Cholecystoduodenal fistulas are a type of internal biliary fistula that occur due to chronic inflammation of the gallbladder/biliary tree; if left untreated, perforation and necrosis can occur. Cholecystoduodenal fistulas are often difficult to diagnose due to their non-specific signs and symptoms. Since the widespread use of techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and imaging modalities such as computed tomography, the frequency of reports describing intraoperative cholecystoduodenal fistula has reduced dramatically.Here, we report the case of a 54-year-old female who presented with a two-day history of non-radiating epigastric abdominal pain, initially diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis. Upon undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, she was found to have extensive fibrosis of the gallbladder, adhesions, and an impacted gallstone in the wall of the gallbladder. Imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed prior to surgery did not detect a cholecystoduodenal fistula that was discovered intraoperatively. She was treated successfully with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and repair of the duodenum.
Titanium is a known metal used widely in the medical field and can cause allergic reactions with complications. Our case is about a 28-year-old female presenting with a spectrum of abdominal symptoms with a complicated medical history. The abdominal pain is associated with titanium allergy reaction from previously inserted titanium-based surgical clips. This patient is concurrently found to have a retained pigtail catheter in the cecum discovered incidentally through radiology. We discuss the presentation, investigations, and treatment of this unusual case. The case also unfolds rare differential diagnoses to keep in mind when encountering a patient with abdominal pain and associated nonspecific symptoms.
Introduction: Surgical clips and staples are the mainstay of wound closure in a multitude of surgical procedures such as cholecystectomies. These clips/staples are composed of a variation of different elements including titanium, aluminum, cobalt, and nickel—all of which can lead to type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Adverse effects of these hypersensitivities triggered through the release of mast cells and basophils can occur resulting in the development of atopic dermatitis, stomatitis, erythema, urticaria, and edema. Presentation of case: We present a rare case of a patient who underwent cholecystectomy involving the use of metal surgical clips with adverse reactions. Postoperatively the patient complained of an array of symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, lethargy, joint aches, and nausea. The pain remained out of proportion to testing modalities, which time and time again were unremarkable. Following the withdrawal of the surgical clips the patients’ symptoms have resolved and remain in remission. Discussion: Preoperative screening for metal allergies albeit rare can result in prevention of long-term adverse effects, as was the case with our patient. A detailed patient history and report can demonstrate any need for further testing. Patients should be advised of any and all side effects of surgical procedures including those that may occur as a result of hypersensitivity reactions to surgical clips and staples. Proper patient education can alert a patient with any triggering symptoms to receive prompt medical attention to prevent progression of infection and disease. Postoperative follow up is also recommended to allow both the patient and the physician to ensure the prevention of any arising complications both short and long term. Conclusion: Proper preoperative history and physical examination warrants the detection of any pertinent allergies to metals, as well as other compounds. This allows for proper surgical approach. Surgeons may change their method and use other wound healing techniques involving sutures instead. Long-term adverse effects can be avoided ensuring proper patient healing and follow up.
Acute genital edema (AGE) is an infrequent but disruptive complication in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. It is a common manifestation of dialysate leakage caused by inguinal, umbilical, femoral, or incisional hernias; peritoneal tears; leaks around the dialysis catheter; trauma; fluid overload; and malignancy. The evaluation of AGE begins with a history and physical exam. However, the physical exam in these patients is often indeterminate. Several diagnostic measures exist to evaluate and guide management of AGE occurring during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis but little agreement exists on an optimum method. We have conducted a review of the literature on the evaluation and management of AGE and present a summary of the data. CT peritoneography and peritoneal scintigraphy have been used extensively to evaluate AGE although no comparative studies exist. MRI peritoneography has also been described. CT peritoneography offers more anatomical detail but may not be as sensitive as peritoneal scintigraphy in detecting a peritoneal fluid leak as the cause for AGE. CT is also more costly and subjects the patient to more radiation. MRI is a noncontrast study without radiation risk, but has not been studied to the same degree. If testing is equivocal or bilateral hernias are suspected, diagnostic laparoscopy is helpful and can be combined with hernia repair. Whether the etiology is a leak or tear, low-volume peritoneal dialysis (PD) or cessation of PD for two to four weeks will allow closure. However, hernias almost always require operative repair with mesh usually without disrupting PD.
Nickel, a silvery-hard metallic element used in corrosion-resistant alloys, is widely used in the medical field. Nickel has aided in medical advancements; however, it has been known to cause hypersensitivity reactions. Retained foreign bodies due to surgical procedures may cause postoperative complications such as allergic reactions. This case involves a 30-year-old female presenting with non-specific symptoms involving multiple organ systems, notably with abdominal pain. Due to chronic symptoms, the patient was tested for metal allergies and diagnosed with hypersensitivity reactions to nickel surgical clips that were previously inserted during cholecystectomy. Subsequently, the patient had surgical removal of the foreign bodies, which led to significant improvement of her symptoms immediately. This case demonstrates a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a foreign body involving multiple body systems and vague symptoms making the diagnosis challenging. It is important to carefully evaluate the patient's past medical history including history of any allergies. It also brings attention to the necessity of performing metal skin patch tests preoperatively for individuals with a history of any type of allergies.
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