Digestive System Diseases Commons^™

Gallbladder Ascariasis Presenting As Acalculous Biliary Colic, Carmen A. Urbina, Luigi G. Cubeddu, Luigi X. Cubeddu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

We detail a case of gallbladder ascariasis, presenting as an acute episode of acalculous biliary colic, nausea, bloating, an unremarkable abdominal ultrasound, and negative helminth and protozoa stool smears. A follow-up ultrasound provided unexpected images consistent with gallbladder infection by Ascaris lumbricoides. Repeat ultrasonography performed 10 days after anthelmintic therapy showed no live worms and 2 newly appearing echogenic areas suggestive of gallbladder calculi that were confirmed following elective cholecystectomy. The case course highlights key clinical, diagnostic, and management considerations in gallbladder ascariasis and underscores the value of repeated ultrasonographic evaluation in affected patients.

Psychological Adaptation In Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings, Anuja L. Sarode, Emily M. Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.

Methods

This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping …

Coping Beyond Cancer: Exploring Fear Of Recurrence In Colorectal Cancer Survivors—A Pilot Investigation, Emily M. Su, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply, Anuja L. Sarode

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Evidence is limited on the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the US, especially regarding patterns and trends of post-recovery coping mechanisms. This pilot mixed-methods study quantified FCR, examined its associations with Brief COPE domains, and contextualized coping through qualitative analysis.

Methods

Twenty-three patients who successfully underwent CRC surgery were included in this pilot study. Fear of cancer recurrence was measured using the FCR Inventory (FCRI) Short Form, and coping strategies were assessed with the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) survey. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, FCR, and COPE scores. Spearman correlation …

Navigating Complex Esophageal Perforations: A Case-Specific Approach To Successful Outcomes, Harsimran Kalsi, Anushree Rai, Kobina Essilfie-Quaye, Neeka Akhavan, Yaseen Perbtani, Tony S. Brar

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and effective management. While self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are a first-line treatment, persistent leaks often necessitate adjunctive endoscopic interventions. A structured, multimodal approach is critical for optimizing outcomes and avoiding surgical intervention. A 44-year-old man developed an iatrogenic esophageal perforation following surgical leiomyoma enucleation. Initial treatment with overlapping fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FC-SEMS) failed to achieve closure, necessitating endoscopic suturing for defect reinforcement. Despite suturing, persistent leakage required placement of a larger-diameter FC-SEMS, secured with an endoscopic fixation system to prevent migration. Serial imaging confirmed successful defect closure, allowing the …

Non-Surgical Pneumoperitoneum Following Vaginal Intercourse: A Case Report, Jessica Gocinski, Linda Haddox

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report Of Carcinosarcoma Of The Ampulla Of Vater With A Monoclonal Histologic Variant, Peter D. Park, Christopher Oxner

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Severe Gastritis Mimics Acute Coronary Syndrome With Elevated Cardiac Enzymes, Michael Rollins, Laura Preece, Micheline Tantchou

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Colo-Ovarian Fistula Presenting As Tubo-Ovarian Abscess, Jessica Harper, Michelle Mieles, Kyle Biggs

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Reducing Surgical Site Infection After Colorectal Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Review Of Process Improvement, Robin Daemmrich, Quentin Dipasquale, Deborah Klepac, Nick Mathers, Travis Holloway

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Another Gastric Band Complication: Acute Appendicitis, Dustin Williamson, Naveed Ismail, John Weaver

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Biliary Obstruction From An Unexpected Source, Max Dinicola, Trevor Link, Derek Welch

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Spontaneous Pneumoperitoneum Presenting As An Acute Abdomen, Madison Mcinnis, Megan Tierney, Kaysie Banton

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Cecal Volvulus In The Setting Of Situs Inversus Totalis: A Rare Case Report, Alexandra Moody, Josie Bjorklund

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Diplopia In Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Spread To The Sphenoid Sinus, Elena Salikhova-Neace, Anna Belits, Petros Keoseyan, Ethan Mccarty, Judd Jensen, Katrina Lancaster-Shorts, Emily Lampe

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Surgical Approach To Colon Resection With Colostomy Creation Influences Reversal Rates And Postoperative Outcomes: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis, Benjamin Perkins, Ena Novakovic-Bennet, Salvatore Caleb Jerris, Alyssa Kozlowski, Andrew Schlussel

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Oral N-Acetylcysteine In Hepatitis C - Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Case Report, Mohammed Irfan Khan, Shuchita Jhaveri, Renu Thomas, Kevin Garnepudi, Galvin Dhaliwal, Ahmed Ouni, Shane P. Sweeney, Julian Nguyen

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Colitis, Alexis Lopez Cruz, Praise Ohabor, Zuhair Ali

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Colonic Perforation In A Patient On Glp-1 Agonist Therapy: A Case Report, Mohammed Irfan Khan, Shuchita Jhaveri, Azad Patel, Bilal Ashraf, Ahmed Ouni, John Paek, Sivatej Sarva

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Herbal Healing Gone Wrong: Herb-Induced Hepatitis Masquerading As Autoimmune Liver Disease, Sacha Saba, Mahi Basra, Andrew Ondracek, Roxana Bodin

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Prediction Of Mortality In Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: A Systematic Review Of Prognostic Models, Pradeep Rajbhandari, Lawrence San Jose, Mohammad Mahfouz, Michael Waxman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Redefining Resectability In Pancreatic Cancer: A Modified Appleby And Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy Procedure With Concomitant Left Lateral Sectionectomy In A Patient With Replaced Right And Left Hepatic Arteries, Monica Sciturro, Nada Belal, Jamii St. Julien

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Insidious Abdominal Pain Masked By Kratom Abuse; A Case Of Lynch Syndrome, Grant Read, Khloe Gu, Jessica Klingensmith, Ameet Patel

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Potassium Competitive Acid Blockade After Gastric Esd: Does Vonoprazan Outperform Ppis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Shavya R. Ginnaram, Pradeep Yarra, Gnanashree Dharmarpandi, Rajat Garg, Sreekanth Chandrupatla

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum As An Initial Presentation Of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Julian Reoyo, Jennifer Cucalon, Milton Alexis Torres, Toni Feghali, Francia Guerrero, Joseph Pino, Shahid Sulaiman

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report: Primary Recurrent Gallstones Following Cholecystectomy, Gabriel Noguera, Nimal Patel

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

From Peg To Perfusion: A Case Of Malnutrition Reversed By Mesenteric Revascularization, Sacha Saba, Mahi Basra, Alvin Newman Caro, Vikas Sethi, Marc Kudelko

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Rare Endometrial Entity: Gastrointestinal-Type Mucinous Adenocarcinoma, Nicholas D'Souza, Vitaly Borodin

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Resurgence Of Liver Cirrhosis And Variceal Hemorrhage Mortality In Us Adults: Trends And Disparities In A 20-Year Analysis, Chandur Bhan, Nimarta Bheesham, Shravya Ginnaram, Gananshree Dharmarpandi, Melvin Joy, Chenyu Sun, Sreekanth Chandrupatla

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

An Unusual Source Of A Lethal Pathogen: Paeniclostridium Sordellii Bacteremia In Acute Cholecystitis, Myrna Garcia, Leena Algarin, Olutoyin Abitoye, Rachel Gnanaprakasam

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Paeniclostridium sordellii is a spore-forming, gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli known for its highly virulent toxin production, often leading to fulminant sepsis and shock. It is most commonly associated with gynecologic infections and necrotizing soft tissue infections associated with intravenous drug use. However, reports of P. sordellii bacteremia in the setting of gall bladder infections are quite rare. This case report highlights an unusual presentation of P. sordellii infection with bloodstream infection originating from acute cholecystitis, demonstrating a non-fulminant clinical course and successful treatment with ceftriaxone.

Ashwagandha-Associated Liver Injury: A Systematic Literature Review, David Teplitsky, Jacob Sebaugh, Danielle Ford, Rashid Syed

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an herb with origins in Ayurvedic medicine, has recently grown in global popularity due to its reported stress- and anxiety-relieving properties. While generally regarded as safe, emerging cases in medical literature have raised concern for its ability to cause drug- or herb-induced liver injury (DILI/HILI). As use of this supplement rises, it is particularly important to characterize ashwagandha’s potential hepatotoxicity.

Methods: Cases of ashwagandha-induced liver injury were collected by accessing PubMed, Europe PMC, Google Scholar, and the HCA Healthcare Library and searching combinations of the terms “liver” or “hepatic” and one of the following names for …