial or lateral underlay tympanoplasty (P=0.027). Lateral underlay tympanoplasty showed the most favorable. Sex, laterality, etiology, site and size of perforation, operation time, and graft materials did not vary significantly between the graft success and failure groups (P>0.05). The mean air-bone gap (ABG) improved significantly in both groups (graft success group: 10.0±0.6 dB and graft failure group: 7.7±0.3 dB; P<0.001). However, the ABG improvement did not significantly differ between the groups. Analysis of covariance revealed that the postoperative 500-Hz bone conduction threshold improved after successful ET (adjusted coefficient, -11.351; 95% confidence interval, -21.491 to -1.212; P=0.028). This study involved the largest population to date of large TM perforations treated by ET. The study findings suggest that ET is feasible and effective in treating large TM perforations.

Successful omental patch for huge colonic perforation using regraspable clip.

A 79-year-old woman with a 20-mm early-stage colorectal cancer of the ascending colon underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A novel complete closure using a regraspable clip (Sureclip; Micro-Tech Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China) ([Fig. 1]) was applied for a large perforation that occurred during procedure.

Twin-grasper assisted mucosal inverted closure achieves complete healing of large perforations after gastric endoscopic full-thickness resection.

This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of a novel twin-grasper assisted mucosal inverted closure (TAMIC) technique for large perforations after gastricendoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) in a porcine model. Iatrogenic large perforations of the stomach were created and closed by an experienced endoscopist using the TAMIC technique in 12 pigs. Repeat gastroscopy was performed in 4 weeks after surgery to examine the wound sites and then the animals were killed. The primary outcomes were the successful TAMIC closure rate and the complete healing rate. Secondary end points included procedure time of TAMIC, complete inverted healing rate, delayed bleeding rate, and postsurgery perforation. Histologies of the wounds were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining. The median size of the defects was 3.5 (range 2.5-4.5) cm. TAMIC was successfully performed in all the 12 pigs. Complete healing was achieved in 11 pigs 4 weeks after operation as one pig died postsurgery due to severe pneumonia. The median procedure time for TAMIC was 39 (range 23-81) min. The complete inverted healing rate was 45.5% (5/11). No delayed bleeding or postsurgery perforation was observed. Histologic analyses showed that both the epithelium and muscularis mucosae layers were appropriately connected under inverted healing. Twin-grasper assisted mucosal inverted closure is feasible and safe for closure of large perforations after gastric EFTR and could be a propagable and promising technique for clinical practice.

Delayed Aortic Valve Perforation Caused by Blunt Trauma.

Traumatic aortic regurgitation (AR) is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma. We described the case of a 35-year-old male who presented to our hospital with shortness of breath 7 years after sustaining blunt chest trauma associated with a motorcycle accident. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram detected severe AR with two separate jets. The patient was diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to severe AR, and surgical aortic valve replacement was performed. A large perforation of the right coronary cusp likely sustained during the initial blunt chest trauma injury was confirmed surgically. As AR caused by blunt chest trauma can gradually worsen, it is necessary to confirm if there is a history of trauma in patients with severe AR of unknown origin.

CTX-009 (ABL001), a bispecific antibody targeting DLL4 and VEGF A, in combination with paclitaxel in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC): A phase 2 study.

540 Background: CTX-009 is a novel bispecific antibody that simultaneously inhibits Delta-like ligand 4/Notch-1 (DLL4) and VEGF A, two signaling molecules which play an important role in angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. DLL4 is induced by VEGF and acts to the downstream of VEGF, and synergistic effect for dual blockade of both DLL4 and VEGF was evaluated in preclinical models. A phase 1b study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of CTX-009 in combination with paclitaxel or irinotecan in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors. Encouraging results in the Phase 1b in BTC pts, including two durable Partial Responses (PRs) out of 3 pts, prompted the expansion of the study to include a Phase 2 cohort in which BTC pts are treated in 2L or 3L setting. We present preliminary results from this Phase 2 study. Methods: This open-label, multi-center, single-arm Phase 2 study investigated pts with unresectable advanced, metastatic or recurrent BTC in advanced 2L or 3L setting. Eligible pts were treated with CTX-009 (10 mg/kg IV biweekly) in combination with paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 IV on Day 1, 8, 15 q4-weekly). The primary objective was to assess the objective response rate (ORR) based on RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included time to treatment failure (TTF), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Overall, 24 pts have been enrolled (IHCC: 9, EHCC: 3, GB: 7, AoV: 5) and as of the data cut-off date (August 12, 2022), the median follow-up duration was 11.8 months (m) (range: 1.6-16.4) and 3 pts remained on treatment. 11 pts were treated in 2L and 13 pts treated in 3L. There were 9 confirmed PRs by investigator’s assessment and ORR was 37.5% (95% CI: 18.8-59.4; 2L: 63.6%, 3L: 15.4%). Median DOR and PFS were 9.4 m (95% CI: 3.5–NE) and 9.4 m (95% CI: 5.4-11.1), respectively. Median TTF was 5.9 m (95% CI: 3.9-9.8) and median OS has not been reached (95% CI: 11.0–NE); the OS rate at 12 m was 53.0% (95% CI: 29.8–71.7). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade were reported in 100% of pts and TRAEs of ≥ grade 3 were reported in 75% of pts (including one grade 5 pneumonia). The most frequent TRAEs of ≥ grade 3 were neutropenia (50.0%), hypertension (16.7%), anemia (12.5%), and thrombocytopenia (8.3%). Six pts (25.0%) experienced treatment-emergent AEs (confusional state, pulmonary embolism, blood creatinine increased, pneumonia, biliary fistula, and large intestine perforation) that led to discontinuation of the study treatment. Conclusions: This Phase 2 study has shown promising efficacy in BTC pts treated in 2L or 3L setting. TRAE rate based on mode of action was high, but DLL4/VEGF targeting in BTC has a potential of development. Further investigation of safety and efficacy of this regimen is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT04492033 .

A novel endoscopic clip for closing a large perforating wound in a patient undergoing endoscopic full-thickness resection.

The through-the-scope twin clip (Micro-Tech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, China), also called a dual action tissue clip, was first reported by us [1] [2]. The clip can pass directly through the working channel of the endoscope to close the wound and is convenient and quick to use. To our knowledge, this was the first time that through-the-scope twin clips were used to close a large perforation in a patient with a submucosal tumor.

Absent stapedius muscle, tendon and pyramid – An anomaly revisited

Congenital absence of stapedius is an exquisite entity, with an incidence of 0.5% and very few cases reported in live patients. We herein report a case of a middle-aged female presented with bilateral ear discharge and decreased hearing for more than a year, which, on examination, showed a large central perforation bilaterally, and an audiogram preoperatively revealed an average hearing loss of 45 dB and air-bone gap of 35dB bilaterally. Right endoscopic type I tympanoplasty was done, which unveiled absent stapedius muscle, tendon, and pyramid on the right side. The absent stapedius should circumspect the operating surgeon to look for other associated anomalies such as tympanosclerosis, fixed footplate and aberrant course of the facial nerve.

Endoscopic 270° subannular flap tympanoplasty: A case report

Tympanoplasty performed using 270 degree subannular flap has shown better success rates. This technique is quite useful for large subtotal tympanic membrane perforations. This case report has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of performing this difficult surgical technique endoscopically and thus avoiding a post auricular scar and reducing morbidity to the patient.

Negative Outcome of Temporalis Fascia Graft in Tympanoplasty with Excessive Bleeding: A Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Non-autologous graft materials hold promise for tympanic membrane (TM) perforation closure. In the present manuscript, we aimed to evaluate the influence of clinical and surgical (i.e., graft materials) characteristics on tympanoplasty outcome in chronic otitis media (COM). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and surgical characteristics of COM patients with TM perforation treated with tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. Univariate and multivariate appropriate tests were applied. Results: We used xenograft (porcine submucosal collagen) in 163 patients, and temporalis fascia in 210. The mean follow-up time was 37.2 months. Postoperative TM perforation (i.e., negative outcome) was detected in 11.6% of cases with xenograft, and in 12.8% with temporalis fascia. Performing uni- and multivariate analysis, we determined that large (three or all quadrants) TM perforation (p = 0.04) and moderate-to-severe intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.03) were independent prognostic factors of negative outcome. Considering the 197 patients with moderate-to-severe intraoperative bleeding, we disclosed that the use of temporalis fascia (p = 0.03) was an independent risk factor of postoperative TM perforation. Conclusions: According to our results, large TM perforation and moderate-to-severe intraoperative bleeding were independent prognostic factors of negative outcome in adult COM patients treated with tympanoplasty. In the sub-group of COM patients with excessive intraoperative bleeding, use of temporalis fascia was associated with negative outcome; these patients could benefit from xenograft materials. These findings should be tested in large randomized clinical trials.

Healing large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Using Vaseline Gauze and Gelfoam Patching Alone.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaseline gauze (VG) patching on the treatment of large traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane (TM). 90 patients with traumatic perforation larger than 25% of the TM were randomly allocated into the control group of observation only, VG group, and Gelfoam patch alone group. The closure rate and closure time among the 3 groups were compared at 3 months. In total, 82 large traumatic perforations were analyzed in this study. The closure rates in the control, VG, and gelfoam patch groups were 84.6%, 100.0%, and 89.3%, respectively (P = 0.637). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the difference between the control and VG groups was significant (P = 0.047), but the difference wasn't significant between gelfoam alone and control groups (P = 0.699) or VG groups (P = 0.236). The mean closure times were 5.41 ± 1.47, 2.14 ± 0.93, and 3.00 ± 0.62 weeks for the control, VG, and gelfoam patch groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the difference was significant between the control and VG groups (P < 0.001) or gelfoam alone group (P < 0.001) or VG and gelfoam groups (P < 0.05). VG improved the closure rate and shortened the closure time compared with observation only, which could be an effective patch material for repairing traumatic lager perforations in the outpatient setting, which is readily available and convenient.

Large Bowel Perforation in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A South African Perspective.

Large bowel perforation (LBP) occurs in up to 10% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and is a potential surgical emergency. Data on LBP in CRC patients from resource-limited countries are required to improve the management of this condition in these settings. Our study aimed to describe LBP amongst CRC patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This was a descriptive sub-analysis of LBP data from an ongoing CRC registry. This study explores free and contained perforations and describes LBP characteristics, surgical management, histological findings, overall survival, and CRC recurrence. Ninety-four out of 2523 CRC patients had LBP (3.7%). The median age was 53.0 years (interquartile range: 43.0-64.0). The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. Thirty-three patients (35.1%) had a coexisting bowel obstruction. Tumor site perforations occurred in 87 patients (92.6%) and were mostly in the sigmoid colon (36.2%). Perforations were contained in 77 patients (81.9%). Eighty-nine patients (94.7%) underwent resection (elective resection: 76/89 patients, 85.4%). The post-operative inpatient mortality rate was 2.2%. Most patients had Stage III CRC (46 patients, 48.9%) and moderately differentiated tumors (77 patients, 81.9%). Overall survival at 12 months following CRC diagnosis was 55.4%. The early recurrence rate for CRC disease was 5.4%. Tumor site perforations predominated, and most were contained. Patients were younger when compared with the international literature. We reaffirm that diastatic-free and contained perforations are two distinct clinical entities.

Main factors determining the use of free MS-TRAM and DIEP flaps and comparing the results of breast reconstruction

This study aimed to compare the results of free MS-TRAM and DIEP-flap based on the volume of the transplant and the unique characteristics of blood flow in the tissues. The study included 83 patients, 42 in the MS-TRAM-flap reconstruction group and 41 in the DIEP-flap breast reconstruction group. In the MS-TRAM-flap group, 35 patients received delayed reconstruction, and 7 received one-stage breast reconstruction, including one case of bilateral transplantation. In the DIEP-flap group, 5 patients received one-stage reconstruction, and 36 received delayed reconstruction. Complications associated with the flap tissue were observed in 7 (16.67%) in the MS-TRAM-flap group and 8 (19.51%) cases in the DIEP-flap group. The total level of fat necrosis in MS-TRAM-flap was 7.14% (p=0.033), and in DIEP-flap, it was 9.75% (p=0.039) (2 patients had a substantial amount of fat necrosis, while 2 patients had a modest amount of focal fat necrosis). The number and diameter of perforators (including veins), as well as the transplant volume, are the primary determinants of whether to use a DIEP- or MS-TRAM-flap. DIEP-flap is preferred if there are 1-2 large artery perforators (≥1 mm) and tissue volume of 700-800 grams, while MS-TRAM-flap is used when the tissue volume is significant (>2/3 of standard TRAM-flap).