The CIAOW study (Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide observational study) is a multicenter observational study underwent in 68 medical institutions worldwide during a six-month study period (October 2012-March 2013). The study included patients older than 18 years undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). 1898 patients with a mean age of 51.6 years (range 18-99) were enrolled in the study. 777 patients (41%) were women and 1,121 (59%) were men. Among these patients, 1,645 (86.7%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 253 (13.3%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 1,190 (62.7%) of the enrolled patients. 827 patients (43.6%) were affected by generalized peritonitis while 1071 (56.4%) suffered from localized peritonitis or abscesses. The overall mortality rate was 10.5% (199/1898). According to stepwise multivariate analysis (PR = 0.005 and PE = 0.001), several criteria were found to be independent variables predictive of mortality, including patient age (OR = 1.1; 95%CI = 1.0-1.1; p < 0.0001), the presence of small bowel perforation (OR = 2.8; 95%CI = 1.5-5.3; p < 0.0001), a delayed initial intervention (a delay exceeding 24 hours) (OR = 1.8; 95%CI = 1.5-3.7; p < 0.0001), ICU admission (OR = 5.9; 95%CI = 3.6-9.5; p < 0.0001) and patient immunosuppression (OR = 3.8; 95%CI = 2.1-6.7; p < 0.0001).

The association between schistosomiasis and colorectal malignancy has long been suggested in the literature, but it is not uniformly accepted. In the Far East, considerable evidence supports an etiological link between Schistosoma japonicum and colorectal cancer. However, the available data regarding the role of Schistosoma mansoni in colorectal carcinogenesis are conflicting and most often do not show causality. We report on a patient with sigmoid colonic cancer coexisting with schistosomiasis, and we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the epidemiology and pathobiology of this association.

The management of postoperative pain is paramount to facilitate the delivery of day case surgical programs. In recent years, the complexity of procedures carried out has increased to include laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic-assisted 4-quadrant transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block vs periportal local anesthetic wound infiltration in managing postoperative pain. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial was conducted with patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized using computerized "random number table" into a test group that received laparoscopic-assisted TAP block with bupivacaine with periportal saline injection and a control group that received a laparoscopic-assisted TAP block with saline and periportal bupivacaine. All patients received intraperitoneal instillation of bupivacaine in the gallbladder bed. Postoperative pain scores were recorded using numerical rating scores at rest and coughing at dedicated time points. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism software, version 5 (GraphPad Software) and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Eighty patients (70 female and 10 male) were enrolled; 40 patients were randomized to each group. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, operative time, and BMI were comparable between the groups. No adverse events were encountered with the administration of TAP blocks. Numerical rating scores were significantly reduced in the test group at 1, 3, and 6 hours at rest (p = 0.025, p = 0.03, and p = 0.007, respectively). Numerical rating score was significantly reduced at 1, 3, and 6 hours during coughing (p = 0.026, p = 0.02, and p = 0.03, respectively). Difference in postoperative analgesic requirements between both groups was statistically insignificant (p = 0.17). This analysis has confirmed the therapeutic benefit of laparoscopically delivered TAP blocks in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Optimal postoperative pain therapy for patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of the novel laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block (L-TAP) to other analgesic alternatives in adults undergoing minimally invasive surgery. A systematic literature search of several databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines through March 9, 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on L-TAP. Primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and movement at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at 0-4 and 48 hours, opioid consumption, hospital stay, functional recovery, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Nineteen RCTs with 1983 patients were included. All trials compared L-TAP with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (US-TAP), local infiltration analgesia (LIA), or inactive control; none controlled for epidural analgesia. Methodological quality of these RCTs ranged from moderate to high. L-TAP provided comparable pain control compared with US-TAP, and better early pain control compared with LIA. Recovery parameters, 24-hour opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were comparable between L-TAP and US-TAP. Meanwhile, 24-hour opioid consumption, PONV incidence, hospital stay, and patient satisfaction were in favor of L-TAP compared with LIA. None of the studies reported adverse events related to L-TAP procedure. L-TAP is safe, and superior to LIA with respect to early pain control, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction in adults undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Given its equivalence to US-TAP, L-TAP can be used as a safer and pragmatic alternative to epidural analgesia in this patient population.

Schistosoma japonicum is a digenetic blood fluke that has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of several human malignancies, notably liver and colorectal cancer (CRC). Schistosoma japonicum–associated colorectal cancer (SACC) is a distinct subtype with biological behavior analogous to colitis-induced CRC. The clinicopathological characteristics of SACC include young age at diagnosis, predominance among males, a strong predilection for the sigmoid colon and rectum, multifocal distribution, frequent mucinous histology, and poor prognosis. In addition to chronic inflammation, immunomodulation, and schistosomal toxins, bacterial coinfection appears to play an important role in the carcinogenic process. The present review provides the most recent updates on epidemiology, pathobiology, and clinical and prognostic features pertaining to SACC.