Acute pancreatitis occurs only in 4-8% of patients with gallstone disease and 50% acute pancreatitis recur within 1-6 months. As in other parts of country, the incidence of gallstone disease has been increasing in our region. This study has been carried out in our hospital to find out the disease pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODSAll the patients admitted with acute gallstone pancreatitis during the period were included. Various biochemical parameters and radiological investigations like x-ray, Ultrasonography (USG), Computerized Tomography (CT) of abdomen were done in all patients. The treatment plan was focused on adequate initial resuscitation, supportive care and early detection of complications. Duration of stay in the hospital, complications and followup were recorded. RESULTSThirty two patients were included in the study; 41-60 years was the most common age group. Male:Female ratio was 1:2.2. Meitei was most commonly affected ethnic group. Epigatric pain and tenderness were the most common clinical features. Most (75%) of the patient's serum amylase was above three times the upper normal limit. Ultrasonography diagnosed 75% of cases, whereas computerized tomography diagnosed 100%. Average hospital stay was 8 days. Complications included pleural effusion and pseudocyst. CONCLUSIONGenetic basis of occurrence of gallstone pancreatitis among the various ethnic groups of Manipur needs to be addressed. Serum amylase and ultrasonography were useful initial diagnostic modality. The acceptance of index cholecystectomy in our local population is very low and the awareness of treatment modalities has to be increased.

OBJECTIVETo study the repair of adult inguinal hernia with continuous sutures of external oblique aponeurosis with respect to its acceptability, effectiveness, outcome and the satisfaction of patients. METHODOLOGYThe observational study was conducted from August 2008 to September 2010 in Surgery Unit IIA of the Department of General Surgery, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital, Imphal. Adult patients with inguinal hernia (18-75 years) were admitted and treated with continuous sutures of external oblique aponeurosis as originally described by Desarda in 2001. RESULTSThere were 54 patients -51 males (94.44%) and 3 females (5.6%). Age of the patient's ranges from 18-75 years (Mean age of 53.9 years). Out of the 54 patients, 32 patients (59.3%) were having indirect inguinal hernia, 19 patients (35.2%) with direct inguinal hernia and 3 patients (5.6%) had combined direct and indirect inguinal hernias. Right sided hernia was seen in 37 patients (68.5%) and left sided hernia in 17 patients (31.5%); 47 patients (87.03%) were operated under Spinal Anaesthesia (SA) and 7 patients (12.96%) under epidural anaesthesia. Adhesions were found in 5 cases (9.26%), four patients (7.41%) had transient wound oedema, 3 patients (5.6%) had pus collection followed by drainage, 3 (5.6%) patients had wound haematoma, which subsided by itself and 2 (3.70%) had seroma formation which required regular dressing. During the follow-up period, no hernia recurrence was encountered. Majority of the patients had mild-to-moderate post-operative pain, which was easily managed with analgesics. The hospital stay was short, thus allowing the patients a quicker return to activity. Majority of the patients (40, i.e. 74.07%) were discharged on the 3rd post-operative day. Majority of the patients were satisfied with the operation. CONCLUSIONRepair of adult inguinal hernia with continuous sutures of external oblique aponeurosis is safe and effective in terms of postoperative pain, return to work, recurrence, cost effectiveness and can be the preferred choice for open repair of adult ingui nal hernias.