Appendicoscopy had a technical success rate of 96.4% and a clinical success rate of 91.8% in diagnosing and treating acute obstructive appendicitis. The procedure time was brief at 20.9±10 minutes, with most patients experiencing pain relief within 6 hours. Hospital stays averaged 3.5±1.5 days, and there were no adverse events, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness […]
Category: Appendix, Gallbladder and Surgical Emergencies
Developing Tier-2 Emergency Medical Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
The study highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing formal, professional-driven emergency medical services (Tier-2 systems) in low- and middle-income countries. These systems, which include dedicated ambulances, personnel, and equipment, can significantly reduce mortality and disability due to emergency medical and surgical conditions. Challenges include limited coverage, financial constraints, regulatory issues, and workforce shortages, while […]
Short- and Long-term Abdominal Consequences of Omentectomy
This systematic review explores short- and long-term effects of omentectomy, highlighting low complication rates. Short-term complications include ileus, bowel stenosis, abscess, and sepsis (0.0%-23%). Long-term risks mainly involve donor-site hernia (up to 32%), with minimal gastrointestinal complications. However, evidence quality and follow-up duration are limited, underscoring the need for further research. Journal Article by Smit […]
Expeditionary Surgeons: Key Leaders in World War II and Today
This address explores the origins of expeditionary surgeons and examines the leadership of COL Edward D Churchill during World War II. Churchill’s evolution from an ivory tower surgeon to an expeditionary leader highlights essential traits for surgical leadership in austere settings. It advocates for formal training and designation of surgical leaders for military and other […]
Link Between Appendicitis and Diverticular Disease
A significant association was found between appendicitis and subsequent diverticular disease in a large German cohort study. Men had a stronger risk compared to women, with a higher 10-year incidence of diverticular disease in those with appendicitis. The findings emphasize the need for further research on the relationship and potential therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics, […]
Association of Cannabis Use with Venous Thromboembolism Risk After Traumatic Injury
Conflicting evidence exists on the association between cannabis (THC) use and post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk. A two-center retrospective analysis of 7365 trauma patients found that THC use was not associated with increased DVT risk. Patients using THC had higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores, shorter hospital stays, and lower rates of pelvic fractures and […]
Post-Discharge Outcomes for Acute Diverticulitis: Primary Anastomosis vs. Hartmann’s Procedure
Primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy showed higher 1-year ostomy closure rates and less complications upon stoma closure compared to Hartmann’s procedure for acute diverticulitis. Despite increased unplanned readmissions, primary anastomosis patients had favorable outcomes, supporting guidelines favoring this approach. Journal Article by Rios Diaz AJ, Bevilacqua LA (…) Palazzo F et 5 al. in […]
Safety and Viability of Laparoscopic Subtotal Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe option for complex cholecystitis, with 8.5% of cholecystectomies requiring this procedure. Factors such as male sex, older age, necrotic gallbladder, and other complications increase the likelihood of needing lsc. Postoperative complications occurred in 26.4% of lsc patients, mainly bile leaks. Despite challenges, lsc remains a viable surgical choice in […]
Outpatient Management and Antibiotic Use in Acute Diverticulitis
Outpatient observation for acute diverticulitis (Hinchey 1a) and no antibiotics resulted in lower recurrence rates and shorter hospital stays compared to inpatient treatment and antibiotics. Recurrence, hospital admissions, and mortality rates were similar between outpatient and inpatient management. Future studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of observation-only and antibiotics-free approaches in managing uncomplicated acute […]
Ultrasound as an Adjunct in Management of Women with Right Iliac Fossa Pain
Pelvic ultrasound in women with right iliac fossa pain led to 42% pathology detection, with appendicitis diagnosis in 4.8%. Ultrasound had 78% specificity for appendicitis. Preoperative imaging reduced negative appendicectomy rates to 21.3%. Results advocate for ultrasound as a useful tool alongside clinical assessment in managing these patients. Journal Article by Standing HR, Boag KF […]