Ravi Maharaj

Perforated left-sided diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis: is the Hinchey classification the best guide for surgical decision making?

BackgroundAlthough the Hinchey scoring system has guided surgical decision making for perforated diverticulitis, what constitutes optimal surgical management is controversial. We report our experience of selective primary closure of the perforation without use of a transverse colostomy and the specific circumstances in which this may be safe.MethodsAll cases of perforated diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon with Hinchey grade IV (faecal) peritonitis seen over a 4-year period from one surgical unit were reviewed.ResultsPrimary closure without a diverting stoma was performed in six of the eight patients studied since the bowel was deemed healthy, and resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis were performed in the other two patients because there was associated scarring and stricture formation distally. In the primary closure patients, the site of the perforation was dissected and closed with attendant omentoplasty and a meticulous peritoneal toilet. In one of these cases, a diverting stoma was later fashioned after the patient developed a short-lived faecal fistula.ConclusionThe status of the underlying bowel, not the degree of peritoneal soiling, is the most significant consideration in defining the role of minimally invasive surgical treatment options for perforated diverticulitis. A new classification system that remains to be validated, taking into account the degree of colonic scarring and stricture formation, is proposed as a guide for surgical decision making in patients with perforated left-sided diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis.

Associations among ancestry, geography and breast cancer incidence, mortality, and survival in Trinidad and Tobago

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common newly diagnosed cancer among women in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and BC mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Globally, racial/ethnic trends in BC incidence, mortality and survival have been reported. However, such investigations have not been conducted in TT, which has been noted for its rich diversity. In this study, we investigated associations among ancestry, geography and BC incidence, mortality and survival in TT. Data on 3767 incident BC cases, reported to the National Cancer Registry of TT, from 1995 to 2007, were analyzed in this study. Women of African ancestry had significantly higher BC incidence and mortality rates (Incidence: 66.96; Mortality: 30.82 per 100,000) compared to women of East Indian (Incidence: 41.04, Mortality: 14.19 per 100,000) or mixed ancestry (Incidence: 36.72, Mortality: 13.80 per 100,000). Geographically, women residing in the North West Regional Health Authority (RHA) catchment area followed by the North Central RHA exhibited the highest incidence and mortality rates. Notable ancestral differences in survival were also observed. Women of East Indian and mixed ancestry experienced significantly longer survival than those of African ancestry. Differences in survival by geography were not observed. In TT, ancestry and geographical residence seem to be strong predictors of BC incidence and mortality rates. Additionally, disparities in survival by ancestry were found. These data should be considered in the design and implementation of strategies to reduce BC incidence and mortality rates in TT.

Puncture Wounds in the Diabetic Foot: Importance of X-Ray in Diagnosis

It is well recognised that septic sequelae of puncture wounds are worse in diabetics. Since much of the spreading foot sepsis from puncture wounds is deep to the deep fascia, and because the sole of the foot has thick skin and subcutaneous fibrous septae, crepitus is not as easily appreciated as it is at other sites. Also the rubor of the inflammatory response is minimal in subfascial sepsis and it is therefore easy to underestimate the extent of deep gangrene. The absence of pain due to neuropathy also masks the inflammatory reaction and makes a foreign body or severe osteomyelitis less obvious clinically. These cases demonstrate the value of routine and early radiographs in the assessment of puncture wounds in diabetic feet.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Report of Two Cases

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon, accounting for only 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors are being detected at an increased rate, probably due to the increased awareness and the liberal use of imaging. We report two cases of patients with solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors and review the existing literature.

A Case of Malignancy in a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst—Recommendations for Management

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas are rare tumors with just more than 200 cases published to date. This is a case report of a thyroglossal duct cyst harboring an occult carcinoma for which a Sistrunk operation was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a papillary carcinoma arising from a thyroglossal duct cyst after which the patient underwent a total thyroidectomy. With current evidence-based guidelines lacking, we discussed some of the issues relevant to the surgical planning and postoperative management of such a patient.

Open common bile duct exploration without T-tube insertion- two decade experience from a limited resource setting in the Caribbean

PurposeDespite advancements in gallbladder surgery with the introduction of endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques, many surgeons, especially in the developing world, still perform open cholecystectomy with common bile duct (CBD) exploration for choledocholithiasis. The purpose of the study is to report the outcomes of a case series of open CBD exploration without the use of T-tubes.Materials and methodsA retrospective chart review of all consecutive open CBD exploration done by the first author over a period of 23 years was conducted. Demographic data, preoperative investigations, the surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes were recorded.ResultsOf 690 open cholecystectomies performed during the study period, 108 had common bile duct exploration. In 94 cases this was done via a supraduodenal choledochotomy, in 10 cases via a transduodenal sphincteroplasty and in 4 cases via the cystic duct. In 90 cases, a simple choledochotomy and primary closure was done while in 4 cases choledocho-duodenostomy was required. Eighty-seven percent of surgeries were done on elective basis and 13% on an emergency basis and no T-tubes were used in any patients. The mean hospital length of stay was 3.2 days and the perioperative morbidity was negligible.ConclusionsIn a limited resource setting, there is still a role for open CBD exploration and primary closure without the necessity of T-tubes and stents as evidenced by a good perioperative patient outcome.

Ergonomics and Technical Aspects of Minimal Access Surgery in Acute Surgery

Background:Following the general trend in the evolution of minimal access surgery (MAS), the place of laparoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the emergency setting is well defined. As for all laparoscopic procedures, the ergonomic and technical aspects of MAS in acute surgery are important issues.Methods:Review of the literature.Results:The ergonomic and technical aspects of emergency laparoscopy include the surgeon’s and the patient’s position; the operating room setup, including the table, the monitor, and the specific equipment; patient preparation adapted as required to potential changes necessary as adapted to the pathology and conversion; the trocar setup, also adapted to the organ and pathology. Specific needs and variations can be necessary, dependent on the patient status, body build, and the pathology being treated. The operating room used for acute surgery should be adapted to evolving laparoscopic techniques, as well as new intraoperative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.Conclusion:High-tech equipment and associated procedures have modified the needs for a modern operating room setup. Laparoscopic procedures for emergency surgery must make use of well-known ergonomic principles and be adapted to the patient and the pathology.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: analysis of 619 consecutive cases in a Caribbean setting.

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard in the definitive treatment of symptomatic gall bladder disease. It boasts superior morbidity and mortality and lower complication rates than open approaches. AIM This study outlines the experiences associated with 619 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in Trinidad. METHODS The records of 619 consecutive patients who underwent the procedure were reviewed. All cases were either performed or supervised by the senior author. The population comprised 511 females and 108 males. The average age was 48.5 years. RESULTS The commonest indications for surgery were symptomatic cholelithiasis (380 cases) and acute cholecystitis (111 cases). The mean operating time was 34 minutes. The mean length of stay on the ward was 17.45 hours. Mortality was zero. Only 4 cases were converted to open procedures. The commonest postoperative complication was wound-infection. CONCLUSION In summary, this study demonstrates that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in a Third World setting with results comparable to those internationally.

Cervical leverage: A new procedure to deliver deep retrosternal goitres without thoracotomy

INTRODUCTION Although most retrosternal goitres can be removed through a standard collar incision, some cases require extra-cervical incisions for complete resection. We report a new technique to remove large retrosternal goitres without extra-cervical incisions. PRESENTATION OF CASE We present two cases in which a US Army-Navy (Parker-Langenback) retractor was used to deliver large retrosternal components into the cervical incisions. DISCUSSION This technique is useful in cases where the retrosternal component extends beyond the reach of the exploring finger and a well-developed plane can be developed between the gland and surrounding tissue. CONCLUSION The cervical leverage technique allows removal of a large retrosternal component through a cervical incision, thereby avoiding the attendant morbidity of a thoracotomy or median sternotomy. It should not be used if there is suspected neoplastic disease, dense adherence to or invasion of surrounding intra-thoracic structures.

Laparoscopic Diverticulectomy for Massive Hemorrhage in a Duodenal Diverticulum

Hemorrhagic duodenal diverticula are rare and are treated by endoscopy or open diverticulectomy, especially when there is a massive hemorrhage. We report what we believe to be the first instance of urgent laparoscopic diverticulectomy of a large, inflamed duodenal diverticulum with massive hemorrhage. An elderly patient had a screening colonoscopy and additional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of vague upper gastrointestinal symptoms; however, both were reported to be normal. She subsequently developed massive hematemesis. Clinical examination revealed a tender right upper quadrant mass and imaging confirmed a large duodenal diverticulum with surrounding inflammatory changes. Urgent laparoscopic diverticulectomy was performed with an uneventful recovery and follow-up. Laparoscopic diverticulectomy should be considered in managing hemorrhagic duodenal diverticula.