Unsuspected radiolucent partial denture impaction in the sigmoid colon mimicking malignancy.

We report the case of a 79-year-old male who presented with altered bowel habit. Subsequent endoscopy and radiological investigations suggested the diagnosis of a likely sigmoid colon malignancy. Surgery was performed to remove the suspected tumour and post-surgical histology showed only inflammatory change in an area of underlying sigmoid diverticulosis with an associated impacted dental prosthesis.

C-reactive protein and procalcitonin predict anastomotic leaks following colorectal cancer resections - a prospective study.

Introduction: Early safe discharge is paramount for the success of ERAS following colorectal cancer resections. Anastomotic leakage (AL) has high morbidity, particularly if the patient has been discharged to the community.

Aim: To evaluate whether C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can predict AL before early discharge.

Carcinosarcoma of the Rectum: Report of a Rare Colorectal Malignancy and Review of the Literature.

Carcinosarcoma (CS) is a rare mixed mesodermal malignancy most commonly affecting the female reproductive organs, respiratory tract, head, and neck. Though infrequent, it may affect the gastrointestinal tract, most often the oesophagus and only very rarely the rectum. Histologically, it is composed of two distinct elements of epithelial and mesenchymal origin.

Sealing of vessels larger than 7 millimeters using Enseal in porcine aorta.

Background: The Enseal (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Blue Ash, Ohio) tissue-sealing device has proven efficacy for ligation of vessels<7 mm in diameter, even with significant supraphysiologic bursting pressures. We aimed to evaluate the safety of Enseal in porcine vessels>7 mm.

Materials And Methods: The lumbar aortas of pigs that were euthanized for unrelated procedures were harvested.

Should anastomotic assessment with flexible sigmoidoscopy be routine following laparoscopic restorative left colorectal resection?

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of routine intra-operative flexible sigmoidoscopy (IOFS) for left-sided anastomotic integrity and to determine the safest step after a positive leak test.

Method: All consecutive patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resections for benign and malignant disease between August 2005 and April 2011 were included. Data regarding procedure, type of anastomosis and outcomes of IOFS were collected.

A prospective study of in vivo and ex vivo sealing of the human inferior mesenteric artery using an electrothermal bipolar vessel-sealing device.

Background: Mesenteric vascular ligation is a critical step in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. This study assessed the quality of in vivo and ex vivo sealing of the human inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), as well as the relation of IMA stump and bursting pressure.

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective experimental study in a tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Obesity increases the risk of postoperative peripheral neuropathy after minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery.

Background: Abdominal surgery in the obese can be a major challenge in the perioperative period. Peripheral neuropathy is an uncommon but well-described complication after abdominal surgery.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative peripheral neuropathy after colorectal surgery and to identify its risk factors.

Endoclip closure of a large colonic perforation following colonoscopic leiomyoma excision.

Background And Objective: Endoscopic removal of large colonic submucosal lesions can lead to a higher risk of perforation. Although not as common following diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy, it does occur more often following therapeutic colonoscopy. We present a case of a large submucosal mass excised endoscopically, resulting in a large perforation that was closed using endoclips.

Is hybrid robotic laparoscopic assistance the ideal approach for restorative rectal cancer dissection?

Aim: While the use of robotic assistance in the management of rectal cancer has gradually increased in popularity over the years, the optimal technique is still under debate. The authors' preferred technique is a robotic low anterior resection that requires a hybrid approach with laparoscopic hand-assisted mobilization of the left colon and robotic assistance for rectal dissection. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of this approach as it relates to intra-operative and short-term outcomes.

Unusual cause of acute abdomen--omental infarction occurring in a child with cyclical neutropenia.

Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdomen in childhood. We describe a case of omental infarction mimicking acute appendicitis occurring in a child with cyclical neutropenia. Neutropenic enterocolitis, a serious cause of the acute abdomen, has been linked with cyclical neutropenia.

Eosinophilic colitis.

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare chronic inflammatory bowel condition of unknown etiology. We report a case of cecal volvulus causing obstruction in a patient with eosinophilic colitis. A 48-year-old lady presented with abdominal pain, constipation, and abdominal distension.

Diaphragm disease of the ileum.

Diaphragm disease is a condition wherein the bowel lumen is divided into a series of short compartments by circular membranes of mucosa and submucosa, leading to a pinhole lumen and subsequent obstruction. It is a very rare condition commonly attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage. We present two cases of obstruction secondary to diaphragm disease of the ileum diagnosed on histology of the resected specimen.

Randomized clinical trial comparing two mastectomy techniques.

Background: The unit was considering the routine use of diathermy scissors for standard mastectomy surgery. We therefore aimed to assess scientifically the outcome of patients following the use of this instrument in their operation before accepting it as a routine procedure.

Methods: A single blind randomized control trial compared the outcome of patients undergoing simple mastectomy using either the standard scalpel blade technique or the bipolar cutting scissors technique.

Modified wise pattern skin reduction for plexiform neurofibromatosis of the breast.

Von Recklinhausen's neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant condition occurring typically with café au lait patches, axillary freckling, multiple fibromata, and Lisch nodules. We present a case of a 36-year-old female who presented with severe neurofibromatosis involving the lower half of the breast. The patient was not keen on mastectomy and pedicle flap reconstruction.

Hernia through an iliac crest bone graft site: report of a case and review of the literature.

The iliac crest is a common donor site for autogenous bone graft as it offers the advantage of easy access and a relatively large and safe supply of bone. One of the less frequently reported complications of harvesting bone grafts from the iliac crest is a graft-site hernia. In the last decade less than 15 cases have been reported, however the true incidence of this complication is unknown.

Necrotizing fasciitis in a postmastectomy wound.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening condition, characterized by progressive gangrene of the subcutaneous tissue with subsequent death of the overlying skin. It is associated with a high mortality rate. We describe a patient who developed this condition after elective mastectomy and survived.