The prognostic effect of the systemic immune-inflammation index on overall survival of periampullary cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is used to assess survival in many cancers. SII has been examined separately in pancreatic head, ampulla, and distal choledochus cancers, and different cut-off values were found. Detecting the location of periampullary cancer before surgery may be difficult or misleading. This study aimed to investigate the use of SII in predicting overall survival (OS) with periampullary cancers regardless of tumor location. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2020, 163 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors were assessed. After applying the exclusion criteria, data from 116 patients with cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in the study. RESULTS: OS was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. The prognostic significance of baseline SII and other factors were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Univariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥60.5 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.042, 95% CI: [1.355-3.078]; p = 0.001), male sex (HR: 1.863, 95% CI: [1.231-2.821]; p = 0.003), tumor in the pancreatic head vs. ampulla (HR: 2.150, 95% CI: [1.364-3.389]; p = 0.001), tumor in the pancreatic head vs. distal choledochus (HR: 1.945, 95% CI: [1.091-3.472]; p = 0.024), N (+) stage (HR: 1.868, 95% CI: [1.223-2.854]; p = 0.004), total bilirubin level >0.35 (HR: 2.131, 95% CI: [1.245-3.649]; p = 0.006), NLR >2.13 (HR: 1.911, 95% CI: [1.248-2.925]; p = 0.003), and SII >704 (HR: 1.966, 95% CI: [1.310-2.950]; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that SII >704 (HR: 2.375; p < 0.001), age ≥ 60.5 years (HR: 2.728; p < 0.001), N-stage positivity (HR: 3.431; p < 0.001), and tumor in the pancreatic head vs. ampulla (HR: 2.801; p < 0.001) were independently associated with poor survival. There was no difference between tumor locations in terms of SII (p = 0.206). CONCLUSIONS: SII is an independent prognostic risk factor and may be a marker for predicting OS in patients with periampullary cancer. There was no statistical difference between the tumor locations in terms of SII. A single cut-off value of SII may be used for periampullary cancer survival without the need for a pathology specimen.

Asprosin, irisin, and meteorin-like protein immunoreactivity in different stages of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunoreactivity of asprosin, irisin, and meteorin-like protein (METRNL) in different stages of colorectal adenocarcinoma, which is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 60 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, including 20 well (Group 1), moderately (Group 2), and poorly differentiated (Group 3) cases, respectively, and 20 with normal colonic mucosa, were examined using light microscopy for immunohistochemical staining of asprosin, METRNL, and irisin. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, a significant increase in irisin and asprosin immunoreactivity was found in the grade 1 and 2 colorectal adenocarcinoma groups. Moreover, compared with the grade 1 and 2 groups, this immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in the grade 3 colorectal adenocarcinoma group. Although there was no significant difference in METRNL immunoreactivity between the grade 1 and control groups, a statistically significant increase in this immunoreactivity was found in the grade 2 group. In contrast, METRNL immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in the grade 3 group compared with the grade 2 group. CONCLUSION: We found that in early-stage colorectal adenocarcinoma there was an increase in the immunoreactivity of asprosin and irisin, but in the advanced stage there was a decrease in immunoreactivity. Although METRNL immunoreactivity did not change in the control and grade 1 groups, it was found to increase significantly in the grade 2 group and decrease in the grade 3 group.

The effect of the tumor-to-skin distance on axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor-to-skin distance is known to have an effect on axillary lymph node metastasis but has no clinical use with nomograms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tumor-to-skin distance on axillary lymph node metastasis alone and in combination with nomogram for clinical use. METHODS: A total of 145 patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer (T1-T2 stage) and whose axillary lymph nodes were evaluated (axillary dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy) between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in the study. Tumor-to-skin distance and other pathological data of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 145 patients, 83 (57.2%) had metastatic lymph nodes in the axilla. Tumor-to-skin distance was different in terms of lymph node metastasis (p=0.045). In the receiver operating characteristic curve for tumor-to-skin distance, area under curve was 0.597 (95%CI 0.513-0.678, p=0.046), area under curve of the nomogram was 0.740 (95%CI 0.660-0.809), p<0.001) and nomogram+tumor-to-skin distance was 0.753 (95%CI 0.674-0.820), p<0.001). No statistical difference was found for axillary lymph node metastasis between the nomogram+tumor-to-skin distance and the nomogram alone (p=0.433). CONCLUSION: Although tumor-to-skin distance demonstrated a significant difference in axillary lymph node metastasis, it had a poor association with an area under curve value of 0.597 and did not produce a significant improvement in predicting lymph node metastasis when combined with the nomogram. The tumor-to-skin distance may be unlikely to enter clinical practice.

The effects of sponges soaked with chlorhexidine gluconate and metronidazole on safety of colonic anastomosis in an experimental model of peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to evaluate the use of the chlorhexidine gluconate and metronidazole impregnated compresses concerning anastomosis safety in the left colonic anastomosis in the presence of peritonitis. METHODS: This study was conducted on 21 Wistar-Albino-rats divided into three equal groups. After median laparotomy, the whole layer of the left colon was cut 2 cm over the pelvic peritoneum. The faeces were spread around the injury for fecal contamination. Then, fasia and skin were closed with 3/0 silk. After one day period, relaparatomy was performed. The abdomen was cleared isotonic sodium chloride with impregnated material before starting colonic anastomosis in the first group and then double layer colonic anastomosis was performed. In the second Group-II, abdomen was cleared with the metronidazole impregnated compresses then double layer colonic anastomosis was performed. In the group-III, abdomen was cleared with the chlorhexidine gluconate impregnated compresses then double layer colonic anastomosis was performed. Tissue hydroksiproline levels and anastomosis bursting pressures were measured and histopathologic findings on the anastomosis line were evaluated on the postoperative tenth day by performing relaparatomy. RESULTS: The highest anastomosis bursting pressure was found in Group-III (p<0.05). The highest tissue hydroksiproline level was found in Group-III (p<0.005 Group I-III, Group II-III). When histopathologic findings were evaluated by comparing the three groups in this study, the healing of the intestine tissue score was statistically insignificant between group-II and III, for both group-II and III, healing score was statistically significant higher than Group-I (p<0.05 Group I-III and Group I-II). CONCLUSION: Cleaning the abdomen before the anastomosis using antibacterial soaked material increased resection safety in the presence of peritonitis and anastomosis safety in primary anastomosis.

Effects of Mastalgia in Young Women on Quality of Life, Depression, and Anxiety Levels.

The aims of this study are to evaluate whether or not there is a relationship between mastalgia with anxiety and depression in young women with mastalgia who do not have organic breast pathology and to examine the effect of pain on the quality of life. Forty female pre-menopausal patients between the ages of 20-40 years with mastalgia and 40 totally healthy volunteers with the same characteristics were investigated with the Short Form 36 (SF-36), Hamilton Depression Scale, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale prospectively following breast examination and radiological examination. Statistical assessments were performed using the SPSS 11.5. Anxiety levels were observed to be higher in the patient group (p = 0.04). The depression level was higher in the patient group; however, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). The quality of life of the mastalgia group was determined to be lower than that of the control group, and the sub-parameters of physical function (p = 0.04), body pain (p = 0.02), general health (p = 0.03), and energy (p = 0.008) were found to be significantly low. There may be a relationship between mastalgia and depression in young women with mastalgia; however, a closer relationship between anxiety and mastalgia is observed. Mastalgia affects the quality of life of an individual negatively at a significant degree.

Effects of platelet rich plasma on fascial healing in rats with fecal peritonitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of fascia wherein peritonitis has been created. METHODS: Twenty eight Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. Only a primary fascial repair following laparotomy was performed on Group 1, a primary fascial repair performed and PRP treatment applied following laparotomy on Group 2, and a fecal peritonitis created following laparotomy and a primary fascial repair carried out on Group 3. A fecal peritonitis was created following laparotomy and primary fascial repair and PRP treatment on the fascia was carried out on Group 4. RESULTS: TNF-α was found to be significantly lower in the control group (Group 1). It was detected at the highest level in the group in which fecal peritonitis was created and PRP applied (Group 4). TGF-ß was determined as being significantly higher only in Group 4. Histopathologically, the differences between the groups in terms of cell infiltration and collagen deposition were not found to be significant. CONCLUSION: When platelet rich plasma was given histologically and biochemicaly as wound healing parameters cellular infiltration, collagen accumulation, and tissue hydroxyiproline levels were not increased but neovascularization, fibroblast activation and TNF Alfa levels were increased and PRP accelerated wound healing.

Effects of platelet rich plasma on fascial healing in rats with fecal peritonitis

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To evaluate the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the healing of fascia wherein peritonitis has been created. METHODS: Twenty eight Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. Only a primary fascial repair following laparotomy was performed on Group 1, a primary fascial repair performed and PRP treatment applied following laparotomy on Group 2, and a fecal peritonitis created following laparotomy and a primary fascial repair carried out on Group 3. A fecal peritonitis was created following laparotomy and primary fascial repair and PRP treatment on the fascia was carried out on Group 4. RESULTS: TNF-α was found to be significantly lower in the control group (Group 1). It was detected at the highest level in the group in which fecal peritonitis was created and PRP applied (Group 4). TGF-β was determined as being significantly higher only in Group 4. Histopathologically, the differences between the groups in terms of cell infiltration and collagen deposition were not found to be significant. CONCLUSION: When platelet rich plasma was given histologically and biochemicaly as wound healing parameters cellular infiltration, collagen accumulation, and tissue hydroxyiproline levels were not increased but neovascularization, fibroblast activation and TNF Alfa levels were increased and PRP accelerated wound healing.

A retrospective analysis of the treatment results of 1557 patients with acute cholecystitis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse outcomes of variable management strategies for the treatment of Acute Cholecystitis in relation to morbidity, mortality and conversion to open surgery. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Firat University Hospital, Turkey and comprised records of Acute Cholecystitis patients admitted between 2005 and 2011. Patients were divided into subgroups according to admission time as well as American Society of Anaesthesiologists score. The outcomes of early cholecystectomy, interval cholecystectomy, delayed cholecystectomy, 'cooling-off' therapy and percutaneous cholecystostomy were evaluated. Mortality, morbidity, and conversion to open surgery were calculated as measures of success. Data was analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 1557 patients, 1052(67.6%) were female. The overall mean age was 42.4±14.7 years. Success rates of 'cooling-off' therapy and percutaneous cholecystostomy were 89.3% and 96.3%, respectively. The conversion rate following delayed cholecystectomy was 30%, which was higher than that of both early and interval cholecystectomy (0.2% and 0%, respectively; p<0.001 each). Mortality and morbidity rates of delayed cholecystectomy (57.1% and 7.1%, respectively) were also significantly higher than early and interval cholecystectomy (5% and 0.1%; 5.6 and 0%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy and interval cholecystectomy shared similar outcomes and rates of efficacy. Percutaneous cholecystostomy was a successful treatment option for high-risk patients, while delayed cholecystostomy correlated to the highest rates of conversion to open surgery, mortality and morbidity.

Effects of Copper, Zinc, and Vitamin Complex (Cernevit®) on Hepatic Healing in Rats Experimentally Subjected to Blunt Hepatic Trauma.

Solid organ injuries following blunt trauma are frequently encountered. The use of non-operative approach is gradually increasing. Thus, research on the methods that could enhance healing in solid organ injuries is in progress. Agents known to have antioxidant property were used after an experimentally induced blunt hepatic trauma. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats weighing 200 g were dropped from a height of 40 cm on to the right upper abdominal quadrant to produce a grade II-III hepatic injury. Rats were divided into control, Zn-administered, Cu-administered, and vitamin complex-administered groups, with eight rats in each. Aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured in the blood samples. The percentage of cells displaying Ki-67 nuclear staining was estimated. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the degree of inflammation in the samples was semi-quantitatively assessed. Treatment with zinc, copper, and Cernevit® caused varying levels of decrease in AST, ALT, and LDH levels compared to the control group. Ki-67 positivity was significantly lower in group I compared with groups II and III (p = 0.002). Ki-67 positivity was significantly higher in group II compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). A marked improvement was observed in inflammation in group II. Copper and zinc treatment decreased inflammation as well as blood levels of AST and ALT, and enhanced the healing of traumatized hepatic tissue. However, Cernevit® reduced only the degree of inflammation.

Significance of appetite hormone ghrelin and obestatin levels in the assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Due to risk of morbidity and mortality, various tests and scoring systems used in the assessment of the diagnosis and severity of acute pancreatitis disease are gaining more importance every day. Most of the current scoring systems, validated by various parameters, have a sophisticated and complex structure. Research is ongoing to establish a method to diagnose the disease and determine the severity by using different and simple parameters. In this trial, we aimed to investigate the role of the orexigenic "ghrelin" and anorexigenic "obestatin" hormones, if any, on the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients hospitalized between September 2009 and September 2010 with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the trial with a prospective and randomized design. The patients were classified in two groups, mild (Ranson ≤3 and / or Apache II ≤8) and severe (Ranson >3 and/or Apache II >8) cases, as per the Ranson and Apache-II criteria; the ghrelin and obestatin levels in blood samples obtained from the patients were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 30 patients (73%) were regarded as mild pancreatitis cases, while 8 cases (27%) were diagnosed as severe pancreatitis. Comparison of the mild and severe pancreatitis groups did not reveal a statistical difference between the two groups in terms of acylated and de-acylated ghrelin values on presentation and following the initiation of oral feeding. Similarly, no significant difference was found in the comparison of the patient and the control groups in terms of acylated and de-acylated ghrelin values on presentation (p=0.863). On the other hand, acylated and de-acylated ghrelin values after initiation of oral feeding were observed to be higher in the patient group (p=0.001, p=0.000). Comparison of these two groups revealed a significant difference in obestatin values, both on presentation and after initiation of oral feeding (p=0.002 and p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Consistently high serum ghrelin values during pancreatic inflammation suggest that ghrelin may be used as an adjunctive parameter in the monitoring of the course of the disease. On the other hand, high obestatin values in patients on presentation indicate that this hormone is a more significant parameter in terms of diagnosis. However, no correlation was established between these two peptide hormones and the severity of AP.

Inguinal Hernia Repair via Application of Mesh in Front of and behind the Fascia Transversalis.

The aim of this study was to compare mesh placement in front of the fascia transversalis and behid the fascia transversalis via inguinal incision. We evaluated the results of 106 inguinal hernia cases treated with polypropylene mesh applied via the anterior approach between December 2004 and January 2010. Using the anterior approach, the mesh was placed preperitoneally behind the fascia transversalis in 51 of the patients, whereas in the other 55 patients the mesh was placed in front of the fascia transversalis. Mean duration of surgery was shorter in the patients in which the mesh was placed behind the fascia transversalis (60 min vs. 75 min) (P < 0.05). In all, 8 patients (7.5%) had postoperative complications, including hematoma (n = 4), seroma (n = 2), scrotal edema (n = 1), and orchitis (n = 1). There weren't any significant differences in the complication rate between the 2 groups of patients (P > 0.05). During a mean 44-month follow-up period (range: 12-72 months), no recurrence was observed. In conclusion, there weren't any significant differences between the 2 methods of inguinal hernia repair, other than the duration of surgery.

Appendicitis scores may be useful in reducing the costs of treatment for right lower quadrant pain.

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary hospital admissions and negative appendectomies increase healthcare costs of patients with right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on the cost of treatment of appendicitis scoring systems. METHODS: Charts were reviewed of patients admitted to the general surgery ward of our hospital with RLQ pain within a year. Alvarado and Lintula scores were calculated, and a simulation was performed to determine the treatment charges that would have been generated had the scoring recommendations been used for admission and surgical decision-making. RESULTS: Of the 114 admitted patients, 64 (56%) underwent appendectomy. The rate of negative appendectomy was 17.2%. The overall accuracy rates of the Alvarado and Lintula scores for both 'admit' and 'operate' decision-making were 82.7% and 91.9%, respectively (p=0.102). Total charges for the 114 patients were $39,655. If the Alvarado or Lintula score had been used, the total treatment charges would have been $34,087 and $25,772 (p=0.015 and p=0.000), with negative appendectomy rates of 18.5% and 3.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The implementation of Alvarado and Lintula scores for the decision of hospital admission and appendectomy would have reduced overall treatment charges for acute RLQ pain.

The efficiency of various doses of topical isosorbide dinitrate in the treatment of chronic anal fissure and the long-term results: a prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In recent years, numerous studies have reported that the application of topical isosorbide dinitrate can cause fissure recovery with the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. However, there is no consensus about the dose or duration of the drugs to be applied. In addition, long-term results of the patients with chronic anal fissure treated with nitrate-containing compounds are unknown. In this study, the goal was to investigate the effects of various doses of isosorbide dinitrate on chronic anal fissure and their long-term effects. METHODS: Seventy-five sequential patients with chronic anal fissure were divided into three groups. Only symptomatic treatments were applied to patients in the first group (n=15). The patients in second and third groups (n=30 each) were treated with topical isosorbide dinitrate 5% and 10%, respectively. The patients were examined three times at 20-day intervals. Five years later, 44 patients who were responsive to treatment were contacted by telephone. RESULTS: The rate of full response in the 10% isosorbide dinitrate group was statistically higher than of the 5% isosorbide dinitrate group on the 20th day (53.3% vs. 26.7%, p<0.05). However, the rate of full response did not differ between these groups on the 40th and 60th days (63.3% and 70% vs. 56.7% and 63.3%, p>0.05). Five years later, 52.3% of patients who were responsive to treatment had a symptomatic relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Topical isosorbide dinitrate is a good alternative therapy to protect internal anal sphincter in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. However, the recurrence rates are high in the long-term.

The effect of preoperative nutritional supports on patients with gastrointestinal cancer: prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Malnutrition adversely affects the postoperative outcome of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Therefore, the malnourished cancer patients are supported by enteral or parenteral nutrition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative nutritional supports on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in malnourished patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-five malnourished patients with GI cancers and 25 patients with non-cancer surgical problems were included in the study. The dietary of cancer patients were supported with immune-enhancing enteral solution in group II or standard enteral solution in group III and with parenteral solution in group IV. Plasma TAC levels were measured prior and after nutritional support. Data were expressed as mmol Trolox eq./L. RESULTS: The mean TAC levels of groups before treatment were 1.10±0.17, 0.92±0.19, 0.89±0.17 and 0.92±0.18, respectively. It was significantly higher in group I than others. The mean TAC levels of supported groups after treatment were 1.11±0.20, 1.08±0.21 and 1.09±0.27, respectively. Although there was a statistically significant increase in TAC after treatment in group II and III, it was not statistically significant in group IV. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that preoperative nutritional support with standard or immune-enhancing enteral solutions significantly increased TAC levels of malnourished patients with GI cancers.

Minimally invasive treatment of pilonidal disease: crystallized phenol and laser depilation.

Pilonidal disease has been treated surgically and by various other methods for many years. The most important problem associated with such treatment is recurrence, but cosmetic outcome is another important issue that cannot be ignored. Today, crystallized phenol is recognized as a treatment option associated with good medical and cosmetic outcomes. We hypothesized that the addition of laser depilation to crystallized phenol treatment of pilonidal disease might increase the rate of success, and this study aimed to determine if the hypothesis was true. Patients who were treated with crystallized phenol and 755-nm alexandrite laser depilation were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 42 (31 male and 11 female) patients were treated with crystallized phenol and alexandrite laser depilation and were followed up between January 2009 and January 2012. In all, 38 patients (90.5%) had chronic disease and 4 (9.5%) had recurrent disease. Among the patients, 26 (61.9%) recovered following 1 crystallized phenol treatment, and the remaining patients had complete remission following repeated treatment. Some patients needed multiple treatments, even up to 8 times. None of the patients had a recurrence during a mean 24 months (range, 6-30 months) of follow-up. Whatever method of treatment is used for pilonidal disease, hair cleaning positively affects treatment outcome. The present results support the hypothesis that the addition of laser depilation (which provides more permanent and effective depilation than other methods) to crystallized phenol treatment (a non-radical, minimally invasive method associated with very good cosmetic results) can increase the effectiveness of the treatment and also reduce the recurrence rate of the disease.

Effect of melatonin and misoprostol on bacterial translocation in portal hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and it is responsible for its most common complications. Bacterial translocation increases the morbidity and mortality rates in patients with portal hypertension. We aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin and misoprostol on bacterial translocation induced by portal hypertension. METHODS: We established four groups, each containing eight rats. Except for the control and sham groups, the animals in the other groups (treatment groups) received misoprostol or melatonin for 3 days after the first operation. In the sham group, a laparotomy was carried out and only the portal vein was dissected. Calibrated portal vein ligation was carried out in the other groups. All animals were given 10(10) Escherichia coli by orogastric intubation 12 h before sampling. Seventy-two hours after the first operation, mesenteric lymph node and blood samples were obtained and cultured. Two cc blood samples were obtained for a polymerase chain reaction study. A piece of terminal ileum was also sampled for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Mesenteric lymph node and blood cultures of all control animals were positive for microbiological growth, and polymerase chain reaction results were positive in seven of the eight rats. Histopathologically, edema, vasodilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were found to be less in the other groups in comparison to the control group. The incidence of bacterial translocation was decreased in all treatment groups as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, bacterial translocation occurred in portal hypertension. Melatonin and misoprostol reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation in portal hypertensive rats.

Procalcitonin is a predictive marker for severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of patients who develop severe acute pancreatitis and those who can benefit from intensive care is important. We studied whether procalcitonin, a marker of systemic inflammation, is important in the differential diagnosis of patients with mild and severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups (mild and severe form) prospectively. Procalcitonin levels and the Ranson's and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were determined both at admission and during the follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients with acute pancreatitis, 46 had mild and 19 had severe pancreatitis. Sensitivity and specificity values for patients calculated using procalcitonin level at 0.5 ng/ml, Ranson's score at 3 and APACHE II score at 8 cut-off levels, were 100%, 84% and 89%; and 84%, 63% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSION: Procalcitonin is a practical, simple parameter that can be used in order to diagnose severe acute pancreatitis earlier and to monitor the clinical prognosis of the disease.

Implementation of a scoring system for assessing difficult cholecystectomies in a single center.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis, but sometimes conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) is necessary. The difficulty of LC or the risk of conversion to OC can be predicted by assessing some preoperative variables. We evaluated the efficacy of the "risk score for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy" (RSCLO), which was recently developed by Kama et al. (Am J Surg 2001; 181:520), in a single center. METHODS: We recorded the RSCLO values of 571 patients admitted to undergo LC in the Department of General Surgery, Firat University Hospital, between June 2001 and June 2004. RESULTS: The mean RSCLO score of 19 patients who needed conversion to OC was significantly higher than that of the patients who underwent successful LC, at 16.2 (range, -9 to 41) vs -5.7 (range, -20 to 25) (P < 0.001). The RSCLO was well correlated with conversion to OC. The sensitivity and specificity rates for RSCLO determining the risk of conversion to OC were 100% and 96%, respectively, and its positive and negative predictive values were 43% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We think that RSCLO could be used to define the term "difficult LC" more accurately and assist in selecting the most appropriate operation.

The results of surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid cysts in an endemic area.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hydatid cyst remains an important public health problem in endemic areas. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed medical records of 63 patients treated for hepatic cyst hydatidosis in Frat University, Medical School, Department of General Surgery between January 1994 and December 2002. RESULTS: There were 96 cysts in total in 63 patients, with 67 (69%) of them located in the right lobe of the liver. Of 96 hepatic cysts, 41 (45%) were treated with partial cystectomy and drainage, 25 (26%) with partial cystectomy and capitonnage and 15 (15%) with partial cystectomy and omentoplasty. Thirty-two patients (51%) received treatment with albendazole while 31 (49%) received no medical therapy. The postoperative complication rate was 19% and there was no significant difference in the early post-operative complications between surgical procedures (p>0.05). Cysts recurred in 6 patients (11%) and no correlation was found between recurrence of cysts and albendazole use, type of surgical procedure, number and size of the cysts, Gharbi classification as determined by ultrasound examination or the relation of the cyst with the biliary tract (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there was no significant difference in the rates of complications and recurrences among different surgical procedures when performed with basic rules of the surgical principles.

The effect of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on intestinal wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Angiotensin II is a potent agent in the acceleration of wound repair. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have antifibrogenic effects. AIM: This study was performed to investigate the effect of ACE inhibitors on healing of intestinal anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Ileum was divided above 10 cm from ileocecal valve after laparotomy and a single-layer ileoileal anastomosis was performed. While no treatment was given to rats in group 1, Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) was given to rats in group 2 and group 3 for post-operative 7 days in drinking water at 50 and 5 mg/l concentrations, respectively. Estimated amounts of supplied lisinopril were 6.5 and 0.65 mg/kg/day in groups. On post-operative 8th day, relaparotomy was performed and anastomosis-bursting pressures were measured. Then blood and tissue samples were taken for serum transforming growth factor beta-1 and tissue hydroxyproline measurements and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: High dose of lisinopril impaired the all parameters of anastomotic wound healing including bursting pressure, tissue hydoxyproline level, collagen deposition and epithelization (P < 0.001, group 2 versus groups 1 and 3). But low dose of lisinopril had no effect on those parameters (P > 0.05, group 1 versus group 3). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that lisinopril has impaired intestinal wound healing in a dose dependent manner and low doses of lisinopril can be safely used on patients with intestinal anastomosis.