H. Bedioui

A report of 15 cases of small-bowel obstruction secondary to phytobezoars: Predisposing factors and diagnostic difficulties

UNLABELLED Phytobezoars are a rare cause of acute bowel obstruction. The purpose of this work was to identify the predisposing factors and diagnostic difficulties of this rare entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study including all cases of small-bowel obstruction secondary to phytobezoars observed between April 2001 and August 2007. The diagnosis of bezoars was established by surgical exploration or by computed tomography (CT). RESULTS During the study period, 375 patients were hospitalized at our institution with a diagnosis of bowel obstruction that, in 15 (4%) cases, was secondary to phytobezoars. The average patient age was 55 years, with a gender ratio of 1.7, favoring men. The predisposing factors were gastroduodenal surgery for peptic ulcer in nine patients, and excessive consumption of prickly pears (cactus figs) in 12. The diagnosis was established by CT scans in three patients, who were successfully treated with gastric aspiration, thereby avoiding surgery. Laparotomy was performed in 12 patients to allow digital fragmentation of the bezoar, which was then washed into the colon. There were no postoperative deaths and morbidity was about 13%. CONCLUSION An abdominal CT scan should be obtained for patients with small-bowel obstruction. This examination offers a precise diagnosis of bezoars, reducing the number of unnecessary surgical procedures, and helping to guide the approach if surgery is needed.

Laparoscopic-assisted versus conventional ileocolectomy for primary Crohn's disease: results of a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION The laparoscopic approach is becoming the gold standard in the surgical treatment of primary Crohns disease. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic-assisted and open ileocolic resection for primary Crohns disease. METHODS We conducted a non-randomized, comparative, retrospective analysis of a prospective database from 1998 to 2010. The remaining 129 patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic-assisted group (Group L; n=64) and conventional group (Group C; n=65). There were no differences between the two groups as regards preoperative patient characteristics. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS One hundred and seventeen (90.7%) patients had no complications. Out of 12 patients (9.3%) with complications, four (3.1%) had Grade I, six (4.7%) had Grade II and two (1.6%) had Grade III. There were no postoperative deaths (Grade V). Operating time was longer in Group L compared with Group C (P<0.001). Bowel function returned more quickly in the laparoscopic group in terms of return of bowel movements (P=0.018) and resumption of a regular diet (P=0.06). The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (P=0.001). The mean follow-up was 26 months in Group L versus 34 months in Group C (P=0.06). During follow-up, six patients presented with small bowel obstruction in Group C, which was not statistically different from Group L (3 patients) (P=0.25). During the follow-up period, there have been no recurrences of Crohns disease in the laparoscopic group while 11 patients (16.9%) have developed a recurrence in the conventional group (P=0.001). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic-assisted ileocolectomy for primary Crohns disease of the terminal ileum and/or cecum is safe and successful in most cases. Laparoscopic surgery for Crohns disease should be considered as the preferred operative approach for primary resections.

Kyste hydatique primitif de la surrénale. À propos de deux cas

Primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland is still an exceptional localization. The adrenal gland is an uncommon site even in our country in which echinococcal disease is endemic. We report two cases of primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland presented with isolated abdominal pain. The diagnosis was based on CT-scan, which showed a cystic mass of respectively the right and left adrenal gland with a calcified wall. The echinococcal immunologic test (Elisa) was positive in one case. The surgical treatment consisted on a total resection of the cyst, without rupture of the cystic wall and preserving the gland. The diagnosis was confirmed on the macroscopic examination of the resected pieces. In the first case the cyst was multilocular filled with daughter cysts and in the second case the cyst was unilocular filled with hydatid membrane and clear fluid. In the two cases, the postoperative course was uneventful. No recurrence had occurred respectively after 24 months and 36 months of follow up.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Splenic Artery Presenting with Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding from a pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare condition that is diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. A 78-year-old woman with a history of acute pancreatitis due to gallstones was hospitalized for abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroscopy revealed blood extruding from the papilla of Vater. A computed tomography scan revealed hemorrhage into a pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient was successfully treated by coil embolization.

Fait cliniqueKyste hydatique primitif de la surrénale. À propos de deux casPrimary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland. Report of two cases

Primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland is still an exceptional localization. The adrenal gland is an uncommon site even in our country in which echinococcal disease is endemic. We report two cases of primary hydatid cyst of adrenal gland presented with isolated abdominal pain. The diagnosis was based on CT-scan, which showed a cystic mass of respectively the right and left adrenal gland with a calcified wall. The echinococcal immunologic test (Elisa) was positive in one case. The surgical treatment consisted on a total resection of the cyst, without rupture of the cystic wall and preserving the gland. The diagnosis was confirmed on the macroscopic examination of the resected pieces. In the first case the cyst was multilocular filled with daughter cysts and in the second case the cyst was unilocular filled with hydatid membrane and clear fluid. In the two cases, the postoperative course was uneventful. No recurrence had occurred respectively after 24 months and 36 months of follow up.

Abdominal Metastasis of a Parosteal Osteosarcoma of the Femur: an Unusual Cause of Large-Bowel Obstruction

Abstract Background: Parosteal osteosarcoma is a rare, well-differentiated, predominantly fibro-osseous variant of osteosarcoma. It is regarded as a distinct form of osteosarcoma with better prognosis than conventional osteosarcoma. Aim: We report an unusual case of abdominal mass recurrence of parosteal osteosarcoma of the left distal femur treated eight years previously with wide resection, hip disarticulation and chemotherapy, which presented as an acute abdomen: we discuss the clinical outcomes of this rare entity. Case presentation: We present a 54-year-old patient with low-grade parosteal osteosarcoma of the left distal femur. Left total hip disarticulation was indicated after several local relapses of the tumour following extensive resection and chemotherapy. Eight years later, he presented with an acute large bowel obstruction secondary to a compression of the large bowel by an abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography showed a large abdominal calcified mass with dilated large bowel loops. During laparotomy, the mass was unresectable. So, the patient underwent emergent colostomy of diversion. Biopsy of the lesion yielded grade III parosteal osteosarcoma material. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, but the response was poor: six months later, the patient presented with a peristomal mass and two pulmonary metastases. Conclusion: Abdominal recurrence of parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal femur eight years after definitive surgery is rare. This case emphasises the importance of the long-term follow-up of patients with parosteal osteosarcoma.

Les facteurs prédictifs de récidive du kyste hydatique du foie : l’expérience tunisienne

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem. Surgery represents the basic treatment and the surgeon is regularly faced with the choice of the appropriate surgical procedure (radical versus conservative surgical approach). The conservative procedure is safe and easy but can lead to a recurrence in the site of residual cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors of the recurrence of hepatic hydatid cysts, to optimize surgical management and to implement preventive measures. The current retrospective study included 391 patients with hepatic hydatid cysts operated at our institution from 1996 to 2006. The diagnosis of recurrence was suspected by radiological survey and confirmed at laparotomy. The univariate study of predictive factors of recurrence was based on the Fisher test and the multivariate one on the logistic regression model. The recurrence rate reached 12% in our study with an average period of 50 months. Univariate analysis showed that the predictive factors of recurrence were: the rural origin of patients, the voluminous cysts larger than 7 cm, and unilocular hydatid cyst. Multivariate analysis showed that only voluminous cysts and unilocular ones were the predictive factors of recurrence. The unilocular and voluminous hydatid cysts represent the cysts that relapse frequently because of their immunogenic character and the presence of exocysts in the pericysts. This is very important for the therapeutic strategy the main aim of which is to prevent the recurrence.

Idiopathic megacaecum: Clinical features and diagnostic approach

Congenital megacaecum is a rare entity and difficult to diagnose. The pathogenesis of this malformation is not well known since there are very few cases reported in the literature. The purpose of this observation is to describe the functional signs that may suggest this rare diagnosis and the means to confirm it. We report the case of a 22-year-old young man, who complained of constipation associated with pelvic pain in the form of gravitational pull exacerbated by standing, sitting and going down the stairs. However, symptoms seemed to be relieved by supine positions. The radiological investigations concluded that the megacaecum dipped into the pelvis, but there was no evidence of mechanical or functional obstruction distally. The treatment consisted of a laparoscopic right colectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. The megacaecum is rare and poorly understood. The abdominal pain is directly related to fecal stasis, which increases the pressure on cecal colonic segment and this in turn causes a pull on the mesentery. The entero-MRI is valuable in the diagnosis so as to eliminate other causes of chronic abdominal pain.

Les facteurs prédictifs de récidive du kyste hydatique du foie : l’expérience tunisienne@@@Recurrence of hydatid cyst of liver: predictive factors: Tunisian experience

Cystic echinococcosis is a public health problem. Surgery represents the basic treatment and the surgeon is regularly faced with the choice of the appropriate surgical procedure (radical versus conservative surgical approach). The conservative procedure is safe and easy but can lead to a recurrence in the site of residual cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors of the recurrence of hepatic hydatid cysts, to optimize surgical management and to implement preventive measures. The current retrospective study included 391 patients with hepatic hydatid cysts operated at our institution from 1996 to 2006. The diagnosis of recurrence was suspected by radiological survey and confirmed at laparotomy. The univariate study of predictive factors of recurrence was based on the Fisher test and the multivariate one on the logistic regression model. The recurrence rate reached 12% in our study with an average period of 50 months. Univariate analysis showed that the predictive factors of recurrence were: the rural origin of patients, the voluminous cysts larger than 7 cm, and unilocular hydatid cyst. Multivariate analysis showed that only voluminous cysts and unilocular ones were the predictive factors of recurrence. The unilocular and voluminous hydatid cysts represent the cysts that relapse frequently because of their immunogenic character and the presence of exocysts in the pericysts. This is very important for the therapeutic strategy the main aim of which is to prevent the recurrence.

Lettre à la rédactionPseudo obstruction duodénaleDuodenal pseudo obstruction

Homme âgé de 22 ans, issu d’un mariage consanguin de premier degré, a été hospitalisé pour douleurs abdominales et vomissements. Le patient présentait depuis cinq mois des douleurs de l’hypochondre droit associées à des vomissements alimentaires et bilieux. L’interrogatoire a noté la notion de syndromes subocclusifs spontanément résolutifs, d’infections urinaires récidivantes et d’un amaigrissement par autorestriction alimentaire. À l’examen physique, le patient était maigre et présentait une dysmorphie faciale avec un hypertélorisme, une obliquité antimongoloïde, des fentes palpébrales et une micro-ophtalmie droite. L’examen ophtalmologique a mis en évidence au niveau de l’œil droit une microcornée, un nystagmus et l’absence de perception lumineuse. L’œil gauche était normal. La fibroscopie digestive haute a mis en évidence un aspect d’endobrachyœsophage s’étendant de façon circonférentielle à partir du cardia sur une hauteur de 10 cm environ. Le bulbe était normal et le duodénum était dilaté contenant du liquide de stase empêchant toute exploration. Les biopsies œsophagiennes ont confirmé le diagnostic d’endobrachyœsophage avec présence de métaplasie intestinale étendue. Le transit œsogastroduodénal a montré la présence d’une importante dilatation duodénale sans obstacle organique d’aval. Le diagnostic retenu en préopératoire était celui d’un diverticule géant du duodénum. Le patient a été opéré après aspiration gastrique. L’exploration peropératoire a mis en évidence une dilatation s e m t i