No abstract

Background: Portal biliopathy refers to abnormalities of the biliary tract developing in relation to portal hypertension. Portosystemic splenorenal or mesenterico-caval shunting is a safe and effective method to relieve biliary obstruction in symptomatic patients but is unfeasible in cases of extensive thrombosis of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. In such cases, a makeshift portosystemic shunt between a suitable portal varix and the caval system can be an interesting alternative. Methods: This study describes 3 patients admitted for symptomatic portal biliopathy caused by idiopathic portal cavernoma associated with extensive portal thrombosis. A makeshift portosystemic shunt was carried out after preoperative portal imaging had demonstrated the presence of a suitable splanchnic varix. Results: The makeshift portosystemic shunt was performed by direct anastomosis in 2 patients and by prosthetic interposition in 1 case. Shunting was between a splanchnic varix and the inferior vena cava in 2 cases and the left renal vein in 1 case. Postoperative morbidity was nil and follow-up ranging from 2 to 12 years showed good results with no recurrence of biliary obstruction. Conclusion: In patients presenting symptomatic portal biliopathy associated with extensive thrombosis of the portal system, a makeshift portosystemic shunt is preferable to repeated endoscopic procedures or intrahepatic biliodigestive bypass, provided that a suitable varix is available.

Mature cystic teratoma is the most common form of ovarian germ cell tumor. Mature cystic teratoma is a benign tumor, mainly diagnosed in young women, with non-specific symptoms. However, the risk of malignant transformation exists (1-2%). Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequently encountered histological form. Giant colonic diverticulum is a rare complication of diverticular disease, characterized by a diverticulum larger than 4 cm which can sometimes be confused with other digestive pathologies (appendicitis, small bowel perforation ...). We report a case of an ovarian squamous cell carcinoma arising from a mature cystic teratoma, presenting like a sigmoid fistula, with an initial doubt with the diagnosis of a giant colonic diverticulum. A 68-year-old woman was admitted for chronic hypogastric abdominal pain with a doubt concerning the diagnosis between a mature cystic teratoma and a giant colonic diverticulum. A computed tomography scan was performed revealing a perisigmoid cyst with hydro-aeric level in favor of a giant colonic diverticulum. The pelvic MRI rather suggested a left ovarian cyst, fistulated in the sigmoid colon. Finally, the colonoscopy confirmed this hypothesis with the visualization of a sigmoid fistula located 15cm from the anal margin in connection with a cavity containing hairs. Biopsies revealed a squamous cell carcinoma. After a negative extension assessment, a posterior pelvectomy was performed with pelvic and lumbo-aortic lymph node dissection. The pathological diagnosis was an ovarian pT4N1R0 squamous cell carcinoma. An adjuvant chemotherapy is still in progress.