Plasma levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy: a 1-year prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Low-grade inflammation in obesity contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer, and is associated with increased mortality. The purpose of this 1-year prospective observational study was to examine the weight loss effect of bariatric surgery on plasma concentrations of two inflammatory markers, namely high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), in patients with obesity. METHODS: Sixteen subjects without obesity and 32 patients with obesity class III, who had already settled upon Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were included in the study. Subjects without obesity were examined once, at baseline; patients with obesity were examined preoperatively (baseline) and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Plasma suPAR and hsCRP concentrations at baseline were higher in patients with obesity than in lean participants (2.68 ± 0.86 vs 1.86 ± 0.34 ng/mL, p < 0.001 and 9.83 ± 9.55 vs 1.36 ± 1.95 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Levels of suPAR following bariatric surgery increased significantly 3 months after either RYGB or SG (3.58 ± 1.58 vs 3.26 ± 0.7 ng/mL, respectively) and declined at 6 (3.19 ± 1.75 vs 2.8 ± 0.84 ng/mL, respectively) and 12 months (2.6 ± 1.5 vs 2.22 ± 0.49 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.05 for the effect of time on suPAR levels during the study), whereas those of hsCRP declined consistently after bariatric surgery (3 months: 5.44 ± 3.99 vs 9.47 ± 11.98 mg/dL, respectively; 6 months; 5.39 ± 5.6 vs 10.25 ± 17.22 mg/dL, respectively; and 12 months: 2.23 ± 2.5 vs 3.07 ± 3.63 mg/dL, respectively; p < 0.001 for the effect of time on hsCRP levels during the study). 1-year change in BMI was negatively associated with suPAR levels at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our findings support an association between obesity and low-grade inflammation. Weight loss following bariatric surgery is associated with a consistent decline in plasma hsCRP, while plasma suPAR levels increase at 3 months and decline by 12 months.

A Genetic Risk Score for the Estimation of Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are the most frequent bariatric surgery procedures worldwide. In this prospective study, we examined the association of a genetic risk score (GRS) with loss of excess weight after bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of forty-seven morbidly obese Greek patients who underwent SG (81%) or RYGB were recruited, followed up for 2 years and genotyped. Weight loss after surgery was reported as the percentage of excess weight that was lost (%EWL) at 12 and 24 months after surgery. A GRS was constructed based on previously BMI- and WHR-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were found significantly correlated with weight loss after bariatric surgery in our population. The level of post-surgery %EWL after 12 and 24 months was estimated through two multiple linear regression models that considered the effects of relevant genetic risk variants. RESULTS: The first proposed model suggested that the predictor variables of GRS, age, and BMI had a significant effect on %EWL12m. GRS was significantly associated with %EWL12m, indicating a 4.618% decrease of %EWL12m per score unit. The second model indicated a positive correlation between %EWL24m and %EWL12m, suggesting that while post-surgery weight loss increased during the first 12 months, an increase was expected in the next 12 months as well. GRS was also significantly associated with %EWL24m, indicating approximately 3% decrease of %EWL24m per score unit. CONCLUSION: GRS can be used in the future together with other preoperative parameters in order to predict the outcome of bariatric surgery.

Comparison Between Minimally Invasive and Open Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Europe: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIMS: We compared laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomies with open gastrectomies and with each other that were held for gastric cancer in Europe. METHODS: We searched for studies conducted in Europe and published up to 20 February 2015 in the PubMed database that compared laparoscopic or robotic with open gastrectomies for gastric cancer and with each other. RESULTS: We found 18 original studies (laparoscopic vs open: 13; robotic vs open: 3; laparoscopic vs robotic: 2). Of these, 17 were non-randomized trials and only 1 was a randomized controlled trial. Only four studies had more than 50 patients in each arm. No significant differences were detected between minimally invasive and open approaches regarding the number of retrieved lymph nodes, anastomotic leakage, duodenal stump leakage, anastomotic stenosis, postoperative bleeding, reoperation rates, and intraoperative/postoperative mortality. Nevertheless, laparoscopic procedures provided higher overall morbidity rates when compared with open ones, but robotic approaches did not differ from open ones. On the contrary, blood loss was less and hospital stay was shorter in minimally invasive than in open approaches. However, the results were controversial concerning the duration of operations when comparing minimally invasive with open gastrectomies. Additionally, laparoscopic and robotic procedures provided equivalent results regarding resection margins, duodenal stump leakage, postoperative bleeding, intraoperative/postoperative mortality, and length of hospital stay. On the contrary, robotic operations had less blood loss, but lasted longer than laparoscopic ones. Finally, there were relatively low conversion rates in laparoscopic (0%-6.7%) and robotic gastrectomies (0%-5.6%) in most studies. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomies may be considered alternative approaches to open gastrectomies for treating gastric cancer. Minimally invasive operations are characterized by less blood loss and shorter hospital stay than open ones. In addition, robotic procedures have less blood loss, but last longer than laparoscopic ones.

The incidence of HPV infection in anal cancer patients in Greece.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Although anal cancer represents a relatively uncommon malignancy, its incidence over the last five decades, has been reported as increased for both sexes, worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been shown to be a major cause for its development. The aim of the present study is to report on clinical, epidemiological and virological data of squamous anal cancer in Greek patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between January 2002 and December 2010, 11 Greek patients (6 females) who were diagnosed as suffering from squamous cell anal or perianal cancer, were treated in our Hospital. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue samples, obtained at the time of the anal biopsy or surgery, were analyzed by PCR in order to identify the presence as well as the type of HPV infection. RESULTS: Overall, the presence of HPV DNA was detected in 6 out of the 11 patients (54.5%). The "high risk" HPV DNA was detected in 3 of them (2 women and 1 man), while the "low risk" HPV DNA was detected in the remaining three (2 women and 1 man). CONCLUSION: The incidence of HPV infection in squamous cell anal cancer Greek patients, is lower than other Western countries, probably reflecting differences in sexual habits in the Greek population.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma. A rare case with two cysts and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma is a rare neoplasm, with benign biological behavior. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of this tumor may be fatal for the patient, because of complications, such as rupture, infection and malignant transformation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 23-year-old woman, who was admitted to the hospital because of a palpable abdominal mass and discomfort since 4 months. Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans were performed and showed two retroperitoneal cystic masses, which were excised by laparoscopy. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that the inner surfaces of the cysts were lined by epithelium with features of mesothelial cells, in addition to ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. This is the 29(th) case and the second reported case with two contemporary cysts. CONCLUSION: The origin of retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas is still unclear. Pathological and immunohistochemical findings proved that these tumors resemble ovarian mucinous cystadenomas but are unattached to the ovary and can arise at any location in the retroperitoneum. Surgical excision of the aforementioned tumors is the treatment of choice. Hippokratia 2014; 18 (3): 278-281.

What is the actual fate of super-morbid-obese patients who undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as the first step of a two-stage weight-reduction operative strategy?

The overall success-rate of the two-stage treatment plan for the treatment of super-morbid obesity has not yet been assessed. We reviewed the long-term results of 41 treated super-morbid-obese patients. Mean initial BMI was 59.5 ± 3.5 kg/m(2). Twelve patients (29.3 %) achieved after only LSG a BMI <35 kg/m(2) (mean 31.9 ± 2). They have lost 78.7 ± 11.8 % of excess body weight (EBW). The remaining 28 patients lost 48.1 ± 11.9 % of EBW and achieved a mean BMI of 44.2 ± 4.3 kg/m(2), thus requiring the second stage. Ten of them (24.4 % of the total or 35.7 % of those in need), were submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). They lost 71.9 ± 4.3 % of EBW and have a mean BMI of 33.6 ± 2.7 kg/m(2). The 18 remaining patients have a BMI of 42 ± 3.6 kg/m(2) and they still suffer from morbid obesity. They have lost 48.5 ± 8.7 % of EBW. The mean rate of EBW loss for all the available 39 patients after either LSG or both LSG and LRYGBP has been 63.2 ± 16.5 % after a mean follow-up of 42.8 ± 19.5 months. Out of 41 patients, 1 died, 1 was lost to follow-up, 21 (51.2 %) achieved "healthy" BMIs and 18 (44 %) still require LRYGBP. The rate of cure of morbid obesity was 51.2 %. A remaining 44 % of super-morbid obese patients still need the completion LRYGBP but have not undergone it. Half of these patients have lost >50 % of their EBW. The two-stage strategy is an effective treatment plan for super-morbid obesity. A less patient-dependent strategy may be needed for a subset of patients.

Abdominal scar endometriosis after caesarean section: report of five cases.

Scar endometriosis is an under-appreciated or misdiagnosed phenomenon in general surgery and may eventually be more common than reflected in the literature. We herein report five cases of scar endometriosis that were treated in our surgical department one to five years after Caesarean section. Scar endometriosis should be considered when the symptoms are present in a cyclic manner mostly after gynaecological operations and worsening during menstruation. Diagnosis is mainly based upon a high index ofsuspicion. The treatment of choice is surgical resection.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity with intra-operative endoscopic guidance. Immediate peri-operative and 1-year results after 25 patients.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) represents a promising alternative option for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Its standard technique includes the longitudinal division of the stomach along a bougie of varying diameter. We report in this retrospective study our experience with LSG being performed with the use of intra-operative endoscopy instead of the bougie. Twenty-five consecutive patients (18 women, seven men) with a mean age of 40.2 years and mean body weight of 152.1 kg were submitted to LSG with intra-operative endoscopy in our hospital. The mean preoperative BMI was 53.5 kg/m(2). There were no conversions. Mean operative time was 117.5 min. There was no morbidity or mortality. The mean loss of excess body weight (EBW) at 3 months post-op was 19 +/- 1.8 kg, at 6 months was 28.6 +/- 4.5 kg, and at 1 year post-op was 48.9 +/- 3.7 kg (min 11-max 92). In other words the patients had lost 30 +/- 5%, 45 +/- 7.7%, and 60.8 +/- 4.3% of their EBW, respectively. The mean excess body weight loss at the day of the last visit to our outpatient clinic was 52.3 +/- 4.3 kg which corresponded to 66.4 +/- 4.3% of the total excess weight. LSG with intra-operative endoscopic guidance is a safe and efficient alternative method to treat morbid obesity and is a viable option for surgical units familiar with endoscopic techniques.

Alterations of hemostasis after laparoscopic and open surgery.

BACKGROUND: After tissue injury caused by trauma or surgery, alterations of hemostasis are observed and there is a risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. Laparoscopic surgery, by causing limited tissue injury, appears to be associated with a lower risk for thromboembolism than open surgery. We conducted a prospective randomized study in order to detect potentially existing differences in activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways between open and laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Forty patients suffering from chronic cholelithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo open (group A n = 20) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group B n = 20) by the same surgical and anesthesiology team. Demographic data were comparable. Blood samples were taken (a) preoperatively, (b) at the end of the procedure, (c) 24 h postoperatively and (d) 72 h postoperatively. The following parameters were measured and compared within each group and between groups: platelets (PLT), soluble fibrin monomer complexes (SFMC), fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimers (D-D), fibrinogen (FIB), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT). Thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT) were measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) was measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively in 11 patients of group A and 13 patients of group B, respectively. RESULTS: Demographics were comparable between groups. Immediately postoperatively, TAT and F1 + 2 were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.05). They also increased significantly postoperatively as compared to preoperative levels within each group (p < 0.05). D-dimers were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01) immediately postoperatively. D-dimers also increased significantly postoperatively in group B as compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.001). FIB decreased slightly in both groups at 24 h postoperatively but there was a significant increase in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01). SFMC were detected twice in group A and only once group B. FDP levels over 5 mug/ml were detected more often in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). No patient from either group suffered thromboembolism or abnormal bleeding as a postoperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery as compared to laparoscopic procedures leads to activation of the clotting system of a higher degree. Although of a lower degree, hypercoagulability is still observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and, therefore, routine thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered.

Acute appendicitis: the reliability of diagnosis by clinical assessment alone.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This prospective study aimed to review the trustworthiness of the initial clinical assessment in acute appendicitis without employment of imaging modalities, laparoscopy or any other adjunct diagnostic test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 717 patients were operated on for appendicitis by six different surgeons. Initial clinical and laboratory examination were evaluated in relation to the intraoperative and the pathological appreciation of the appendiceal inflammation. RESULTS: 598 patients were found to have appendicitis, 34 a different condition, 41 had both appendicitis and an additional condition and 44 no pathology. 6% of the laparotomies and 11% of the appendectomies were unnecessary. The severity of the inflammation correlated significantly with periumbilical pain, pain migrating to right lower quadrant, loss of appetite, fever, rebound tenderness, local rigidity, polymorphonuclear predominance on deferential, polymorhonucleosis and leukocytosis. Leukocytosis was less frequent in aged patients. All the six surgeons were found to be equally reliable, although they all underestimated the setting compared to the pathologists. Patients with a long duration of symptoms had milder forms of inflammation and increased percentage of unanticipated abdominal conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Appendicitis can be reliably diagnosed clinically without employment of adjunct tests. These can be reserved for equivocal cases.

Laparoscopic liver resection using radio frequency ablation in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of laparoscopic left lateral lobe resection, using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with internally cooled tip electrodes, in a porcine model. METHODS: Eight domestic pigs underwent left lateral hepatic lobectomy. RFA was the sole hemostatic method applied throughout the entire operation. After 0, 7, 30, or 120 days the animals were killed in order to study the macroscopic and microscopic findings on the liver edge. RESULTS: An average of 90 min was enough for the entire operation. No signs of blood loss or infection were observed up to 4 months postoperatively. There was no mortality either during or after surgery. The pathology of the liver revealed the three zone lesions. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy using RFA is technically feasible hi the porcine model and is proved to be highly effective and safe hemostatic method.

Acute abdomen as initial manifestation of M4 - acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.

Visceral involvement in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) seldom precedes hematological manifestation. We report on a patient with M4 - ANLL presenting with acute abdomen without any evidence of blood disorder. Laparotomy revealed only ileal wall oedema. Postoperative clinical deterioration led to a second-look operation combined with intraoperative endoscopy. Biopsied tissues were diffusely infiltrated by blasts characterised as HLA-DR (+), PGM1 (50% +), MPO (50% +) and CD 34 (-). Bone marrow reconfirmed these findings and showed positivity for CD4 (44%), CD11b (50%), CD11c (42%), CD13 (33%), CD34 (32%), and CD56 (54%). Chemotherapy achieved a complete but short remission. Relapse occurred 7 months later. Immediately after consolidation chemotherapy the profoundly immunosuppressed patient passed away after a lower respiratory tract infection. We discuss the contrast between histology and short disease duration, the unusual presentation and the bad prognosis, and attempt to correlate the clinical course with the coexpression of markers.

Does octreotide impair anastomotic healing after small bowel resection?

Seventy two rats underwent small bowel resection followed by end-to-end anastomosis. The octreotide group consisted of 36 rats treated with octreotide (subcutaneously, 7 microg/kg/day, in two equal doses), and the control group consisted of 36 rats treated with the same volume saline. Twelve animals from each group were re-explored on the 4th, 8th and 15th postoperative day. Leakages, adhesions, obstructions were the clinical postoperative findings identified and recorded. Anastomotic bursting pressures were measured. Histochemical studies included haematoxylin-eosin and Van Gieson staining techniques and focused on the microscopic characterization of the healing process. Adhesions, leakages and obstructions were not different between octreotide and control groups. Anastomoses of the octreotide group had increased bursting pressures on the 8th and the 15th day (p < .05 , p < .05, respectively). Regarding the histogical results, on the 8th day the octreotide group compared to the control group, showed healing in more layers (p < .05), increased bright red collagen fibers and quantity of fibroblasts (p < .05), and on the 15th day, the octreotide group showed fewer gaps (p < .05), increased bright red collagen fibers and quantity of fibroblasts (p < .05). In this experimental model, it appeared that octreotide does not impair healing of small bowel anastomoses, but in contrast, there is some evidence that it enhances healing on the 8th and the 15th postoperative day.

Video-assisted transcervical thymectomy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical approach for complete removal of the thymus gland has long been debated. In this report, the excision of the entire gland through a transcervical incision using video-assisted techniques is described. METHODS: Ten patients, including one with thymoma and myasthenia gravis, underwent surgery via the transcervical approach. After standard dissection up to the level of the innominate vein and ligation of the thymic vessels, a laparoscope was inserted into the mediastinum. In the patient with thymoma, the operation was completed by a small incision in the third intercostal space. RESULTS: No perioperative mortality or long-term morbitity was observed. The mean hospital stay was 69.6 h. After a mean follow-up period of 63.8 months, eight patients displayed complete remission, whereas one continued to receive minimal medication. The patient with thymoma showed considerable improvement, but remained on same medical regimen No complications were seen throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted thymectomy improves effectiveness of the transcervical approach for thymectomy with a minimum of trauma and excellent results.

Secondary aortoduodenal fistulae.

Secondary aortoenteric fistula (SAF) is a rare but fatal complication of reconstructive aortoiliac surgery. The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this complication remains a challenging problem in everyday practice. Nine cases of secondary aortoduodenal fistulae during the period of 1980 to 1992 are presented. Their main symptom was bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The mean time interval since the aortic surgical procedure was 32 months. Removal of the old graft and closure of the duodenal defect was the first stage of the operative procedure. One patient underwent replacement of the old graft, with a new graft, while in the remaining three patients extranatomical bypass was not necessary because of satisfactory circulation in the lower extremities. In five patients extranatomical revascularization of the lower limbs was performed postoperatively at various intervals. Three patients died postoperatively. Follow-up of the remaining patients ranged from one month to 8 years. Bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with a history of intrabdominal reconstructive vascular surgery must raise severe suspicion as to the certainty of existance of SAF unless the diagnostic procedure, mainly exploratory laparotomy, excludes this possibility.

Six-month maintenance treatment of duodenal ulcer with sucralfate: influence on antral gastritis and Helicobacter pylori antral colonization--a prospective uncontrolled study.

Fifty-four patients (41 men, 13 women), aged 17 to 78 years (mean +/- SD, 48.13 +/- 13.5 years), with endoscopically confirmed healing of their duodenal ulcer after treatment with sucralfate (2 gm BID for 4 to 8 weeks) were recruited for this study. They were started on a 6-month maintenance treatment with sucralfate 1 gm BID. Endoscopy was done at the end of the 6-month period or whenever there was any evidence of ulcer relapse. Helicobacter pylori antral colonization (CLO test) and antral gastritis were estimated from biopsy samples taken before, and at the end of, the healing treatment, as well as at the end of the maintenance treatment. Cumulative relapse rate after 6 months was 15% (8 of 54). No patient discontinued treatment because of side effects. No influence of sucralfate on H pylori antral colonization or antral gastritis was observed after the healing or maintenance treatment. It is concluded that sucralfate 1 gm BID for 6 months is an effective maintenance treatment for duodenal ulcer, but has no beneficial effect on either H pylori antral colonization or antral gastritis.

Sucralfate and ranitidine twice daily in the treatment of gastric ulcer. A multicenter randomized double-blind study.

Sucralfate and ranitidine were compared in the treatment of gastric ulcer (GU) in this multicenter randomized double-blind study. Sixty-four patients with endoscopically diagnosed GU initially included in the trial were randomly assigned to treatment with sucralfate, 2 g b.i.d. (morning and evening on an empty stomach), or ranitidine, 150 mg b.i.d. Nine patients were subsequently excluded for various reasons. The remaining 55 were examined endoscopically after 4 and, if unhealed, 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, 54.2% (13 of 24) of the sucralfate group had a healed ulcer, in comparison to 45.2% (14 of 31) of the ranitidine group (NS). At 8 weeks, cumulative healing rates were 87.5% (21 of 24) and 84% (26 of 31), respectively (NS). No differences were found in the healing effects of the drugs on smokers and nonsmokers or in side effects. These results suggest that both drugs are equally effective in the short-term treatment of GU.

Comparison of sucralfate and ranitidine twice daily in duodenal ulcer treatment: a multicenter randomized double-blind study.

Sucralfate and ranitidine were compared in the treatment of duodenal ulcer in this multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. A total of 165 patients with endoscopically proven duodenal ulceration were included in the trial and randomized to treatment with sucralfate, 2 g b.i.d. (morning and evening with an empty stomach), or ranitidine, 150 mg twice daily. All patients were endoscopically examined after 4 and, if unhealed, 8 weeks. Of the patients considered suitable for analysis at 4 weeks, 73.5% (61 of 83) of the sucralfate group demonstrated healing of the ulcer in comparison with 63.3% (50 of 79) of the ranitidine group. At 8 weeks cumulative healing rates were 89% (74 of 83) and 84.8% (67 of 79), respectively. When smokers were considered separately, healing rates at 4 weeks were 69.2% (36 of 52) for sucralfate and 53.3% (24 of 45) for ranitidine. At 8 weeks cumulative healing rates were 92.3% (48 of 52) and 77.7% (35 of 45), respectively (p less than 0.05). Overall, there was no difference in the two groups regarding symptom relief and side effects. These results suggest that these drugs are equally effective in the short-term treatment of duodenal ulcer, although in smokers sucralfate appears to be more effective than ranitidine.