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Surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides in children
Raghu S Ramareddy1, Anand Alladi, O S Siddapa
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Vani Vilas Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore, India.
Insights
Surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in children, including volvulus and perforations, require prompt intervention. Early surgical management can significantly reduce mortality from ascariasis complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, is a common helminthic infection.
- Complications of ascariasis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the spectrum of surgical complications arising from Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions for these complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric cases with surgical complications of intestinal ascariasis.
- Exclusion of conservatively managed cases.
- Review of radiographic and sonographic findings, surgical procedures, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Sixteen children experienced complications including ileal volvulus, perforations, intussusception, biliary ascariasis, and worm boluses.
- Radiography and sonography identified key findings like pneumoperitoneum, worm boluses, and free fluid.
- Surgical interventions included worm milking, bowel resection, and perforation repair; 3 deaths occurred, primarily due to volvulus and toxemia.
Conclusions:
- Sonography is valuable for diagnosing ascariasis complications and monitoring treatment response.
- Timely surgical intervention for worm bolus, peritonism, and volvulus is crucial for preventing mortality and preserving bowel.
Aim:
To report the surgical complications of Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in children.
Materials And Methods:
This is a retrospective study and cases of intestinal ascariasis managed conservatively were excluded.
Results:
Sixteen children presented with Ascariasis sequelae, which included ileal volvulus (n=5), perforations (n=4), intussusception (n=1), biliary ascariasis (n-1) and impacted multiple worm boluses (n=5). Plain abdominal radiographs showed pneumoperitoneum (3), cigar bundle appearance (3) and multiple air and fluid levels (13). Sonography showed floating worms with free fluid (2), sluggish peristalsis and moderate free fluid (7) and intestinal worm bolus (11). The surgical procedures included milking of worms (in all), bowel resection (6), closure of perforation (3) and manual reduction of intussusception (1). Biliary ascariasis was managed conservatively and the progress monitored with sonography. There were 3 deaths all of whom had intestinal volvulus, bowel necrosis and toxemia.
Conclusion:
Sonography can be helpful in diagnosing the presence of worms, its complications and in evaluating response to treatment. Early surgical intervention in those with worm bolus, peritonism, and volvulus may salvage bowel and reduce mortality.
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