Omental Flap Technique in Pancreaticojejunostomy: Does it Prevent Pancreatic Fistula Development after Pancreaticoduodenectomy?

AIM: The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical results of omental flap application during pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) surgeries. METHODS: The data of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our hospital were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups; patients with an omental flap (Group 1) and those without an omental flap (Group 2). The demographic and other characteristics of the groups and the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) development were compared. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included (39 females, 61 males) Group 1 consisted of 20 patients with omental flaps and Group 2 consisted of 80 patients without omental flaps. While no clinically significant (Grade B and C) leaks were observed in Group 1, both biochemical and clinically significant leak rates were lower in Group 1 compared to 4 patients (5%) in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference compared with Group 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant in this study, postoperative complication rates and the incidence of POPF tended to decrease in patients who underwent omental flaps.

Turkish HPB Surgery Association consensus report on hepatic cystic Echinococcosis (HCE).

Objectives: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is one of the important problems of the Eurasian region. We aimed to prepare a consensus report in order to update the treatment approaches of this disease. This study was conducted by Turkish HPB Surgery Association. Material and Methods: This study was conducted with the modified Delphi model. For this purpose, we conducted a three-stage consensus-building approach. Results: Six topics, including diagnosis, medical treatment, percutaneous treatment, surgical treatment, management of complications and posttreatment follow-up and recurrences in HCE were discussed. Conclusion: The expert panel made recommendations for every topic.

Is the tumor-stroma ratio a prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the prognostic effect of the tumor-stroma ratio, which has been shown to have prognostic value in various cancers, in patients with gallbladder cancer who have undergone curative resection. METHODS: The records of gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic between December 2005 and March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections representing the tumors were evaluated under light microscopy to determine tumor-stroma ratio, and based on the results, <50% was defined as the stroma-rich and ≥50% as the stroma-poor groups. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients, including 20 females and 8 males, with a mean age of 64.6 years, were included in this study. Stroma-poor and stroma-rich tumors were detected in 15 and 13 patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between tumor-stroma ratio and advanced age, gender, serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen, incidental or nonincidental diagnosis, jaundice, adjacent organ or structure resection, tumor location, grades 1-2 or 3, T1/T2 or T3/T4, N0 or N1/N2, M stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. The stroma-poor and stroma-rich groups had a 5-year survival rate of 30% and 19.2% and a median overall survival of 25.7 and 15.1 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.526). CONCLUSIONS: A low tumor-stroma ratio tended to be a poor prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer, although not to a statistically significant degree. This can be considered one of the preliminary studies, as further studies involving larger groups are needed.

Is the tumor-stroma ratio a prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the prognostic effect of the tumor-stroma ratio, which has been shown to have prognostic value in various cancers, in patients with gallbladder cancer who have undergone curative resection. METHODS: The records of gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic between December 2005 and March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections representing the tumors were evaluated under light microscopy to determine tumor-stroma ratio, and based on the results, <50% was defined as the stroma-rich and ≥50% as the stroma-poor groups. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients, including 20 females and 8 males, with a mean age of 64.6 years, were included in this study. Stroma-poor and stroma-rich tumors were detected in 15 and 13 patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between tumor-stroma ratio and advanced age, gender, serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen, incidental or nonincidental diagnosis, jaundice, adjacent organ or structure resection, tumor location, grades 1-2 or 3, T1/T2 or T3/T4, N0 or N1/N2, M stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. The stroma-poor and stroma-rich groups had a 5-year survival rate of 30% and 19.2% and a median overall survival of 25.7 and 15.1 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.526). CONCLUSIONS: A low tumor-stroma ratio tended to be a poor prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer, although not to a statistically significant degree. This can be considered one of the preliminary studies, as further studies involving larger groups are needed.

Long-term results and prognostic factors after surgical treatment for gallbladder cancer.

Objectives: Gallbladder cancer is relatively rare and traditionally regarded as having poor prognosis. There is controversy about the effects of clinicopathological features and different surgical techniques on prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clinicopathological characteristics of the patients with surgically treated gallbladder cancer on long-term survival. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the database of gallbladder cancer patients treated at our clinic between January 2003 and March 2021. Results: Of 101 evaluated cases, 37 were inoperable. Twelve patients were determined unresectable based on surgical findings. Resection with curative intent was performed in 52 patients. The one-, three-, five-, and 10-year survival rates were 68.9%, 51.9%, 43.6%, and 43.6%, respectively. Median survival was 36.6 months. On univariate analysis, poor prognostic factors were determined as advanced age; high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels; non-incidental diagnosis; intraoperative incidental diagnosis; jaundice; adjacent organ/structure resection; grade 3 tumors; lymphovascular invasion; and high T, N1 or N2, M1, and high AJCC stages. Sex, IVb/V segmentectomy instead of wedge resection, perineural invasion, tumor location, number of resected lymph nodes, and extended lymphadenectomy did not significantly affect overall survival. On multivariate analysis, only high AJCC stages, grade 3 tumors, high carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and advanced age were independent predictors of poor prognosis. Conclusion: Treatment planning and clinical decision-making for gallbladder cancer requires individualized prognostic assessment along with standard anatomical staging and other confirmed prognostic factors.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Analysis of 108 Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and the results of surgical treatment. This retrospective study concerns clinical, radiological, and surgical data as well as histopathological findings and postoperative results of 108 patients with XGC who were identified after evaluating 7916 cholecystectomy specimens between 2004 and 2014 in a single institute. One hundred eight patients with XGC were evaluated (56 males and 52 females, mean age 62.3 years). Clinical findings at referral included acute and chronic cholecystitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis. Ultrasound was performed in all patients, CT in 25, contrast-enhanced MRI in 29, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 25 patients. None of the patients were diagnosed preoperatively, but mild-moderate degrees of wall thickening were present in most. Fifty-four patients received open cholecystectomy, while 54 received laparoscopic intervention, among whom 23 were converted to open. Partial cholecystectomy was performed in 11 patients. Two patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma were treated with radical cholecystectomy. XGC has nonspecific clinical and radiological findings; thus, preoperative diagnosis is generally absent. Open cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment modality. Conversion to open is frequently necessary after laparoscopy. Complete cholecystectomy is the ultimate goal; however, partial cholecystectomy may be preferred to protect the structures of the hepatic hilum.

A rare cause of acute mechanical intestinal obstruction: a strangulated obturator hernia.

Obturator hernia is a rarely-seen type of abdominopelvic hernia. It is generally seen in thinner, old, multipara patients. The most frequently seen clinical sign is intestinal obstruction associated with strangulation. Diagnosis is generally made during operation in patients brought into emergency room because of intestinal obstruction. Delay in diagnosis in older patients results in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present a 68-year-old multipara patient who consulted to the emergency service with clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction, and who was operated with the preoperative diagnosis of "strangulated obturator hernia" established by means of computed-tomography.

Primary subcutaneous cyst hydatid of abdominal wall: a case report.

Human body is an intermediate host for Echinococcus granulosus which is a cestode causing hydatid disease. The most common type is E. Granulosus. E. Granulosus most often affects the liver and the lung. Primary subcutaneous cyst hydatid without involving other organs is extremely rare. A 60-year-old Turkish woman came to our hospital with a growing mass in the left periumblical region of the abdominal wall. In the superficial tissue ultrasonography a cystic mass measuring 3×2 cm was detected in the subcutaneous tissue of left periumblical region of the abdominal wall and it was doubtful for hydatid cyst. The patient had no history of surgery for a hydatid cyst in any other organ and the hydatid serology was negative. The cyst was surgically, and carefully excised. Macroscopic exploration suggested a hydatid cyst with its germinative membrane and the histopathological examination of the specimen was reported as a hydatid cyst. Hydatid cyst should be considered when a subcutaneous cytic mass is detected in a patient living in the region where the disease is endemic. The best treatment is complete removal of the cysts.

Effects of montelukast on the healing of ischemic colon anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether treatment with montelukast, a selective leukotriene antagonist, would affect anastomotic healing in a reperfused colon rat model with remote ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats (n = 12 per group) were intraperitoneally administered normal saline or 10 mg/kg montelukast sodium 60 minutes before and for 5 days after surgery. Ischemia was induced for 45 minutes through superior mesenteric artery occlusion. A left colon anastomosis was made. Blood and perianastomotic tissue samples were obtained on postoperative day 5. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic bursting pressures of the control and montelukast groups were 159.17 ± 29.99 and 216.67 ± 26.40, respectively (P < .001). Compared with saline, montelukast treatment increased the mean tissue hydroxyproline level (2.46 ± .30 vs 3.61 ± .33 µmol/L) and decreased tissue caspase-3 activity (36.06 ± 5.72 vs 21.78 ± 3.87) and malondialdehyde levels (3.43 ± .34 vs 2.29 ± .34 nmol/g) (P < .001 for all). Other plasma markers of injury also showed differences. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast prevented ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage in a rat model of colonic anastomotic wound healing.

Effects of hemoperitoneum on wound healing and fibrinolytic activity in colonic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to test whether hemoperitoneum has adverse effects on colonic anastomosis healing by increasing fibrinolytic activity. METHODS: After colonic intersection and anastomosis, 20 Wistar Albino rats received intraabdominal injections of either 25 mg/kg blood (10, Group 1) or physiologic saline (10, Group 2). Anastomotic bursting pressures were measured after sacrifice on the fifth day. Following histopathological evaluation of the anastomotic line, hydroxyproline, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tPA/PAI-1 complex levels were determined in the omentum, lung and anastomotic colon. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic bursting pressures of Groups 1 and 2 were 224.5 mmHg and 254.4 mmHg (p=0.121), and mean hydroxyproline levels were 45.89 and 65.959 mg/g protein, respectively (p=0.257). Histopathology was insignificant. There was a significant difference between groups in omental tPA levels (0.962 ng/ml and 0.27 ng/ml, p=0.041), but not in PAI-1 and tPA/PAI-1. Anastomotic line and lung levels of tPA, PAI-1 and tPA/PAI-1 complex were not significantly different between groups. The relation between anastomotic line tPA level and bursting pressure was highly significant in Group 2 (r=0.778; p=0.008). CONCLUSION: In this first study on the effect of hemoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis, we observed no significant effect on anastomotic healing or fibrinolytic activity, except in the omentum. Further studies with different blood volumes and assessment times are needed.

The role of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients with negative ultrasonography findings and a low Alvarado score.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the role of computerized tomography (CT) in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients with a low Alvarado score and negative ultrasonography findings. METHODS: Fifty-two cases who underwent appendectomy (December 2004-September 2008) were included. All patients had an Alvarado score of 4-6 together with negative ultrasonography findings; preoperative abdominal CT examination results were available in all patients. CT results were compared with intraoperative and pathological findings. RESULTS: The mean age of the cases was 31±4 years (range 11 to 71 years). The mean Alvarado score was 4.9. CT results were in favor of acute appendicitis in 34 of 52 cases. Of these 34 patients, acute appendicitis was confirmed by pathological findings in 31, whereas acute appendicitis could not be confirmed in the remaining three cases (8.2%). In 15 of 18 cases without CT findings of appendicitis, intraoperative and pathological findings were also in agreement; however, the remaining three cases had acute appendicitis. Based on the results of the recent studies, sensitivity and specificity of CT in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 91.2% and 83.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: To avoid unnecessary appendectomies in suspected acute appendicitis cases with a low Alvarado score and negative ultrasonography findings, CT may be used as a complementary diagnostic tool.

Diagnostic process and management of diaphragmatic injuries: approach in patients with blunt and penetrating trauma.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic rupture is one of the most commonly missed injuries in trauma cases. Traditionally, laparotomy or thoracotomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic process in patients with diaphragmatic injuries (DIs) who were diagnosed with diaphragm rupture during the preoperative or intraoperative course together with morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: Sixteen patients with DIs were admitted to our department during the last seven-year period. Surgical procedure, accompanying injuries, duration of hospital stay, transfusion necessity, and morbidity and mortality rates were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In seven years, 16 patients were treated and followed-up for DI. Female/male ratio was 2/14. Fifteen patients were operated and one was treated conservatively. The mortality rate was 2/16. CONCLUSION: DIs are being seen with increasing frequency in recent years. In patients with high Injury Severity Score (ISS), probability of DI should be taken into consideration.

Gastric duplication cyst in an adult.

Gastric duplication cyst which is a rare anomaly can also be observed in adulthood. Abdominal pain is the most common complaint in adults and most cases are discovered incidentally by radiological examination or gastric endoscopy. Preoperative diagnosis of gastric duplication is difficult and definitive diagnosis requires findings on laparatomy together with histopathological examination of the lesion. Gastric duplication cyst is primarily managed by complete excision. Gastric duplication cyst was suspected on gastric endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen in a 52-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. She was treated by complete excision of the cyst and the diagnosis was confirmed with the operative findings and histopathological examination of the removed specimen.

Ectopic breast carcinoma.

A 47-year-old premenopausal woman had a swelling in right axilla which had been diagnosed as "ectopic breast tissue" with an incisional biopsy. A subcutaneous nodule appeared two years ago. The ectopic breast containing the mass was excised with axillary dissection. It was an invasive ductal carcinoma and metastasis was detected in one lymph node. She received local radiotherapy after 6 cycles of chemotherapy and has now been taking hormonotherapy. Ectopic breast tissue has potential for malignant transformation. As its carcinoma has a worse prognosis and a higher incidence of metastasis because of delayed diagnosis, prophylactic excision may be recommended.

Effects of N-acetylcysteine on regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: N-Acetylcysteine was given to seven rats with NAFLD (group 1); physiological saline was given to seven rats with NAFLD (group 2); and physiological saline was given to seven rats with a normal liver (group 3). We performed two-thirds hepatectomy in all rats and removed the remnant liver tissue 48 h later to measure the mitotic index (MI), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. RESULTS: Mitotic index values were significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3, and higher in group 3 than in group 2. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen values were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2, but no significant difference was found in comparison with group 3. Glutathione values in group 1 were significantly higher than in group 2 and MDA values in group 1 were lower than in group 2. There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 in GSH and MDA values, in both the two-thirds hepatectomy and 48-h tissues. CONCLUSIONS: N-Acetylcysteine enhanced regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with NAFLD. We believe that it exerted this effect through its influence on oxidative stress.

The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM: To investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: UDCA was administered to seven rats (group 1) and physiological saline was administered both to seven rats (group 2) with NAFLD and to seven rats with normal livers (group 3). All rats underwent two-thirds hepatectomy and the remnant liver tissues were removed 48 h later. Mitotic index (MI) and levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. RESULTS: MI and PCNA levels in group 2 were significantly lower than in groups 1 and 3, but the values in groups 1 and 3 were similar. The GSH levels of group 2 were significantly lower than those of group 3 in the hepatectomy tissues, and lower than those of groups 1 and 3 in the remnant tissues. The differences between GSH levels in groups 1 and 3 were not significant. MDA levels in hepatectomy and remnant tissues were significantly higher in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3; values in groups 1 and 3 were similar. CONCLUSION: UDCA increases regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with NAFLD, possibly due to an attenuating effect on oxidative stress.

Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder: report of a case.

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma is one of the rarest subsets of gallbladder malignancies. To date, only 34 cases have been reported in the English literature. Therefore the knowledge and experience regarding this disease is limited. This report describes a 70-year-old male patient who was diagnosed by documenting the epithelial and mesenchymal components with histopathological and immunohistochemical methods, and treated by a radical cholecystectomy. The pediculated polypoid tumor had filled the lumen, originating from the gallbladder fundus. The tumor infiltrated the surrounding connective and adipose tissue overlapping the muscular layer of its primary site, but had not perforated the serosa nor invaded the liver. The patient, who was treated only surgically, has remained healthy after 54 months of follow-up, which is the longest documented survival for this disease. This case indicates that curative treatment of a tumor confined to the gallbladder without liver or serosa invasion, or lymph node involvement, is therefore possible.

A rare case of duodenal duplication treated surgically.

Duodenal duplication, a rare congenital malformation, can also be observed in adulthood. Although it can be cystic or tubular, communicating or non-communicating, cystic and non-communicating forms are the most common. Several complications, such as obstruction, bleeding, perforation and pancreatitis, may result. Optimal treatment is total excision, although endoscopic procedures have also been described in appropriate cases. If total excision is not possible, subtotal excision and internal derivation can be performed. The 38-year-old woman presented here had occasional attacks of abdominal pain and obstruction, and we considered the diagnosis of duodenal duplication by abdominal computerized tomography. As we confirmed the diagnosis with operative findings and histopathological signs, we treated her with subtotal excision and intraduodenal cystoduodenostomy.

Effect of preoperative immunonutrition and other nutrition models on cellular immune parameters.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of preoperative immunonutrition and other nutrition models on the cellular immunity parameters of patients with gastrointestinal tumors before surgical intervention. In addition, effects on postoperative complications were examined. METHODS: Patients with gastrointestinal tumors were randomized into 3 groups. The immunonutrition group received a combination of arginine, fatty acids and nucleotides. The second and third group received normal nutrition and standard enteral nutrition, respectively. Nutrition protocols were administered for 7 d prior to the operation. Nutritional parameters, in particular prealbumin levels and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+, CD16+/56+, and CD69 cells) were evaluated before and after the nutrition protocols. Groups were compared in terms of postoperative complications and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients who completed the study, 16 received immunonutrition, 13 received normal nutrition and 13 received standard enteral nutrition. prealbumin values were low in every group, but this parameter was improved after the nutritional protocol only in the immunonutrition group (13.64+/-8.83 vs 15.98+/-8.66, P=0.037). Groups were similar in terms of CD4+, CD16+/56, and CD69+ prior to the nutritional protocol; whereas CD8+ was higher in the standard nutrition group compared to the immunonutrition group. After nutritional protocols, none of the groups had an increase in their lymphocyte subpopulations. Also, groups did not differ in terms of postoperative complications and postoperative durations of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Preoperative immunonutrition provided a significant increase in prealbumin levels, while it did not significantly alter T lymphocyte subpopulation counts, the rate of postoperative complications and the duration of hospital stay.

Traumatic lumbar hernia.

Traumatic lumbar hernia is a rare consequence of blunt abdominal injury. In these cases, intraabdominal visceral injuries are common. Although physical examination is important for this diagnosis, computed tomography is valuable for confirming the diagnosis, eliminating associated intraabdominal injuries and deciding the treatment modality of traumatic lumbar hernia. If there is a suspicion of associated strangulation and/or intraabdominal injury, emergent laparotomy or laparoscopy must be performed. If there is no suspicion of these, extraperitoneal repair primarily or with prosthetic material can be performed safely. We present a case of an isolated acute lumbar hernia due to blunt abdominal trauma, and we discuss mesh repair without laparotomy as the treatment modality.