Changes in cardiac functions in patients treated with parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Our study aims to investigate the changes in cardiac functions, especially myocardial performance index (MPI), in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism between June 2010 and September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent total parathyroidectomy (group 1) and those who underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy (group 2). The groups were compared according to the echocardiogram findings performed in the preoperative period and the postoperative sixth month. In addition, cardiac structure, and systolic and diastolic functions, especially myocardial performance index, were evaluated by echocardiography and Doppler imaging. Thirty-seven patients were examined; 16 (43.2%) underwent total parathyroidectomy, and 21 (56.8%) had subtotal parathyroidectomy performed. Group 1's mean left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVES) decreased from 2.53 ± 0.57 to 2.35 ± 0.37 cm after parathyroidectomy. In Group 1, the postoperative value of LVES and end-systolic volume decreased significantly compared to the preoperative period (p = 0.042, p = 0.008, respectively). EF increased from 59.25 ± 0.05 to 67.81 ± 4.04. In Group 1, EF and EV postoperatively increased significantly compared to the preoperative period (p = 0.023, p = 0.021, respectively). The mean MPI decreased from 0.45 ± 0.07 to 0.39 ± 0.04 after parathyroidectomy in group 1. In group 2, it decreased from 0.46 ± 0.06 to 0.40 ± 0.04 (p < 0.001). The present study provides an improvement in myocardial functions after parathyroidectomy. While LVES, EF, ejection volume, end-systolic volume, and MPI improved in both groups, the MPI improvement was more evident in the total parathyroidectomy group.

Is LigaSure Alone Sufficient for the Closure of the Appendix Stump?

PURPOSES: Closure of the appendix stump is necessary for laparoscopic appendectomy. Problems that occur during the appendix stump closure can cause severe morbidity. Several methods of stump closure have been described. This study aimed to investigate the adequacy of LigaSure alone in closing the appendix stump. METHODS: Patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis between October 2021 and January 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the closure technique of the appendix stump hemoclip(group I) and LigaSure only(group II). In addition, demographic data (age, gender), body mass index (BMI), presence of comorbid disease, perioperative appendicitis classification, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, radiological and pathological appendix size of the patients included in the study were recorded. Clavien Dindo was used for postoperative complication assessment. RESULT: The study included 77 patients. 48(62.3%) of the patients were in group I, and 29(37.7%) were in group II. There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding age, gender distribution, BMI, presence of comorbid disease (P > .05). The operation time of group I was longer than group II (P < .001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of both radiological and pathological appendix size. There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding postoperative complications and severity of complications (P = .76, P = .99, respectively). CONCLUSION: Appendiceal stump closure can be performed with Ligasure, but it should be noted that this procedure can be performed on selected patients, as in the study group, not on all patients.

Combination of the Ratio Between Negative and Harvested Lymph Nodes and Metastatic Lymph Node Count as a Prognostic Indicator in Stage III Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ratio of negative lymph nodes (NLN) number to the number of metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) and the harvested lymph nodes (HLN) number ratio survival rate and compare its prognostic value. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 207 stage III colon cancer patients between 2010 and 2018 at a single center. NLN/MLN and NLN/HLN cut-off values were determined with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve according to 5-year survival. The patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the cut-off value. These 2 groups were evaluated according to the clinicopathological data of the patients. RESULT: The time-dependent ROC curve showed the optimal cut-off values of NLN as 3.86 and .79, respectively. These values show 83 patients in the high-risk group and 124 in the low-risk group. There was no difference between the groups in tumor localization and T stage. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, mean survival was 35.88 months in the high-risk group and 50.18 months in the low-risk group. The risk of death in the high-risk group was 305% compared to the low-risk group (Hazard Ratio: 3.05, 95% 1.91 - 4.88) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: NLNs are among the critical prognostic factors in colon cancer. Although NLNs have a positive correlation with the survival rate of the patients, there is no statistical difference in tumor T stage and localization.

Temperature-Neutrophils-Multiple Organ Failure Grading as a Prognostic Indicator in Fournier Gangrene.

Background: Severity scoring systems are used widely to predict prognosis in managing various diseases and to tailor the treatment of patients in a personalized way, not in a general concept, by making a risk assessment. This study examines the importance of the Temperature-Neutrophils-Multiple Organ Failure (TNM) scoring system, a new scoring system, in evaluating the prognosis in patients with Fournier gangrene (FG). Patients and Methods: Patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of FG in our clinic between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed with a single-center cross-sectional retrospective study design. Demographic data (age, gender), pre-operative evaluation, body temperature, neutrophil ratio, presence of multiple organ failure, TNM score, and post-operative survival data were recorded. The patients were grouped as those with post-operative hospital mortality (group 1) and without (group 2). Results: The study included 167 patients. Twenty-two (13.2%) of the patients were in group 1 and 145 (86.8%) were in group 2. According to the TNM score, the frequency of stage 3-4 was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.001). Patients ≥65 years of age had a 4.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87-12.29) times greater mortality risk than patients <65. Patients with comorbid disease had a 4.56 (95% CI, 1.47-14.14) times greater risk of mortality than patients without. Patients with TNM scores 3-4 had a 9.38 (95% CI, 3.01-29.28) times greater risk of exit than patients with scores 1-2. Conclusions: The TNM system is a new scoring system that is created quickly using simple laboratory and clinical data in patients with FG and is useful in predicting mortality. Therefore, its clinical use will benefit FG and other deep soft tissue infections.

Evaluation of Colonoscopic Results of Patients with Incidental Colonic FDG Uptake in PET/CT Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the second most deadly and third most common cancer worldwide. Early detection and removal of precancerous lesions play a crucial role in preventing cancer development and reducing mortality. Since FDG uptake is not specific for malignancy, incidental increased FDG uptake in the gastrointestinal tract may be challenging to interpret and may require further colonoscopic examination. This study aimed to investigate the features associated with malignant and premalignant pathology in patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake and determine the necessity of colonoscopy for each FDG uptake. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on data from patients who underwent colonoscopies between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients with FDG uptake in known colorectal malignancy regions were excluded. The study included 56 patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake. PET/CT images were visually and quantitatively analyzed, and the corresponding colonoscopy and histopathological results were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FDG uptake patterns, SUVmax values, and histopathological diagnoses. Colonoscopic findings were categorized as malignancy, polyps, and non-neoplastic lesions. RESULTS: Among the 56 patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake, 36 lesions were identified, and histopathology revealed malignancy in 10 (17.9%) patients and premalignant polyps in the 26 (46.4%) cases. Focal FDG uptake with corresponding wall thickening or soft tissue density on CT was associated with a higher likelihood of premalignant or malignant lesions. The SUVmax values demonstrated a significant difference between negative findings and polyps/malignancies. However, no significant difference was observed between malignant and premalignant lesions. A ROC curve analysis was made and assesed a cut-off value of 11.1 SUVmax (sensitivity: 83.3% and specificity: 90%) to distinguish premalignant or malignant lesions from non-malignant lesions. CONCLUSION: Incidental colonic FDG uptake with a focal pattern and corresponding CT findings were more likely to indicate premalignant or malignant lesions. SUVmax values were helpful in predicting the presence of pathological findings, but histopathological verification remains necessary for a definitive diagnosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the clinical implications of incidental colonic FDG uptake and highlight the importance of follow-up colonoscopy for further evaluation.

Is it Possible to Diagnose "Non-Invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features" Preoperatively?

There is no accepted consensus or algorithm for the preoperative diagnosis of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in patients with thyroid nodules. In this study, we evaluated the importance of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in the differential diagnosis of NIFTP. Pathology preparations of 209 patients with a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) diagnosed after thyroid surgery in a tertiary health center between January 2010 and January 2020 were re-evaluated. Patients were divided into NIFTP and encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC) to compare. Of the patients, 58 (27.7%) were NIFTP, and 151 (72.3%) were EFVPTC. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age (p = 0.46), tumor size (p = 0.51), gender (p = 0.48), and surgical technique (p = 0.78) between the groups. The probability of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 2 is more common in the EFVPTC group. It was statistically significant that the NIFTP group was 1.96 times more likely to have NLR > 2 (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.63) (p < 0.05). However, there was no risk difference between the groups in terms of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.41-1.43) (p > 0.05). The diagnosis of NIFTP should be kept in mind in the evaluation of patients whose thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy results are in the intermediate group. NIFTP exhibits better prognostic findings than classic thyroid papillary cancer and EFVPTC. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis of NIFTP in line with laboratory, ultrasonography, and FNA findings will save the patient from unnecessary overtreatment.

Anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin in a model of L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a pathology characterized by activated digestive enzymes to digest pancreatic tissue and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on AP and its effectiveness at different doses. METHODS: Forty Sprague Dawley albino male rats, 12 weeks old, weighing 285-320 g, were used in the study. The rats were divided into control, curcumin, AP, low (100 mg/kg), and high (200mg/kg) dose curcumin groups. An experimental pancreatitis model was created with 5 g/kg L-arginine and samples (amylase, lipase, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP, histopathological) were taken after 72 hours. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of the weight of the rats (p=0.76). In the AP group, it was observed that the experimental pancreatitis model was successfully created after examination. Laboratory and histopathological examination results in the curcumin-administered groups were regressed compared to the AP group. The decrease in laboratory values was higher in the high-dose curcumin group than in the low-dose (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Laboratory and histopathological changes occur in AP according to clinical severity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are known. In the light of this information and according to the results of our study, it has been shown that curcumin is effective in the treatment of AP, and the effect of curcumin increases with the dose increase. Curcumin is effective in treating AP. However, while high-dose curcumin was more effective in inflammatory response than low-dose, it showed similar histopathological results. KEY WORDS: Acute, Curcumin, Cytokines, Inflammation, Pancreatitis.

Comparative analysis of the sarcopenia and HALP score on postoperative outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and HALP (Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet) scores are factors commonly associated with postoperative outcomes used in cancer patients. This study aims to evaluate the effect of these two prognostic factors on postoperative outcomes in operated pancreatic cancer patients and their correlation with each other. METHODS: The study is a single-center, retrospective study conducted with 179 patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) between January 2012 and January 2022. The Psoas muscular index (PMI) and HALP scores of the patients were calculated. Cut-off values were determined in order to determine the nutritional status of the patients and to group them. The cut-off value of the HALP score was determined according to survival status. In addition, the clinical data and pathological findings of tumors were collected. These two parameters were evaluated in terms of length of hospital stay, postoperative complication rates, fistula development, and overall survival, and their correlations with each other were examined. RESULTS: Of the patients, 74 (41.3%) were female, and 105 (58.7%) were male. According to PMI cut-off values, 83 (46.4%) patients were in the sarcopenia group. According to the HALP score cut-off values, 77 (43.1%) patients were in the low HALP group. Sarcopenia and Low HALP group had a higher risk of death (respectively Hazard ratio:5.67, CI:3.58-8.98, Hazard ratio:5.95, CI: 3.72-9.52) (p < 0.001). There was a moderate correlation between PMI and HALP score (rs = 0.34, p = 0.01). The correlation in these values was higher in the female gender. CONCLUSIONS: In line with the data obtained from our study, HALP score and sarcopenia are among the important parameters used to evaluate postoperative complications and provide information about survival. Patients with a low HALP score and sarcopenic have an increased likelihood of developing postoperative complications and a lower survival.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast: Clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia is a rare benign breast stromal proliferative lesion of the breast. Clinical presentation ranges from rapidly growing mass to incidental identification in routine screening. This difference in manifestation and its rarity makes it difficult to be a standard treatment protocol. Therefore, we aimed to share our clinical experience in Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia. METHODS: The files of patients who underwent core biopsy or surgical excision due to a breast mass and resulted in pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia between January 2013 and December 2021 were included in the study. RESULTS: 17 patients with a median age of 37 (22-68) were found Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia confirmed by surgical excision or core biopsy. Chosen treatment option was observation in 8 patients (47.1%), while surgical excision was used in 9 (52.9%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 55.24 ± 26.72 (13-102) months. None of the patients observed the Malignant transformation during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: For Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of the breast, surgical excision with clean margins or close follow-up after diagnosis confirmation by tissue biopsy is sufficient. Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia is not a risk factor for developing breast cancer.

The efficacy of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets (HALP) score in signifying acute appendicitis severity and postoperative outcomes.

The HALP score, which is a combined index composed of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet, is a new indicator showing both inflammation and nutritional status. This study aims to evaluate the relationship of this combined index consisting of simple laboratory values with the degree of appendicitis complication and postoperative results in patients operated on for acute appendicitis. The data of 684 patients operated for acute appendicitis between January 2017 and December 2022 and inclusion criteria were analyzed with a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study design. Using routine laboratory data, patients' HALP scores were divided into two groups as low and high. The cut-off value of the HALP score according to the presence of postoperative complications was determined as < 31.2 by ROC analysis and the ROC curve. Patients were grouped as HALP score cut-off value below (group 1) and above (group 2). Complicated appendicitis and postoperative outcomes were compared to the HALP score groups. According to the cut-off value of the HALP score, 113 (16.5%) of the patients were in Group 1, and 571 (83.5%) were in Group 2. Complications developed in 15 (26%) patients (p < 0.001). Low HALP scores were a significant risk factor for peri-appendicular abscess (OR 29.12 95% CI 12.39-68.43), appendicitis perforation (OR = 20.82 95% 12.67-34.19), gangrenous appendicitis (OR = 35, 54, 95% 13.33-94.77), and postoperative complications (OR = 15.29 95% 7.95-29.41) (p < 0.001). Besides clinical and radiological findings, the HALP score shows the degree of acute appendicitis complication. It can be used as a simple, inexpensive, and easily applicable diagnostic tool.

Effect of Sarcopenia on Mortality and Morbidity in Patients With Fournier's Gangrene.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative sarcopenia is an essential factor that negatively affects postoperative results. The effect of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients treated for Fournier's gangrene (FG) is controversial. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the effect of FG to evaluate the effect of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative complications and prognosis in patients who were operated on. METHOD: The data of patients who were operated on with FG diagnosis in our clinic between 2008 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data (age and gender), anthropometric measurements, preoperative laboratory values, abdominopelvic CT, location of FG, number of debridements, ostomy, microbiological culture result, wound closure method, length of hospital stay, and overall survival were recorded. In addition, the presence of sarcopenia was determined according to psoas muscular index (PMI) and Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). RESULTS: Of the patients, 57 (30.8%) were female and 128 (69.2%) were male. According to the PMI, sarcopenia was detected in 67 (36.2%) patients and 70 (37.8%), according to the HUAC. At the end of one postoperative year, the mortality rate was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (P = .002, P = .01). According to the PMI, patients with sarcopenia have an 8.17 times greater risk of exitus than non-sarcopenic patients. According to the HUAC, patients with sarcopenia have a 4.21 times greater risk of exitus than non-sarcopenic patients. CONCLUSION: Based on this large retrospective study, sarcopenia is a strong and independent predictor of postoperative mortality after Fournier's treatment for gangrene.

Clinical, Radiological and Histopathological Evaluation of Primary Colon Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to examine the clinical, radiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and prognostic features of a case series undergoing surgery for non-Hodgkin's primary colon lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: The data of six patients diagnosed with NHL who were operated on in our clinic between January 2010 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. NHL was detected in six of the patients operated on for colon tumors. B (n=5) and T (n=1) cell lymphomas were detected based on their cellular subtypes. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 66 (52-70). The most common complaints were abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. One patient underwent emergency surgery, and five underwent elective surgery due to obstruction. While CT was used in all patients, Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) was taken only in patients who underwent elective surgery. The masses were localized in the cecum in two patients, in the right colon in two patients, and in the transverse colon and sigmoid colon in one patient each. All patients underwent mesocolic resection. The mean tumor size was 7.51±2.20 (4.5-11) cm. The median number of total lymph nodes was 33 (18-44), and the median number of metastatic lymph nodes was 15 (4-39). CONCLUSION: The overall and disease-free survival of the patient with T-cell lymphoma was shorter than that of patients with B-cell colon lymphoma. NHL is a rare disease. The cellular subtype effectively determines the survival time and prognosis of NHL.

Isolated Appendectomy Technique Without Mesoappendix in Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy is among the most common general surgical procedures performed in developed countries. Among the most critical steps in laparoscopic appendectomy is transection of the appendix meso. This study evaluates the postoperative and economic outcomes between total mesoicular excision and isolated (traditional) appendectomy technique during appendix transsection, in line with the patients' clinicopathologic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of acute appendicits in our clinic between October 2021 and January 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, there is the isolated appendectomy technique in which the appendix meso is dissection from the tip of the appendix to the base of the cecum, while in the second group there is the technique in which the appendix meso is dissected from the base of the cecum. In addition, demographic data (age, sex), body mass index, presence of comorbid disease, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, health care costs, appendix size of the patients included in the study were recorded. RESULT: During the study, 157 patients were included in the study. Seventy-one (45.2%) of the patients were in group 1, and 86 (54.8%) were in group 2. There was no difference between the groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, presence of comorbid disease, appendix size, and postoperative hospital stay ( P >0.05). However, operation time and health care costs were statistically higher in group 2 than in group 1 ( P =0.01). CONCLUSION: Although there was no difference in postoperative complications between the isolated appendectomy technique and the mesoicular technique, the operation time was shorter, and the operation cost was lower in the isolated appendectomy technique.

Can minimally invasive surgical techniques reduce the incidence of postoperative adhesions?

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions are a clinical condition that may develop after any abdominal surgery and constitute the leading cause of mechanical small bowel obstructions.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> This study investigates factors which influence the formation of postoperative adhesion and evaluates the efficiency of applying minimally invasive surgical techniques in reducing adhesion.</br> <br><b>Material and methods:</b> Patients who underwent surgery to diagnose obstructive ileus in our clinic between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data of the patients, operation details time between the operations and history of hospitalizations, postoperative mortality and morbidity, as well as the severity of complications were recorded. The patients included in the study were divided into groups according to the surgical technique applied in the first operation (laparoscopy/ laparotomy), the abdominal incision line (upper/lower/total), and the etiology of the primarily operated lesion (benign/malignant).</br> <br><b>Results:</b> One hundred eighteen (118) patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.2 ± 10.8 (39-82) years. Age, ileus history, time to the onset of ileus, length of hospital stay and the number of complications were shorter in the laparoscopy group as compared to the laparotomy group and the difference was found to be statistically significant. In addition, when patients were categorized according to the abdominal incision line, fewer hospitalizations and more frequent postoperative complications due to ileus were observed in the sub-umbilical incision group (p < 0.05).</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Postoperative adhesion formation is currently one of the clinical conditions which pose a challenge to both the patient and the clinician due to its incidence and recurrence. However, adhesion formation can be reduced by applying minimally invasive surgical methods, especially laparoscopic surgery and precise maneuvers during surgery.</br>.

Effect of treatment of pilonidal sinus with phenol on patients' clinical condition and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus is a common disease. Curative treatment is surgical excision. However, minimally invasive surgery is preferred day by day. Our study aimed to compare the effects of phenol and excision on postoperative results and quality of life in the treatment of pilonidal sinus. METHODS: The patients who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of the pilonidal sinus in our clinic between June 2019 and June 2021 were examined. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical information, treatment, and postoperative data of the patients were recorded. Daily pain follow-up with daily visceral pain scale (VPS) was performed in the first ten days postoperatively, and a short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used in the first and fourth weeks. The patients were grouped as phenol and excision groups and compared. RESULTS: The study included 145 patients. Phenol was applied to 83 (57.2%) patients, and excision was applied to 62 (42.8%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, BMI, number of pilonidal sinuses, and family history (p>0.05). Return to work, painless walking and sitting on the toilet, and mean daily VPS values in the phenol group were significantly shorter than the excision group (p<0.05). All subscale values in the postoperative first week SF-36 results were significantly higher than in the excision group (p<0.001) in the phenol group. CONCLUSION: Phenol is effective in the treatment of pilonidal sinus. Despite excision, treatment with phenol affects the patient's quality of life less in the early postoperative period. KEY WORDS: Minimally invasive surgery , Pilonidal sinus, Phenol, Quality of life.

Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Management of Patients With Acute Appendicitis?

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the lives and habits of people all over the world. In this study, it was planned to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment duration of acute appendicitis (AA), morbidity and mortality. Methods The data of patients who were operated on with the diagnosis of AA in our clinic between March 2019 and March 2021, divided into pre-COVID and post-COVID periods, were analyzed. Patients diagnosed with AA, who had the only appendectomy perioperatively, and who had complete preoperative blood analysis and radiological imaging data were included in the study. Results The time from the onset of symptoms to the time of admission to the hospital was statistically significantly longer than in the post-COVID group (p=0.04). During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the use of ultrasonography was statistically significantly reduced (p<0.01); computed tomography use increased (p<0.001). Laparoscopic appendectomy as a surgical technique decreased statistically significantly during the pandemic period (p=0.02). Postoperative complications and the postoperative complication severity degrees were not statistically significant between periods (p=0.24, p=0.68). The risk for the occurrence of postoperative complications in COVID-19 positive patients was statistically higher (p=0.01) (OR: 9.38 95% CI: 1.96 - 44.88). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic had caused delays in the admission and diagnosis of patients who might need surgery due to AA. Postoperative complication frequency and complication severity classification were not affected. COVID-19 positivity was a risk factor for complex AA presenting with periappendicular abscess, gangrenous and perforated appendix.

Current status of laparoscopic surgery usage in Türkiye: A middle-income country.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the usage status of laparoscopic procedures in general surgical practice in Türkiye, which is a sample of middle-income countries. Material and Methods: The questionnaire was sent to general surgeons, gastrointestinal surgeons, and surgical oncologists who have completed their residency training and are actively working in university, public or private hospitals. Demographic data, laparoscopy training and the period of education, the rate of laparoscopy use, the type and volume of laparoscopic surgical procedures, their views on the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery, and the reasons for preferring laparoscopy were determined with a 30-item questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and forty-four questionnaires from 55 different cities of Türkiye were evaluated. The responders were mainly males, younger surgeons (F/M= 11.1/88.9 % and 30-39 y/o), and graduated from the university hospital residence program (56.6%). Laparoscopic training was frequently taken during residency (77.5%) in the younger age group, while the elderly participants mostly received additional training after specialization (91.7%). Laparoscopic surgery was mostly not available in public hospitals for advanced procedures (p <0.0001) but was available for cholecystectomy and appendectomy operations (p= NS). However, participants working in university hospitals mostly stated that the laparoscopic approach was the first choice for advanced procedures. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the surgeons working in MICs spent strong effort to use laparoscopy in daily practice, especially in university and high-volume hospitals. However, inappropriate education, cost of laparoscopic equipment, healthcare policies, and some cultural and social barriers might have negatively impacted the widespread use of laparoscopic surgery and its usage in daily practice in MICs such as Türkiye.

Breast Hamartoma: Clinical, Radiological, and Histopathological Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Breast hamartomas are rare, benign, and slow-growing breast tumors that can be definitively diagnosed by combining the results of clinical, radiological, and histopathological examination. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of hamartomas and summarize our clinical approach to hamartomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast hamartoma between 2010 and 2020 in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic information, clinical examination, radiological findings, histopathological features, changes during follow-up, and follow-up data were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 1,429 patients operated on in our clinic for benign breast diseases between January 2010 and March 2020, 39 (2.7%) were diagnosed with breast hamartomas with histopathological examination. All patients were women with a median age of 37 (19-62) years. Most of the patients (64%) were in the premenopausal period. Radiological examinations were conducted using mammography (66%), breast ultrasonography (100%), and breast magnetic resonance imaging (48%). Biopsy was performed in 14 preoperative patients, and nine (64%) patients were diagnosed with hamartoma. All patients were operated on; 37 patients underwent a lumpectomy, and two had a mastectomy. No patients had hamartoma recurrence during an average follow-up period of 39 months. CONCLUSION: Hamartomas are similar to other benign breast pathologies. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by combining the results of clinical, radiological, and histopathological examination. Given its similar composition to normal breast tissue, hamartoma has a low rate of malignancy. Definitive diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are required.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol and dose sensitivity on pancreatitis formation in rats with experimental pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease accompanied by pancreatic inflammation characterized by acinar cell damage and leukocyte infiltration in the tissue. At present, mortality and morbidity rates are high despite the current treatment of pancreatitis; therefore, new studies and treatment studies are needed. In this study, the effects of alpha-tocopherol on different doses of L-arginine-induced experimental acute pancreatitis model were investigated. METHODS: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (sham) group (n=6), acute pancreatitis group (n=8), low-dose alpha-tocopherol (200 mg/kg once intraperitoneal [IP]) group (n=8), and high dose alpha-tocopherol (400 mg/kg once ip) group (n=8). Experimental acute pancreatitis model was created by a single IP dose of 5 g/kg of L-arginine. Alpha-tocopherol was administered in a single dose intraperitoneally, 30 min before the creation of the experimental model of acute pancreatitis induced by L-arginine induction in Groups 3 and 4. Tissue and blood samples were taken under anesthesia 72 h after L-arginine injection; then the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Serum amylase, lipase, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were examined. Pancreatic tissue samples were examined under a light microscope for histopathological examination. RESULTS: When the acute pancreatitis group (Group 2) was compared to the control group (Group 1), serum amylase, lipase, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP levels were all significantly increased (p<0.05 for all). Histopathological examination showed significant difference in edema (p<0.001) and inflammation (p=0.007) scores. When the low (Group 3) and high (Group 4) dose alpha-tocopherol groups were compared to Group 2, amylase, lipase, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP parameters were statistically significantly lower (p<0.05 for all). In the histopathological comparison of Groups 2, 3, and 4, edema and inflammation scores were decreased in Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 2. Comparing Group 4 to Group 3, lipase (p<0.01), IL-6 (p=0.038), and TNF-alpha (p=0.002) levels were significantly decreased; no significant difference was observed in the histopathological evaluation. CONCLUSION: Alpha-tocopherol was found to reduce inflammation and pancreatic damage in acute pancreatitis and was more effective in high doses.

Is there an increasing trend of risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomy procedure in preventing breast cancer among women?

Objectives: Prophylactic contralateral/bilateral mastectomy (PCM/PBM), as a risk-reducing mastectomy procedure, has a few evidence-based indica- tions; however, there is an increasing trend in the total number of operations globally. Worldwide famous actress Angelina Jolie was detected to have BRCA-1 mutation and underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in 2013. The procedure was perceived as 'lifesaving' worldwide, which eventually led to a significant increase in BRCA gene mutation analysis and PCM/PBM. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate our risk-reducing PCM/PBM results. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients underwent risk-reducing PCM/PBM between 2010-2018, but only 22 patients were included into the study. A retrospective analysis was carried out on demographics, family history, preoperative diagnoses, pathological findings, mastectomy details, reconstructive procedures, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, BRCA analysis, educational status, and mastectomy indications. Results: Surgical indications or major reasons for surgery were as follows: BRCA-1 mutation (n= 5), BRCA-2 mutation (n= 3), malignant-like areas in magnetic resonance imaging (n= 2), lobular carcinoma in situ (n= 3) and intense anxiety (n= 9). Eighteen patients (82%) underwent an additional re- constructive procedure via implantation or autologous tissue and four patients (18%) underwent mastectomy only. PCM/PBM by years was as: 2010 (n= 1), 2011 (n= 0), 2012 (n= 1), 2013 (n= 2), 2014 (n= 1), 2015 (n= 2), 2016 (n= 3), 2017 (n= 4), 2018 (n= 8), which represents the recently increasing trend. Conclusion: Risk-reducing PCM/PBM was performed in 59.1% of the patients (n= 13) for a significant medical reason, whereas for distress about a relapse or a new disease on the contralateral breast on the remaining 40.9% of the patients (n= 9). Evidence in the literature shows that risk-reducing mastectomy does not affect survival, although it lowers breast cancer incidence. Close surveillance, cancer screening, and chemoprevention methods should have priority.