Association between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Elastographic Parameters of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis: Controlled Attenuation Parameter and Liver Stiffness Measurements.

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the association among elastographic parameters of liver steatosis and fibrosis, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, we have evaluated 937 patients with one or more components of the metabolic syndrome who had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) due to GERD symptoms. In all patients, a laboratory analysis, an abdominal ultrasound, and FibroScan measurements were done. GERD was defined by EGD. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 30.95 ± 5.45 kg/m2. The prevalence of increased CAP was 82.6% (774/937). Patients with increased CAP were younger, were more obese, had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, and had higher values of aminotransferases. Similar results of higher prevalence in patients with elevated CAP were observed with GERD, hiatal hernia, and insufficient cardia (defined as deficient or absent closure of the gastric inlet in relation to the esophagus). Additionally, patients with elevated CAP had a higher prevalence of GERD grades B and C in comparison to those without elevated CAP. Consequently, patients who did not have elevated CAP had a higher prevalence of GERD grade A. Even though we have found an upward trend in the prevalence of GERD, hiatal hernia, and insufficient cardia, there was no significant difference between subjects with fibrosis (F) 1-2 and F3-4 stage of fibrosis or F1 and F2-4. In a binary logistic regression, a significant positive association with GERD was obtained for CAP. Furthermore, a significant positive association with hiatal hernia was obtained for BMI and CAP. Finally, a significant positive association with hiatal hernia was obtained with CAP in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to reveal a positive association between CAP as a surrogate marker of liver steatosis and GERD after adjustments for other clinical variables.

City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire Validity and Reliability Assessment on a Croatian Sample.

The aim of this study was to validate City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (CoH-QoL-OQ) for assessing the quality of life (QoL) of ostomy patients in the Republic of Croatia. The CoH-QoL-OQ is widely used, but has not been translated or validated so it can be used in the Republic of Croatia. This cross-sectional study encompassed 302 surgery patients with colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy (182 (60.3%) male and 120 (39.7%) female), whose average age is 59 (M = 59.3, SD = 15.8). The CoH-QoL-OQ was translated into Croatian language using accepted guidelines for translation. Patients were recruited in a telephone conversation, followed by mail containing the CoH-QoL-OQ delivered to the home addresses of the patients who agreed to participate. The collected data were analyzed to verify psychometric properties of the questionnaire on the Croatian sample. All subscales showed high level of internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.73-0.89). The test-retest reliability indicated a very satisfactory temporal stability (r = 0.99). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), showed that the originally established model was not adequate for the data (χ2 = 4237.88, p < 0.01, CFI = 0.540, NNFI = 0.481, RMSEA = 0.113). However, after modification that excluded problematic items, the data showed a better fit with the theoretical model (except for the LR chi-square test that remained statistically significant: χ2 = 1144.28, p < 0.01, CFI = 0.869, NNFI = 0.855 RMSEA = 0.077). We conclude that the CoH-QoL-OQ is a valid, reliable, and reducible instrument for measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Croatian patients with ostomy in clinical research and clinical practice.

Gastric Electrical Stimulation Improves Symptoms of Diabetic Gastroparesis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis-2 Case Reports.

Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), a delay in gastric emptying without obstruction to outflow as a complication of diabetes, typically develops after at least 10 years of diabetes. Cardinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. The aim of DGP treatment is to alleviate the severity and frequency of symptoms, improve the level of gastric emptying, ameliorate the patient's nutritional status and to optimize glycemic control. In the treatment of chronic drug-refractory nausea and vomiting secondary to DGP, gastric electrical stimulation (GES) such as Enterra Therapy System (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) can be considered. It is well established that diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy. The exact prevalence of patients with severe DGP and ESRD is not known; however, finding a therapeutic approach to these patients, particularly those whose gastroparesis symptoms preclude them from undergoing kidney transplant procedure, represents a huge challenge. Our experience suggests that GES implantation can be an effective treatment modality for type 1 diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) who are simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation candidates, by improving the severity and frequency of gastroparesis symptoms and eventually ensuring their optimal nutritional and fluid intake.

Acute Gallbladder Torsion with Gangrene and Cholelithiasis ­ A Rare Condition

We report a case of a 75-year-old female with acute torsion of the gallbladder with gangrene and cholelithiasis. On admission, the patient underwent physical examination, laboratory blood analysis, abdominal ultrasound and plain abdominal x-ray. Due to the signs of acute abdomen and poor general condition of the patient, urgent surgical procedure was indicated. Intraoperatively, the gallbladder was found to be greatly enlarged, gangrenous and greatly distended with 360° clockwise torsion around its mesentery. Cholecystectomy was performed. Gallbladder torsion is a rare surgical emergency which physicians should bear in mind when encountering patients with symptoms of acute cholecystitis. The only treatment for this condition is urgent cholecystectomy with prior detorsion. The mortality rate in patients not undergoing surgery is 100%.

Sudden death after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)--case report and literature review.

There are only a few cases found in literature regarding air embolism in endoscopic procedures, especially in connection to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We are presenting a case of a 56-year-old female patient who suffered from non-Hodgkin lymphoma located in her right groin. She was also diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and underwent ERCP to remove the gallstones. Immediately after the procedure she went into sudden cardiac arrest and subsequently died, despite all of our efforts. We reviewed literature in order to identify possible causes of death because fatal outcome following an uneventful and successful procedure was not expected. It is important to bear in mind all possible complications of ERCP. Our focus during the literature search was on air embolism.

[Croatian guidelines for perioperative enteral nutrition of surgical patients]. / Hrvatske smjernice za perioperativnu enteralnu prehranu kirurskih bolesnika.

Nutritional status of patients significantly affects the outcome of surgical treatment, whether it's about being obese or malnutrition with loss of muscle mass. Inadequate nutritional support in the perioperative period compromises surgical procedures even in patients who are adequately nourished. In this paper, particular attention was paid to malnourished patients, and their incidence in population hospitalized in surgical wards can be high up to 30%. Special emphasis was paid to the appropriateness of preoperative fasting and to the acceptance of new knowledge in this area of treatment. The aim of this working group was to make guidelines for perioperative nutritional support with different modalities of enteral nutrition. The development of these guidelines was attended by representatives of Croatian Medical Association: Croatian Society for Digestive Surgery, Croatian Society for Clinical Nutrition, Croatian Society of Surgery, Croatian Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Croatian Trauma Society and the Croatian Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care. The guidelines are designed as a set of questions that arise daily in clinical practice when preparing patients for surgery and after the surgical treatment, which relate to the assessment of nutritional status, perioperative nutritional support, duration of preoperative fasting period and the selection of food intake route. Assessment of nutritional status and the use of different modes of enteral nutrition should enter into standard protocols of diagnosis and treatment in the Croatian hospitals.

[OUR RESULTS IN LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED PLACEMENT OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETERS: TEN-YEAR EXPERIENCE]. / NASE 11-GODISNJE ISKUSTVO U POSTAVLJANJU KATETERA ZA PERITONEJSKU DIJALIZU LAPAROSKOPSKOM TEHNIKOM.

The aim was to analyze our results and complications in laparoscopic-assisted placement of the Tenckhoff catheter for peritoneal dialysis in comparison with results reported in the literature. Fifty patients were included in this retrospective analysis. From January 2000 to November 2010, they underwent laparoscopic-assisted placement of catheter for peritonea dialysis at the University Department of Surgery, Rijeka University Hospital Center. The results of this approach, early and late postoperative complications, conversions to open technique, and reoperation rate were analyzed. The complications that occurred within the first 4 weeks were considered as early complications. In 23 patients, 29 complications were recorded. There were 18 early complications, of which 2 acute peritonitis, 2 ileus, 4 bleeding, 4 catheter infection, 3 fluid leakage, 2 catheter malpositioning and 1 genital edema. There were 11 late complications, of which 5 acute peritonitis, 1 recurrent peritonitis, 1 bleeding, 1 catheter infection, 1 catheter malpositioning, 1 fluid leakage and 1 port site hernia. There were no deaths after surgery or any complications disabling the implementation of peritonea dialysis. In patients with end-stage renal disease, laparoscopic-assisted placement of catheter for peritoneal dialysis is a safe and appropriate method of treatment

Nutritional support in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy: does it work?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early intervention with nutritional supplementation has been shown to halt malnutrition and may improve outcome in some patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary counseling, oral nutrition and megestrol acetate during chemotherapy affected nutritional status and survival in patients with advanced disease. METHODOLOGY: Six hundred and twenty-eight patients with colorectal advanced disease were included in the study from January 2000 through December 2009 and divided into one of two groups. Group I consisted of 315 patients who were monitored prospectively and were given nutritional support. Group II included 313 patients without nutritional counseling and support. After the completion of chemotherapy all patients were evaluated (BMI, NST, Appetite Loss Scale and ECOG). RESULTS: After the completion of chemotherapy, there were lower proportions of patients in Group I with a BMI<20, NST>=5, loss of appetite and decreased weight gain. Nutritional counseling and supplemental feeding temporarily halted weight loss and improved appetite. This improvement may have implications for patient survival. Patients with early nutritional support lived 19.1 months while patients in the control group had a survival of 12.4 months (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that concurrent individualized dietary counseling and nutritional support are effective in improving nutritional status thereby lessening chemotherapy-induced morbidity.

Outcome evaluation of 10,317 laparoscopic cholecystectomies: a 17-year experience at a single center.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study is an analysis of the large series of laparoscopic cholecystectomies and compare our results with those reported in the literature concerning complications. METHODOLOGY: From December 1993 to September 2010, 10,317 patients with gallstone disease underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Previously operated patients were also included in the study. We analyzed the successfulness of the results, intraoperative and postoperative complications, conversions in open cholecystectomy, mortality and reoperation rate. RESULTS: We registered 23.28% complications. Intraoperative complications were bleeding in 9.84%, gallbladder perforation in 8.63%, stone loss in 1.37%, common bile duct injury in 0.24% and injury of intraabdominal organs in 0.07% of cases. Postoperative complications were bleeding in 1.12%, wound infection in 0.59%, bile leakage in 0.5%, incisional umbilical hernias in 0.37%, subhepatal collection in 0.33%, residual gallstones in choledocus in 0.09%, urine retention in 0.08% and biliary peritonitis in 0.01% of patients. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in 2.13%. Reoperation was performed in 0.27%. The mortality rate was 0.019%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results on large number of patients are similar to other series in the newer literature but the rate of complications should be decreased. The incidence of complications decreases with growing laparoscopic experience.

Preoperative oral feeding reduces stress response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fasting period before surgery may change metabolic status of the patient and have influence on perioperative stress response. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of preoperative carbohydrate-rich beverage on stress response after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODOLOGY: Patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included into study and they were randomized into a group that was fed prior to surgery and in a group that was in the regime of nothing by mouth from the evening one day before surgery. Concentrations of C-reactive protein and cortisol, were measured before and subsequently up to 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative serum C-reactive protein increased significantly in both groups, but the increase was more evident in the group with fasting protocol both 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. In fed patients cortisol concentration measured in the afternoon immediately after the operation showed physiological decline. In patients with fasting protocol postoperative cortisol values rise above the values measured in the morning. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative feeding has advantage over overnight fasting by reducing preoperative discomfort in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In fed patients, smaller increase in C-reactive protein and better regulation of cortisol levels are an indicator of decreased perioperative stress response.

Influence of preoperative oral feeding on stress response after resection for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Preoperative management involves patients fasting from midnight on the evening prior to surgery. Fasting period is often long enough to change the metabolic condition of the patient which increases perioperative stress response. That could have a detrimental effect on clinical outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of carbohydrate-rich beverage on stress response after colon resection. METHODOLOGY: Randomized and double blinded study included 40 patients with colon, upper rectal or rectosigmoid cancer. Investigated group received a carbohydrate-rich beverage the day before and two hours before surgery. In the control group patients were in the standard preoperative regime: nothing by mouth from the evening prior to operation. Peripheral blood was sampled 24h before surgery, at the day of the surgery, and 6, 24 and 48h postoperatively. RESULTS: Colonic resection in both groups caused a significant increase in serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels 6, 24 and 48h after the operation. Increase was more evident and statistically significant in the group with fasting protocol. More significant increase of interleukin 10 (IL-10) occurred in patients who received preoperative nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller increase in IL-6 and higher in IL- 10 are indicators of reduced perioperative stress.

Effect of pyloric dilatation on gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) is the standard treatment for periampullary and pancreatic head tumors. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is the most common (ranging from 15-45%) but not life threatening complication and impairs patient recovery and prolongs the hospital stay after PPPD. The precise pathomechanism of DGE is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the method of pyloric dilatation performed at the time of PPPD could improve gastric emptying. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients underwent PPPD for pancreatic or periampullary lesions from January 1999 to July 2004 were included in this study. In twenty patients mechanical dilatation of the pylorus after duodenal transaction was performed (PPPD+PD group) while in other twenty PPPD was not followed with pyloric dilatation (PPPD group). The incidence of DGE as well as other complications was analyzed. Delayed gastric emptying was defined as gastric stasis requiring nasogastric intubation for more than 4 postoperative days (POD), or the inability to tolerate a regular diet on the 8th POD. RESULTS: Delayed gastric emptying occurred in seven (35%) out of the 20 patients in the PPPD group, while none of the 20 patients in the PPPD+PD group developed DGE. CONCLUSIONS: Pyloric dilatation reduces DGE after PPPD enabling patients to return sooner to a normal diet.

The "round block" surgical technique in the management of multicentric fibroadenomas.

The "round block" surgical technique in the treatment of a female patient with multiple, multicentric fibroadenomas in both breasts is presented. The advantages of this technique for patients with multicentric benign breast lesions are minimal postoperative scar and a favourable aesthetic result. Breast dimensions and the areolar diameter were measured in 203 subjects of Primorsko-Goranska county during examination in the Out-Patient Hospital for Breast Diseases, including the operated patient. Smaller breast dimensions and a larger areolar diameter provide an easier access to any part of the breast due to a smaller distance between the incision and a fibroadenoma and a larger circumference of circular periareolar incision, thus facilitating the surgery. The analysis of average, maximum and minimum values measured shows that the "round block" technique can be performed in all cases of multiple and multicentric fibroadenomas regardless of breast size, areolar diameter and the location of fibroadenoma in the breast.

Double transection of complete duodenal circumference after blunt abdominal trauma without other intra-abdominal injuries.

We report a case of a 20-year-old male with isolated complete duodenal transection at two duodenal segments after blunt abdominal trauma. On admission, the patient underwent physical examination, laboratory analysis, abdominal ultrasound and plain abdominal x-ray. Physical examination revealed diffuse and rebound tenderness and extreme rigidity of the abdomen, guarding and decreased bowel sounds. Standard surgical techniques were used (median laparotomy, primary anastomosis, nasojejunal three-luminal tube for feeding and gastric decompression). At exploration, we found complete transection of the duodenum just below the pylorus and between the second and third part of the duodenum. We performed primary anastomosis of both transections with interrupted sutures in two layers. Prior to discharge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Early diagnosis of duodenal rupture is important. When dealing with trauma patients with pain greater than local findings, the mechanism of injury should always be taken into account.

Pathological pulmonary hernia in a patient with metastatic breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pathological pulmonary hernia is a rare clinical entity which can be caused by malignancies. CLINICAL PICTURE: A 72-year-old female presented with a painful bulge in the left 4th intercostal space. Chest radiography and computed tomography demonstrated a left pulmonary hernia, pleural effusion and destruction of ribs. TREATMENT: The hernia sac was excised and a part of the chest wall was resected with reconstruction of residual defect. OUTCOME: The patient died 2 years after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialists may offer patients with pathological pulmonary hernia remarkable palliation and better quality of life.

[Croatian guidelines for use of eicosapentaenoic acid and megestrol acetate in cancer cachexia syndrome]. / Hrvatske smjernice za primjenu eikozapentaenske kiseline I megestrol-acetata u sindromu tumorske kaheksije.

Among many oncological patients we can notice a substantial loss of body weight, fat and proteins with significant proinflammatory activity at the time of diagnosis. This wasting condition is well known as cancer cachexia syndrome. Anorexia is important part of this syndrome. Because cancer cachexia reduces tumor response to treatment and it is an indicator of poor prognosis, we need to start correcting these nutritional deficits at once. In the presence of cancer cachexia it is extremely difficult to achieve protein anabolism and stop the body wasting by standard nutritional formulas only. During the last few years, the use of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and megestrol acetate (MA) as anticahectic agents has been tested. These guidelines are intended to give evidence-based recommendations for the use of eicosapentaenoic acid and megestrol acetate in cancer cachexia syndrome. These guidelines have been developed by interdisciplinary expert group of Croatian clinicians. Based on relevant literature, we have concluded that the use of metabolic modulators such as eicosapentaenoic acid and megestrol acetate for 8 weeks may help to improve nutritional status in cachectic patients.

Metoclopramide improves gastric but not gallbladder emptying in cardiac surgery patients with early intragastric enteral feeding: randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of metoclopramide on gastric emptying in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients with early enteral nutrition and to evaluate the effect of metoclopramide on motility of the gallbladder in these patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 40 patients treated at cardiosurgical intensive care unit after CABG surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: metoclopramide group (20 patients; age 60-/+9 years; 85% male), and control group (20 patients; age 59-/+8 years; 70% male). In both groups, enteral feeding with isoosmotic enteral formula was initiated by nasogastric tube 18 hours after surgery. After 6 hours, feeding was stopped, and paracetamol solution (1,000 mg) and 10 mg of metoclopramide IV or 2 ml of saline IV were concurrently administered. Blood samples were obtained 15 (t(+15)), 30 (t(+30)), 60 (t(+60)), and 120 (t(+120)) minutes after the administration of paracetamol. Paracetamol absorption was assessed from the plasma paracetamol concentration and the area under the curve (AUC) from 0 to 120 minutes. Sonographic measurement of gallbladder ejection fraction was also performed 15 (t(+15)), 30 (t(+30)), 60 (t(+60)), and 120 (t(+120)) minutes after the administration of paracetamol. RESULTS: The plasma paracetamol concentrations 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the administration of paracetamol were significantly higher in metoclopramide group than in control group: (t(+15)) 5.4-/+2.7 vs 3.3-/+2.5 (Mann-Whitney U test; P=0.017); (t(+30)) 6.7-/+2.4 vs 3.7-/+2.0 (P=0.006); (t(+60)) 7.7-/+2.5 vs 5.1-/+3.2 (P=0.008); (t(+120)) 8.5-/+2.2 vs 5.2-/+2.8 (P=0.005). The AUC value was 34% larger in the metoclopramide group vs control group (574-/+296 vs 429-/+309; P=0.027). There were no significant differences in gallbladder ejection fraction between groups (group metoclopramide vs control group: (t(0)-t(+15)) -2% vs -2%; (t(+15)-t(+30)) 1% vs 4%; (t(+30)-t(+60)) 0% vs -1%; (t(+60)-t(+120)) 1% vs 3%; P=NS). CONCLUSIONS: In CABG surgery patients with early enteral feeding, a single dose of intravenous metoclopramide effectively improves gastric emptying, but does not have any prokinetic effect on gallbladder motility.

Fulminant endogene gas gangrene in a previously healthy male.

Spontaneous or non-traumatic gas gangrene is a rare condition. The present report refers to a previously healthy 57-y-old male who developed gas gangrene in the left lumbar region, left flank, left scapular, inguinal and suprapubic regions. Despite surgical, intensive care treatment, and antibiotic therapy, the patient died 32 h after the onset of the first symptoms.

Surgical tracheostomy versus percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in patients with anterior cervical spine fixation: preliminary report.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of perioperative and early postoperative complications of surgical tracheostomy (ST) vs. ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in patients with anterior cervical spine fixation (ACSF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The patients with ACSF after acute spinal cord injury often require tracheostomy. Surgical tracheostomy is burdened with relatively high incidence of peristomal infections, and, recently, ultrasound-guided PDT is proposed in patients with ACSF. METHODS: Sixteen adult patients who underwent tracheostomy after acute spinal cord injury and ACSF were analyzed. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: eight patients (six males; age range, 24-59 years) who underwent ST and eight patients (seven males; age range, 19-47 years) who underwent ultrasound-guided PDT with dilational forceps technique. The incidence of peri- and early postoperative complications was followed up, as well as the stoma infections and the duration of the procedure. RESULTS: Not one patient from either group had any major perioperative complication of tracheostomy. In each group, there was one case of prolonged bleeding, which stopped spontaneously inside 24 hours. In two patients (25%) from the ST group, purulent infection of the stoma was verified during subsequent treatment at an intensive care unit. The average time of ST was 21 +/- 7 minutes; the average time of ultrasound-guided PDT was 8 +/- 6 minutes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data demonstrate that ultrasound-guided PDT as regards to complications is at least equally safe as ST; at the same time, it is much quicker method, probably with less late infections of the stoma, which could be an important advantage in patients with ACSF.