Low anterior rectal cancer is based on oncological radicality and recurrence rates, which translate to survival. Rectal dysfunction occurred in at least one-quarter of patients. This dysfunction is a myriad of symptoms referred to as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). In this review, we analyzed the definitions, risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms of LARS. A better understanding of this syndrome can lead to improved prevention and treatment of LARS.
Ectopic pregnancies are a frequently encountered cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They occur when an embryo is implanted and grows outside the normal uterine space. Uncommonly, the embryo can be implanted in the intramural portion of the uterine tube, a condition referred to as interstitial localization. This specific type of ectopic pregnancy may have an unpredictable course, potentially leading to severe uterine rupture and catastrophic bleeding if not promptly diagnosed and managed. We present a rare case of a multiparous 36-year-old female patient who underwent pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for intense pelvic pain associated with hypotension and moderate anemia. A history of right salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 10 years previously was noted. High beta-HCG levels were also detected. A pelvic ultrasound allowed us to suspect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 8 weeks of amenorrhea. An association with hemoperitoneum was suspected, and an emergency laparoscopy was performed. The condition was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient underwent a right corneal wedge resection with suture of the uterine myometrium. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth day postoperatively. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare yet extremely perilous situation. Timely ultrasound-based diagnosis is crucial as it can enable conservative management with Methotrexate. Delayed diagnosis can lead to uterine rupture with consecutive surgery based on a transection of the pregnancy and cornual uterine resection.
Background/Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) and functional recovery are essential outcomes in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. In addition to oncological results, bowel dysfunction and stoma-related issues may significantly affect postoperative well-being. We aimed to evaluate QoL changes at 1 and 6 months postoperatively and functional outcomes in rectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgical treatment, sphincter-preserving surgeries (SPS) or abdominoperineal resection (APR). Owing to its impact on QoL, several functions were assessed using the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score. Methods: This retrospective observational study consisted of 99 patients who underwent curative rectal cancer surgery, of which 38 patients had colostomy, and 61 no colostomy. To assess patient-reported outcomes related to QoL, the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, QLQ-CR29 questionnaire, and LARS instrument were sent to the patients at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Changes over time were analyzed using paired statistical tests, and subgroup analyses were performed according to colostomy status and surgical approach. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the global health status and all major functional domains between 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The global health status increased from 74.9% to 86.5% (p < 0.001). Symptom burden decreased significantly, particularly for fatigue (−18.31), pain (−14.48), diarrhea (−12.46), and insomnia (−11.45), representing clinically meaningful improvements. Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection or resection with colostomy had lower QoL scores at 1 month but showed substantial improvement at 6 months, becoming comparable to those who underwent SPS. LARS outcomes demonstrated progressive functional recovery, with the proportion of patients without LARS increasing from 39 to 46, while major LARS decreased from 7 to 3 patients. However, approximately 40% of patients in the SPS group continued to report moderate-to-severe LARS symptoms. Conclusions: In this study, QoL and bowel function improved significantly during the first 6 months after colorectal cancer surgery. Although most patients demonstrated recovery, persistent bowel dysfunction and stoma-related challenges remain important issues. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive postoperative care and routine assessment of both QoL and functional outcomes.
Cryptorchidism is defined as the extra-scrotal position of the testes. It is a common disorder in male children, but rarely in adult patients. The association of cryptorchidism with hernia is a common finding in childhood, but is not frequent in adults or the elderly. Herein, we report a series of three cases (28-, 24-, and 34-year-old men) of adult inguinal hernia combined with cryptorchidism successfully managed by laparoscopic surgery under the same operative view. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair and orchiectomy were performed in all patients. No complications occurred in the postoperative period, and the patients were discharged on the first or second postoperative day. Pathological examination of the specimens revealed atrophic testes without malignancy. No hernia recurrence was observed during follow-up. The laparoscopic approach in the combined pathology of inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism is feasible in adult patients and has multiple advantages in terms of diagnosis and management.
Background and Clinical Significance: Spontaneous abdominal wall hematoma following violent coughing is a rare condition that poses a sometimes difficult therapeutic challenge, with surgical intervention often necessary in severe cases. This report aims to shed light on this rare but severe affection and raise the medical community’s interest by detailing the pathophysiology, management strategies, and outcome of spontaneous abdominal wall hematoma. Case Presentation: The basis for our paper was a comprehensive retrospective analysis of three cases treated in our surgical departments. We rigorously reviewed their clinical notes and imaging examinations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our findings. Conclusions: These case reports underscore the challenging nature of such hematomas. Clinicians should be aware of this pathology, as it can be life-threatening. Our successful management of these cases shows that it is possible to effectively manage difficult clinical situations with timely intervention.
Background and Clinical Significance: Seminal vesicle abscess (SVA) is a rare genitourinary condition with a nonspecific presentation that may delay diagnosis. Treatment includes antimicrobial therapy and, when necessary, drainage. Managing large collections that cannot be evacuated by image-guided aspiration remains challenging. This case illustrates an infected epidermoid cyst in a patient with a congenital solitary kidney, managed by laparoscopy after unsuccessful conservative and image-guided treatment; Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with fever and perineal pain. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and computed tomography revealed an SVA measuring 115.8 × 83.1 × 72.4 mm. Initial conservative treatment produced only partial improvement, and symptoms recurred four weeks later. TRUS-guided drainage was attempted but failed because of the dense, highly viscous contents. Transperitoneal laparoscopic drainage and unroofing were subsequently performed. The abscess was separated from the surrounding structures, drained by aspiration, and partially excised. Two drains were placed. The operative time was 110 min, with no intraoperative complications. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Histopathological examination of the excised wall demonstrated an epidermoid cyst with secondary infection, suggesting that the abscess developed within an underlying epidermoid cyst. No recurrence was observed over two years of ultrasound follow-up and on a control CT at two years; Conclusions: Laparoscopic drainage and unroofing may be considered for selected large SVAs when conservative treatment and image-guided drainage are unsuccessful. Direct visualization facilitates access to the deep pelvic collection. This single case supports procedural feasibility but does not establish superiority over other drainage approaches.