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Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the most common procedure performed for pancreatic and periampullary tumors. The aim of this study is to describe and characterize global PD research activity between 1989 and 2019.Methods: The PubMed database was used to collect publications on PD from 1989 to 2019. Research output was analyzed with respect to the total biomedical articles produced, GDP, population size of each global geographic region, publication venues, authorship, language, institution and funding.Results: 10,700 articles were included. Eastern Asia was the most productive in crude number of publications (3,787), percentage of total biomedical publications (0.1%) and per GDP (0.34). Postoperative outcomes were the most studied theme, and post-operative pancreatic fistula was the primary endpoint in 1,002 articles. There was a significant increase in PD articles from 1989 to 2019. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine produced the highest number of publications with 437, and the National Cancer Institute funded the highest number of projects with 210.Conclusion: PD is a heavily studied surgical procedure worldwide with a significantly increasing annual trend. Recognizing barriers facing PD research such as funding, socioeconomic issues and lack of proper academic infrastructure is needed to improve research output and advance surgical outcomes associated with PD.

Background. Bezoars are well established entities causing gastrointestinal obstructions. Depending on the prominent constituent of these bezoars, the latter are divided into four subtypes: pharmacobezoars, lactobezoars, trichobezoars, and phytobezoars. Less frequently reported types of bezoars are reported including those formed secondary to nasogastric tube feeding with casein-based formulas. Case Presentation. A 69-year-old male presented following cardiac arrest postmyocardial infarction. Patient sustained anoxic brain injury after resuscitation, rendering him ventilator dependant along with nasogastric tube feeding, initially. Dislodging of the nasogastric tube at one time rendered it difficult to reinsert it, with investigation showing the presence of calcified material within the distal oesophagus, mainly composed of casein-based products secondary to enteral feeding. Conclusion. Bezoars are well known to cause gastrointestinal obstructions due to their indigestible characteristics within the alimentary tract. More rare causes of bezoars include those formed from casein-based feeding formulas administered to patients with sustained enteral feeding. Esophageal obstruction, secondary to casein-based bezoars, occurs due to multiple risk factors, especially in those necessitating intensive care. Approach in such scenarios requires a multiteam approach.

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDA) are rare visceral aneurysms. Celiac trunk stenosis represents a common attributable aetiology for those aneurysms. Therefore, an alternative treatment approach, which differs from those isolated aneurysms, is recommended. We hereby present a 77-year-old male patient who was admitted with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and significant drop in haemoglobin, occurring within a 24-hour interval. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a ruptured visceral aneurysm arising from the anterior branch of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. A severe stenosis was also noted at the take-off of the celiac trunk. Selective catheterization of the supplying branch of the superior mesenteric artery, followed by coil embolization of the aneurysm, was performed, resulting in cessation of flow within the aneurysm, with preservation of the posterior branch, supplying the celiac territory. PDAs are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally at rupture. The risk of rupture is independent of the aneurysmal size and is associated with a 50% mortality rate. The consensus on coping with aneurysms is to treat them whenever they are discovered. Selective angiography followed by coil embolization represents a less invasive, and frequently definitive, approach than surgery. The risk for ischemia mandates that the celiac territory must not be compromised after embolization.

Diverticula of the duodenum proceed those of the colon in respect to frequency of location. Incidence at times of autopsy ranges from 15 to 23%. Despite the fact that more than 90% of duodenal diverticulum cases are asymptomatic, complications if they do occur can be calamitous. Perforation is one of these rare complications. Surgical intervention has always been the mainstay for symptomatic/complicated duodenal diverticula, but with the advancement of imaging, medical treatment, and proper intensive observation, conservative treatment came forth. We hereby present two cases of duodenal diverticula, complicated by perforation and fistulization into the retroperitoneal cavity, both treated conservatively by Taylor’s approach of upper gastrointestinal tract perforation. Review of other cases of duodenal diverticulum perforation has also been presented.