Early and Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Periampullary Tumors in Elderly Patients.

AIM: The growing elderly population is facing an increasing risk of cancers, consequently raising the pancreatic cancer surgery rate. This study aimed to determine whether advanced age is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 90 patients who underwent PD for periampullary tumors. Patients were divided into two age-related groups, including those aged 60-74 years (n = 60) (Group 1) and those aged ≥75 years (n = 30) (Group 2). Each patient's characteristics, perioperative features, morbidity, and long-term results were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, old age (≥75 years) was not a risk factor for morbidity and hospital mortality. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that male gender (p = 0.008), pancreatic duct diameter (<3 mm) (p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula post-operation and reoperation. Additionally, hospital mortality was significantly associated with reoperation (p = 0.011). The overall median survival was 27 ± 4.1 (18.8-35.1) months. Lymph node positivity (p < 0.001), neural tumor invasion (p = 0.026), and age ≥75 years (p = 0.045) were risk factors affecting the overall survival rate. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of PD rates during the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) period among groups, and PD during this period was not related to the occurrence of pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSION: PD can be performed effectively in selected elderly patients with tolerable morbidity and mortality rates.

The relationship between lymphopenia and development of late complications in severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: In this study we aimed to predict patients who would develop late stage acute pancreatitis related complications. So we would be able to ease the decision making process about the timing of cholecycstectomy. On the other hand we also suggest a possible insight into the mechanisms which lead development of lyphopenia in severe acute pancreatitis and its possible effects on prognosis. METHODS: In this study, 163 severe acute pancreatitis case who has been treated as inpatient between January 2013 and January 2018 has been involved. Patients charts and all documented data has been analysed retrospectively. According to the existence or absence of late complications of severe acute pancreatitis, patients have been divided into two groups; Group 1 had no late complication, Group 2 had either pseudocyst or WON (Walled of Necrosis) at 1st month CT. RESULTS: The difference between two groups in terms of 48th hour lymphocyte percentage was significant (p=0.000; p<0.05). Group 2 had remarkably longer duration of hospital stay (p=0.000; p<0.05). 48th hour CRP level of group 2 was significantly higher than of group 1 (p<0.000). CONCLUSION: There is a statistically significant relation between the presence of lymphopenia, at 48th hour of presentation in severe biliary pancreatitis patients and development of delayed complications. We can strongly say that there would be no late term pancreatitis related complications if there was no lymphopenia at 48 hour and an early cholecystectomi can be performed in such cases. Lymphopenia seen around 48. hr of admission is highly related to development of late complications in severe acute pancreatitis.

An extensive pyoderma gangrenosum mimicking necrotizing fasciitis: An unusual case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, benign and inflammatory disease characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. We report the successful management of an unusual case of PG following a caesarean section, with extensive cutaneous skin involvement and mimicking necrotizing fasciitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 36-year-old woman was admitted with extensive surgical site inflammation after a caesarean section. Despite antibiotic treatment and wound care, the clinical course deteriorated rapidly. Wound debridement following negative pressure closure was performed due to an immediate increase in skin necrosis. A diagnosis of PG was reached based on the absence of a positive wound culture, resistance to wound debridement and the histopathological results. A course of high-dose corticosteroids was started, and a successful clinical course was finally achieved. The patient is now in the 14th month of remission, with no recurrence. DISCUSSION: PG is often reported after bowel surgery, especially after complicated stoma or diverticulitis, breast surgery and occasionally after C-sections. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum may be challenging because of a wide variety of macroscopic features and its pronounced similarity to necrotizing fasciitis. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids is the most common management option, while surgical treatment is extremely controversial. CONCLUSION: An extensive PG following surgery can mimic necrotizing fasciitis. An interdisciplinary treatment approach provides early diagnosis and effective treatment resulting in less morbidity.