Ashraf Abbas

Long term predictors of success after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND To evaluate early, mid and long term efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a definitive management of morbid obesity and to study factors that may predict its success. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the database of patients who underwent LSG as a definitive bariatric procedure, from April 2005 to March 2013. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS 1395 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 33 years and women:men ratio was 74:26. The mean preoperative BMI was 46 kg/m(2). Operative time was 113 ± 29 min. Reinforcement of staple line was done only in 447 (32%) cases. 11 (0.79%) cases developed postoperative leak, with total number of complications 72 (5.1%) and 0% mortality. Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 42%, 53%, 61%, 73%, 67%, 61%, 59% and 57% at 6 months, 1-7 years. Remission of diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidaemia (HLP) occurred 69%, 54% and 43% respectively. 56 (4%) patients underwent revision surgery, for insufficient weight loss (n = 37) and severe reflux symptoms (n = 19). Mean follow up was 76 ± 19 (range: 6-103) months. Smaller bougie size and leaving smaller antrum were associated with significant %EWL. Bougie ≤36F remained significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION This study supports safety, effectiveness and durability of LSG as a sole definitive bariatric procedure. Smaller bougie size and shorter distance from pylorus were associated with significant %EWL.

Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections in a Worldwide Context: An Observational Prospective Study (CIAOW Study)

Despite advances in diagnosis, surgery, and antimicrobial therapy, mortality rates associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections remain exceedingly high. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) has designed the CIAOW study in order to describe the clinical, microbiological, and management-related profiles of both community- and healthcare-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections in a worldwide context. The CIAOW study (Complicated Intra-Abdominal infection Observational Worldwide Study) is a multicenter observational study currently underway in 57 medical institutions worldwide. The study includes patients undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections. This preliminary report includes all data from almost the first two months of the six-month study period. Patients who met inclusion criteria with either community-acquired or healthcare-associated complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) were included in the study. 702 patients with a mean age of 49.2 years (range 18–98) were enrolled in the study. 272 patients (38.7%) were women and 430 (62.3%) were men. Among these patients, 615 (87.6%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 87 (12.4%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Generalized peritonitis was observed in 304 patients (43.3%), whereas localized peritonitis or abscesses was registered in 398 (57.7%) patients.The overall mortality rate was 10.1% (71/702). The final results of the CIAOW Study will be published following the conclusion of the study period in March 2013.

A proposal for a CT driven classification of left colon acute diverticulitis

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most appropriate diagnostic tool to confirm suspected left colonic diverticulitis. However, the utility of CT imaging goes beyond accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis; the grade of severity on CT imaging may drive treatment planning of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis.The appropriate management of left colon acute diverticulitis remains still debated because of the vast spectrum of clinical presentations and different approaches to treatment proposed. The authors present a new simple classification system based on both CT scan results driving decisions making management of acute diverticulitis that may be universally accepted for day to day practice.

World society of emergency surgery study group initiative on Timing of Acute Care Surgery classification (TACS)

Timing of surgical intervention is critical for outcomes of patients diagnosed with surgical emergencies. Facing the challenge of multiple patients requiring emergency surgery, or of limited resource availability, the acute care surgeon must triage patients according to their disease process and physiological state. Emergency operations from all surgical disciplines should be scheduled by an agreed time frame that is based on accumulated data of outcomes related to time elapsed from diagnosis to surgery. Although literature exists regarding the optimal timing of various surgical interventions, implementation of protocols for triage of surgical emergencies is lacking. For institutions of a repetitive triage mechanism, further discussion on optimal timing of surgery in diverse surgical emergencies should be encouraged. Standardizing timing of interventions in surgical emergencies will promote clinical investigation as well as a commitment by administrative authorities to proper operating theater provision for acute care surgery.

WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal hernias is associated with poor prognosis and a high rate of post-operative complications.A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bergamo in July 2013, during the 2nd Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery with the goal of defining recommendations for emergency repair of abdominal wall hernias in adults. This document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference approved by a WSES expert panel.

Optimal level of sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: T3 versus T4 in a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND To compare the results obtained with T3 versus T4 sympathectomy in treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH). METHODS By retrospective review of medical records of patients with PH who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy from February, 2009 to September, 2012. The patients were categorized into two groups: T3 group underwent T3 sympathectomy and T4 group underwent T4 sympathectomy. Patients were evaluated according to the results of sweating, compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH), degree of satisfaction, complications and recurrence. Mean follow up was 19 ± 7 months. RESULTS A total of 274 consecutive patients with PH were included in this study. There were 169 females and 105 males, with mean age of 29 ± 11 years. 129 patients underwent T3 sympathectomy (T3 group). The T4 group included 145 patients who underwent T4 sympathectomy. 71.7% patients of T4 group did not complain of CH in comparison to 25.6% patients in group T3 (P = 0.001) and the incidence of mild to moderate CH was higher in the T3 group than T4 (64.4% vs. 26.9%; p = 0.001). T4 group showed a great significance in the (very satisfied category) in comparison to T3 group (P = 0.001). The incidence of over-dry hands was significantly lower in group T4 (0.7%, 1 out of 145) than in group T3 (8.5%, 11 out of 129). The recurrence rate was similar in the two groups (0.8% vs. 1.4%; P = 0.19). CONCLUSION Video-assisted T3 or T4 sympathectomy is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. T4 sympathectomy appears associated with less severe dryness and CH than T3 sympathectomy at long-term follow-up.

Varicocelectomy to Treat Pain, and Predictors of Success: A Prospective Study

Objective: We attempted to examine the success rate of varicocele ligation when performed for the treatment of pain and to evaluate all the predictor factors that may affect the resolution of pain. Patients and Methods: From January 2008 to January 2011, a total 152 patients presented with painful varicocele to our out-patient clinic. While waiting for surgery, 7 patients (4.6%) resolved their pain with conservative management and 145 patients underwent varicocelectomy due to failure. The first follow-up visit was after 1 week to check the wounds and 130 patients attended the second visit after 3 months. Follow-up evaluation included physical examination, questioning of pain severity (compared with preoperative pain severity), development of any postoperative complications, and color Doppler to study recurrence reflux. Results: During the study period, 145/397 (36.5%) patients underwent varicocelectomy for pain. Of the 145 men operated on for pain 130 (89.6%) were available for follow-up. A subinguinal approach was used in 93 patients (71.5%) and high ligation in 37(28.5%). Of the 130 patients contacted after surgery, 109 (83.8%) reported complete resolution of pain, 7 (5.4%) had partial resolution of pain and 14 did not show benefit from surgery. There was no association between varicocele grade, quality of pain, type of varicocele ligation, or recurrence and pain resolution after surgery, only the duration of pain seems to be a factor that is considerably associated with pain resolution. Conclusion: Varicocelectomy is a successful option for treatment of painful varicocele in selected patients. The duration of pain may predict outcomes in these patients.

Dye assisted lymphatic sparing subinguinal varicocelectomy. A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND Division of lymphatic vessels during varicocelectomy could lead to hydrocele formation and decrease in testicular function due to testicular edema. We determined if the use of methylene blue combined with optical magnification reduces the incidence of post-varicocelectomy hydrocele. METHODS Consecutive patients treated for varicocele at our institution were evaluated for inclusion. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either subinguinal varicocelectomy after 2 ml intratunical space injection of methylene blue and group 2 in whom no mapping technique was adopted during subinguinal varicocelectomy. After surgery, the patients were assessed at 2 weeks, 6 and 12 months for hydrocele, testicular edema, varicocele recurrence, atrophy, pain or other complications with mean follow-up was 15 ± 7 months. RESULTS Eighty patients with varicocele were randomized and completed the study. There were no intra complications in either group. In group (1) no patient had a hydrocele after surgery. By contrast, in group (2) there were four cases of secondary hydrocele (10%; P = 0.041)); no testicular hypertrophy was observed following lymphatic sparing surgery; One patient in each group had varicocele recurrence. Pregnancy was reported in 30 patients (37.5%) during the follow-up period, 17 of them (42.5%) were group (1) difference was not significantly different among both groups. CONCLUSIONS Subinguinal varicocelectomy using combination of optical magnification and lymphatic staining (methylene blue) offers simple and quick preservation of the draining lymphatic vessels and avoids secondary hydrocele formation. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01259258.

Latif’s point: A new point for Veress needle insertion for pneumoperitoneum in difficult laparoscopy

Creating pneumoperitoneum is the most challenging step during laparoscopy. The periumbilical area is the classic site for Veress needle insertion. We adopted a new access point for peritoneal insufflation.