Khalid Mazaz

Fournier’s gangrene: our experience with 50 patients and analysis of factors affecting mortality

IntroductionFournier’s gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive, necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia and perineum. Case series have shown a mortality rate of 20% to 40% with an incidence of as high as 88% in some reports. In this study we aimed to share our experience in the management of Fournier’s gangrene and to identify risk factors that affect mortality.MethodsThe medical records of 50 patients with Fournier’s gangrene who presented at the University Hospital Hassan II of Fez from January 2003 to December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively to analyze the outcome and identify the risk factors and prognostic indicators of mortality.ResultsTen males and five females were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 54 years (range 23–81). The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (34%). E. coli was the most frequent bacterial organisms cultured. All patients were treated with a common approach of resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and wide surgical excision. The mortality rate was 24%. The advanced age, renal failure on admission, extension of infection to the abdominal wall, occurrence of septic shock and need for postoperative mechanical ventilation are the main prognostic factors of mortality. In multivariate analysis, none of these variables is an independent predictor of mortality.ConclusionsFournier’s gangrene is still a very severe disease with high mortality rates. Early recognition of infection associated with invasive and aggressive treatment is essential for attempting to reduce these prognostic indices.

Benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum: a case report and literature review

Benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum (BCM) is an uncommon lesion with some 130 cases reported since the first case described by Smith and Mennenmeyer in 1979. It is a rare intra abdominal tumor occurring predominantly in women of reproductive age. Due to the rarity of this tumor, similarity of patient presentation, and comparable features on imaging, the diagnosis of this pathology is difficult, and is based on histological findings. This tumor is known for local recurrence. Its agreed that surgery is the only effective treatment, but there are no evidence-based treatment strategies for BCM.

Isolated liver tuberculosis abscess in a patient without immunodeficiency: A case report.

Although hepatic tuberculosis is not a rare disease entity, tubercular liver abscess (TLA) is extremely rare. It is usually associated with foci of infection either in the lung and/or gastrointestinal tract or with an immunocompromised state. An isolated or primary TLA with no evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere is even rarer. We report on a 28 year old man who developed an isolated tuberculous liver abscess not associated with lung involvement. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen showed the abscess lesions in the liver but the diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by histological examination of the wall of the abscess after surgical drainage. Although tuberculous liver abscess is very rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of abscess and unknown hepatic mass lesions.

A case of gastric cancer associated to situs inversus totalis

The situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly, which is a more or less complete inversion of the abdominal and thoracic organs. We report a case of 70 years old man, without pathological antecedents complaining about epigastric pains associated to haematemesis, and whose gastric endoscopy objectified a gastric tumor. The pulmonary x-ray and the abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed the previously unrecognized situs inversus totalis. A subtotal gastrectomy was performed and patient had an uneventful postoperative course.

A solitary primary subcutaneous hydatid cyst in the abdominal wall of a 70-year-old woman: a case report

IntroductionA solitary primary hydatid cyst in the subcutaneous abdominal wall is an exceptional entity, even in countries where the Echinococcus infestation is endemic.Case presentationWe report a case of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman who presented to our hospital with a subcutaneous mass in the para-umbilical area with a non-specific clinical presentation. The diagnosis of subcutaneous hydatid cyst was suspected on the basis of radiological findings. A complete surgical resection of the mass was performed and the patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery. The histopathology confirmed the suspected diagnosis.ConclusionHydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of every subcutaneous cystic mass, especially in regions where the disease is endemic. The best treatment is the total excision of the cyst with an intact wall.

Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix: Laparoscopic approach

INTRODUCTION Appendiceal intussusception is a very rare disease that is found in only 0.01% of patients who have undergone an appendectomy. Clinical symptoms vary and some patients are asymptomatic. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is still controversial. We present a case of intussusception of the appendix with a mucinous cystadenoma treated by laparoscopic surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE We report a case of 47 year-old-women patient who presented with a six month history of intermittent right lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computer tomography CT showed appendiceal mass with intussusception. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed because the tumor involved the entire appendix. Histopathological examination revealed mucocele due to mucinous cystadenoma of appendix. DISCUSSION Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix is extremely rare. It is very difficult to diagnose the presence of an intussuscepted appendix pre-operatively and investigations will usually include colonoscopy and CT scan. An appendicular intussusception should not be reduced by colonoscopy. Laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is still controversial; the main concerns to be addressed are the adequacy of resection and intraperitoneal rupture of the tumor. Our patient successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery without any complications. CONCLUSION Appendiceal intussusception to the cecum caused by mucocele of the appendix is a rare cause of abdominal pain and difficult to diagnose. The laparoscopic surgery for appendiceal tumors is safe, feasible, and even may be beneficial.

Rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma revealed by metastatic anal fistula. The visible part of the iceberg: a report of two cases with literature review

Colonic adenocarcinoma revealed by metastatic anorectal fistula is rare, with few cases in the literature. Such lesions can be taken for the more common manifestation of a benign perianal abscess or fistula. Once diagnosed, the management of such conditions remains controversial. We herein report two cases with perianal fistula that were subsequently found to have developed perianal adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Further colonic investigation revealed a rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma. Histology and immunohistochemical staining was identical in both primary and metastatic tumors. Preoperative chemoradiation with further rectal low anterior resection and local excision of metastatic anal fistula was performed. There is no recurrence after 3 years of follow-up.

A giant peritoneal simple mesothelial cyst: a case report.

IntroductionA peritoneal simple mesothelial cyst is a very rare mesenteric cyst of mesothelial origin. The size of this lesion usually ranges between a few centimeters and 10 cm. It is usually asymptomatic, but occasionally presents with various, non-specific symptoms, which makes correct pre-operative diagnosis difficult. We present a case of a giant peritoneal simple mesothelial cyst that was successfully managed by complete surgical excision which is the treatment of choice.Case presentationA 21-year-old Caucasian Moroccan woman with vague abdominal discomfort and associated distention, during the previous 2 years, without other symptoms, presented to our hospital. Her past medical history was unremarkable. On physical examination, a mobile, painless and relatively hard abdominal mass was palpated. The laboratory examination and abdominal radiograph were unremarkable. Abdominal radiologic imaging showed a cystic mass of 35 × 20 × 10 cm that occupied the entire anterior and right abdominal cavity. Radical excision of the cyst was performed by midline laparotomy without any damage to the adjacent abdominal organs. The histopathological diagnosis was simple mesothelial cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence.ConclusionA peritoneal simple mesothelial cyst is a quite rare abdominal tumor, that must always be considered in differential diagnosis of pelvic cystic lesions and other mesenteric cysts. The treatment of choice is the complete surgical excision of the cyst.

Small bowel intussusception with the Meckel's diverticulum after blunt abdominal trauma: a case report

Intussusception with the Meckels diverticulum is a rare but well-known cause of small bowel obstruction in the adult. After blunt abdominal trauma, intussusception is exceedingly rare and has been reported previously only in few cases. We present a case of a previously healthy 28-year-old man developing four days after blunt abdominal trauma signs of small bowel obstruction. Ileo-ileal intussusception was suggested by computed tomography. Exploration revealed ileo-ileal intussusception with Meckels diverticulum. A diverticulectomy with small bowel resection was performed.

Primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas with a hepatic pedicule compression

IntroductionPrimary pancreatic hydatid cyst is extremely rare and may be a causative factor for obstructive jaundice.Case presentationA 27-year-old woman presented with obstructive jaundice, vomiting, pruritus, abdominal pain and an epigastric mass. A diagnosis of a pancreatic cyst causing a compression of the common bile buct was established by ultrasonography and CT scan before surgery. Hydatic serology was negative. The treatment consisted of the resection of the protruding dome with a drainage of the residual cavity and an omentoplasty. The recovery was uneventful and the patient has remained symptom free so far.ConclusionThe primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas may be a causative factor for obstructive jaundice and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cystic masses in the pancreas, especially in endemic areas.