Management of ingested foreign bodies within the appendix: a case report with review of the literature

A case is reported of an elective appendectomy in a patient with known ingestion of a sharp foreign body. The metal drill bit was ingested unintentionally 3 months before presentation at our institution. Plain abdominal films demonstrated the foreign body in the right lower abdominal quadrant. Because the gold dental drill bit was sharp and thought to be lodged in the terminal ileum or cecum, an attempt was made to remove the object during colonoscopy. This attempt was unsuccessful because no drill bit could be detected in the colon or terminal ileum. A laparoscopic exploration was performed, and the foreign body was found to lie in the appendix, after bowel manipulation under fluoroscopic guidance and with direct laparoscopic visualization. A laparoscopic assisted appendectomy was performed. On pathologic examination the drill bit was embedded in the tip of the appendix with signs of intramucosal acute inflammation. Management and indication for surgery of foreign bodies in the appendix are discussed, and we review the related literature. This is the second reported case of a dental drill bit in the appendix causing appendicitis.     

Pros and cons of elective appendectomy in gynecologic laparotomy

The problem of elective appendectomy still raises rational and emotional controversy among surgeons. Here is presented discussion and our opinion that strongly supports the idea of performing elective appendectomy during gynecological laparotomy.     

Communicable disease in African immigrants in Minneapolis

To perform a laparoscopic appendectomy, three trocars are usually needed. In order to reduce abdominal wall trauma, we have adopted an umbilical one-puncture laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (UOPLAA). We did a retrospective study of UOPLAA performed during last 2 years on 200 children aged from 5 to 18 years (median, 9 years). The patients were selected after clinical examination. No child with advanced generalized peritonitis or an abscess with a palpable mass was a candidate for this technique. UOPLAA was successful in 184 patients (92%). In 16 cases (8%), an additional trocar was required to manage perforated or retrocecal appendicitis. The mean operative time was 15 min, and the mean hospital stay was 2 days. There were no intraoperative complications. There were 10 (5%) postoperative complications (three parietal and seven intraabdominal). Four patients (2%) needed reoperation under general anesthesia. The UOPLAA is our preference in cases of acute nonperforated appendicitis because it is simple and fast, with good cosmetic results; but in 8% of our cases, an intraoperative difficulty (retrocecal location, abnormal adhesive band, peritonitis, etc.) arose that required the introduction of additional devices to ensure the safety of the laparoscopic procedure.     

Debatable questions of surgical tactics in appendiceal infiltrates and periappendiceal abscess

The disease course in 68 patients with appendicular infiltrate (AI) and periappendicular abscess (PAA) is analysed. There were 42 men and 26 women at the age of 15-76 years. AI was detected in 12 patients, PAA-in 56 patients. In 39 patients diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical examination, laboratory tests and X-ray examination. Ultrasound examination was used in 19 cases. Conservative treatment appeared to be effective in 7 patients. The abscess developed in 4 patients. In 5 patients the diagnosis of AI was confirmed at the surgery. Opening and draining of the abscess was performed in 35 patients. The transabdominal opening of the abscess in combination with appendectomy was used in 19 patients. The median laparotomy, appendectomy and abdominal drainage were conducted in 2 patients with the break of the abscess into the abdominal cavity that led to the development of disseminated purulent peritonitis. The long-term results after the resolution of the infiltrate and opening of the abscess were analysed in 38 patients. The postoperative complications have developed in 29 patients, reoperation was performed in 7 of them. 2 of the 68 patients died after surgery. The total mortality rate was 2.9%, postoperative mortality-3.4%. Acute liver insufficiency (1) and intoxication (1) were the causes of death.     

Appendiceal mucocele. Contraindication to laparoscopic appendectomy

Indications and contraindications to laparoscopic surgery continue to be refined. Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis is frequently selected by patients and surgeons, and clinical studies show it to be a reasonable alternative. In this case study, laparoscopic surgery was used to resect an appendiceal mucocele caused by a nonperforated mucinous adenocarcinoma. Implants of mucinous tumor were found widely disseminated on peritoneal surfaces at laparotomy 9 months later. As a result of this case study, the authors suggest that when an appendiceal mucinous tumor is encountered at laparoscopy, a special situation requiring totally atraumatic appendectomy is indicated. This clinical situation should be considered an indication for conversion to open appendectomy. All appendiceal tumors, including the most benign-appearing adenomas, can result in diffuse peritoneal implantation. This is the first report of an appendiceal mucinous tumor resected by laparoscopy associated with subsequent diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis. This patient presentation reaffirms that dissemination of cancer may be associated with laparoscopic resection of structures containing a malignancy.     

Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty: long-term results with a treatment for snoring

We present a retrospective analysis of the initial results of our institution's evaluation of a new procedure designed to help relieve snoring, as well as having the potential to assist in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The ambulatory, in-office CO2 laser procedure is performed with a local anesthetic. It is a serial procedure that achieves the same end-result as conventional uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, but without many of the associated problems. The indications for the procedure are reviewed, and detailed technical aspects of its performance, including use of new instrumentation, are discussed. Detailed analysis of the first 20 patients to undergo the procedure in the United States is presented. This is the first series of patients presented in the American literature who have undergone this procedure and who have had long-term follow-up of more than five years. A 90% success rate was achieved. The complication rate, patient tolerance, relative costs, indications and contraindications are discussed.     

Is there a role for abdominal computed tomographic scans in appendicitis?

OBJECTIVE: To better define the effectiveness of abdominal computed tomographic scanning (ACTS) in adult patients with suspected appendicitis. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: A community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-seven patients with appendicitis in the differential diagnosis, whose clinical findings were insufficient to perform surgery or to discharge from the hospital, during a 14-month period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy of ACTS, rate of appendectomies that show no appendicitis (negative appendectomy rate), and frequency of ACTS as a definitive diagnostic test. RESULTS: Forty-nine of the 50 patients with appendicitis were correctly diagnosed by ACTS. Forty-three of the 47 patients without appendicitis were correctly diagnosed by ACTS. Positive predictive value was 92%, negative predictive value was 98%, and accuracy was 96%. The ACTS group had a negative appendectomy rate of 5.8% (3/52), lower than the hospital rate of 14% for the preceding 3 years. The ACTS established an alternative diagnosis in 16 patients, allowed 10 other patients to be discharged early or not admitted, and was the critical diagnostic test in 30 of the patients with appendicitis. Therefore, the ACTS played a definitive role in the treatment of 56 (57.7%) of the 97 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ACTS was an accurate test in the diagnosis of appendicitis and was of significant benefit in 57.7% of the patients studied. However, it was difficult to predict which patients were most likely to benefit. Expanded selective use of ACTS for patients with clinically indeterminate appendicitis may result in a lower negative appendectomy rate and fewer patient admissions for observation.     

Progressive osseous heteroplasia. Report of a family

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to investigate the use of computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and to evaluate the impact of CT on negative appendectomy and perforation rates. In patients clinically diagnosed of acute appendicitis the reported overall negative appendectomy rate is about 15-20%; 10% in men and 25-45% in women of childbearing age. This is associated with a perforation rate of 21-23%. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 146 consecutive patients presenting with clinical symptoms suspicious of appendicitis over a 2-yr period in whom CT examinations were performed before therapy was instituted. The overall negative appendectomy and perforation rates were calculated for the entire group, as well as for the 54 women aged 15-50 yr in the childbearing cohort. RESULTS: The negative appendectomy rate was 4% in 122 patients operated on and the perforation rate was 22%. Among 36 women 15-50 yr of age operated on, the negative appendectomy rate was 8.3% and the perforation rate was 19%. Surgery was avoided in 24 patients, 18 of whom were women of childbearing age. CONCLUSIONS: The judicious use of CT imaging in patients with equivocal clinical presentation suspected of having appendicitis led to a significant improvement in the preoperative diagnosis. It resulted in a substantial decrease in the negative appendectomy rate compared to previously published reports, without incurring an increase in the perforation rate.     

Current status of the use of retroperitoneal approach for reconstructions of the aorta and its branches

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to determine whether retroperitoneal approach for aortic surgery has certain physiologic, technical advantages. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The retroperitoneal approach for abdominal aortic reconstruction classically had been reserved for select patients with either high-risk comorbid disease or specific anatomic problems that preclude the transabdominal approach. With increasing appreciation of the physiologic, anatomic, and technical advantages of the extended posterolateral retroperitoneal approach, the authors have expanded its use for repair of all types of aortic visceral and renal artery disease as well as ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and infected aortic grafts. METHODS: From January 1981 to September 1995, 2340 retroperitoneal aortoiliac reconstructions were performed in 2243 patients. Aortic reconstructions accounted for 1756 cases: 1109 for elective abdominal aortic aneurysms, 210 for ruptured and symptomatic aortic aneurysms, 399 for occlusive disease, 18 for infected aortic grafts, and 20 for other indications. Iliofemoral disease was the indication for 584 procedures. As experience was gained, this approach also was used for 417 renal and 50 celiac and superior mesenteric artery reconstructions. RESULTS: The mean age was 67 years with 1590 men and 653 women. Overall mortality was 5.2% for all aortic cases: 2.4% for elective, 12.6% for symptomatic, and 29.0% for ruptured aortic aneurysms. Major complications occurred in 12.5% of the elective procedures and in 38.3% of emergency procedures. Over the past 5 years, the average length of hospital for uncomplicated elective abdominal aortic aneurysms was 6.1 days, intensive care unit stay was 0.7 day, and diet was resumed by postoperative day 1. Five-year graft patency was 99% for aneurysms and 95% for occlusive disease. CONCLUSIONS: The retroperitoneal approach offers certain physiologic advantages associated with minimal disturbance of gastrointestinal and respiratory function, thereby reducing the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. In addition, its technical advantages and flexibility facilitates visceral and juxtarenal aortic reconstructions without the need for thoracotomy.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of perforated appendicitis

BACKGROUND: Ever since laparoscopy was first applied to the treatment of appendicitis, a controversy has existed as to whether the acknowledged benefits of a minimally invasive approach warrant its preference over the conventional treatment, which historically has had relatively low morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine if laparoscopic appendectomy should be performed preferentially in cases where surgeons are not limited by technical constraints. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 112 patients operated on for suspected appendicitis from June 1995 to July 1996. Forty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, and 64 had conventional open appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed using a three-trocar technique and the endoscopic stapler. Results: The histopathological diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed in 82.6% of cases. Overall, laparoscopic appendectomy reduced length of hospital stay (1.54 versus 4.09 days; p < 0.0001) compared to conventional open appendectomy, with no significant difference in hospital cost ($6430 versus $6669; p = ns). Although the total OR time was longer in the laparoscopic group (75.8 versus 60.2 min; p < 0.0001), laparoscopy resulted in both a reduction in length of stay (2.17 versus 6.27 days; p < 0.0001) and hospital cost ($7506 versus $10,504; p < 0.02) for cases of perforated appendicitis. Conversion to open appendectomy was performed in 6% of patients, all of whom had perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that most cases of acute appendicitis with suspected perforation could be managed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic appendectomy significantly reduces length of stay and hospital costs in patients with perforated appendicitis.     

The feasibility of epidural anesthesia without endotracheal intubation for abdominal surgery in patients with collagen diseases

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with collagen diseases are generally regarded as high-risk surgical candidates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To evaluate the feasibility of epidural anesthesia and to determine the risk factors in abdominal surgery for patients with collagen diseases, 20 patients with collagen diseases who underwent elective abdominal surgery were examined for their surgical outcomes and clinical characteristics. Among the 20 cases, 12 received epidural anesthesia alone without endotracheal intubation, 3 received general anesthesia only, 4 received general anesthesia with epidural anesthesia and one received lumbar anesthesia. RESULTS: Only one patient receiving epidural anesthesia died after operation. The mortality in patients receiving epidural anesthesia was 8.3% (1/12) while the overall mortality was 5.0% (1/20). No significant difference was observed either in the mortality or incidence of postoperative complications among the 4 groups according to the method of anesthesia. Patients with a dysfunction of the vital organs more often had postoperative complications than those without a dysfunction of the vital organs (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Although only a small number of patients were included in this study, these results suggested that 1) elective abdominal surgery can be as safely performed under epidural anesthesia alone as with general anesthesia even for patients with collagen diseases, and 2) the patients with collagen diseases, who preoperatively showed a dysfunction of the vital organs, might be at a higher risk for abdominal surgery.     

The effects of cardiotoxic chemotherapy on blood pressure in patients with lymphoma

A retrospective study was carried in 1500 patients submitted to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy to ascertain its feasibility in patients with previous abdominal surgery. In 411 patients (27.4%) previous infraumbilical intraperitoneal surgery had been performed, and 106 of them (7.06%) had 2 or more operations. Twenty five patients (1.66%) had previous supraumbilical intraperitoneal operations (colonic resection, hydatid liver cysts, gastrectomies, etc.) One of them had been operated 3 times. In this group of 25 patients the first trocar and pneumoperitoneum were performed by open laparoscopy. In 2 patients a Marlex mesh was present from previous surgery for supraumbilical hernias. Previous infraumbilical intraperitoneal surgery did not interfere with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, even in patients with several operations. There was no morbidity from Verres needle or trocars. In the 25 patients with supraumbilical intraperitoneal operations, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed in 22. In 3, adhesions prevented the visualization of the gallbladder and these patients were converted to an open procedure. In the 2 patients Marlex mesh prevented laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of adhesions to abdominal organs. We conclude that in most instances previous abdominal operations are no contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

A method for radiologic-assisted gastrostomy when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is contraindicated

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been established as a faster and safer procedure than open surgical gastrostomy. It cannot be done, however, for many patients with partially obstructing pharyngeal or esophageal carcinoma, previous gastrectomy, upper abdominal surgery, or bowel distension from distal obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We attempted percutaneous radiologic-assisted gastrostomy (RAG) in 231 patients referred for gastrostomy, 38 of whom had a relative contraindication for PEG. The procedure involves passing, under radiologic guidance, an orogastric inflation tube that contains a snare. We used a 5-inch long, 18-gauge needle to transabdominally insert a wire into the stomach, avoiding loops of bowel visualized by air contrast. Retrieving the transabdominal wire by snare allowed retrograde passage of the gastrostomy tube as done in standard PEG. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 230 of 231 cases, including 37 of the 38 patients with contraindications. We could not gain gastric access in 1 patient with a 75% gastrectomy. Overall, 6 patients developed complications and 1 died. There was no procedure-related morbidity or mortality in the patients with contraindications to PEG who underwent successful RAG. Subsequent laparotomy indicated tube passage through the liver in 2 of these cases and small bowel mesentery in 1 case without clinical problems. We performed a percutaneous jejunostomy in the efferent limb of the gastrojejunostomy in 1 patient with a previous gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: The snare technique is simpler and faster than the usual radiologic gastropexy technique, and safer than an endoscopic procedure. It has become our procedure of choice for gaining gastric access.     

The reasons for leaving foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity and the prevention of this complication

An investigation performed in 38 surgical and obstetrics-gynecology departments has established that during 20 years foreign bodies were forgotten in the abdominal cavity of 46 patients which makes up 0.03% of all laparotomies. In 30 patients they were forgotten in emergency operations and in 16 patients in elective operations. Among the victims there were 31 women. The textile foreign bodies such as gauze pads, tampons, towels were left most often (35 things), forgotten surgical instruments and other things were less frequent. The foreign bodies stayed in the abdominal cavity during the period from 6 hours till 15 years and in 26.1% of the patients they resulted in lethal outcomes. The main causes of accidental leaving the foreign bodies in the abdominal cavity during operative interventions are analyzed in detail. Means of prevention of such neglect of surgeons are proposed.     

Attacks of abdominal pain in a young Turkish woman with C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency

A 19-years-old Turkish woman had recurrent attacks of abdominal pain. She underwent numerous diagnostic procedures and an appendectomy. In addition, imminent pethidine addiction developed. It was only after the patient presented with a swollen painless wrist, some years later, that the correct diagnosis was made: C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. Early recognition may prevent a prolonged course and is mandatory as the disease is potentially life-threatening.     

The spiritual and psychological explanations for loss experience

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the role of laparoscopy during pregnancy, particularly adnexal mass and non-obstetric surgery, incorporating the results of a series of 9 cases of laparoscopy during pregnancy at our centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline search was performed to review the literature, and the reference lists provided by those articles were further explored for citations regarding laparoscopic adnexal surgery, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy. Our series of 9 patients consisted of pregnant patients with adnexal mass or acute abdomen who would otherwise have undergone exploratory laparotomy. Follow-up data for these 9 cases were collected by office visits, inquiry to the primary referring physicians, and telephone calls to the patient. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 42 additional cases of operative pelvic laparoscopy and 51 cases of abdominal operative laparoscopy (cholecystectomy and appendectomy). The publications, particularly regarding cholecystectomy, were supportive of the laparoscopic approach during pregnancy. All of the patients in our series had favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced operative laparoscopy has been successfully performed for certain indications during pregnancy.     

Femoral hernia: the dire consequences of a missed diagnosis

Femoral hernia has always presented more difficulty in diagnosis than other external abdominal hernias. The incidence of incarceration and strangulation is higher in our series than the published literature would suggest. A retrospective study was performed at our institution from February 1990 to June 1995. In that period, 22 patients were operated on for femoral hernia. There were 16 women and 6 men, average ages 51 and 48 years, respectively. The men weighed on average 209 lb, and the women, 154 lb. Three of our patients had elective repair of their hernias (16%); 19 were performed urgently or emergently (86%). Of the emergency repairs, 3 had strangulated small bowel requiring resection (16%), 1 had a strangulated vermiform appendix with abscess formation (5%), 3 had strangulated omentum requiring excision (16%), giving a total of 7 patients with strangulation and necrosis of the hernial contents (36%). The remainder had viable contents in the hernia sac. The time from the onset of symptoms to presentation at the hospital varied from 1 day to 3 years. The time from strangulation to presentation was between a few hours and 4 days. Surgery was performed on the day of admission (within 24 hours) on all but 2 of our patients. Procedures performed were McVay repair, 13; Bassini, 4; laparoscopic with Marlex mesh, 1 patient; drainage of a groin abscess in 2 patients with later repair; and on 2 patients the type of repair was not specified. One of the patients died. Postoperative wound infection occurred in 2 heavily contaminated patients, and 3 had pneumonia. Patients with no regular physician and no routine physical examinations are at higher risk for developing strangulation of femoral hernias. Emergency physicians and general practitioners are in the best position to diagnose these hernias early, when treatment can be elective.     

Diagnosis and management of blunt abdominal trauma

The records of 437 patients with blunt abdominal trauma admitted to Charity Hospital, New Orleans, from 1967-1973 have been reviewed and computer-analyzed. There was an 80% increase in the incidence of blunt abdominal trauma when compared with the preceding 15-year experience. Forty-three per cent of all the patients presented with no specific complaint or sign of injury. Blunt abdominal injury was usually diagnosed preoperatively using conventional methods including history, physical examination, and routine laboratory tests and x-rays. Abdominal paracentesis via a Potter needle had an 86% accuracy. The incidence and management of specific organ injuries with associated morbidity and mortality have been discussed. Mortality and morbidity continue to be significant in blunt abdominal trauma. Isolated abdominal injuries rarely (5%) resulted in death, even though abdominal injuries accounted for 41% of all deaths. Associated injuries, especially head injury, greatly increased the risk. The insidious nature of blunt abdominal injury is borne out by the fact that more than one-third of the "asymptomatic" patients had an abdominal organ injured. A high index of suspicion and an adequate observation period therefore are mandatory for proper care of patients subjected to blunt trauma.     

Long term relative survival after surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm in western Australia: population based study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long term relative survival of all patients who had surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Western Australia during 1985-94. DESIGN: Population based study. SETTING: Western Australia. SUBJECTS: All patients who had had surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Western Australia during 1985-94. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality data of patients admitted and surgically treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Western Australia during 1985-94. Elective, ruptured, and acute non-ruptured cases were analysed separately. Independent analyses for sex and patients aged 80 years or more were also undertaken. Postoperative (>30 days) relative survival was assessed against age and sex matched controls. RESULTS: Overall, 1475 (1257 men, 218 women) cases were identified. The crude five year survival after elective surgery, including deaths within 30 days of surgery, was 79% for both men and women. When compared with a matched population the five year relative survival after elective surgery was 94.9% (95% confidence interval 89.9% to 99.9%) for men but only 88.0% (76.3% to 99.7%) for women. The five year relative survival of those aged 80 years and over was good: 116.6% (89.1% to 144.0%) compared with 92.4% (87.7% to 97.0%) for those under 80 years of age (men and women combined). Cardiovascular disease caused 57.8% of the 341 deaths after 30 days. CONCLUSION: In a condition such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, which occurs in elderly patients, relative survival is more clinically meaningful than crude survival. The five year relative survival in cases of elective and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm was better in men than in women. This is probably because of greater comorbidity in women with abdominal aortic aneurysm and this deserves more attention in the future. The long term survival outcome in octogenarians supports surgery in selected cases.     

Chronic appendicitis: does it exist?

The typical presentation of acute appendicitis is well known. A few patients, however, have had an atypical clinical course suggestive of recurrent appendiceal inflammation, which has been confirmed by appendectomy. Therefore, in the evaluation of a patient with abdominal pain, a history of similar episodes should not preclude a diagnosis of appendicitis.