Excision with or without primary closure for pilonidal sinus disease.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of excision with or without primary closure in the management of chronic pilonidal sinus (PNS) disease.

Methods: Between July 2002 and November 2006, a randomized trial was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All the patients who presented with chronic natal cleft PNS disease were included in the study.

Value of water-soluble contrast (meglumine amidotrizoate) in the diagnosis and management of small bowel obstruction.

Introduction: The object of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a water-soluble contrast follow-through study for differentiating complete from incomplete small bowel obstruction (SBO) and for predicting the need for surgery.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Riyadh Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia and spanned 2 years. All adult patients admitted with SBO were included, except those with obstructed hernias, peritonitis, or postabdominal irradiation.

Necrotizing fasciitis. Role of early surgical intervention.

Objective: To evaluate our experience of management of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) particularly the role of early and aggressive surgical intervention.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of the cases affected by this disease and managed at Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during 5 calendar years from 1996 through to 2000 (1416-1420 A.H).

Wandering spleen.

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity, characterized by splenic hypermobility that results from elongation or maldevelopment of its suspensary ligaments. The wandering spleen is in constant danger of torsion and infarction. This condition poses a great diagnostic challenge due to lack of awareness and paucity of symptoms.

Role of ultrasonography, computed tomography and diagnostic peritoneal lavage in abdominal blunt trauma.

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), ultrasonography and computed tomography in the management of blunt abdominal trauma.

Methods: A retrospective review of the charts of 233 patients with blunt abdominal trauma necessitating admission to Riyadh Medical Complex, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was carried out over a 2 year period (January 2000 to December 2001). The diagnostic yields of DPL, ultrasound and computed tomography were analyzed.