Olivier Tiffet

Bronchial artery aneurysm disguised as a leiomyoma of the esophagus

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare entity with potentially fatal hemorrhagic complications. It is usually diagnosed using a computed tomography scan or angiography in emergency situations (clinical picture of aortic dissection or massive hemoptysis). We report a case of bronchial artery aneurysm where dysphagia was the predominant symptom. Thoracic computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound seemed to indicate leiomyoma of the esophagus. The final diagnosis revealed a bronchial artery aneurysm.

Hémorragie surrénalienne bilatérale post-traumatique. A propos d'un cas avec insuffisance surrénale aiguë.

Resume L’hemorragie bilaterale des surrenales d’origine traumatique est rarement observee, parfois meconnue au cours des polytraumatismes graves. Elle peut entrainer un etat de choc mortel par insuffisance surrenale aigue. Son diagnostic en urgence est fait par l’imagerie, essentiellement par le scanner. Un traitement substitutif doit etre rapidement institue. Cette complication plaide en faveur de l’exploration morphologique abdominale des polytraumatises en urgence, chaque fois que c’est possible.

Jejuno–ileal diverticulitis: Etiopathogenicity, diagnosis and management

Highlights • Diagnosis is often difficult and delayed because clinical symptoms are not specific.• The etiopathogenesis of jejuno–ileal diverticulosis is unclear.• Flatulent dyspepsia = epigastric pain abdominal discomfort, flatulence one or two hours after meals.• The extraluminal air develops an arrowhead-like shape surrounded by inflammatory tissue when the diverticulum is perforated.• In the presence of complications, surgical resection with reestablishment of the bowel continuity is the preferred treatment option.

Preliminary study of efficacy of dynamic compression system in the correction of typical pectus carinatum.

OBJECTIVES This preliminary study evaluates, by qualitative score, the efficacy of the dynamic compression system (DCS) with a pressure-measuring device in the treatment of pectus carinatum (PC) as an alternative to surgery. METHODS A total of 68 patients (infants, adolescents and young adults) presenting with typical PC (64 males and 4 females) were evaluated in our Chest Wall Deformities Unit, between October 2011 and February 2013. The criteria for including subjects were: patients with typical condrogladiolar PC and pressure for initial correction (PIC) ≤ 9 PSI (pound square inch). Seven patients were excluded in this study: three typical PC were treated by minimal invasive surgery (Abramson technique) due to highly elevated PIC and four atypical PC, hybrids forms (PE and PC) were treated by cup suction for pectus excavatum and by the DCS for the PC. The management protocol included: adjustment of the DCS, strengthening exercises and monthly clinical follow-up. The partial and final results were evaluated by the patients, by their parents or by both, using a qualitative scoring scale that was measured in a three-step grading system, where C is a low or very low result, B is acceptable and A is a very good or excellent result. RESULTS A total of 61 patients (59 males and 2 females) presenting with typical PC were treated by the DCS and included: symmetric PC in 43 cases and asymmetric PC in 18 cases. The mean age was 13.5 years (5-25). The mean PIC was 6.3 PSI (3-9 PSI). The mean utilization time was 19 h daily. The patients were divided into three groups. In Group I, consisting of 35 cases, all the patients have already completed the treatment with excellent aesthetic results (A). In 12 cases, Group II, the normal shape of the thorax has been obtained; all the patients in this group rated their results as excellent (A); however, these patients are still wearing the brace as a retainer for 3 additional months. Fourteen patients, Group III, are progressing and improving under active treatment, and surgeons and patients are very satisfied with the initial results. None of the 61 patients in this study abandoned the treatment and no complications were found. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study demonstrated that the DCS with a pressure-measuring device is a minimal invasive system effective for treatment of PC in patients where the anterior chest wall is still compliant. The control of different pressure measurements could be used as the inclusion criterion as well as a predictive factor for aesthetic results and treatment duration.

Laparoscopic Entry Techniques in Obese Patient: Veress Needle, Direct Trocar Insertion or Open Entry Technique?

Laparoscopy is a common procedure in bariatric surgery. Serious complications can occur during laparoscopic entry as reported by Ahmad et al. (Cochrane Database Syst Rev 15:2, 2012). Several techniques, instruments, and approaches to minimize the risk of injury (the bowel, bladder, major abdominal vessels, and an anterior abdominal wall vessel) have been introduced. These methods include the standard technique of insufflation after insertion of the Veress needle, the open (Hasson technique), the direct trocar insertion, and optical trocar insertion. Furthermore, it is more difficult to perform in the obese patient, especially if the first trocar is not umbilical. This is because obese patients have a very thick abdominal wall (particularly in women) as well as a thick peritoneum. The aim of this article was to demonstrate the safety of various laparoscopic entry techniques in obese patient.

Squamous cell carcinoma of middle rectum: Literature review

INTRODUCTION Squamous cell carcinoma SCC of the rectum is a distinct entity. We report a very rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the middle rectum. PRESENTATION OF CASE The patient was a 62-year-old woman who presented with a history of rectal bleeding and discomfort. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoid tumour of the middle rectum. Biopsies of this mass revealed a poorly differentiated SCC of the rectum. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was negative for distal metastases. The patient received combined chemo-radiation followed by surgical excision. The postoperative period was uncomplicated. DISCUSSION The pathogenesis of rectal SCC remains unclear and diagnosis is often delayed. Diagnostic criteria have been proposed. MRI of the rectum and trans-rectal endoscopic ultrasound R-EUS provide essential information to plan a therapeutic approach. The squamous cell carcinoma antigen level is not suitable for initial diagnosis of rectal SCC. Most authors conclude that the surgery is the gold standard treatment. Tumour stage is the most important prognostic predictor of SCC. CONCLUSION Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is a distinct entity. Before the final choice of treatment is made, digestive surgeons should bear in mind this rare tumour.

Treatment of esophageal perforation in octogenarians: a multicenter study

Esophageal perforation is associated with significant mortality, and this may markedly increase with advanced age. This multicenter study investigates this issue in patients older than 80 years. Data on 33 patients >80 years old who underwent conservative (10 patients), endoclip (one patient), stent grafting (11 patients), or surgical treatment (11 patients) for esophageal perforation were collected from nine centers. Surgical repair consisted of repair on drain in one patient, primary repair in seven patients, and esophagectomy in two patients. Among patients who underwent stent grafting, one required repeat stenting and another stent graft repositioning. One patient was converted to surgical repair after stent grafting. Thirteen patients (39.4%) died during the 30-day and/or in-hospital stay. Their mortality was significantly higher than in a series of patients<80 years old (13.0%, 21/161 patients, P=0.001). Three patients (30.0%) died after conservative treatment, one (100%) after treatment with endoclips, five (45.5%) after stent grafting, and four (36.4%) after surgical repair (P=0.548). Early survival with salvaged esophagus was 42.4% (conservative treatment: 70.0% endoclips 0%, stent grafting: 54.5%, and surgical repair: 54.5%, respectively, P=0.558). Estimated glomerular filtration rate<60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (70.0% vs. 25.0%, P=0.043) and sepsis (100% vs. 32.1%, P=0.049) at presentation were associated with increased risk of early mortality in univariate analysis. Esophageal perforation in octogenarians is associated with very high early and intermediate high mortality irrespective of the treatment method used.

Preliminary study of efficacy of cup suction in the correction of typical pectus excavatum

OBJECTIVE This preliminary qualitative study evaluates the efficacy of cup suction in the correction of pectus excavatum (PE), and examines the place of this system as a strategic treatment and as an alternative to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between October 2011 and June 2014, a total of 84 patients (children and adult) presenting with PE were treated by cup suction, in our chest wall deformities unit. On first consultation, the patients with typical PE and with at least partial correction during the first application of cup suction and a maximal suction pressure for correction of less than 300 mbar (millibars) were included in this study. 11 patients were excluded from the present study as they presented with a complex carinatum/excavatum. The remaining 73 patients were divided into two groups: Group I, adult patients ≥ 18 year old, 17 patients. The mean age was 22.8 years old. Group II, pediatric patients <18 years old, 56 patients. The mean age was 11.5 years old. Medical photographic documentation was collected systematically. In addition, the depth of PE was measured. The management protocol involved: adjustment of cup suction, strengthening exercises, and clinical follow-up every two to three months. The evaluation criteria during, and on the completion of the trial were: depth of the PE, morbidity and treatment compliance. Partial and final results were evaluated by the patients, their parents, and doctor, using a qualitative scoring scale. RESULTS A total of 73 patients presenting typical PE (symmetric in 52 cases and asymmetric in 21 cases) were treated by cup suction. The mean depth of PE was 23 mm (9-44). Of the 73 patients, one adult abandoned treatment and three children abandoned follow-up. The mean time of use of the device was 4h daily. At six months of treatment, the mean depth of PE was 9 mm (0-30) across all patients. 23 patients completed the treatment and exhibited flattening of the sternum. These patients were considered to have an excellent aesthetic result. The mean treatment duration to normal reshape was achieved at 10 months (4-21). The remaining patients are improving under continuing active treatment. The mean depth of PE in this group was 12 mm (4-30), after a mean treatment duration of 9 months (2-22). CONCLUSIONS Treatment using cup suction is a promising useful alternative in selected cases of symmetric and asymmetric PE, providing that the thorax is flexible. Treatment duration is directly linked to age, severity and the frequency of use. It is becoming a well-recognized therapy, which improves the self-image of those patients whose anterior chest wall is still pliable. The cup suction can be used for pediatrics and young adults waiting for a treatment, possibly surgery, however, the long-term effect of this procedure remains unclear.

Complications of bariatric surgery: Presentation and emergency management

The epidemic in obesity has led to an increase in number of so called bariatric procedures. Doctors are less comfortable managing an obese patient after bariatric surgery. Peri-operative mortality is less than 1%. The specific feature in the obese patient is that the classical signs of peritoneal irritation are never present as there is no abdominal wall and therefore no guarding or rigidity. Simple post-operative tachycardia in obese patients should be taken seriously as it is a WARNING SIGNAL. The most common complication after surgery is peritonitis due to anastomotic fistula formation. This occurs typically as an early complication within the first 10 days post-operatively and has an incidence of 1-6% after gastric bypass and 3-7% after sleeve gastrectomy. Post-operative malnutrition is extremely rare after restrictive surgery (ring, sleeve gastrectomy) although may occur after malabsorbative surgery (bypass, biliary pancreatic shunt) and is due to the restriction and change in absorption. Prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely carried out during the same procedure as the bypass. Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis after bariatric surgery is a diagnosis which should be considered in the presence of any postoperative abdominal pain. Initially a first etiological assessment is performed (measurement of antithrombin III and of protein C and protein S, testing for activated protein C resistance). If the least doubt is present, a medical or surgical consultation should be requested with a specialist practitioner in the management of obese patients as death rates increase with delayed diagnosis.

A rare variant of inguinal hernia: Cryptorchid testis at the age of 50 years. Etiopathogenicity, prognosis and management

INTRODUCTION Cryptorchidism is characterized by the extra-scrotal position of the testis. The surgical community has little to no knowledge of cryptorchid testis in adults apart from of pediatric surgeons. Therefore, we sought to describe this unusual cause of inguinal hernia. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 50-year-old man was referred with a inguinal hernia. Diagnosis of cryptorchidism was made during surgery, as the patient underwent an operation for repair of his left inguinal hernia. The testicle was non-viable and a left testicle was resected. Histopathology report confirmed a atrophic testis without testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT). DISCUSSION This is an extremely rare case of cryptorchidism revealed in an adult. The patient remained asymptomatic for 50 years. Most studies have concluded that there is a direct correlation between how long the testis was subjected to a cryptorchid position and TGCT incidence. The recommended age of surgical correction is before the age of 2 years. In our case, we did not find correlation between the time of surgery and risk of TGCT. Histopathology report confirmed the presence of leydig cells, seminiferous tubule and Sertoli cells without TGCT. Very little is known about link between cryptorchidism and TGCT. The correct diagnosis of inguinal hernia is usually made during an inguinal hernia repair. CONCLUSION The surgeon must always be alert to the possibility of cryptorchid testis during a surgical exploration of an inguinal hernia. In suspected cases, laparoscopy ultrasonographic, CT scan and laparoscopy evaluation may be helpful in diagnosing of this atypical inguinal hernia before surgery.