Background: Despite the tremendous progressive evolution in the field of medicine, wherein, most of the diseases can be diagnosed based on history, clinical examination and investigations, there are quite a number of diseases which remain undiagnosed. It is here, where the role of diagnostic laparoscopy becomes important to reach to a conclusion for further management of patients.Methods: This study comprising of 70 patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy at SKIMS over a period of 4 years. This study was done to evaluate the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with acute and chronic abdominal conditions wherein final diagnosis could not be achieved after all necessary imaging, serological, cytological, and microbiological investigations.Results: Out of 70 patients subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy in our study, the commonest indication was as cites of undetermined etiology (42.9%) followed by chronic abdominal pain (25.7%) diffuse liver disease (11.4%) acute abdominal pain (SAIO, cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, PID, endometriosis) (5.7%) abdominal tuberculosis (4.3%) focal liver disease (2.9%) bleeding per rectum (2.9%) abdominal malignancy (2.9%) and primary infertility (1.4)%. The post diagnostic laparoscopy outcome (final diagnosis) were abdominal malignancy 22 (31.4%) followed by abdominal tuberculosis 16 (22.9%) diffuse liver disease 6 (8.6%) focal liver disease 6 (8.6%) PID 4 (5.7%) SAIO 4 (5.7%) post-operative pelvic adhesions 3 (4.3%) Meckel’s diverticulum 2 (2.9%) abdominal plus pulmonary tuberculosis 1 (1.4%), endometriosis 1 (1.4%), ovarian cyst 1 (1.4%), pseudomyxoma peritonei 1 (1.4%), chronic appendicitis 1 (1.4%) and inconclusive 2 (2.9%). Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed pre-operative diagnosis in 10 (14.3%) patients. In 29 (41.4%) patients pre-operative diagnosis was corrected by diagnostic laparoscopy. In 29 (41.4%) patients diagnosis was made only after diagnostic laparoscopy.Conclusions: Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe, quick, and effective adjunct to non surgical diagnostic modalities, for establishing a conclusive diagnosis with high percentage of accuracy in diagnosis and impact in further management in selected patients.

Appendiceal mucocele is an appendicular dilatation secondary to the intraluminal accumulation of mucous material. Adequate pre-operative diagnosis and surgical resection remains the standard management. Here, we present three cases of appendiceal mucocele. In the first case, a 60-year-old female presented with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis and was admitted and operated. An inflamed distended globular cystic mass of appendix measuring 10 × 6 × 4 cm with a wide base was found and the patient underwent right hemicolectomy. In the second case, a 30-year-old male with symptoms and signs of acute appendicitis was admitted to the emergency department. An open surgery was performed and a distended, tense, and inflamed appendix without perforation of size 6 × 1 × 1 cm was discovered and removed. The diagnosis of mucocele appendix was suspected and confirmed by postoperative dissection of the specimen and histopathology. In the third case, a 25-year-old female patient was subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy in view of non-specific pain abdomen. A diagnosis of mucocele of appendix was made intraoperatively and removed using a specimen bag. Appendiceal mucocele with acute presentation is a rare pathology that clinically resembles acute appendicitis. Preoperative detailed investigations to reach a definitive diagnosis are critical for adequate surgical resection and overall outcome.

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Background Large renal pelvic stones can be effectively managed with laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus open surgery for the treatment of large renal pelvic stones. Materials and Methods This prospective comparative study was performed at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College and Hospital over a period of 8 years. Using computer-generated random numbers, the patients were randomized into two groups: group A received laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, while group B had open pyelolithotomy. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software 22. Results Among 74 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age was 39.18 years with 66.21% being males and a male:female ratio of 1.96. Forty-one (55.41%) patients had open surgery and 33 (44.59%) had laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. The difference in mean operative time of laparoscopy (117.66 minutes) and open (78.13 minutes) surgery was statistically significant (p = 0.05). The mean blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic pyelolithotomy group (62.12 mL) than in the open group (92.07 mL) (p = 0.009). The difference in mean hospital stay between the open and laparoscopic groups was significant (p = 0.02). In both laparoscopy and open surgery, we observed a 100% stone-free rate at the end of 1 month. None of our patients expired during the study period. Conclusion Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is a promising alternative to traditional open and other endourological techniques, with encouraging results. Despite its technical difficulty, it yields high stone-free rates and low postoperative morbidity.

Background Intestinal ascariasis is considered as state subject in our valley of Kashmir. The aim of our study was to analyse the age, clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical complications, and management of Ascaris lumbricoides in children and adults. Methods Total of 312 patients above 2 years of age with definite clinical and radiological diagnosis of intestinal ascariasis and associated complications were included in our study. All our patients received anthelminthic drug (Albenzadole 400 mg stat) after termination of acute phase and attached to our Out-Patient Department for follow-up. Each patient was given second dose of antihelminthic drug at second follow-up visit. Results Total of 312 subjects included 131 (41.99%) males and 181 (58.01%) females. The highest number of patients was in age group of 6-10 years (46.47%). Colicky abdomen pain was the most common presentation and present in 80.12% patients followed by vomiting (64.1%). Palpable worm bolus was a cardinal sign present in 46.47% of our subjects. Twohundred sixty-five (84.94%) patients responded uneventfully and were relieved of colic and obstruction after conservative non-operative treatment. Twenty (6.41%) patients underwent enterotomy and evacuation of worms, 2 (0.64%) subjects underwent resection anastomosis, and 8 (2.56%) patients had laparotomy and milking of worms into colon. None of patient expired during the study period. Conclusion Ascaris lumbricoides is common cause of acute abdomen in our valley attributed to poor hygiene and low socioeconomic background. In patients of high clinical suspicion of worm obstruction, prompt investigations should be advised to reach a definitive diagnosis and prevent the development of complications. Significant efforts must be channelised at political and society levels for the prevention of this disease. Mass deworming programs should be adopted to overcome this menace.