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Background Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is performed worldwide in the treatment of acute appendicitis (AP), even if complicated by localized peritonitis. However, the role of the LA in the treatment of AP complicated by generalized peritonitis (GP) is yet controversial. The present study aimed to highlight the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic approach in AP complicated with GP. Settings This study took place in Mansura University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine. Patients and methods From September 2010 to May 2019, the patients were randomly assigned to undergo either an LA or exploratory open appendectomy (EOA). The demographics of the patient and preoperative parameters, including radiological evaluation, intraoperative finding, and postoperative complications, were evaluated. The follow-up period was 8 months to 2 years (mean: 18 months). Main outcomes The primary outcome of this study was early postoperative complications. Results A total of 120 patients, aged 38±11 years, were analyzed. Of these, 69 (57.5%) patients underwent LA, whereas two (2.9%) were converted to open surgery. All patients presented with diffuse peritonitis. The duration of operation was longer in the laparoscopic group than in the EOA group (P=0.001). No differences were detected in the preoperative patient comorbidities. The rate of postoperative surgical infection and intra-abdominal abscess was similar in the laparoscopic and EOA groups (P=0.3040 and 0.0754, respectively). However, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group than that in the EOA group (P=0.001). Conclusions The laparoscopic approach for appendicitis complicated by GP is better than the open approach, and hence, it must be the first choice for surgery in the case of clear preoperative diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major lower limb nerve blocks are relatively safe techniques. However, their efficacy for hip hemiarthroplasty is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of combined femoral, sciatic, obturator and lateral femoral cutaneous (LFC) nerve blocks in providing adequate anesthesia for hip hemiarthroplasty. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with fracture neck femur; who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty, participated in this observational study. In the induction room, all patients received ultrasound-guided femoral, proximal obturator, LFC and parasacral sciatic nerve blocks in addition to local infiltration at the proximal site of the skin incision. Anesthesia was considered to be adequate only if the surgery was completed without any requirement for opioid administration. Results: All patients (100% [95% confidence interval, 86-100%]) had adequate anesthesia. Seventeen patients (85% [95% confidence interval, 63-96%] had mild discomfort during the reduction of the prosthetic femur head back into the hip socket; however, no supplementary analgesics were required. Conclusion: The combined femoral, sciatic, obturator and LFC nerve blocks in addition to local infiltration at the proximal site of skin incision could provide adequate anesthesia for hip hemiarthroplasty. Light sedation before reduction of the prosthetic femur head back into the hip socket is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report on the clinical presentation, etiology, and laboratory features of acute and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied records of 720 patients with AF seen in outpatients and inpatients departments at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, during the period of 1 January 2002 to 31 August 2008. Results: Documented acute and chronic AF was present in 157 (21.8%) and 563 (78.1%) patients, respectively. Palpitations, dizziness and syncope were the most frequent symptoms in acute AF, while dyspnea and palpitations were the most common symptoms in the chronic type. Acute respiratory problems and acute myocardial infarction were significantly more common in acute AF, while congestive heart failure and acute respiratory problems (chest infection, bronchial asthma, and pulmonary embolism) were significantly more common in chronic AF. The most common causes of both types of AF were diabetes mellitus (DM) in 68.8%, hypertension (HTN) in 59.3%, chronic lung diseases (bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease) in 31.8%, valvular heart disease in 23.6%, and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in 23.1%. In 9 (1.3%) patients, no cause was detected. The echocardiographic findings of let ventricular hypertrophy, valve lesions, and depressed let ventricular function were significantly more common in chronic AF (P<0.01). Conclusions: Nowadays, DM, HTN, and IHD are becoming the most common predisposing factors for AF in the central region of Saudi Arabia and require prevention and control [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]