Purpose To analyse acute cholecystitis (AC) management during the first pandemic outbreak after the recommendations given by the surgical societies estimating: morbidity, length of hospital stay, mortality and hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection rate. Methods Multicentre-combined (retrospective-prospective) cohort study with AC patients in the Community of Madrid between 1st March and 30th May 2020. 257 AC patients were involved in 16 public hospital. Multivariant binomial logistic regression (MBLR) was applied to mortality. Results Of COVID-19 patients, 30 were diagnosed at admission and 12 patients were diagnosed during de admission or 30 days after discharge. In non-COVID-19 patients, antibiotic therapy was received in 61.3% of grade I AC and 40.6% of grade II AC. 52.4% of grade III AC were treated with percutaneous drainage (PD). Median hospital stay was 5 [3-8] days, which was higher in the non-surgical treatment group with 7.51 days (p < 0.001) and a 3.25% of mortality rate (p < 0.21). 93.3% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission were treated with non-surgical treatment (p = 0.03), median hospital stay was 11.0 [7.5-27.5] days (p < 0.001) with a 7.5% of mortality rate (p > 0.05). In patients with hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection, 91.7% of grade I-II AC were treated with non-surgical treatment (p = 0.037), with a median hospital stay of 16 [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] days and a 18.2% mortality rate (p > 0.05). Hospital-acquired infection risk when hospital stay is > 7 days is OR 4.7, CI 95% (1.3-16.6), p = 0.009. COVID-19 mortality rate was 11.9%, AC severity adjusted OR 5.64 (CI 95% 1.417-22.64). In MBLR analysis, age (OR 1.15, CI 95% 1.02-1.31), SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 14.49,, conservative treatment failure (OR 8.2,) and AC severity were associated with an increased odd of mortality. Conclusion In our population, during COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase of non-surgical treatment which was accompanied by an increase of conservative treatment failure, morbidity and hospital stay length which may have led to an increased risk hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection. Age, SARS-CoV-2 infection, AC severity and conservative treatment failure were mortality risk factors.

HighlightsDe Garengeot’s hernias constitute an extremely rare condition associated with emergency surgery.Suspicion and experience are crucial for correct management, as no therapeutic or diagnosis consensus has been reached.A single surgical procedure can be performed to treat both pathologies; incarcerated hernia and strangulated appendix.An open preperitoneal approach permits correct visualization of the sac contents and permits appendectomy and hernia repair.When a complication is found, such as local perforation or abscess, a two-step abdominal wall repair should be considered.

HighlightsMeckel’s diverticulitis is a rare condition which may need surgical approach.It is uncommon that Meckel’s diverticulum causes symptomatic disease in adults.Although early detection is often challenging, an abdominal CT-scan may establish a certain diagnosis in giant diverticula.Emergency surgery is mandatory in patients with complicated Meckel’s diverticulum.Segmental resection is the approach of choice when a giant diverticulum has inflammatory signs.

Introduction and importance In this paper, we report an unusual case of a closed-loop bowel obstruction secondary to a double gallstone ileus. This type of pathology constitutes an emergency, and requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent further complications. Presentation of case The patient was a 90-year-old female who came to our emergency room with a clinical picture compatible with an acute abdomen. Imaging tests performed included a plain radiograph and abdominal CT-scan, which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was then transferred to the operating room, and an open double enterolithotomy was performed, extracting two cylindrical gallstones with a diameter of over 2.5 cm. No treatment was given for either the gallbladder nor the biliary-enteric fistula due to the patient's physical status. Clinical discussion Gallstone ileus is a rare entity, but must be taken into consideration when a patient with an abdominal obstruction arrives to the emergency department, especially when signs such as pneumobilia or visualization of the stones are detected by imaging tests. Early surgical intervention is required to avoid complications. However, addressing the biliary-enteric fistula at the same time is a sensitive procedure that may not be advisable, depending on the status of the patient. This report includes a bibliographic review of existing cases of gallstone ileus and the specifics of its diagnosis and management. Conclusion This pathology can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to avoid complications such as intestinal gangrene and perforation. Inspecting the entire intestine during surgery is crucial for removing any additional gallstones that may be present to prevent the reappearance of symptoms.

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