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Background: Feline obstipation is a clinical condition often manifested by defecation inability that results in fecal impaction. This is frequently associated with a blunt traumatic injury that affects mostly the spine and surrounding structures in the caudal part of the back leading to vertebral compression. Case presentation: A 6-month-old, female, mixed-breed cat of 1.49-kg BW was presented with a history of prolonged constipation (i.e., obstipation) along with discomfort and weakness. Prior to the presentation, the cat was medically treated with dietary fibers, fecal softeners, and enemas, but obstipation persisted. Clinical examinations revealed that there was straining but not effective for defecation. In addition, the cat had poor appetite and dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and defects in posture and gait. The lumbosacral region showed a depression that was supposed to be the consequence of an old, untreated regional injury. Radiographic imaging indicated a marked ventral curvature in the lumbosacral spine including major deviations in the positions of the L6 and L7 vertebrae and the sacrum as well. A firm tubular structure was felt on ventral abdominal palpation, and further ultrasonography revealed the tubular impaction. Laparotomy exposed a definite large bowel impaction, and enterotomy was performed to evacuate the firm feces. Postoperatively, supportive medications and care were provided for better recovery. However, the impaction recurred within 3 months after surgery, and euthanasia was a further choice. Conclusions: Traumatic injuries involving the lumbosacral spine in cats might be serious enough to lead to severe constipation and thereby bowel impaction. Therefore, treatment should be prompt and accurate in any case of spinal injury to avoid further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bezoars are foreign bodies developed due to the swallowing of indigestible substances in the stomach that accumulate in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare the location, size, and diameter of bezoars between patients with and without a history of previous gastrointestinal surgery and between operated and non-operated patients retrospectively. Methods: A total of 188 patients who presented to our gastroenterology clinic and in whom bezoar was suspected on clinical examination and the diagnosis confirmed through abdominal CT scans were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups; patients with a history of previous gastrointestinal surgery were assigned to Group 1 (n = 70), and those who had no history of previous surgery (n = 118) to Group 2. Results: The mean age was found as 56.16 ± 15.75 years in Group 1 and 57.71 ± 15.95 years in Group 2. The mean bezoar width was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.049). The mean bezoar length was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.004). Considering localization of bezoars, the rate of patients who underwent enterotomy (80%) was statistically significantly higher than the patients who underwent gastrotomy (23.50%), gastrotomy + milking (28.60%) and milking (44.70%) in the operations performed in the jejunum. Conclusion: Bezoars are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. The median width and length of the bezoars were significantly higher in patients with a history of previous gastric surgery. There was no significant difference in other parameters. The most common localization was jejunum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bowel injury during laparoscopic and robotic ventral hernia repair is a rare but potentially serious complication. We sought to compare bowel injury rates during minimally invasive approaches to ventral hernia repair using a national hernia registry. Methods: Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic and robotic ventral hernia repair (including cases converted-to-open) between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively identified in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative registry. The primary outcome was bowel injury, which included partial- and full-thickness injuries and re-operations for missed enterotomies. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Overall, 10,660 patients were included (4116 laparoscopic, 6544 robotic). The laparoscopic group included more incisional hernias (68% vs 62%, p < 0.001) and similar rates of recurrent hernias (23% vs 22%, p = 0.26). A total of 109 bowel injuries were identified, with more occurring in the laparoscopic group (55 [1.3%] laparoscopic vs. 54 [0.8%] robotic; p = 0.01). Specifically, there were more full-thickness and missed enterotomies in the laparoscopic group (29 laparoscopic vs. 20 robotic; p = 0.012). Bowel injury resulted in higher rates of wound morbidity and major post-operative complications including sepsis, re-admission, and re-operation. Following adjustment for recurrent and incisional hernias, prior mesh, patient age, and hernia width, bowel injury during laparoscopic repair remained significantly more likely than bowel injury during robotic repair (OR 1.669 [95% C.I.: 1.141–2.440]; p = 0.008). Conclusion: In a large registry, laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is associated with an increased risk of bowel injury compared to repairs utilizing the robotic platform. Knowing the limitations of retrospective research, large national registries are well suited to explore rare outcomes which cannot be feasibly assessed with randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, a three-step novel surgical technique was developed for incisional hernia, in which a laparoscopic procedure with a mini-laparotomy is combined: so-called 'three-step incisional hybrid repair'. The aim of this study was to reduce the risk of intestinal lacerations during adhesiolysis and recurrence rate by better symmetrical overlap placement of the mesh. Objectives: To evaluate first perioperative outcomes with this technique. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, 70 patients (65.7% females) with an incisional hernia of > 2 and ≤ 10 cm underwent a elective three-step incisional hybrid repair in two non-academic hospitals performed by two surgeons specialised in abdominal wall surgery. Intra- and postoperative complications, operation time, hospitalisation time and hernia recurrence were assessed. Results: Mean operation time was 100 min. Mean hernia size was 4.8 cm; 45 patients (64.3%) had a hernia of 1–5 cm, 25 patients (35.7%) of 6–10 cm. Eight patients had a grade 1 complication (11.4%), five patients a grade 2 (7.1%), two patients (2.8%) a grade 4 complication and one patient (1.4%) a grade 5 complication. Five patients had an intraoperative complication (7.0%), two enterotomies, one serosa injury, one omentum bleeding and one laceration of an epigastric vessel. Mean length of stay was 3.3 days. Four patients (5.6%) developed a hernia recurrence during a mean follow-up of 19.5 weeks. Conclusion: A three-step hybrid incisional hernia repair is a safe alternative for incisional hernia repair. Intraoperative complications rate was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallstone ileus is a complication of biliary tree stones and was first described by Bartholin in 1654. In any localization, one or more gallstones may occlude as a result of access to the gastrointestinal tract via the bilioenteric fistula. In this article, we aimed to present a rare and operate with gallstone ileus cases of radiological and surgical imaging findings. A 74-year-old male patient presented with complaints of right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation in the last few days of the emergency department. Radiographical and computed tomography examination was done. The patient was urgently operated with gallstones. The ileal stone was removed in addition to cholecystectomy in the operation, and the cholecystododenal fistula detected during the operation was repaired. Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of a mechanical small bowel obstruction. Gallstone ileus should also be kept in mind in the elderly patients who have recurrent abdominal operation history with abdominal obesity findings of the omentum. In our case, we wanted to emphasize the importance of the radiological approach in diagnosing gallstone ileus disease in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The seroma rate following laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is up to 78%. LIVHR is connected to a relatively rare but dangerous complication, enterotomy, especially in cases with complex adhesiolysis. Closure of the fascial defect and extirpation of the hernia sack may reduce the risk of seromas and other hernia-site events. Our aim was to evaluate whether hybrid operation has a lower rate of the early complications compared to the standard LIVHR.Methods: This is a multicenter randomized-controlled clinical trial. From November 2012 to May 2015, 193 patients undergoing LIVHR for primary incisional hernia with fascial defect size from 2 to 7 cm were recruited in 11 Finnish hospitals. Patients were randomized to either a laparoscopic (LG) or to a hybrid (HG) repair group. The outcome measures were the incidence of clinically and radiologically detected seromas and their extent 1 month after surgery, peri/postoperative complications, and pain.Results: Bulging was observed by clinical evaluation in 46 (49%) LG patients and in 27 (31%) HG patients (p = 0.022). Ultrasound examination detected more seromas (67 vs. 45%, p = 0.004) and larger seromas (471 vs. 112 cm3, p = 0.025) after LG than after HG. In LG, there were 5 (5.3%) enterotomies compared to 1 (1.1%) in HG (p = 0.108). Adhesiolysis was more complex in LG than in HG (26.6 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.028). Patients in HG had higher pain scores on the first postoperative day (VAS 5.2 vs. 4.3, p = 0.019).Conclusion: Closure of the fascial defect and extirpation of the hernia sack reduce seroma formation. In hybrid operations, the risk of enterotomy seems to be lower than in laparoscopic repair, which should be considered in cases with complex adhesions.Clinical Trial Number: NCT02542085. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we assessed feasibility, safety, and time efficiency of laparoscopic running enterotomy closure for linear stapled Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0- Ethicon). Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB were prospectively randomized regarding running enterotomy closure of the linear stapled gastrojejunal (GJA) and jejunojejunal anastomosis (JJA). Two groups were created: V-group (Vicryl® 2/0-Ethicon) and S-group (Stratafix™ 2/0-Ethicon). Time spent on closing the enterotomies was measured from first needle in until knot and cut (V-group) or last stitch and cut (S-group). If needed, a nonabsorbable 'correction' ('c'; in order to close a small hiatus at the anastomosis) or hemostatic ('h') stitch was made (using a single Prolene® 2/0-Ethicon). Results: Average total procedure time was similar (S-group 1:01:22, V-group 1:00:44, P = 0.340). Closure of the enterotomy (GJA) was significantly shorter in the S-group (07:41 min versus 08:13 min in the V-group, P = 0.005). Extra stitches (GJA) were performed in 33 patients (16.5%): 3 (h) and 20 (c) in the V-group and 1 (h) and 9 (c) in the S-group. Four patients in the V-group suffered from postoperative intraluminal bleeding (3 self-limiting, 1 underwent endoscopic clipping). In the S-group, 1 patient suffered from leakage at the vertical transected staple line of the stomach. Conclusions: The use of unidirectional barbed sutures for running enterotomy closure after linear stapled RYGB is feasible and safe. Significant time benefit was seen regarding the closure of the GJA. Fewer additional stitches were necessary and postoperative intraluminal bleeding was less encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) with intraperitoneal mesh placement is well established; however, the fate of patients requiring future abdominal operations is not well understood. This study identifies the characteristics of LVHR patients undergoing reoperation and the sequelae of reoperation.Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database at a hernia referral center identified patients who underwent LVHR between 2005 and 2014 and then underwent a subsequent abdominal operation. The outcomes of those reoperations were collected. Data are presented as a mean with ranges.Results: A total of 733 patients underwent LVHR. The average age was 56.5 years, BMI 33.9 kg/m2, hernia size 115 cm2 (range 1-660 cm2), and mesh size 411 cm2 (range 17.7-1360 cm2). After a mean follow-up of 19.4 months, the overall hernia recurrence rate was 8.4 %. Subsequent abdominal operations were performed in 17 % (125 patients) at a mean 2.2 years. The most common indication for reoperation was recurrent hernia (33 patients, 26.4 %), followed by bowel obstruction (18 patients, 14.4 %), hepatopancreaticobiliary (17 patients, 13.6 %) and infected mesh removal (15 patients, 12 %), gynecologic (10 patients, 8 %), colorectal (8 patients, 6.4 %), bariatric (4 patients, 3 %), trauma (1 patient, 0.8 %), and other (19 patients, 15 %). The overall incidence of enterotomy or unplanned bowel resection (EBR) at reoperation was 4 %. This occurred exclusively in those reoperated for complete bowel obstruction, and the reason for EBR was mesh-bowel adhesions. No other indication for reoperation resulted in EBR. The incidence of secondary mesh infection after subsequent operation was 2.4 %.Conclusion: In a large consecutive series of LVHR, the rate of abdominal reoperation was 17 %. Generally, these reoperations can be performed safely. A reoperation for bowel obstruction, however, may carry an increased risk of EBR as a direct result of mesh-bowel adhesions. Secondary mesh infection after reoperation, although rare, may also occur. Surgeons should discuss with their patients the potential long-term implications of having an intraperitoneal mesh and how it may impact future abdominal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, conversion to open surgery is sometimes needed, especially in cases of large complicated incisional hernias. No guidelines exist for determining when conversions should be considered. This study aimed to investigate the safety of a combined technique as an alternative to conversion in the laparoscopic repair of large complicated incisional hernias and to evaluate the impact of early conversion to the combined technique on patient outcome. Methods: Beginning in November 2008, early conversion was initiated for patients with large complicated incisional hernia when dense extensive intraabdominal adhesions were present. Two cohorts of patients with large complicated incisional hernia were retrospectively analyzed: 21 patients before the initiation of early conversion (group 2) and 21 patients after its inception (group 1). The data analyzed included patient demographics, operative parameters, complications, and recurrence. Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to age, gender, body mass index, coexisting conditions, number of previous laparotomies, number of previous repairs, or features of the hernia. Groups 1 and 2 differed significantly in terms of mean operative time (110.7 vs 138.8 min), enterotomy rate (0 vs 29 %), and postoperative hospital stay (4.7 vs 6.1 days). In group 1, early conversion to the combined technique was necessary for 16 patients (76 %), and no delayed conversion occurred. In group 2, delayed conversion to the combined technique was necessary for 11 patients (52 %), and no early conversion occurred. During the follow-up period, neither wound/mesh infection nor trocar-site hernia occurred. Conclusion: The combined technique proved to be a safe and minimally invasive alternative to conversion in laparoscopic repair of large complicated incisional hernias. Early conversion to the combined technique was associated with less technical difficulty, deceased operative time, lower enterotomy rate, and shorter postoperative hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During laparoscopic ventral/incisional hernia repair (LVIHR), conversion to conventional (open) technique is required when safe adhesiolysis is not possible, incarcerated bowel in hernial sac cannot be reduced or for repair of iatrogenic enterotomies. A formal laparotomy in these circumstances entails significant morbidity due to factors such as wound infection, prolonged immobility, and longer hospital stay. During a period between 1994 and 2007, 1,503 LVIHRs were performed at our centre following a standardized protocol by five consultants and fellows. Out of these, 6 patients had a formal laparotomy in the initial part of our experience and 26 patients had a limited conversion to facilitate completion of LVIHR. We have devised the term “limited conversion” for the procedure wherein bowel reduction/adhesiolysis/enterotomy repair was performed through a small targeted skin incision. This was followed by laparoscopic placement of intraperitoneal mesh. Conversion to an open procedure was required in 32 (2.1%) out of 1,503 LVIHR procedures. Twenty-six patients underwent a limited conversion and completion of the repair by laparoscopy. All but one of these patients had intraperitoneal placement of mesh by laparoscopic route. The wound complication rate was 3.8% (one patient), the mean hospital stay was 2.1 days, and mean operative time was 124 min. Limited conversion offers a safe alternative to a formal laparotomy in patients with bowel incarcerated in hernial sacs or in patients requiring extensive bowel adhesiolysis. Patient morbidity is reduced due to the targeted skin incision whilst retaining several advantages of a minimal access approach viz. laparoscopic evaluation of the entire abdominal wall and placement of a large intraperitoneal prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our first 100 patients and our second 100 patients who underwent a laparoscopic repair of incisional and ventral hernias were compared and evaluated. This analysis revealed that the second group was approximately 9 years older with more comorbid medical conditions. In all, 15% were incarcerated hernias, and 21% were recurrent. Seven operations were converted to the open repair because of adhesions in five patients and either a small or large bowel injury in two patients. There were no complications related to enterotomy. Older and more infirm patients in the second group did not significantly affect outcomes. The average size of the hernia defects was 111 cm2. The average size of the prosthesis was 257.5 cm2. Larger prostheses were used in the second group. With more experience, the recurrence rates have declined from 9% to 4%. The etiology of these recurrences differed in these two groups of patients. Removal of the prosthetic due to infection was a predictable recurrence in two patients. A new hernia below the original hernia has caused us to repair the entire incision that had the initial hernia. Only one technical failure was noted, due to fracture of the suture during transfascial placement and clamping of the suture. It is not recommended to grasp any suture that remains in the patient during this hernioplasty. Recurrences were reduced because of the use of an increased overlap of the biomaterial and the use of dual methods of fixation (tacks and transfascial sutures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic irradiation as part of adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer is frought with many complications. We describe the case of a young man who presented with frequent intestinal obstruction after resection and radiotherapy for a low rectal cancer. Subsequent laparotomy and adhesiolysis resulted in a large defect at the previous anastomotic site. A loop of sigmoid colon was used to cover the pelvic brim in an effort to preserve the sphincter and intestinal continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated laparoendoscopy (laparoscopy-assisted small bowel enteroscopy) as an aid in managing the challenging diagnostic problem of occult small bowel hemorrhage. We performed laparoendoscopy on five nonconditioned dogs and five conditioned dogs. In each case, we laparoscopically inspected the small bowel from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal valve. Small bowel was exteriorized, an enterotomy was performed, and an Olympus CL-100L colonoscope was inserted and advanced proximally to the stomach and distally to the ileocecal valve. A segment of small bowel was arbitrarily designated as the site of bleeding, was exteriorized, and was resected. Bowel continuity was restored with a stapled anastomosis. The animals were euthanized and autopsied immediately after the procedure (n = 5) or a week following the procedure (n = 5), at which time the anastomoses were tested for leakage and patency. The entire small bowel was visualized in all animals. There were no anastomotic leaks. Laparoendoscopy may be of value in identifying and treating hemorrhagic origin of small bowel. Clinical trials are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve infants aged 6-18 months with ingested open safety pins (OSPs) were operated upon between 1984 and 1993. The OSPs were wide-open in 4 and the retention time was more than 3 days in 8. At laparotomy, the stomach and duodenum were explored and the OSP and a Levin tube inserted previously from mouth to stomach were identified by palpation. The pin was inserted through the holes of the tube and locked intraluminally without opening the stomach and the tube was then withdrawn from the mouth with the OSP at its tip. When the OSP was located in the duodenum, it was squeezed back into stomach for removal. If the OSP could not be squeezed back into the stomach due to an unfavorable position, it was locked intraluminally and milked distally for spontaneous discharge. No complications related to the procedure were encountered. In conclusion, if non-operative methods fail and/or endoscopic systems are not available for the removal of retained OSPs, the proposed technique, which avoids enterotomy and related complications, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic running enterotomy closure for linear stapled Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may be enhanced by using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0, Ethicon) as it eliminates the need for knot tying and assistance from a third hand. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to present our technique using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0, Ethicon). Methods: After stapling the gastrojejunostomy, we start the closure of the residual enterotomy unidirectional from left to right (single, full-thickness layer) which is cut without a knot. For the jejunojejunostomy, the residual enterotomy is closed perpendicular from top to bottom in order to avoid iatrogenic stricture formation (single, full-thickness layer). No backstitches are performed. Conclusions: We feel strongly that this technique might enhance running enterotomy closure for linear stapled RYGB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a retrospective review of laparoscopic repair for enterotomies created during therapeutic or diagnostic laparoscopy in 26 women. All patients had mechanical and antibiotic bowel preparation preoperatively. The indication for operative laparoscopy was endometriosis (18), severe abdominal adhesive disease (7), and adhesions with Crohn's disease (1). Enterotomies were secondary either to CO laser vaporization or excision of endometriosis and/or lysis of adhesions (23) and trocar insertion (3). The injuries included small-bowel enterotomies (9), colotomies (4), and rectotomies (13). No clinical complications related to enterotomy repair were noted. Twenty-three patients were discharged 1 day after surgery; one was discharged on postoperative day 2; and two were discharged on postoperative day 3. We concluded that small- and large-bowel enterotomies can be repaired safely via the laparoscope with minimum morbidity in patients with prepared bowel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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