Magnetic resonance imaging for acute appendicitis in pregnancy: can clinical scores predict when imaging is needed?

Purpose: Advanced imaging may augment the diagnostic milieux for presumed acute appendicitis (AA) during pregnancy, however it is not clear when such imaging modalities are indicated. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of clinical scoring systems with the findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of AA in pregnant patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study between 2019 and 2021 was performed in two tertiary level centers.

Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Can Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring be Omitted?

Background: Intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) monitoring has become widely accepted in the era of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for ioPTH during parathyroidectomy in patients with positive preoperative imaging.

Methods: The charts of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at three tertiary centers between the years 2012 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Initial Experience with Transition from Open to Robotic-assisted Proctectomy for Patients with Rectal Cancer.

Background: The learning curve for transition from open to laparoscopic proctectomies is difficult. Most surgeons have considerable laparoscopic experience prior to performing robotic-assisted procedures. There are data regarding the transition from open to robotic proctectomies.

Management of Adult Intussusception-A Case Series Experience from a Tertiary Center.

Background: The management of intussusception is controversial. Clinical presentation, with the aid of imaging modalities, enables a better selection of patients for the appropriate treatment algorithm. Conservative management versus surgical intervention with bowel resection is considered accordingly.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy in the Days of COVID-19.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergencies treated by general surgeons. The treatment of choice in the majority of cases is laparoscopic appendectomy. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a concern for a delayed referral of patients and thus a more advanced presentation of the disease leading to a prolonged and complicated course.

Surgical Biopsy of Pathologically Enlarged Lymph Nodes: A Reappraisal.

Background: Enlarged lymph nodes (ELN) pose a great diagnostic challenge. They may represent the first clinical finding of a hematologic disease or other malignancy and may be an indication of a wide range of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Because many patients undergo percutaneous biopsy, surgical excisional biopsy is not often considered.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery Implementation in Ultra-Low Anterior Resection.

Background: Distal rectal cancer resection is an ongoing challenge for the colorectal surgeon. In recent years new technical approaches, especially with implementation of transanal platforms were developed to help in the visualization and resection of these tumors. Nevertheless, the use of these platforms is demanding with significant complications during the onset phase.