Value of cyst localization to predict cystobiliary communication in patients undergoing conservative surgery with hydatid cyst.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the segmental localization of liver hydatid cyst by computed tomography (CT) and the presence of cystobiliary communication (CBC) and to identify the risk factors for CBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and eleven of 163 patients who underwent liver hydatid surgery between January 2011 and September 2014 were included in this study and analyzed retrospectively. The size, number, stage, and segmental and lobar localization of the cysts were investigated by CT. The presence of CBC and preoperative laboratory findings were recorded from operation notes. RESULTS: CBC was more frequent in single large cysts. CBC was most commonly detected in segment 1 (50%), 8 (48.3%), 7 (41.2%), and 4 (40%). CBC was more frequent in the right lobe (40.4%) and Gharbi stage 3 (41.8%) and 4 (55.6%) lesions. There were no differences in CBC according to distance from the hilus. In addition, preoperative total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) elevations were associated with higher CBC frequency (P<0.05). Cyst diameter, number of cysts, and ALP and GGT elevations were independent predictors of CBC presence. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of hydatid cyst diameter, morphological stage, and segmental and lobar localization by abdominal CT and measurement of preoperative cyst diameter, number of cysts, and ALP and GGT values may predict the presence of CBC.

Therapeutic effects of ellagic acid on L-arginin induced acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of ellagic acid on L-arginin induced acute pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two were split into four groups. Group 1 (control) rats were performed only laparotomy, no drugs were administered. Group 2 (control+EA) rats were administered 85mg/kg EA orally. Rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture 24 hours after the administration. Group3 (AP) 24 hours after intraperitoneal L-arginine administration, rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Group 4 (EA)-(AP): 85mg/kg EA was administered orally after the L-arginine administration. 24 hours later, rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), amylase levels were determined in all groups. RESULTS: Group 3 (AP) rats showed significantly raised TOS level as compared to Group1 (control) rats (p<0.001). Following the EA therapy, a decrease in TOS was observed in Group 4 (AP+EA). TAC levels were significantly raised in the Group 4 (AP+EA) compared to the Group 3 (AP) (p=0.003). Group 3 (AP) showed significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 serum levels as compared to Group 4 (AP+EA). Histopathological changes were supported our result. CONCLUSION: The healing effects of ellagic acid on inflammatory and oxidative stress were confirmed by histopathological and biochemical evaluations of the pancreatic tissue.

An easily overlooked cause of mortality in trauma: rupture of diaphragm.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to share our experience in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. METHODS: Patients underwent surgery for traumatic diaphragm rupture between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: There were sixty-two patients with traumatic diaphragm rupture. The mean age of the study group was 28.7 years (range 15-62 years). Diaphragmatic rupture was left sided in 43 patients (69%), right sided in 17 (28%) and bilateral in 2 (3%). Thoracotomy applied in 8 patients, laparotomy in 50, thoracoabdominal approach in 4. Mortality seen at 4 (6.4%) patients and hemorrhagic shock was the reason in two and pneumonia and sepsis in two. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragm ruptures are infreqent injuries, however, are easily overlooked due to mask effect of accompaning visceral injuries, and it should be kept in mind at lower thoracic or upper abdominal traumas to prompt and proper management to lower the risk of mortality. KEY WORDS: Diaphragm rupture, Thoracoabdominal trauma, Treatment.

A rare finding during a common procedure: xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is a rare variant of chronic cholecystitis characterized by severe proliferative fibrosis and accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in regions of destructive inflammation. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis clinically and radiologically mimics early-stage gallbladder cancer, with wall thickening on computed tomography. The study included 14 xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis patients that were identified following retrospective analysis of the records of 1248 patients that underwent cholecystectomy between 2005 and 2011. Mean age of the 5 male and 9 female patients was 56.7 years. All 14 patients had gallbladder stones; 10 had a history of acute cholecystitis, 1 had cholangitis, and 2 presented with obstructive jaundice. A right-upper quadrant mass was palpable in 2 patients. All patients underwent cholecystectomy. Open surgery was planned and performed in 6 of the 14 patients, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was planned in 8 patients, but was converted to open surgery in 1 case. In total, 1 patient developed wound infection, 1 patient had postoperative pneumonia, and 1 patient developed intraabdominal hematoma. None of the patients in the series died. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is difficult to diagnose, both preoperatively and intraoperatively, and definitive diagnosis depends exclusively on pathological examination. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis should be a consideration in all difficult cholecystectomy cases.

The effects of erythropoietin on bacterial translocation and inflammation in rats with obstructive jaundice.

INTRODUCTION: Obstruction of the common bile duct is associated with hepatic paranchymal damage and increased susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infections. Erythropoietin has antiinflammatory and cytoprotective effects and it induces antiinflammatory cytokines and suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Erythropoietin on bacterial translocation, inflammation and tissue damage in rats with obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were divided into 4 groups as follows: Group 1 (Sham); only hepatoduodenal ligament dissection, Group 2 (Erythropoietin); hepatoduodenal ligament dissection and given 500 IU/kg Erythropoietin subcutaneously, Group 3 (Obstructive jaundice); complete hepatoduodenal ligament ligation, Group 4 (Obstructive jaundice + Erythropoietin); complete hepatoduodenal ligament ligation and given 500 IU/kg Erythropoietin subcutaneously. After 7 days, the rats were sacrificed by taking blood from the heart for biochemical analyses. Peritoneal swab culture, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and ileum were collected for microbiological and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: Erythropoietin reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative damage and bacterial translocation, prevent the formation of inflammatory changes in intestine and liver after obstructive jaundice. CONCLUSION: The treatment of EPO in rats with OJ reduces bacterial translocation, inflammation and tissue damage.

Giant myxoid liposarcoma of descending mesocolon origin.

Liposarcomas are one of the most common primary lesions of the retroperitoneal region. They rarely exhibit intra-abdominal location. Because the symptoms emerge later on, they often remain unnoticed until they grow large. Our aim in this paper is to present a case of myxoid liposarcoma of descending mesocolon origin, 40 cm wide and weighing 7000 g, seen in a 47-year-old male patient. No cases at this weight and radius, originating from descending mesocolon, belonging to the myxoid sub-type, were found in our literature scan.

Surgical alternatives in the treatment of intestinal intussusceptions resulting from polyps in adults.

Adult intussusception is an uncommon disease requiring surgical intervention. The aim of this study is to discuss the surgical alternatives and share our experience in the treatment of adult patients with intussusceptions formed as a result of polyps. The retrospective study included 16 adult patients who underwent surgery after the diagnosis of intestinal invaginations resulting from polyps between the years 2000 and 2011. Sixteen patients (seven males and nine females; mean age, 48.18 years; range, 18 to 76 years) presented with intestinal intussusceptions. Although a preoperative diagnosis was carried out in 11 (68.75%) patients, the diagnosis was made intraoperatively in five patients (31.25%). Among the patients, seven (43.8%) had undergone emergency surgeries and nine (52.8) had elective surgery. The invagination in 12 patients (75%) was located in the small intestine, in two patients (12.5%) in the colon, and in a further two patients (12.5%), it was ileocecally located. Ten patients (62.5%) had segmental resection + anastomosis; three patients underwent (18.8%) segmental resection + enterostomy, and three (18.8%) received hemicolectomies. In adults, surgical treatment is always the primary option in intussusceptions resulting from polyps. Although the surgical method of choice in colonically located ones is en bloc resection without reduction, because the polyps located in the small intestine are usually of a benign nature, segmental resection with reduction should be performed in elective surgery and segmental resection without reduction should be performed in emergency cases.

The impact of etiological factors on mortality in retroperitoneal hematomas.

AIM: Retroperitoneal hematomas (RPH) mostly occur after blunt and penetrating traumas. However, these hematomas may develop spontaneously in the elderly and the patients who use anticoagulants. Between January 2006 and December 2011, 31 patients with RPH were evaluated retropectively. The patients were allocated into three groups according to the underlying etiological factor: Group I; spontaneous RPH, group II; RPH caused by penetrating trauma, group III; RPH caused by blunt trauma. RESULTS: There were 22 (71%) male and 9 (29%) female patients with a mean age of 35.7 ± 18.7 (range: 15-88 years). Spontaneous RPH was diagnosed in eight patients (25.8%) while RPH caused by penetrating trauma in 13 patients (41.9%) and RPH induced by blunt trauma in 10 (32.3%) patients. Retroperitoneal hematomas were located at zone I in 2 patients (6.5%) whereas zone II in 19 patients (61.3%) and zone III in 9 patients (29%). On the other hand, RPH was regarded to be at zone II-III in 1 patient (3.2%). Additional organ injury was defined in 18 patients (58.1%). Twenty patients (65%) were treated surgically. The morbidity rates were 12.5%, 7.7% and 20% and the mortality rates were denoted as 12.5%, 15.4% and 50%, for group I, group II and group III, respectively. DISCUSSION: Additional organ injury, massive blood transfusion, the route of injury and the need for surgery are defined as the most significant factors associated with increased mortality.

Risk factors effecting mortality in acute mesenteric ischemia and mortality rates: a single center experience.

The objective of this study is to discuss the effective factors on morbidity and mortality in patients who were operated on for acute mesenteric ischemia. Between 2006 and 2011, 95 patients, who underwent emergent surgery for acute mesenteric ischemia, were analyzed retrospectively. The study group consisted of 56 men (58.9%) and 39 women (41.1%), with an average age of 68.4 ± 14.4 years. Elapsed time between the onset of the symptoms and the surgical operation was less than 24 hours in 47 (49.5%) cases, and more than 24 hours in 48 cases (50.5%) (P < 0.001). Although all of the patients had intestinal necroses, colon involvement was seen in 38 patients, and mortality was higher in this group of patients (P < 0.001). Mortality rate was 42.1%. This was higher in older patients, those with increased leukocyte levels, increased elapsed time to laparotomy, and when the colon was involved.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk elderly patients with acute cholecystitis: a lifesaving option.

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of percutaneous cholecystostomy in in high-risk elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2010 and May 2011, 11 patients aged over 60 who had at least 1 systemic disease and underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in 10 (90.9%) patients. Clinical improvement was achieved in 81.8% of patients within 72 hours. Two patients received emergency surgery while elective cholecystostomy was performed in 5 patients. Percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed singly in 4 (36.4%) patients. Early complication rate was 18.2%. Two (18.2%) patients died. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cholecystostomy can be performed with low mortality and morbidity. Cholecystectomy should be performed in all patients with suitable general conditions due to the high recurrence rates of percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Pilonidal sinus disease: risk factors for postoperative complications and recurrence.

The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors for complications and recurrence in pilonidal sinus disease. The prospective study consisted of 144 patients with pilonidal sinus disease who were operated on at Dicle University Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery, between February 2008 and December 2010. Patients receiving the Limberg flap totaled 106 (73.6%), while 38 (26.4%) had primary closure. Postoperative complications developed in 42 subjects (29.2%), and recurrence occurred in 19 (13.2%). The Limberg flap method was statistically considered as a risk factor for postoperative complications (P  =  0.039). Regarding recurrence, family tendency (P  =  0.011), sinus number (P  =  0.005), cavity diameter (P  =  0.002), and primary closure (P  =  0.001) were found to be risk factors. Postoperative complication rate is higher in the Limberg flap method than primary closure method. The risk of recurrence is related to family tendency, sinus number, cavity diameter and anesthesia type and is also higher in primary closure.

Spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst.

Hydatid cysts, which are endemic to certain areas, typically are found in the liver. Spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture, which can be life threatening, is rare. This article presents a case of spontaneous rupture of a hydatid cyst in a 69-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department. The patient had no history of trauma. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography suggested rupture of a hydatid cyst. The patient underwent a partial cystectomy, and the cystic area was washed with hypertonic saline and the peritoneal cavity was washed with isotonic saline and drained. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with albendazole for 3 months. No additional pathology was observed at the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Although rare, a ruptured hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen in a patient residing in an endemic area.

Thymoquinone ameliorates bacterial translocation and inflammatory response in rats with intestinal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstructions might cause mucosal disruption, motility dysfunction, increasing intestinal volume, and intestinal bacterial overgrowth; it might also result in bacterial translocation. Thymoquinone is a bioactive substance that might affect antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of thymoquinone against bacterial translocation and inflammatory response induced by mechanical intestinal obstruction. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups, as follows: Group 1 (sham), with only ileocaecal junction dissection; Group 2 (intestinal obstruction), with complete ileal ligation; Group 3 (intestinal obstruction+thymoquinone), with complete ileal ligation and given 10 mg/kg thymoquinone intraperitoneally. After 24 h, the rats were sacrificed by taking blood from the heart for biochemical analyses. Peritoneal swab cultures and the liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and ileum were collected for microbiological and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: Thymoquinone reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative damage, and bacterial translocation, and prevented inflammatory changes in intestine and liver; it also significantly ameliorated intestinal mucosal damage after intestinal obstruction (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thymoquinone was found effective in successfully controlling bacterial translocation and improving intestinal barrier function.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma arising from the right shoulder: Is immunohistochemical staining always required for a definitive diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous histiocytomas are divided into two subgroups: malignant and benign fibrous histiocytomas (BFHs). BFH is one of the most common tumors of the superficial and deep soft tissues; it is commonly found on the skin and presents as a slow-growing solitary nodule made up of a mixture of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In this study, we present the case of a 45-year-old female who was histopathologically diagnosed with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) and received radiotherapy, but whose diagnosis was changed to BFH based on subsequent immunohistochemical analyses. DISCUSSION: BFH is a mesenchymal soft-tissue tumor with fibroblastic and histiocytic differentiation. Differential diagnosis for BFH found in deeper tissues includes other aggressive fibrohistiocytic lesions, such as DFSP and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Differentiating among these tumors is crucial in selecting the correct surgical strategy and patient management in the postoperative period. In most cases, the pleomorphism and atypical mitotic activity seen histopathologically are sufficient for the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Immunohistochemical staining methods should be used in cases that are difficult to diagnose. The treatment of choice for BFH is wide resection of the tumor, which results in an excellent prognosis and low recurrence rate. In agreement with cases reported in the literature, our case confirms that wide excision is adequate to prevent the recurrence of the tumor. CONCLUSION: Although benign fibrous histiocytomas is rare, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors arising from the soft-tissue.

Indirect biliary drainage as an alternative solution for biloma due to complicated biliary drainage.

Pancreas cancer has increased morbidity and mortality. It generally result in biliary obstruction which life threatening importance. Main biliary drainage method is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not successful, second preferred method is percutaneous biliary drainage. Percutaneous biliary drainage has some complications which is an invasive procedure. A complication of percutaneous biliary drainage due to patient iatrogenity which was not ever reported in the literature biliary drainage according to our literature research. In these circumstances an alternative solution is indirect biliary drainage.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Mortality and Risk Factors for Survival.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated long-term risk factors for survival in patients who have undergone Percutaneous endoscopic Gastrostomy, as well as morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: The retrospective study included 44 patients who underwent placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube at various departments at Dicle University Medical Faculty between April 2008-September 2010. RESULTS: The study evaluated 23 women (52.3%) and 21 men (47.7%), with a median age of 50 ± 20 (17 - 87) years. Median time for Percutaneous endoscopic Gastrostomy placement was 23 ± 8.3 (5 - 45) minutes per patient. Total morbidity was 15.9%, including wound infection (4), tube occlusion (1), peristomal leakage (1), and abdominal wall bleeding (1). Short-term complications were not associated with albumin level (P = 0.312).The median hospital stay was 49.34 ± 60.99 (1 - 314) days. The mean follow-up period was 13.07 ± 13.12 (1 - 41) months. The above-normal level of albumin was found to be effective on survival (P = 0.024). Mortality occurred in 18 (40.9%) patients during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic Gastrostomy is both safe and effective in that it does not require surgical operation and it can be performed under surface anesthesia. The serum albumin level with patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomyis an effective factor for survival.

Selecting a surgical modality to treat a splenic hydatid cyst: total splenectomy or spleen-saving surgery?

AIM: We analyzed the outcomes and effectiveness of surgical treatments and clinical manifestations of splenic hydatid cysts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of 11 patients who were operated on for a splenic hydatid cyst. The demographic features, medical history, physical examinations, biochemical and serological tests, imaging modalities, and surgical treatment of the patients were noted. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 36.45 years (range, 20-66 years). While isolated splenic hydatid disease was present in five patients, other abdominal hydatid cysts were accompanied by a splenic hydatid cyst in six patients. Left upper abdominal pain was present in seven (64%) patients, whereas four (36%) patients were asymptomatic. Eight patients (72.72%) had undergone a total splenectomy and three (27.28%) had undergone spleen-preserving surgery. Postoperative complications developed in four (36%) patients at 5-15 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Management of a splenic hydatid cyst is not consensual. Total splenectomy is optimal because it provides definitive treatment. However, spleen-preserving surgery is the preferred treatment in selected patients. The choice of technique depends on the localization, number, and size of hydatid cysts, and the absence or presence of other hydatic organ cysts.