Waqar Khan

Isolated cutaneous metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma: case report and review of literature

AbstractA 54 year old lady presented for routine excision of a scalp lesion thought clinically to represent a sebaceous cyst of the right occiput. 4 years earlier she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy for 3 large uterine fibroids. Histo-pathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen revealed an incidental low-grade leiomyosarcoma. Staging imaging was negative for metastatic disease. She made an uneventful recovery and was treated further by adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy.She noticed an uncomfortable and unsightly cystic swelling on her occiput four years after hysterectomy and was referred for routine excision of what was believed to be a benign lesion. The lesion was excised and sent for histopathological examination. Microscopic analysis including immuno-histochemistry demonstrated an ER and PR positive metastatic deposit of leiomyosarcoma. The margins of excision were histologically clear of disease.At Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) discussion a diagnosis of metastatic scalp deposit from previous uterine leiomyosarcoma was made. Re-staging CT brain, thorax, abdomen and pelvis and MRI brain were negative for local recurrence or distant metastases. She is currently undergoing radiotherapy to the scalp and surrounding tissues and will be followed up closely by the involved teams.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case described in the worldwide literature of isolated cutaneous metastasis to the scalp of uterine leiomyosarcoma without evidence of disseminated disease at other sites.Virtual slidesThe virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1311834987345566

The Utility of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Severity Predictor of Acute Appendicitis, Length of Hospital Stay and Postoperative Complication Rates

Background: Numerous screening tools have been reported to aid in diagnosing appendicitis, but have poor severity prediction and lack accurate estimation of postoperative complications or total length of hospital stay (LOS). Aim: This study aims at evaluating the utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio in predicting the severity of appendicitis, LOS and 30-day complication rates. Methods: Patients who underwent appendicectomy over a 4-year period were evaluated. Demographics, blood results, severity of appendicitis, LOS and 30-day complications were recorded. Recommended cut-off values of NLR and C-reactive protein (CRP) for severity of appendicitis were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess the correlations between LOS and 30-day complications with NLR. Results: A total of 663 patients were included in the study of which 57.3% (n = 380) were male with mean patient age of 23.6 years, and 461 appendix specimens (69.6%) had simple inflammation on histological evaluation. A NLR of >6.35 or CRP of >55.6 were statistically associated with severe acute appendicitis, with a median of one extra hospital day admission (p < 0.0001). Mean NLR was statistically higher in patients with postoperative co(13.69 for severe vs. 7.29 for simple appendicitis group, p = 0.016). Conclusion: We advocate that NLR is a useful adjunct in predicting severity of appendicitis. It aids in delineating severe inflammation requiring surgery without substantial delay.

Incisional hernia appendicitis: A report of two unique cases and literature review

INTRODUCTION Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. The presence of an inflamed appendix in an incisional hernia is rare. Incisional hernias complicate both open and laparoscopic surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE We describe two unique cases of acute appendicitis within incisional hernias following an open cholecystectomy and a diagnostic laparoscopy. Acute appendicitis was diagnosed intraoperatively and a formal appendicectomy was performed with subsequent primary repair of the hernial defect in each case. DISCUSSION The method chosen for primary repair of an incisional hernia containing an acutely inflamed appendix depends on a number of factors including size of hernial defect and degree of contamination. Closure of 5mm port sites is not routine in current surgical practice. Herniation of intra-abdominal contents through such defects can occur rarely. The repair of an incisional hernia using mesh in a contaminated surgical field is controversial. There may be advantages in the use of biological meshes. CONCLUSION Surgical awareness of potential complications relating to the management of incisional hernia appendicitis is of primary importance in determining intraoperative strategy.

Seatbelt Injury Causing Small Bowel Devascularisation: Case Series and Review of the Literature

The use of seatbelts has increased significantly in the last twenty years, leading to a decrease in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA). However, this increase in seatbelt use has also led to a change in the spectrum of injuries from RTA; abdominal injuries, particularly intestinal injuries have dramatically increased with the routine use of seatbelts. Such intestinal injuries frequently result from improper placement of the “lap belt”. We present 3 cases in which passengers wearing a seatbelt sustained significant devascularisation injuries to the small bowel requiring emergency surgical intervention. A high index of suspicion is crucial in such cases to prevent delays in diagnosis that can lead to severe complications and adverse outcomes. It is evident that while advocating seatbelt use, the importance of education in correct seatbelt placement should also be a focus of public health strategies to reduce RTA morbidity and mortality.

Incarcerated femoral hernia containing ovary and fallopian tube in a 54-year-old.

While accounting for a small proportion of groin hernias, femoral hernias have the greatest propensity to incarcerate and strangulate leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of a 54-year-old multiparous female presenting with a new firm painful left-sided groin lump for 1 day. Incarcerated femoral hernia was diagnosed clinically and open surgical repair was undertaken. At surgery a viable ovary and fallopian tube were found in the hernial sac and returned to the pelvis. This case emphasises the importance of awareness of the variety of pathologies that may be encountered in emergency hernia surgery and highlights the value of preoperative radiology in such cases.

A National Evaluation of the Conservative Management of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: How Common Is This and What Are the Issues.

Introduction: The management approach for acute appendicitis has been challenged in recent years, with numerous randomized controlled trials demonstrating that antibiotics/conservative management is an efficacious treatment, with lower complication rates. Methods: A national survey of all consultant general surgeons evaluating their practices was performed. Reasons for changed practices, choice of antibiotics and follow-up investigations were evaluated. In addition, the role of interval appendicectomy and conservative management in the pediatric population was also assessed. Results: The response rate for this survey was 74.7% (n = 74/99). Over one-fifth (n = 17, 22.9%) routinely treat acute appendicitis conservatively, while another 14.8% (n = 11) consider this approach in selected cases. Main reasons for modified practices included the presence of inflammatory phlegmon (75%), delayed presentation (64%), and recent evidence-based medicine developments (46%). Co-amoxiclav/clavulanic acid was the most popular antibiotic for conservative management (53%). Alternatively, combinations of antibiotics were also utilized. One-third felt interval appendicectomy was warranted, while one-fifth supported conservative management in the paediatric setting. The overwhelming majority (>95%) advocate follow-up colonoscopy ± computed tomography in any patient aged >40 years managed conservatively. Conclusion: Considerable variation in management of uncomplicated appendicitis remains in Ireland despite growing evidence suggesting that the non-operative approach is safe. Reasons for adopting a conservative management practice have been identified and reflect the expanding literature on this subject.

The Utility of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Intervention in Acute Diverticulitis

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a novel biomarker that has been recently studied in diverticulitis. The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of NLR in predicting which patients had complicated diverticulitis and which patients required a radiological or surgical intervention. The accuracy of NLR was compared to C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count and white cell to lymphocyte ratio (WLR). Methods: Details of all patients admitted with acute diverticulitis over an 18-month period were collected prospectively. Median CRP, WBC, neutrophil count, WLR and NLR values at initial presentation were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The diagnostic accuracy of each test was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Optimal cut-off points were determined for each biomarker using Youdens Index (J). Results: CRP, WBC, neutrophil count, WLR and NLR had variable accuracy in predicting complicated diverticulitis. NLR had the greatest accuracy of the 5 biomarkers in predicting the need for intervention with an area under the curve of 0.79 (p < 0.0001). The optimal cut-off point for NLR was 5.34 (J = 0.45). Conclusion: NLR was more accurate than CRP, WBC, neutrophil count and WLR in predicting the need for intervention. This cost-neutral, readily available biomarker can easily be calculated from the complete blood count and is a useful adjunct to CT.

Non-operative management of diverticular perforation in a patient with suspected Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

INTRODUCTION No consensus exists regarding definitive management of colonic perforation in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), with various authors advocating different operative techniques. Spontaneous colonic perforation is a recognised complication of vascular-type EDS (type IV), with many reported cases in the literature. No such cases have been reported concerning classical-type EDS (type I/II). PRESENTATION OF CASE A 55-year-old male with a family history of EDS presented with acute lower abdominal pain and signs of localised peritonitis. Following resuscitation, computerised tomography identified perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum with localised intraperitoneal air. Considering the potential complications associated with laparotomy in a patient with EDS, a trial of conservative management was undertaken including image-guided drainage of a mesenteric abscess. Intensive care monitoring, nutritional support and intravenous antibiotics also facilitated successful non-operative management. Following discharge, molecular studies confirmed COL5A1 mutation, and a diagnosis of classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was established. DISCUSSION This is the first reported case of successful conservative management of colonic diverticular perforation in a patient with classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. CONCLUSION EDS is highly significant in the surgical context, with the causative genetic factors serving to further complicate the course of surgical intervention. In the absence of consensus regarding best surgical management, due consideration should be given to non-operative management of benign colonic perforation.

Higher surgical training opportunities in the general hospital setting; getting the balance right.

BackgroundThe general hospital can play an important role in training of higher surgical trainees (HSTs) in Ireland and abroad. Training opportunities in such a setting have not been closely analysed to date.AimsThe aim of this study was to quantify operative exposure for HSTs over a 5-year period in a single institution.MethodsAnalysis of electronic training logbooks (over a 5-year period, 2007–2012) was performed for general surgery trainees on the higher surgical training programme in Ireland. The most commonly performed adult and paediatric procedures per trainee, per year were analysed.ResultsStandard general surgery operations such as herniae (average 58, range 32–86) and cholecystectomy (average 60, range 49–72) ranked highly in each logbook. The most frequently performed emergency operations were appendicectomy (average 45, range 33–53) and laparotomy for acute abdomen (average 48, range 10–79). Paediatric surgical experience included appendicectomy, circumcision, orchidopexy and hernia/hydrocoele repair. Overall, the procedure most commonly performed in the adult setting was endoscopy, with each trainee recording an average of 116 (range 98–132) oesophagogastroduodenoscopies and 284 (range 227–354) colonoscopies.ConclusionsGeneral hospitals continue to play a major role in the training of higher surgical trainees. Analysis of the electronic logbooks over a 5-year period reveals the high volume of procedures available to trainees in a non-specialist centre. Such training opportunities are invaluable in the context of changing work practices and limited resources.

Synchronous breast and colon cancer: factors determining treatment strategy.

A 67-year-old woman presented with synchronous breast and colonic tumours, in the absence of family history. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the patient was started on endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Initial surgical management consisted of right hemicolectomy together with segmental resection of a serosal deposit adherent to the distal ileum, for a moderately differentiated pT4NO caecal carcinoma. Three months later, right mastectomy and axillary clearance confirmed node positive invasive ductal carcinoma. The original treatment plan was to prioritise adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer postmastectomy. However, the subsequent CT finding of an enlarged, suspicious mesenteric lymph node mass on repeat staging raised concern regarding its origin. Image-guided biopsy revealed metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma and the patient was switched to a colon cancer chemotherapy regime. Following adjuvant chemotherapy for colonic carcinoma, an en-bloc surgical resection of the enlarging metastatic nodal mass was performed with clear resection margins. The patient is currently asymptomatic.