Introduction
Intestinal malrotation is a rare congenital abnormality occurring in 0.2–1% of the population. Adult presentations comprise only 0.2–0.5% of all cases leading to diagnostic challenges and worse outcomes in adults. We present a rare case of chronic/intermittent midgut volvulus with unique anatomic findings in an adult with intestinal malrotation.
Presentation of case
An 18-year-old Caucasian male presented to a community hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He underwent a CT scan demonstrating concern for small bowel volvulus and subsequently underwent a negative exploratory laparotomy. He was discharged post-operatively with no identified etiology for his presentation. He subsequently had multiple presentations to the ED with recurrent symptoms, review of imaging led to concern for duodenal volvulus resulting in transfer to a tertiary hepatobiliary centre. Repeat CT scan two weeks following initial presentation was consistent with intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus. Bloodwork was unremarkable and physical exam demonstrated normal vital signs with a tender epigastrium. He underwent an exploratory laparotomy with Ladd's procedure. Intra-operative findings included a midgut volvulus and uniquely positioned Ladd's bands to the transverse colon. Post-operatively he tolerated oral intake and was discharged with three-month follow-up.
Discussion
Adults with intestinal malrotation suffer from delays in diagnosis and management. In contrast to the neonatal population, adults often present with vague, or chronic symptoms, which obscures the diagnosis.
Conclusion
The increased morbidity and mortality observed in adults with intestinal malrotation highlights the need for surgeons to appreciate the challenges associated with this diagnosis in the adult population to ensure early recognition and management.
Background
Underreported variation in parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays exists. Using quality improvement methods, we aimed to develop an institution‐specific PTH‐based protocol to predict hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent total/completion thyroidectomy. A receiver operating curve (ROC) determined postoperative PTH cut‐offs predictive of hypocalcemia. The stakeholders developed PTH‐driven calcium management guidelines. Post‐implementation outcomes were prospectively measured.
Results
Pre‐implementation, 95 patients were assessed. PTH ≤1.5 pmol/L (14.1 pg/ml) predicted hypocalcemia (96%sensitivity), and ≥2.8 pmol/L (26.4 pg/ml) predicted normocalcemia (99%specificity) (area under curve = 0.97, SEM = 0.018). PTH on the day of and morning after surgery were identically predictive. Post‐implementation, 64 patients were assessed. Hypocalcemia occurred with PTH >2.8 pmol/L in 2 cases (3.1%). Calcium over‐prescribing decreased from 13.7% to 3.1% (p = 0.06). Length of stay (LOS) > 2 nights decreased from 13% to 3.1% (p = 0.05).
Conclusion
A PTH‐driven calcium management protocol post‐thyroidectomy effectively reduces unnecessary calcium replacement and LOS. Given the variability in PTH assays, each institution may need to use individual cut‐offs.
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