Should there be a specific length of the colon-rectum segment to be resected for an adequate number of lymph nodes in cases of colorectal cancers? A retrospective multi-center study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the question as to whether there should be a certain length of the colon-rectum segment to be resected for correct lymph node staging in cases with colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files and electronic datas of the patients had been undergone surgery for colorectal cancer between January 2011 and June 2016 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups; Group I= ≥ 12 lymph nodes, and Group II= lymph nodes less than 12 ( <12) lymph nodes. RESULTS: Mean age of the 327 participants in this study was 64.30 ± 12.20. Mean length of resected colon-rectum segment was 25.61 (± 14.07) cm; mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 20.63 ± 12.30. Median length of the resected colon was 24 cm (range: 145-6) in Group I and 20 cm (range: 52-9) in Group II; a significant difference was found between the groups (p= 0.002). Factors associated with adequate lymph node dissection included type of the operation (p= 0.001), tumor location (p= 0.005), tumor T stage (p= 0.001), condition of metastasis in the lymph node (p= 0.008) and stage of the disease (p= 0.031). Overall survival was 62.4 ± 1.31 months, and Group I and Group II survival was 61.4 ± 1.39 months and 66.7 ± 3.25 months, respectively (p= 0.449). CONCLUSION: Results of the study showed that ≥ 12 lymph nodes would likely be dissected when the length of the resected colon-rectum segment is > 21 cm. We conclude that the removed colonic size can be significant when performed with oncological surgical standardization.

Hem-o-lok clips versus intracorporeal knotting for the closure of the appendix stump in laparoscopic appendectomy: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the superiority of intracorporeal sutures and Hem-o-lok clips about efficiency, reliability and cost. METHODS: We performed laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis in this study. Appendiceal stump was closed by Hem-o-lok clips (Group I) and intracorporeal knotting (Group II) in a randomized manner. Groups were compared for demographic data (age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score) operation time, total cost, 2.6.12.24.hours and 7th day pain score. RESULTS: Demographic data, such as age, gender and BMI, were similar between groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups concerning peroperative and postoperative complications (p>0.05). No postoperative nausea, vomiting, ileus and intraabdominal abscess were observed in patients. There was no significant difference between the groups about duration of operation, length of hospital stay and cost analysis (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in pain scores of groups. The effect of the operation type on pain scores was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that both intracorporeal knotting and Hem-o-loc clips were effective, reliable and similar cost-effective in laparoscopic appendectomy. The decision should be based on the surgeon's experience.

Different manifestation of a familiar diagnosis: From anuria to acute appendicitis.

The differential diagnosis of anuria in emergency department (ED) is broad. Secondary to intraabdominal mass pressure or infections, symptoms of micturation difficulties or disuria accompanying to back pain may arise with the interruption of sacral nerve stimulation. Here, we report a patient who admitted to ED with back pain and anuria and diagnosed acute appendicitis (AA) after advanced investigation despite of not to have any abdominal pain. A 36-year-old man admitted to our ED with a 6-h history of back pain and urination difficulty. 750mL of clear urine output was observed after bladder catheterization. Abdominal computerized tomography with intravenous contrast was used and revealed acute appendicitis. The patient consulted with a general surgeon and hospitalized for operation. After the operation, back pain was disappeared, and spontaneous micturition was seen. This case not only represents an uncommon manifestation of AA, but also alerts us to the importance of anatomical considerations when interpreting disease extent with imaging. In the differential diagnosis of back pain and urination difficulty, the rare possibility of AA should be taken into account. Because the presence of unusual findings, such as those associated with the urinary tract or lumbosacral pathologies, may further obscure the diagnosis and delay appropriate therapy.

How much Reliable Is Alvarado Scoring System in Reducing Negative Appendectomy?

There is still an ongoing debate, especially regarding early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Early surgery leads to inadequate evaluation of acute abdominal pain and negative appendectomy, whereas delayed surgery leads to appendicitis perforation complications. The diagnosis of this condition is considerably difficult, especially due to subtle early symptoms and clinical condition. The aim of the present study was to identify whether the Alvarado scoring system could reduce the incidence of negative appendectomy in patients who will undergo surgery for acute appendicitis. Patients who underwent surgery with acute appendicitis prediagnosis were retrospectively classified as negative appendectomies (group A) and positive appendectomies (group B) according to histological diagnosis. All groups were evaluated for age, gender, Alvarado scores, and parameters. Two hundred eighty-one patients were included in the study. Group A contained 71 (25.3 %) patients, and group B contained 210 (74.7 %) patients. There was a significant difference in WBC, left shift, rebound, and change of pain localization between the groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.023, respectively). Alvarado scores were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001). In logistic model examination, the major factor was the Alvarado score (7 or above) and the minor factor was spreading pain. The Alvarado scoring system can be used to reduce negative appendectomy in patients who will undergo surgery with acute appendicitis.

Co-existent breast and renal cancer.

The concomitant presence of breast cancer with one or more other types of cancer such as colon, vulva, lung, larynx, liver, uterus and kidneys has been presented in the literature. However, synchronous breast and renal cancer is very uncommon. Herein we present a woman with synchronous breast and renal cancer, and review the literature. A 77-year-old post-menopausal woman was admitted to our clinic complaining of left sided breast mass. On physical examination, there was a 3 cm palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast along with a conglomerate of lymph nodes in the left axilla. Ultrasonography and mammography showed a 3 cm solid, hypoechoic mass in the upper outer quadrant and left axillary lymphadenopathy. The tru-cut biopsy of the lesion revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. The bone scintigraphy, thoracic and cranial computerized tomographies were normal. The abdominal computerized tomography identified a 3×3 cm solid renal mass with heterogeneous contrast enhancement in the posterior segment of the lower pole, which was suspicious for renal cell carcinoma. Breast conserving surgery and axillary lymph node dissection was performed, and the pathology specimen demonstrated invasive ductal carcinoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. Three weeks later partial nephrectomy was performed by urology department for the solid renal mass, and the pathology result showed clear cell-renal carcinoma with Fuhrman grade 3. The patient is being followed-up for renal carcinoma, and underwent radiotherapy for breast cancer. Hormonotherapy for breast cancer is still continuing.