Persistent Leak Research Articles

Low-dose radiation therapy for massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy.

Massive chylous leakage is a rare postoperative complication that can prolong hospital stay and cause secondary morbidities. Conservative management strategies are the treatment of choice; however, radiation therapy (RT) can be used as an alternative for cases that are refractory to conservative treatment. Herein, we report a 69-year-old female patient who suffered from massive chylous leakage after subtotal gastrectomy. Due to persistent massive chylous leakage, she was scheduled to undergo low-dose RT. Radiation was delivered with a daily dose of 1 Gy, using an anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior beam arrangement. The clinical target volume encompassed the entire lymph node area of the D2 dissection. RT was completed at the total dose of 8 Gy because the amount of chylous leakage declined rapidly. Percutaneous drainage tube was removed after 3 days of RT. The patient did not complain of any symptoms related to massive chylous leakage 2 years after the completion of RT.

P 112 A case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension with bilateral subdural haemorrhages – the value of a second look

Background Intracranial hypotension is a well-known side effect of lumbar puncture. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to a persistent CSF leak is rare, fortunately. Epidural patch therapy is effective in most of the cases of SIH after exhaustion of pharmacotherapy. The accurate localisation of the CSF leak remains difficult in spite of the diagnostic means but is crucial to provide the most effective therapy. Aim To encourage repetitive diagnostic work-ups when the search for the CSF leak remained unsuccessful. Case presentation A 49-year-old woman presented in the emergency department with persistent headaches for two weeks having started occipitally, increasing with upright position. The headache had a piercing character, described as 8/10 on the visual analogue scale. The intake of NSAIDs relieved the pain only shortly. She didn’t complain about fever, vomiting or nausea. There was no history of headache in her family. In order to exclude a symptomatic headache, a lumbar puncture was performed with only a very small CSF yield. It showed only a moderate elevation of total CSF protein (80 mg/dl). A cMRI, performed an hour after the lumbar puncture, showed bilateral hygroma consistent with chronic intracranial hypotension. An MRI scan of the spine showed intraspinal extradural hygroma as well. A CT- myelography raised the suspicion of a leakage due to a thoracic osseous spur. A CSF scintigram and subsequent MRI scans did not reveal any CSF fistula. A subsequent trial with a lumbar as well as thoracic blood patch was done, the patient was discharged thereafter with an appointment for an MRI follow-up 14 days later. However, she had to show up in our emergency department the day after due to unbearable headaches and newly developed confusion. The repeated cMRI revealed progressive bilateral subdural haemorrhages and caudally shifted cerebellar tonsils. Another MRI of the cervical spine now displayed -surprisingly to us after such an extended diagnostic workup - a vast liquor leakage on the level of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae. Result We found the reason for the patient’s complaints only after several diagnostic work-ups. Conclusion In some cases of SIH, just one work-up might not be enough to identify the correct site of the CSF leakage.

A complicated urethrovaginal fistula following an inappropriate urethral diverticulum management

ObjectiveUrethral diverticulum is uncommon, therefore appropriate evaluation, preoperative planning and counseling must be done in order to make correct diagnosis and prevent complications. Materials and methodsA case of anterior vaginal wall mass was treated elsewhere by a gynecologist as periurethral cyst abscess; incision and drainage were done but a symptom of pus discharge was observed after 2 weeks. Therefore, exploration, cyst wall excision and primary closure were done though histopathological examination surprisingly confirmed the presence of urethral tissue suggestive of diverticulum. ResultsSubsequently, she developed persistent urinary leakage along with urethrovaginal fistula for which they again performed pervaginal multilayer closure. Patient was later referred to us with recurrent urethrovaginal fistula. We performed posterior urethral fistulectomy with anterior vaginal wall flap and multilayer closure. Three years follow up reveals complete recovery. ConclusionEven urethral diverticulum is a rare condition, should be kept in mind as early diagnosis and management.

Suture Choice in Lumbar Dural Closure Contributes to Variation in Leak Pressures: Experimental Model.

Open-label laboratory investigational study; non-animal surgical simulation. The authors perform a comparison of dural closure strength in a durotomy simulator across 2 different suture materials. Incidental durotomy leading to persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak adds considerable morbidity to spinal procedures, often complicating routine elective lumbar spinal procedures. Using an experimental durotomy simulation, the authors compare the strength of closure using Gore-Tex with other suture types and sizes, using various closure techniques. A comparison of dural closures was performed through an analysis of the peak pressure at which leakage occurred from a standardized durotomy closure in an established cerebrospinal fluid repair model with a premade L3 laminectomy. Nurolon was compared with Gore-Tex sutures sizes (for Gore-Tex, CV-6/5-0 and CV-5/4-0 was compared with Nurolon 4-0, 5-0, and 6-0). Thirty-six trials were performed with Nurolon 4-0, 5-0, and 6-0, whereas 21 trials were performed for 4-0 and 5-0 Gore-Tex. The mean peak pressure at which fluid leakage was observed was 21 cm H2O for Nurolon and 34 cm H2O for Gore-Tex. Irrespective of suture choice, all trials were grouped by closure technique: running suture, locked continuous, and interrupted suture. No significant difference was noted between the groups. For each of the 3 trials groups by closure technique, running, locked continuous, and interrupted, Gore-Tex closures had a significantly higher peak pressure to failure. Interrupted Gore-Tex was significantly higher than Interrupted Nurolon (P=0.007), running Gore-Tex was significantly higher than running Nurolon (P=0.034), and locked Gore-Tex was significantly higher than locked Nurolon (P=0.014). Durotomy closure in the lumbar spine with Gore-Tex suture may be a reasonable option for providing a watertight closure. In this laboratory study, Gore-Tex suture provided watertight dural closures that withstood higher peak pressures.

Preserving the Pancreas Graft: Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Duodenal Leaks in Enterically Drained Pancreas Allografts.

BackgroundDuodenal leak remains a major cause of morbidity and graft loss in pancreas transplant recipients. The role and efficacy of surgical and image-guided interventions to salvage enterically drained grafts with a duodenal leak has yet to be defined.MethodsWe investigated the incidence, treatment, and outcome of duodenal leak in 426 pancreas transplantation recipients from 2000 to 2015.ResultsDuodenal leak developed in 33 (7.8%) recipients after a median follow-up of 5.3 (range, 0.5-15.2) years. Most leaks occurred during the first year (n = 22; 67%), and most were located near the proximal and distal duodenal staple line. Graft pancreatectomy was performed in 8 patients as primary therapy because of unfavorable local and/or systemic conditions. Salvage was attempted in 25 patients using percutaneous drainage (n = 4), surgical drainage (n = 4), or surgical repair (n = 17). Percutaneous or surgical drainage failed to control the leak in 7 of these 8 patients, and all 7 ultimately required graft pancreatectomy for persistent leak and sepsis. Surgical repair salvaged 14 grafts, and 13 grafts continue to function after a median follow-up of 2.9 (range, 1.1-6.3) years after repair.ConclusionsOur study shows that in selected patients a duodenal leak can be repaired successfully and safely in enterically drained grafts.

Laryngeal Mask Ventilation During Lumbar Spine Neurosurgery in Knee-Chest Position is Feasible.

This study describes our experience with laryngeal mask (LM) inserted after anesthetic induction in patients already in knee-chest position for lumbar neurosurgery. Airway management (need for LM repositioning, orotracheal intubation because of failed LM insertion), anticipated difficult airway, and airway complications were registered. Statistics were compared between groups with the t test or the χ test, as appropriate. A total of 358 cases were reviewed from 2008 to 2013. Tracheal intubation was performed in 108 patients and LM was chosen for 250 patients (69.8%). Intubated patients had a higher mean age and rate of anticipated difficult airway; duration of surgery was longer (P<0.001, all comparisons). LM insertion and anesthetic induction proved effective in 97.2% of the LM-ventilated patients; 7 patients (2.8%) were intubated because of persistent leakage. Incidences with airway management were resolved without compromising patient safety. LM airway management during lumbar neurosurgery in knee-chest position is feasible for selected patients when the anesthetist is experienced.

MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANES TREATED WITH RANIBIZUMAB IN COLOMBIAN POPULATION

Purpose : the aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of myopic choroidal neovascular membranes of hispanic subjects treated with a loading dose of Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) Methods : This is a non-randomized prospective observational case study. Five eyes of 5 patients with naive CNV secondary to pathological myopia were recruited for the study. Demographic features, basal best-corrected visual acuity, grade of myopia, angiographic and tomographic features were obtained at baseline. A loading dose of three monthly Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) inections were given to the recruited subjects. After completion of the loading dose, a complete ophthalmological evaluation, angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were obtained subsequently at six and twelve months of follow-up. Results : The mean age of patients was 45 years. The mean spherical equivalent refractive error was -13.85. At baseline, the mean number of letters was 61.4 and at follow-up to 12 months the mean number of letters was 73.2. The central foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased in all cases. After loading dose there was no persistent nor recurrent leakage from treated CNV on fluorescein angiography. FAF evidenced an increase in the area of atrophy, with an special circle pattern around the CNV. Conclusions : This study showed a functional and morphologic improvement at 12 months in five Colombian subjects treated with a loading dose of 3 Ranibizumab monthly injection.

Evaluation of a Minimally Disruptive Treatment Protocol for Frontal Sinus Fractures

Despite common goals of frontal sinus fracture treatment (restoring forehead contour and creating a safe sinus), there remains significant variability in evaluation and treatment. To describe our experience with a minimally disruptive treatment protocol for the treatment of frontal sinus fractures. Analysis of prospectively collected data from 2010 through 2015 at a level 1 trauma center. All patients with frontal sinus fractures treated with our protocol from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients with poor follow-up and/or incomplete medical records were excluded from analysis. Presence of an aerated frontal sinus and aesthetically acceptable forehead contour. Secondary outcome measures were complications related to frontal sinus fractures. A total of 39 patients were treated under our minimally disruptive protocol, and 25 patients were included in the study; 18 (72%) were male and 7 (28%) were female. Their ages ranged from 6 to 62 years. After review, 22 patients had both clinical and radiographic follow-up. No patients underwent immediate frontal sinus repair. Five of 22 patients underwent surgery for indications other than their frontal sinus fracture: 1 of 5 patients underwent immediate surgical repair due to bilateral LeFort fractures, and 4 of 5 underwent delayed surgery due to nasal polyps (1 patient), scar revision (1 patient), and concomitant LeFort fractures (2 patients). Two of 22 patients (9%) underwent frontal sinus repair after outpatient surveillance due to persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak (1 patient) and orbital roof fracture (1 patient). The remaining 20 patients were treated nonoperatively, and 19 of 20 (95%) had spontaneous improvement in opacification and/or contour deformity. Twelve of 20 patients (60%) had improvement or resolution in both. One patient had ongoing partial opacification and deformity at the 3-month follow-up but was asymptomatic and had bony contour that was aesthetically acceptable to the patient. There were no complications. The median of all follow-up was 3 months. Frontal sinus fractures treated nonoperatively had a high rate of spontaneous ventilation and bony autoreduction with aesthetically acceptable frontal bone remodeling. There were no complications in the nonoperative group. The initial results of this study support further study of the safety and efficacy of a minimally disruptive protocol for frontal sinus fractures. 4.

Gigantinės stemplės lipomos komplikuotas chirurginis gydymas: klinikinis atvejis

Įžanga Lipoma – retas nepiktybinis stemplės navikas. Tiriant pacientus dėl nespecifinių viršutinio virškinamojo trakto ligos simptomų, reikėtų nepamiršti nepiktybinių stemplės navikų. Vaizdiniais tyrimais įtartas nepiktybinis stemplės navikas ir tiksliai nustatyta histologinė diagnozė priešoperaciniu laikotarpiu yra svarbūs veiksniai pasirenkant tinkamiausią gydymo metodą bei siekiant išvengti sudėtingesnių chirurginių procedūrų.Klinikinis atvejis Moteris, 59 metų amžiaus, buvo paguldyta į chirurgijos skyrių dėl disfagijos, trunkančios apie 1,5 mėnesio. Endoskopiškai įtartas stemplės pogleivio navikas. Atlikus krūtinės ląstos kompiuterinės tomografijos tyrimą rastas 13 cm ilgio ir 2 cm pločio, –67 Houn­sfieldo vienetų tankio intraluminalinis pogleivio darinys ant kojytės. Radiologiškai labiausiai tikėtina diagnozė buvo stemplės li­poma. Navikas pašalintas atlikus ezofagotomiją per dešinės pusės torakotominį pjūvį. Pooperaciniu laikotarpiu atlikta kontrastinė ezofagograma parodė stemplės nesandarumo požymius. Buvo atlikta retorakotomija ir stemplės defektas užsiūtas. Kartotinis ra­diologinis stemplės tyrimas parodė, kad stemplės nesandarumas išliko. Tuomet į stemplę buvo implantuotas biodegraduojantis SX-ELLA dengtas 10 cm ilgio, 31/25/31 mm išorinio skersmens stentas, kuriuo defektas stemplėje sėkmingai užgydytas.Išvados Stemplės lipoma yra retas nepiktybinis stemplės navikas, sukeliantis disfagiją. Atvira stemplės operacija yra geriausias gy­dymo būdas esant dideliems nepiktybiniams stemplės navikams. Tačiau tokios pooperacinės komplikacijos kaip stemplės nesandarumas nėra retos pacientams po atvirų stemplės operacijų, o jų gydymas sudėtingas. Biodegraduojantis stentas galėtų būti tinkamas įsisenėjusiam stemplės nesandarumui gydyti.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: Acute and intermediate-term outcomes in a high volume institution

Background: We report our experience with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis.Methods: Perioperative and intermediate-term follow-up data were retrospectively analysed. All procedures were performed within the premises of an experienced high-volume TAVI centre.Results: Tirty-three consecutive BAV patients (age 55 to 87 years) underwent TAVI. Mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) was 23,2 ± 19,3. Transapical Edwards Sapien® valve was implanted in the majority of patients (87.9 %). Nine patients (27.3 %) required post-ballooning of the implanted valve for moderate to severe paravalvular leak, 3 patients (9 %) required a second valve implantation for persistent severe paravalvular leak, and 2 (6 %) required conversion to conventional surgery. Post-operative mild aortic regurgitation (AR) was presented in 12 patients (36.4%) and AR = 2 in 3 %. No AR &gt; 2 was observed. Te device success rate according to the valve academic research consortium (VARC) criteria was 82 %. Similar BAV anatomy, calcium distribution, type and size of implanted valve were noticed in patients with and without residual AR. Tere was no thirty-day mortality. Two-year estimated survival was 70 % (CI: 52.7–93.1) and was similar in patients with and without post-procedural residual paravalvular leak.Conclusions: TAVI in BAV stenosis is feasible but, even in experienced centres, is technically more challenging and is associated with a higher rate of post-dilatation, re-valving, and conversion to conventional surgery. Results should be re-tested in light of the recent introduction of second-generation TAVI prostheses.

Predictors of Outcome in Modern Surgery for Lung Abscess.

Background Surgery for lung abscess is a challenging task. Timing and indications for surgery are not well established. Identification of predictors of outcome could help to clarify the role of surgery. Methods Patients who underwent major thoracic surgery for infectious lung abscess were identified at six centers for general thoracic surgery in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Study period was 2000 to 2016. Results There were 91 patients. Pulmonary sepsis (48), pleural empyema (43), persistent air leakage (25), acute renal failure (12), and respiratory failure with mechanical ventilation (25) were already preoperatively present. The mean Charlson index of comorbidity was 3.0 (median: 2.0; interquartile range: 3). Procedures were segmentectomy (18), lobectomy (58), and pneumonectomy (15). The 30-day mortality following surgery was 13/91.Preoperative sepsis (odds ratio [OR]: 13.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86-610.53; p < 0.01), preoperative persistent air leak (OR: 13.46, 95% CI: 3.00-85.37, p < 0.01), respiratory failure (OR: 5.60; 95% CI: 1.41-24.84; p < 0.01), acute renal failure (OR: 6.15 ; 95% CI: 1.24-29.56 ; p = 0.01), and Charlson index of comorbidity ≥ 3 (OR: 7.19 ; 95% CI: 1.43-71.21 ; p < 0.01) are associated with higher mortality, whereas age > 70 years (p = 0.46) and the extent of pulmonary resection (segmentectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy) have no significant influence on mortality. Patients with fatal outcome have significantly higher Charlson index of comorbidity (p < 0.01). Conclusions Delayed referral for surgery is common. Significant predictors for fatal outcome are pulmonary sepsis, septic complications (air leak, pleural empyema), septic organ failure (respiratory, acute renal failure), and preexisting comorbidity (Charlson index of comorbidity ≥ 3). The extent of surgical resection shows no significant influence.

A Systematic Approach to the Evaluation and Management of the Failed Artificial Urinary Sphincter.

In men with post-prostatectomy incontinence, persistent or recurrent urinary leakage following artificial urinary sphincter placement is a frustrating complaint. Surgical failure can be classified as occurring early in the post-operative period vs. late-following a period of established continence-and should be managed according to the time course and severity of urinary leakage. We present a systematic approach for the evaluation and treatment of the failed artificial urinary sphincter. After considering the patient's individualized treatment goals and impact on quality of life, the clinician can more appropriately advise patients on a management strategy for their recurrent or persistent urinary incontinence following artificial urinary sphincter placement.

An Automated, Gravity-driven CSF Drainage System Decreases Complications and Lowers Costs.

Background: FlowSafeTM (BeckerSmith Medical, Irvine, CA, USA) is a novel, robotic, external lumbar drainage (ELD) system, which was designed to control cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, reduce complications, and decrease treatment costs.Methods: Forty-seven consecutive neurosurgical patients requiring ELD were treated using the FlowSafe system.Results: In 39 of 40 patients with traumatic and surgical dural openings, potential CSF leaks were avoided. In seven patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus, post-infectious ventriculomegaly, or pseudotumor cerebrum, we were able to assess the likelihood of improvement with shunting. The system, therefore, produced what we considered to be the “desired result” in 46 of 47 patients (98%). Our one treatment failure (2%) involved a patient with unrecognized hydrocephalus who, following a Chiari repair with a dural patch graft, was drained for six days. A persistent CSF leak eventually required a reoperation. Two patients (4%) described low-pressure headaches during treatment. Both responded to temporarily suspending or reducing the drainage rate. We saw no complications. Required nursing interventions were minimal. Conclusions: The FlowSafe system was safe and effective. In our experience, there were fewer complications compared to currently available ELD systems. The FlowSafe was well tolerated by our patients. The near elimination of nursing interventions should allow lumbar drainage to be delivered in less costly, non-intensive care unit settings. Larger trials will be needed.

Early Reoperation Rate, Complication, and Outcomes in Resident-performed Glaucoma Surgery.

The purpose of the study was to examine reoperation rate and complications of resident-performed glaucoma surgeries within the first 90 postoperative days. A retrospective study of resident-performed glaucoma filtering surgeries at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 2002 and 2014 was performed. Patients requiring reoperation within 90 days of the initial surgery were included in our study. Combined surgeries were excluded. Complications and the rates of reoperation within the first 90 days were evaluated. Clinical outcomes for those who needed reoperations were evaluated at the 1-year follow-up. Total of 180 cases were reviewed [34 trabeculectomy, 85 Ex-PRESS shunt, and 61 Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV)]. One hundred and four eyes developed complications, most commonly choroidal effusion (65.3%), followed by hypotony (45.2%) and wound leak (32.7%). Complications were comparable among the 3 groups, except that filtering surgery had significantly more wound leak than AGV (P<0.001). Seven (3.9%) cases required reoperation within first 90 days. There was no reoperation for trabeculectomy group. Reoperation rate was 4.7% for Ex-PRESS and 4.9% for AGV (P=0.74). Indications for reoperation were persistent wound leak (4 cases) and tube occlusion/revision (3 cases). For the 7 patients who required reoperations, their intraocular pressure at 1-year postreoperation was significantly decreased compared with intraocular pressure before the initial glaucoma surgery (P<0.001) with similar number of glaucoma medications and stable visual acuity. Glaucoma incisional surgeries performed by third-year ophthalmology residents had acceptable and comparable reoperation rates and complication rates for patients with trabeculectomy, Ex-PRESS, and AGV. Clinical outcomes for the patients requiring reoperation were favorable.

Surgical Intervention for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Pediatric Population: When and Why?

Spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients is relatively uncommon. The management strategy varies in different centers due to dearth of evidence-based pediatric guidelines. In this study, we reviewed our experience of thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children and identified risk factors associated with postoperative air leakage and recurrence. We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who had PSP and underwent surgical management in our institution between April 2008 and March 2015. Demographic data, radiological findings, interventions, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. A total of 92 patients with 110 thoracoscopic surgery for PSP were identified. The indications for surgery were failed nonoperative management with persistent air leakage in 32.7%, recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in 36.4%, first contralateral pneumothorax in 14.5%, bilateral pneumothorax in 10%, and significant hemopneumothorax in 5.5%. Bulla was identified in 101 thoracoscopy (91.8%) with stapled bullectomy performed. 14.5% patients had persistent postoperative air leakage and treated with reinsertion of thoracostomy tube and chemical pleurodesis. 17.3% patients had postoperative recurrence occurred at mean time of 11 months. Operation within 7 days of symptoms onset was associated with less postoperative air leakage (P = .04). Bilateral pneumothorax and those with abnormal radiographic features had significantly more postoperative air leakage (P = .002, P < .01 respectively) and recurrence (P < .01, P = .007). Early thoracoscopic mechanical pleurodesis and stapled bullectomy after thoracostomy tube insertion could be offered as a primary option for management of large PSP in pediatric population, since most of these patients had bulla identified as the culprit of the disease.

Outcome of stent grafting for esophageal perforations: single-center experience.

Recent studies showed that stent grafting is a promising technique for treatment of esophageal perforation. However, the evidence of its benefits is still scarce. Forty-three consecutive patients underwent stent grafting for esophageal perforation at the Oulu University Hospital, Finland. The main endpoints of this study were early and mid-term mortality. Secondary outcome endpoints were the need of esophagectomy and additional surgical procedures on the esophagus and extraesophageal structures. Patients' mean age was 64.6±13.4years. The mean delay to primary treatment was 23±27h. The most frequent cause of perforation was Boerhaave's syndrome (46.5%). The thoraco-abdominal segment of the esophagus was affected in 58.1% of cases. Minor primary procedures were performed in 25 patients (58.1%) and repeat surgical procedures in 23 patients (53.5%). Forty-nine repeat stent graftings were performed in 22 patients (50%). Two patients (4.7%) underwent esophagectomy, one for unrelenting preprocedural stricture of the esophagus and another for persistent leakage of a perforated esophageal carcinoma. The mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 6.0±7.5days and the in-hospital stay was 24.3±19.6days. In-hospital mortality was 4.6%. Three-year survival was 67.2%. Stent grafting seems to be an effective less invasive technique for the treatment of esophageal perforation. Repeat stent grafting and procedures on the pleural spaces are often needed to control the site of perforation and for debridement of surrounding infected structures. Stent grafting allows the preservation of the esophagus in most of patients. The mid-term survival of these patients is suboptimal and requires further investigation.

Endoscopic treatment of leak at the tip of the "J" ileal pouch.

Background and study aims The tip of the “J” of the ileal pouch is the vulnerable location for leak after restorative proctocolectomy, which has normally been treated with surgery. We aimed to describe a novel endoscopic method to treat the same. Patients and methods A cohort of 12 consecutive patients with a leak at the tip of the “J” was identified in our prospectively maintained Pouch Registry. The endoscopic over-the-scope clipping (OTSC) system was used for the closure of the leak. Results Eight patients (66.6 %) achieved complete closure of the leak documented by endoscopy confirmed with guidewire and/or contrasted pouchogram, with 6 requiring a single endoscopic session and 2 undergoing a repeat session. Four patients (33.3 %) had a persistent leak and required surgical intervention, of whom 1 developed abscess in the pre-spine region 14 days after the endoscopic procedure and underwent pouch revision surgery. Conclusions OSTC appears to be safe and effective in treating the leak at the tip of the “J” in the majority of patients.

Efficacy of Anti-VEGF and Subtenon Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Multifocal Choroiditis

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF (Lucentis) and sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with multifocal choroiditis (MC). Methods: Eight eyes of 8 patients treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF and posterior sub-tenon injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) for subfoveal or juxtafoveal CNV associated with MC were retrospectively reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), results of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA)/indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and 3, 6 months after treatment were compared. Results: All of the 8 patients showed significant improvement in BCVA at 3 and 6 months after treatment (P < 0.05). FFA/ICGA showed decrease or cessation of inflammation in 8 patients (100%). 7 patients (87.5%) had no significant active leakage while 1 patient (12.5%) had persistent leakage from the neovascular lesion at 3-month follow up. 6 months after treatment, no recurrence of inflammation occurred and no active leakage in all 8 patients. OCT showed reduced CNV area and alleviated edema. There are no severe treatment-related side effects expect slight eye pain during infusion in one patient. Intraocular pressure was all normal in follow up. Conclusion: Although the follow-up time and the number of patients in this study were limited, the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF combined with sub-tenon injection of TA was associated with improvement of visual acuity in patients with CNV secondary to MC. Further studies including a greater number of patients with longer follow up time are needed.

Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy in chronic kidney disease patients with ectopic pelvic kidney.

Purpose:Patients with deranged renal functions have a number of associated factors which can impair healing of wound and increase postoperative morbidity. This study was conducted to assess the problems while managing ectopic pelvic kidney calculi using laparoscopic approach for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in chronic kidney disease patients.Subjects and Methods:Patients with calculi in ectopic kidney with increased serum creatinine level secondary to obstruction were included in the study. Initially, obstruction was relieved. Patients later underwent laparoscopic-assisted PCNL. Patients were monitored postoperatively.Results:Three patients with large renal calculi in ectopic pelvic kidney had presented in 2 years. Laparoscopic-assisted PCNL was done to remove the stone. Patients had persistent urine leak post-operatively. Mean duration for removal of nephrostomy tube and drain removal were 4.67 days and 6.67 days, respectively. These patients also had paralytic ileus for prolonged duration.Conclusion:Although laparoscopic assisted PCNL is an option in the management of patients with stone disease in ectopic pelvic kidney, prolonged time for healing of tract may increase postoperative morbidity in these patients with impaired renal function.

Spontaneous biloma: Report of two cases with review of the literature

INTRODUCTION Biloma is the collection of bile outside the biliary tree and can be intra or extra hepatic. It is most commonly iatrogenic, secondary to surgery or percutaneous transhepatic procedures or secondary to abdominal trauma. Spontaneous bilomas are very rarely described in the literature. CASE REPORT A 32 years old female presented as lump abdomen in epigastric region. Blood investigations were normal. Chest radiographs were unremarkable. Ultrasound examination revealed two cystic lesion in relation to left lobe of liver and cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis. Ultrasound guided pigtail catheter drainage of the collection was done. ERCP failed to manage the choledocholithiasis. CBD exploration with choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage and cholecystectomy was done. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the T-tube was removed on the 10th day after a normal T-tube cholangiogram. CASE 2 32 year old female admitted in emergency with complain of acute pain in abdomen since 2 days. Ultrasound shows contracted gallbladder withstone along with focal collection in perihepatic and peri gallbladder region extending into subcutaneous plane with cbd stone.. Ultrasound guided pigtail catheter drainage of the collection was done. After 5 days she underwent ERCP by which cbd stones were cleared. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done. CONCLUSION A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for prompt recognition and its proper management. Percutaneous treatment should be considered as the first-line option for patients with spontaneous biloma. In cases of persistent bile leaks, endoscopic biliary drainage and endoscopic sphincterotomy with or without stent placement should be performed. Surgery is now performed only in cases with a persistent bile leak or for treatment of an underlying disease.