Surgical Emergency Research Articles

Double ileo-sigmoid volvulus: Report of three (03) cases of ileo-sigmoid node

IntroductionThe ileo-sigmoid node is a rare condition that causes mixed intestinal obstruction. It is difficult to diagnose preoperatively and requires medical and surgical management. We report on managing 03 cases of the ileo-sigmoid node. Case presentation02 male patients (25 and 37 years old) and one female patient (43 years old) were seen in emergency for occlusive syndromes. The abdominal X-rays in our patients showed air-fluid levels of the small intestine type in two cases and of the mixed type in one case. The diagnosis of intestinal obstruction by strangulation was accepted in all three patients. Hypovolaemic shock was found in the female patient. All three patients had received preoperative resuscitation. Laparotomy revealed type II ileo-sigmoid nodes in 02 cases and type I in one. We noted ileal and sigmoid necrosis in 02 cases and ileal necrosis in 01 case. All three patients underwent ileal and sigmoid resection followed by colorectal anastomosis and terminal ileostomy. Post-operative management was straightforward in all the 03 cases. Clinical discussionThe ileo-sigmoid node is a serious pathological situation, with the risk of rapid evolution of the intestines involved. It is a medical and surgical emergency requiring rapid and appropriate treatment. ConclusionThe ileo-sigmoid node is a serious condition with a complex preoperative diagnosis. It is a medical and surgical emergency requiring rapid and appropriate management.

Nationwide prospective audit for the evaluation of appendicitis risk prediction models in adults: right iliac fossa treatment (RIFT)-Turkey.

Appendicitis is the most prevalent surgical emergency. The negative appendicectomy rate and diagnostic uncertainty are important concerns. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of current appendicitis risk prediction models in patients with acute right iliac fossa pain. A nationwide prospective observational study was conducted, including all consecutive adult patients who presented with right iliac fossa pain. Diagnostic, clinical and negative appendicectomy rate data were recorded. The Alvarado score, Appendicitis Inflammatory Response (AIR), Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) and Adult Appendicitis Score systems were calculated with collected data to classify patients into risk categories. Diagnostic value and categorization performance were evaluated, with use of risk category-based metrics including 'true positive rate' (percentage of appendicitis patients in the highest risk category), 'failure rate' (percentage of patients with appendicitis in the lowest risk category) and 'categorization resolution' (true positive rate/failure rate). A total of 3358 patients from 84 centres were included. Female patients were less likely to undergo surgery than men (71.5% versus 82.5% respectively; relative risk 0.866, 95% c.i. 0.834 to 0.901, P < 0.001); with a three-fold higher negative appendicectomy rate (11.3% versus 4.1% respectively; relative risk 2.744, 95% c.i. 2.047 to 3.677, P < 0.001). Ultrasonography was utilized in 56.8% and computed tomography in 75.2% of all patients. The Adult Appendicitis Score had the best diagnostic performance for the whole population; however, only RIPASA was significant in men. All scoring systems were successful in females patients, but Adult Appendicitis Score had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value. The RIPASA and the Adult Appendicitis Score had the best categorization resolution values, complemented by their exceedingly low failure rates in both male and female patients. Alvarado and AIR had extremely high failure rates in men. The negative appendicectomy rate was low overall, but women had an almost three-fold higher negative appendicectomy rate despite lower likelihood to undergo surgery. The overuse of imaging tests, best exemplified by the 75.2% frequency of patients undergoing computed tomography, may lead to increased costs. Risk-scoring systems such as RIPASA and Adult Appendicitis Score appear to be superior to Alvarado and AIR.

Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Lagos. Risk Factors and Management Outcome

Abstract Background: Complications of peptic ulcers, such as bleeding, gastric outlet obstruction, and perforation, can be life-threatening and may require surgical intervention. Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) presents mostly as a surgical emergency and is one of the leading causes of secondary peritonitis with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical outcome of surgical treatment of peptic ulcers varies due to the varying patterns of presentations and interventions between countries. There are few documented series on PPU in Nigeria. This paper reviews the management outcome of PPU in our institution. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the available medical records of patients managed for PPU between February 2008 and February 2023 was conducted. All patients had a single anterior peptic ulcer perforation managed by a modified Graham’s patch. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: There were 107 PPU patients comprising 93 males and 14 females. The mean age of all patients was 41 years. The peak prevalence of PPU was found among patients aged 30–39 years. Delayed presentation was recorded in about half of the patients. Ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was the most common risk factor for PPU. Among the 93 documented cases, perforated gastric ulcers (71 cases) were found in a much higher proportion than duodenal ulcers (22 cases). Large ulcer (10–30 mm) was the main perforation size category found in 47 out of 83 recorded PPU cases. PPU size was not associated with the incidence of complications or mortality. The median duration of hospital stays was 13 (1–19) days. Surgical site infection was the most common complication after surgery. Conclusion: PPU is present in our predominantly male patients in their fourth decade of life. Ingestion of NSAIDs is a major risk factor. Duodenal ulcers were the predominant type seen in our patients. Documented perforated ulcer sizes in our patients are predominantly in the large category. Surgical site infection, systemic sepsis, and superficial wound infection were major complications in our patients.

Effect of Wound Irrigation with Povidone Iodine Versus Normal Saline on Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection Following Laparotomy for Peritonitis

Abstract Background: Peritonitis is a surgical emergency arising mostly from the perforation or rupture of an abdominal hollow viscus. Surgical operations for peritonitis are often attended by high morbidity and sometimes mortality in severe cases. Surgical site infection (SSI) is perhaps the most common post-operative morbidity following laparotomy for peritonitis. Objective: To compare the rate of SSI in abdominal operations for peritonitis following wound irrigation with povidone iodine versus normal saline at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, comparative hospital-based study over a year. Consecutive consenting adult patients were randomised into two groups in this study. The first group (A) used 500 mL of 1% povidone iodine for subcutaneous wound irrigation, while the second group (B) used 500 mL of normal saline for subcutaneous wound irrigation. Wound irrigation was done after an appropriate surgical procedure had been carried out based on the pathology. Wounds were assessed for SSI for up to 30 days after operation using the definition criteria by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). SSI rates were compared between the two groups. Result: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with generalised peritonitis over a one-year period were enrolled in this study, but 53 patients who completed the study were analysed. Thirty patients were males and 23 were females, and their mean age was 40.83 ± 17.96 years. Overall, 15 (28.3%) patients had incisional SSI. There were nine (34.6%) cases in the povidone group, while there were six (22.2%) in the saline group. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). Klebsiella species were the dominant organisms isolated from the infected wounds. Conclusion: Wound irrigation with povidone iodine after laparotomy for peritonitis did not reduce the rate and severity of surgical site infection more when compared to normal saline. We suggest further studies with a large number of patients in a multi-centre study to explore further the effect of povidone iodine versus normal saline wound irrigation on SSI following laparotomy for peritonitis.

"Surgical foresight: beyond the routine" : The challenge of complex visceral surgical emergencies for young medical specialists and senior physicians

"Surgical foresight: beyond the routine" : The challenge of complex visceral surgical emergencies for young medical specialists and senior physicians

496. OESOPHAGEAL STENTING IN BOERHAAVE SYNDROME: OUR EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction Boerhaave syndrome is the spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus. This rare condition is associated with a high mortality. Its treatment remains controversial, with an aggressive surgical approach being most described. In striving for the safest and most minimally invasive treatment for our patients, we opt for a multidisciplinary intervention: prompt endoscopic stenting of the esophageal defect in combination with optimal drainage of the pleural cavities. We reviewed our recent experience. Methods In our referral hospital, between October 2018 and October 2023, we treated nine patients with Boerhaave syndrome by prompt endoscopic stenting of the esophageal defect combined with drainage of either one or both pleural cavities, preferentially by thoracoscopy. Retrospectively the data from these patients was analysed to provide an overview of our experience with this multidisciplinary approach. Results In total we have treated six men and three women with a median age of 61 years (53-82years). All patients received an endoscopy and pleural catheter drainage at presentation, combined with stenting of the 1-4cm esophageal defect. In six patients (67%) the minimally invasive treatment was successful, with a median hospitalisation period of 33 days (17-77days) and median stent removal after 47 days (40-73days). All these patients reported a good oral intake. Thoracoscopic debridement of the pleural cavity was performed in seven patients. In one patient endoscopic stenting failed with the need for an oesophagostomy. Two patients have deceased, resulting in 22% overall mortality. Conclusion Boerhaave syndrome is known to be a surgical emergency. From our experience we conclude that prompt endoscopic stenting of the oesophageal defect in combination with drainage of the pleural cavities is a safe and minimal invasive approach, even for cases with larger defects and extensive contamination of the thorax. Due to the rarity of the condition, data is limited. We advocate for a registration study to obtain the current golden standard.

644. CUSTOMIZING A LARGE LANGUAGE MODEL TO PROVIDE CLINICALLY TAILORED ADVICE FOR EMERGENCY ESOPHAGEAL IMPACTIONS

Abstract Background There is interest in applying Large Language Models (LLMsclinically, but they are not trained for medical purposes. Equally, the development of LLMsrequires significant time and financial resources. Customizing an existing LLM for clinical purposes may overcome these limitations and would be of interest to clinicians, patients, hospital managers, and government/policy makers. Methods Thirty patient cases with nonbony esophageal impactions were developed using guidance from UpToDate. Standardized prompts were engineered for physicians as the end user. The customization tool was applied to ChatGPT-4.0 to create the Esophageal Impaction Tool (GPT-EIT), which provides advice for managing patients with esophageal impactions. Both GPT-EIT and the generic ChatGPT-4.0 models were queried February 28th, 2024. Their performance was evaluated based on guidelines for the removal of foreign bodies from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Outcome data was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of counts and percentages. Results The GPT-EIT provided accurate recommendations for 30/30 (100.0%) cases. Each case was managed appropriately, recommending that stable patients received endoscopy within 24 hours, while patients with drooling were recognized as a surgical emergency and advice was given to provide endoscopy within 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours. GPT-EIT also advised to consider the appropriateness of treatment for patients presenting at 97 years of age based on their comorbidities and health status. The generic ChatGPT-4.0 model produced accurate guidance for 14/30 (46.7%) of cases. Patients with signs of significant obstruction would not have received timely endoscopy (Table 1). Conclusions ChatGPT can be customized to overcome limitations with its training dataset to develop clinically relevant, accurate advice for esophageal impactions. Clinicians, patients, hospital managers, and policymakers should take note that this methodology may be applied for other clinical purposes to avoid limitations related to resource constraints with developing LLMsfrom scratch.

Role of Home Remedies and Self-Medication in Late Presentation of Acute Appendicitis and Its Possible Consequences

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Delayed presentation is often attributed to factors like home remedies, self-medication, and misdiagnosis by non-medical professionals. This study aimed to identify the reasons for delayed presentation of acute appendicitis in patients presenting to Northwest General Hospital, Peshawar. This retrospective study was conducted from January 2021 to October 2022, including 120 patients with acute appendicitis. Most patients (61%) were male, with an average age of 45 years. A significant number of patients (48%) presented from remote areas, and 31% delayed seeking medical attention for more than 2 weeks. Common reasons for delay included self-medication (38%), misdiagnosis by non-medical professionals (57%), and fear of surgery. Delayed presentation of acute appendicitis is a significant public health issue in the study area. Factors contributing to delay include limited access to healthcare, self-medication, and misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial to reduce complications and improve outcomes. Raising awareness among the public and healthcare providers about the importance of early presentation for acute appendicitis is essential.

Postoperative Complications Following Appendectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency with a global incidence rate of approximately 8%, necessitating prompt intervention to prevent complications. Appendectomy, either through open surgery or laparoscopy, is the standard treatment. Understanding the factors contributing to post-appendectomy complications is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Aim This retrospective study aimed to assess the surgical outcomes of various surgical approaches for appendicitis in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, specifically at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital. Methodology A total of 220 patients who underwent appendectomy in 2022 were included in the study. Data were obtained from medical files, and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were utilized, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results The majority of patients fell within the 20-39 age group (n = 124, 56.4%), and males constituted 63% (n = 140) of the cohort. Mean complications post-surgery were observed in 5.5% (n = 12) of cases, with surgical site infection being the most common complication (n = 9, 75%). Patients with complicated appendicitis had a significantly higher rate of surgical complications (n = 8, 44.4%) compared to those without complicated appendicitis (n = 4, 2%, p = 0.000). Longer hospital stays were associated with a higher incidence of complications (p = 0.008). The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification showed a significant association with complications (p = 0.000). Conclusions Our study underscores the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical management, and infection prevention strategies in reducing post-appendectomy complications. Factors such as complicated appendicitis, longer hospital stays, and higher ASA classification were associated with increased complication rates.

520. TEMPORARY ESOPHAGEAL EXCLUSION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DELAYED RECOGNITION OF THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION

Abstract Background Perforation of the esophagus is a rare surgical emergency and timing is crucial for prognosis. Late interventions are likely to result in terminal bipolar esophageal exclusion, requiring a subsequent reconstructive procedure to restore the esophageal transit, associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Methods From January 2013 to June 2023, 32 patients with esophageal perforations referred to our center required surgical treatment. We retrospectively analyzed two cases of late middle thoracic perforation treated with temporary esophageal exclusion. Results A 31-year-old male presented in May 2020 after 6 days from perforation due to bolus impaction in eosinophilic esophagitis and a 79-year-old male referred us in November 2022 8 days after Boerhaave syndrome. Direct closure wasn’t feasible due to tissue fibrosis and degeneration. In both cases we performed thoracoscopic toilette with drainage placement and bipolar temporary exclusion of the esophagus. A lateral esophagostomy was performed, and cardias was temporarily excluded. In the first case a PTFE prothesis was used as a loop around the EGJ and fixed on the abdominal esophagus, in the second case TA45 linear stapler loaded with 3.5 staples was used. For nutritional purposes a gastrostomy and a jejunostomy were placed. Post-operatively, pleural empyema was managed conservatively with a thoracic drain and antibiotic therapy, instead mediastinal collection sustained by the perforation was drained through the tangential esophagostomy with a NG tube placed endoscopically across the perforation. The patients were discharged in 27 and 20 POD respectively. The second patient was readmitted in 45 POD due right lobar pneumonia, treated with antibiotics. In the first case the PTFE prothesis was laparoscopically removed after 70 days and the tangential esophagostomy sutured. In the second case esophageal transit was spontaneously restored and esophagostomy was subsequentially sutured. Oral feeding was resumed in both patients, without resulting stenosis or leakage. Conclusion In selected patients with late thoracic esophageal perforations, temporary esophageal exclusion represented an alternative treatment, without mortality and with low morbidity, to terminal esophageal exclusion and a subsequent reconstructive procedure.

Can Ultrasound Spot the Culprit - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ultrasonography in Precisely Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis in Children.

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children, often requiring imaging for confirmation due to diverse presentations. While computed tomography scan is favored in many centers for its sensitivity, it comes with radiation exposure and higher costs. Ultrasonography, being radiation-free and cost-effective, is gaining popularity, especially in pediatric cases. However, its reported accuracy varies in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in pediatric appendicitis cases and to determine its precision in distinguishing between simple and complicated cases of appendicitis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with suspected appendicitis who presented to the department of pediatric surgery. All patients underwent ultrasonography followed by appendicectomy based on considered clinical decision. Ultrasonography findings were compared with intraoperative observations categorized as uncomplicated or complicated appendicitis. Among 152 patients, ultrasonography accurately diagnosed appendicitis in 94.6% of cases, with 5.38% having nonvisualized appendices. In our group, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to detect appendicitis were 94.62% and 95.65%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the test is 95.63%. However, in our study, the sensitivity of the ultrasonography to correctly identify if it is a simple or complicated appendicitis was only 54.9% but had a specificity of 98.7%. Thus, ultrasonography showed a much lower sensitivity (54.9%) in distinguishing between simple and complicated appendicitis. Ultrasonography demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing pediatric appendicitis, making it a promising preoperative investigation. However, it may not accurately differentiate between simple and complicated cases. A comprehensive approach involving clinical and laboratory parameters alongside secondary imaging may be necessary for accurate diagnosis, especially in cases of perforated appendicitis.

A Clinical Review on Spinal Epidural Abscess: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management for Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist Physicians.

Description Spinal epidural abscess (SEA), a critical surgical emergency, demands prompt recognition and intervention to prevent severe complications and fatalities. The incidence of SEA is notably increasing, particularly among individuals with diabetes, intravenous drug use, or a history of invasive spinal procedures. Although SEA can manifest through various clinical symptoms, the presence of its classic triad-back pain, fever, and neurological deficits-is noteworthy despite its occurrence in only 10% to 13% of cases. Identifying this triad is vital due to its high specificity for SEA, which is essential to guiding swift diagnostic and therapeutic actions in a condition where early intervention is critical. Magnetic resonance imaging is pivotal in diagnosing SEA, offering unmatched sensitivity and specificity compared to other imaging techniques. Immediate empirical antibiotic therapy and timely neurosurgical consultation, when required, form the foundation of SEA treatment. The prognosis significantly depends on the patient's initial neurological status, underlying health conditions, and the timeliness of their presentation, diagnosis, and treatment initiation. Given the complexity of SEA and the high risk of diagnostic delays, managing this condition involves substantial medicolegal considerations. Enhanced comprehension of SEA is imperative for improving patient outcomes and reducing health care resource burdens. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and appropriate interventions are essential for effectively managing this urgent condition.

Systemic immune-inflammation index combined with pediatric appendicitis score in assessing the severity and prognosis for paediatric appendicitis.

Pediatric appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in children and is recognized as a significant surgical emergency. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications such as perforation and peritonitis. To investigate the predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) combined with the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) for the assessment of disease severity and surgical outcomes in children aged 5 years and older with appendicitis. Clinical data of 104 children diagnosed with acute appendicitis were analyzed. The participants were categorized into the acute appendicitis group and chronic appendicitis group based on disease presentation and further stratified into the good prognosis group and poor prognosis group based on prognosis. The SII and PAS were measured, and a joint model using the combined SII and PAS was constructed to predict disease severity and surgical outcomes. Significant differences were observed in the SII and PAS parameters between the acute appendicitis group and chronic appendicitis group. Correlation analysis showed associations among the SII, PAS, and disease severity, with the combined SII and PAS model demonstrating significant predictive value for assessing disease severity [aera under the curve (AUC) = 0.914] and predicting surgical outcomes (AUC = 0.857) in children aged 5 years and older with appendicitis. The study findings support the potential of integrating the SII with the PAS for assessing disease severity and predicting surgical outcomes in pediatric appendicitis, indicating the clinical utility of the combined SII and PAS model in guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing surgical management strategies for pediatric patients with appendicitis.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Recurrence Following Conservative Treatment of Acute Appendicitis-Related Abscesses in Children

Background: Acute appendicitis accompanied by a periappendiceal abscess is a common pediatric surgical emergency, with a risk of recurrence. Objectives: To analyze the risk factors for the recurrence of acute appendicitis-related periappendiceal abscesses in children following the resolution of clinical symptoms. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from children admitted to the hospital with periappendiceal abscesses between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. These children were categorized into recurrent and non-recurrent groups based on whether a periappendiceal abscess recurred. Gender, age, length of hospitalization, white blood cell (WBC) count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at admission and discharge were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for the recurrence of periappendiceal abscesses in children following conservative treatment. Results: After 2 years of outpatient follow-up, 65 children were included in the study, nine of whom experienced recurrence. Significant differences were observed between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups in terms of abscess size at discharge (6.50 vs. 2.80 cm, P = 0.022), WBC count at discharge (13.25 × 10⁹/L vs. 6.98 × 10⁹/L, P = 0.016), and CRP level at discharge (32.80 vs. 8.60 mg/L, P = 0.002). A multifactorial logistic regression analysis indicated that both WBC count and CRP level at discharge were independently associated with the recurrence of periappendiceal abscesses. Conclusions: Increased attention should be given to the risk of recurrence in pediatric patients with elevated WBC counts and CRP levels at the time of discharge.

Comparison of polymeric clip and endoloop in laparoscopic appendectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAppendicitis is a common surgical emergency with diverse clinical presentations, making its diagnosis challenging. Laparoscopic appendectomy has become the standard treatment, with various methods for appendiceal stump closure, including polymeric clips and endoloops. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of polymeric clips compared with endoloops in laparoscopic appendectomy. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted followingPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched for studies up to March 25, 2024. ResultsIn total, 13 studies, including 6 randomized controlled trials, were analyzed. Polymeric clipping demonstrated significantly shorter surgical time compared with the endoloop (standardized mean difference 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.53, P < .00001), with no difference in hospital stay or overall complications. However, the endoloop was associated with a greater incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (risk ratio 3.53, 95% confidence interval 1.56–8.00, P = .003). Other outcomes, including time from instrument application to appendiceal cutting, ileus, and surgical-site infection, showed no significant differences between the 2 techniques. ConclusionPolymeric clipping appears to be superior to endoloop in terms of shorter surgical time and lower risk of intra-abdominal abscess formation in laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. However, both techniques have similar outcomes regarding hospital stay and overall complications. Further research addressing study limitations and exploring patient-centered outcomes is warranted to guide clinical practice.

Is There Still a Role for Peritoneal Drains in Neonatal Pneumoperitoneum? A Single-Center Experience

IntroductionAlthough pneumoperitoneum from necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation is a surgical emergency, risk stratification to determine which neonates benefit from initial peritoneal drainage (PD) is lacking. MethodsUsing a single-center retrospective review of very low birth weight neonates under 1500 g who underwent PD for pneumoperitoneum (January 2015 to December 2023) from necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation, two cohorts were created: drain “responders” (patients managed definitively with PD; includes placement of a second drain) and “nonresponders” (patients who underwent subsequent laparotomy or died after PD). Antenatal/postnatal characteristics, periprocedural clinical data, and hospital outcomes were compared between responders and nonresponders using Student’s t-test, chi-squared test, or Kruskal–Wallis test as appropriate, with P < 0.05 considered significant. ResultsFifty-six neonates were included: 31 (55%) drain responders and 25 (45%) nonresponders. Birth weight, gestational age, sex, ethnicity, use of postnatal steroids, and enteral feeds were similar between the cohorts. Nonresponders had higher base deficits (−3.4 versus −5.0, P = 0.032) and FiO2 (0.25 versus 0.52, P = 0.001) after drain placement. Drain responders had significantly shorter lengths of stay (89 versus 148 days, P = 0.014) and lower mortality (6.4% versus 56%, P < 0.001). A subgroup analysis of the nonresponders showed no differences in birth weight, vasopressor requirement, FiO2, or postdrain base deficit between nonresponders who had a drain alone versus laparotomy following drain placement. ConclusionsPD remains a viable initial therapy for pneumoperitoneum in premature very low birth weight neonates (< 1500 g), demonstrating clinical response in more than half. Ongoing clinical assessment and judgment is imperative after drain placement to ensure continued clinical improvement.

Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene in Africa: a scoping review protocol

Abstract Fournier’s gangrene is a rare necrotizing soft-tissue infection affecting the perineal, perianal and genital regions. It constitutes a genuine medical, surgical and urological emergency. Despite a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of Fournier’s gangrene, mortality rates reported in the literature remain high. Still very common in Africa, it seems to occur mainly during hot, dry months and particularly affects people of low socio-economic status. This explains why the diagnosis is often made at a late stage. To our knowledge, there is no literature evaluating the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene in Africa, necessitating a review of the scope. This literature review protocol describes how the authors intend to study the available data on the presentation, management and prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene in Africa. Databases such as PubMed/Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and African Journal Online will be searched for articles published on Fournier’s gangrene in Africa and covering clinical, therapeutic and prognostic outcomes. The sociodemographic profile of all included studies will be examined. Results will include epidemiological, clinico-biological, severity score, management and prognostic data. Based on the analyzed results, the various parameters linked to the specific objectives of the African and non-African studies will be discussed and compared. This discussion will focus on clinical presentation, management and prognosis. This scoping review will be the first to address this research question, which has yet to be reported serially by African authors.

Clinico-pathologic characteristics of gastrointestinal perforations from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

Background: Hollow viscus perforation is one of Pakistan’s most commonly encountered surgical emergencies. Gastroduodenal perforations account for the most common site of perforations worldwide. However, the Pakistani population has a different pattern. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the clinico-pathologic features of patients and the effectiveness of surgical options in the emergency management of bowel perforation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Unit-III, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Data on demographic profiles, clinical presentation, risk factors, site of perforation, and surgical details of 73 patients with gastrointestinal perforation admitted via emergency were collected and analyzed using the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) spreadsheet. Results: There were 74% females out of the 73 included cases. Perforation was most common among the age group of 21–25 years. Abdominal pain was present in all patients, followed by vomiting in 46.6% of cases. Guarding was observed as the most common sign in 78.1% of patients. The ileum was the most common site of perforation in 41.1% of cases, while typhoid was the most common cause of bowel perforation in 20.5% of patients. In 42.5% of cases, stoma was made, followed by primary closure in 16.4% of patients. Conclusion: This study shows an increased incidence of perforation in the ileum in the Pakistani population, different from the rest of the world and common in youth. An increased incidence of perforation due to typhoid highlights the prevalence and inadequate treatment of this disease.

Unusual cause of incomplete cauda equina syndrome: dermoid cyst with a split cord malformation case report

Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency caused by the compression of the lumbosacral nerves. The most frequent cause is discal herniation, while tumoral pathology in this region is rare, and congenital processes are less common. We report the case of a young 37-year-old male patient, admitted to the emergency room with an incomplete cauda equina syndrome. As medical history, a lumbar surgery 15 years ago was reported with no documentation. An MRI was performed, revealing a mass within the filum terminal exhibiting three components suggestive of a dermoid cyst accompanying a split cord malformation, which was confirmed by pathology. Various disorders may be associated to intradural dermoid cyst, such as lipoma, low-lying cord, hydromyelia or thick filum. Surgery is the treatment of choice, and MRI plays a crucial role in detecting associated abnormalities and determining surgery priorities.

Presentations of Waugh’s syndrome:intra-luminal cecal cyst and trans-anal prolapsing intussusception: a case report

BackgroundIntussusception with intestinal malrotation is termed as Waugh’s syndrome. The incidence of Waugh’s syndrome is less than 1%. There are very few reported cases. Once presented, it is a pediatric surgical emergency.Case presentationWe present here two cases of Waugh’s syndrome: an 11-month-old male patient of Punjabi descent and a 4-month-old female patient of Afghan descent who presented to us with abdominal pain and bleeding per rectum. Abdominal sonography revealed an intussusception with a target sign. They were explored and perioperatively had intestinal malrotation alongside intussusception, thus a diagnosis of Waugh’s syndrome was made. A right hemicolectomy and Ladd’s procedure was performed.ConclusionWaugh syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly but can present with vague abdominal symptoms. Once presented, it is a pediatric surgical emergency. The patient should be optimized followed by surgical exploration.