Free air after laparoscopic hysterectomy; from sigmoid perforation to upper airway compromise: a case report

Background Free air after laparoscopic hysterectomy is a common finding; in rare cases, free air represents gastrointestinal perforation, requiring emergency laparotomy. Ectopic air localizations after pneumoperitoneum have been reported in various laparoscopic surgical techniques. Delayed diagnosis of visceral perforation is associated with high mortality rates. Case presentation We present a white Caucasian female in which dysphonia due to air entrapment in the cervical area, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax, occured afterlaparoscopic hysterectomy. Conclusions Upon mobilization of the patient, air from sigmoid perforation moved cephalad. Through the same path, pneumoperitoneum, causes subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and face, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV: a case report of a rare cause of spontaneous sigmoid perforation and enteroatmospheric fistulae in a child

Background Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is a rare subtype of EDS, but has important surgical implications. Case presentation Here, we present a case of a spontaneous sigmoid perforation in a 14-year-old boy. He was initially treated with laparotomy, oversew of the sigmoid perforation and a diverting ileostomy. He developed a complete wound dehiscence and enteroatmospheric fistulae. These were managed with a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and Eakin (TG Eakin™) pouch changes. We discuss the clinical features and presentation of EDS type IV, the surgical implications of managing patients with the condition, and the challenges in management of enteroatmospheric fistulae in children. Conclusions Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV should be considered as a cause of any spontaneous colonic perforation in children.

Mesh Migration Results in Asymptomatic Sigmoid Perforation as Long-Term Complication After Difficult TAPP: a Case Report

Hernia surgery is the most common surgical procedure worldwide. Complications are very rare and usually manifest in recurrence or chronic pain. We report a rare case of mesh migration 14 years after initially complicated transabdominal preperitoneal plastic for left-sided inguinal hernia. The mesh migration resulted in a covered sigmoid perforation, which was completely asymptomatic and only noticed as a chance finding in a staging CT scan prior to irradiation therapy. However, after the onset of immunosuppressive therapy, an exacerbation of chronic, localized inflammation was expected. Therefore, open surgical anterior rectum resection was performed, and after a short hospital stay, the patient could be discharged home free of complaints. This case report aims to raise awareness of possible long-term complications of hernia repair when using non-absorbable meshes.

Sigmoid Volvulus in a Neonate with Anorectal Malformation: A Case Report

Background: Sigmoid volvulus in the neonate is an extremely rare condition needing emergency treatment. Sporadic cases of neonatal sigmoid volvulus and some in association with Hirschsprung’s disease have been documented. Sigmoid volvulus has been described only twice in the literature in association with anorectal malformation. However, newborns with anorectal malformations might be especially at risk for sigmoid volvulus due to increased intraluminal intestinal weight caused by bowel obstruction and its existence might be underreported. Case presentation: This is the case report of a full-term neonate with trisomy 21 who was diagnosed with anorectal malformation upon birth. An abdominal X-ray on his second day of life showed typical radiological findings of sigmoid volvulus as described by the radiologist. However, the findings were interpreted as a dilated rectosigmoid sling typical for anorectal malformation by the surgeon and a transverse loop colostomy was placed. On the fourth postoperative day sigmoid perforation occurred and led to meconium peritonitis and septic shock. An emergency laparotomy was performed and a perforation at the distal sigmoid colon was found. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to raise awareness as to the existence of sigmoid volvulus in the neonate with anorectal malformations. The distinct radiological findings of the “coffee bean sign”, the “northern exposure sign” and an empty rectum allow to distinguish the extremely rare sigmoid volvulus from the common finding of a dilated rectosigmoid in patients with anorectal malformations. Detorsion of sigmoid volvulus is vital to preventing sigmoid perforation.