INTRODUCTION A schwannoma is a benign, slow growing, encapsulated nerve sheath tumour. Presentation of a schwannoma is a diagnostic and management challenge. METHODS Internet searches of PubMed/MEDLINE ® for all articles listing schwannomas of the vagus nerve in the cervical/neck region were undertaken to ascertain diagnostic pitfalls. The references of all articles were cross-checked to include all pertinent contributions. Further articles were traced through reference lists. RESULTS Schwannomas are solitary, well circumscribed and medial to the carotid sheath. Preoperative diagnoses of schwannomas in the lateral part of the neck can cause confusion with its nerve of origin (ie whether it arises from the vagus nerve or a sympathetic chain). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging reveal valuable information regarding the location and origin of the tumour as well as aiding surgical planning. The diagnosis can be confirmed intraoperatively. Postoperative recovery of neurological function is dependent on the type of surgery. Histopathological studies searching for classical features and immunohistochemical staining for S100 also confirm the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnoses of unusual masses in the neck. Preoperative imaging elicits valuable information regarding the location and origin of schwannomas and histopathology confirms the diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) has always been a diagnostic challenge, even for the astute surgeon. In developing countries, extrapulmonary TB often presents as an acute abdomen in surgical emergencies such as perforations and obstructions of the gut. Abdominal TB in different forms has been found more often as an aetiology for the chronic abdomen. This paper aims to evaluate TB as a surgical problem. METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature on abdominal TB was undertaken. PubMed searches for articles listing abdominal TB/different types/diagnosis/treatment (1980-2012) were performed. RESULTS TB is still a global health problem and the abdomen is one of the most common sites of extrapulmonary TB. Presentation may vary from an acute abdomen to a number of different chronic presentations, which can mimic other abdominal diseases. While some may benefit from antitubercular therapy, others may develop surgical problems such as strictures or obstruction, which may necessitate surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal TB should always be considered one of the differential diagnoses of acute or chronic abdomen in endemic areas.

Background: Human rabies continues to be endemic in India and according to recent estimate 20,000 persons die of this disease every year. Hence this study was conducted to know the prevalence and pattern of animal bites during last one year and to determine the rate of admission in Department of Surgery.Methods: This study was conducted in the casualty, Department of Community Medicine, Department of Surgery at M. K. C. G. Medical College, Odisha, India between 1st April 2016 - March 31st, 2017. It was a cross sectional study, where convenient sampling method was used. The sample size was 6242 subjects, above 1year age group selected randomly within last 1 year. The socio demographic characteristics, epidemiological and rate of admission in surgery department were studied.Results: It was found that during last one year, out of 6242 animal bite cases, majority of them were bitten by dogs 4785 (76.66%). It was found that 5617 (90%) are category III bite, 548 (8.78%) are category II bites, 77 (1.23%) are category I bite. Parts of body bitten by animals were limbs 5828 (93.37%), face 312 (5%), back 52 (0.83%). Out of 6242 cases, 348 (5.5%) cases were admitted in General Surgery Department.Conclusions: The prevalence of dog bite was found to be more and was of category III in nature and part of body affected were mostly limbs. Prevalence of bite was nearly equal among male and female. Around 5% of the total animal bite cases required admission in Department of Surgery.

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Background: The cause of haemorrhoids remains unknown. Factors contributing to haemorrhoids are constipation, prolonged squatting, pregnancy, aging, heredity, portal hypertension, abdominal tumour etc.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in department of surgery, M.K.C.G MCH, Berhampur, Odisha, India from 01st August 1995 to 31st July 2017. Patients from both sex and different age groups having haemorrhoids were included. Patients with piles secondary to anorectal tumours, prolapsed and thrombosed piles, anorectal pathology like fissure were excluded from study. Preoperative, intraoperative interventions and postoperative care were carried out according to laid procedure described below.Results: Total 1014 patients of piles were selected for plication and conventional haemorrhoidectomy and most of them were between 31-50 years of age while 362 cases underwent plication, rest 346 cases were treated with haemorrhoidectomy. All patients in this study had bleeding per rectum as the main symptom. Out of 507 patients which has been examined for plication, 272 (53.65%) had 2nd degree, 235 (46.35%) had 3rd degree piles. Results of plication of piles are satisfactory and only 4% patients had pain for which long term analgesics were given.Conclusions: Treatment of haemorrhoids is well debated topic and various methods are being used by surgeons all over world. Plication of piles appears to have significant advantages over conventional methods in terms of patient comfort, duration of stay in hospital and incidence of complications. Literature on this subject is briefly reviewed.