Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Reduces Healing Time of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers: A Prospective Observational Study.

The study investigated whether the application of dressings with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would reduce the healing time in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. This is a prospective observational study that included 100 patients diagnosed with lower extremity venous insufficiency complicated by ulceration of a leg or foot, who had been after angioplasty of stenotic artery. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 each: treated with PRP (study group) and treated with conventional hydrocolloid dressings (control group). We followed the wound changes at Day 10, Day 20, and Day 30 of treatment and compared them with the baseline appearance at Day 0. We evaluated the appearance, area, and depths of wounds with ultrasound. The granulation process was examined histologically to document skin formation and wound tissue neovascularization. The findings were that treatment with PRP dressings resulted in a significant progressive reduction in ulcer size, irrespective of the ulcer's initial size, compared to treatment with conventional dressings. Further, the best effect of PRP was noticed in the category of largest wounds. After a month of treatment with PRP dressings, more than 50% of all ulcers were completely healed. The young epidermis appeared together with the granulation tissue, and the formation of dermis took shape after 20 days of treatment. We conclude that the use of PRP dressings is a safe, nonsurgical adjunctive procedure for treating chronic venous leg ulcers. The potential benefit of PRP dressings over conventional ulcer treatment requires further in-depth exploration.

Using our own developed stent in the palliative treatment of obstruction in the left half of the colon due to ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: An assessment of implantation efficacy and safety of self-developed self-expanding stent in patients with an ovarian cancer induced by intestinal obstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study of the stenting efficacy and safety was realized prospectively. The group consisted of 13 patients with left half colon obstruction due to an inoperable metastatic ovarian carcinoma. All the patients had a histopathologically diagnosed ovarian carcinoma and were treated in the past both surgically and systemically. Stenting was preceded by a Computed Tomography (CT) scan confirming and locating the obstruction. Patients with a multilevel intestinal obstruction were disqualified. RESULTS: Nine stents were implanted in the rectosigmoid; 4 stents were implanted in an externally compressed rectum. One migration of implanted stent was observed. In one case 2 stents were implanted due to an insufficient coverage of the stricture. The decompression of the obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract was achieved in 11 patients (85%). CONCLUSIONS: 1) The implantation of our own developed, self-expanding stent is effective and safe. 2) The implantation of the stent in patients with an inoperable ovarian cancer causing an obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is an effective procedure limiting postoperative complications and improving life comfort by avoiding stoma.

Role of plasma growth factor in the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower legs and foot due to ischaemia in diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: It has been demonstrated that plasma growth factor (PGF) responsible for proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts significantly shortens treatment duration. AIM: To determine the role of human growth factor in the healing of ulcers due to ischaemic diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) following previous angioplasty of the blood vessels of the lower leg and foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 50 patients with ischaemic diabetic foot complicated by lower leg ulcers in which angioplasty of the stenotic arteries in the distal lower leg and foot was performed. It has been assumed that the area of the ulcer cannot exceed 5 cm2. Following surgical debridement, each patient received platelet-rich plasma in the form of dressings applied on an ulcer, followed by hydrocolloid dressings. Each dressing was replaced after 10 days, and this procedure was repeated after 20 and 30 days of treatment. The control group included 50 patients with ischaemic diabetic foot complicated by an ulcer up to 5 cm2. Angioplasty of the lower leg arteries was also performed in this group. However, after surgical debridement, wounds were covered with hydrocolloid dressings. RESULTS: After 3 months of combined treatment, all wounds in the study group healed whereas in the control group, only wounds of the smallest size healed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatment of ulcers due to ischaemic DFS with endovascular procedures to re-establish blood flow to the vessels and dressings with autologous platelet-rich plasma significantly shortens the healing time.

The Effect of Local Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy on the Composition of Bacterial Flora in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcer.

Microbial colonisation of chronic venous ulcers and synergism between bacterial species slow down the healing process. The study aimed at performing qualitative analysis of microbial flora in venous leg ulcers treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Twenty two women and twelve men aged 47-90 years were treated with PRP at our department between 2012 and 2015. Ulcer cultures collected before and after PRP therapy yielded 83 and 110 microbial isolates, respectively, of Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and candida. Pseudomonas aueruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common pre- and post-treatment isolates. PRP therapy and increased the variety of microbial flora.

Evaluation of urgent multivisceral resections due to complications resulting from an advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Unlike other solid tumors (i.e. pancreas, gallbladder, stomach), an ovarian cancer is responsive to a systemic treatment with platinum derivates in 80% of patients. This apparent chemosensitivity justifies a broader surgical approach. A cytoreductive, "tumor-debulking" surgery is defined as an attempt to remove in a maximum degree all visible and detect-able lesions. Despite treatment, the advancement of the disease very often leads to complications defined as "surgical" and life-threatening. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of palliative surgery in advanced ovarian cancer implicating acute surgical diseases of the abdominal cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between years 2005 and 2014 were operated 118 patients with an advanced ovarian cancer (FIGO III-IV) implicating acute and directly life-threatening diseases of the abdominal cavity, involving 132 surgical operations. The causes of these operations were: obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract - 91 patients; perforation of the gastrointestinal tract - 15; gastrointestinal bleeding - 9; intussusceptions - 3. RESULTS: Retrospective data for the 118 patients were analyzed. Safety and the perioperative mortality rate were assessed. Serious postoperative complications were recorded in 31 patients (anastomotic stoma - 9; bleeding requiring repeated surgery -3; recurring gastrointestinal obstruction - 16; liver failure after partial hepatic resection - 3). Systemic compli-cations in the form of respiratory failure and cardiovascular disorders requiring cardiological treatment - 21. All patients required clinical nutrition, both parenteral and enteral. Deaths recorded - 3. 39 patients were rehospitalized within 30 days of surgery. 7 deaths were recorded in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Combining lifesaving surgery with cytoreduction allows further adjuvant treatment. Early rehospitalization occurring within less than 30 days is linked to increased mortality.

A Functionalized Membrane Layer as Part of a Dressing to Aid Wound Healing.

PURPOSE: This study is an approach to a dressing platform based on support functionalized with oxygenating factors within an alginate layer, constituting a safe and even contact surface for interface with a wound. METHODS: An alginate layer with incorporated oxygenating elements deposited on the support patch was assessed. As an oxygenating factor, perfluorooctyl was applied, and the layer coatings in two options, cross-linked and not, were evaluated. The function of human dermal fibroblast cells cultured in the presence of these constructs was analyzed, as well as their morphology using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the membrane coating material was assessed using FTIR, AFM, and SEM-EDX characterization. RESULTS: The applied membrane coatings adsorbed on the patch ensured the viability of the human fibroblasts cultured on the membranes during 10 days of culture. However, on the sixth day of culture, the percentage of live cells grown in the presence of cross-linked alginate with oxygenating factor ((ALG-PFC)net) was significantly higher than that of the cells cultured in the presence of the alginate coatings alone. SEM-EDX analysis of the (ALG-PFC)net confirmed the presence of oxygenating and cross-linking factors. In addition, the regular granular branched structure of the layer coating material involving the oxygenating and cross-linking factors was observed using the AFM technique. CONCLUSION: The topography of the layer coating material involving the oxygenating and cross-linking factors ensures an even contact surface for interface with the wound. Considering 5-day intervals between dressing replacements, the platform with an oxygenating configuration ensuring the growth and morphology of the human fibroblasts can be recommended at this time as an element of a dressing system.

Peritoneal inclusion cysts as a diagnostic and treatment challenge.

Peritoneal inclusion cysts (PICs) are benign multilocular cysts that consist of fluid localized between intraperitoneal adhesions. They usually present in women in the third and fourth decades of life with a history of prior pelvic or abdominal surgery, especially months to 20 years ago. PICs have low mortality and the potential for high morbidity. Transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler has an important role in the differential diagnosis. Also, a very important role is played by CA 125 plasma level or use of the ROMA algorithm. But thanks to laparoscopy and the possibility of biopsy from suspicious lesions the correct diagnosis can be established. Treatment of PICs depends individually on the patient's condition, symptoms, other diseases, and desire for procreation. Among other contemplated are hormonal oral contraceptive, an image-guided aspiration, minimally invasive or open surgery. The issue of diagnosis and treatment of PICs requires the continuation of multicentre, randomized clinical trials to find and standardize effective, personalized treatments for PICs.

Percutaneous treatment of liver abscess - outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Mixed bacterial flora are responsible for the development of numerous abscesses, particularly those that are a consequence of systemic infection (septicaemia) originating from pathologies within abdominal organs or biliary ducts. The number and volume of abscesses may vary, which influences the method of treatment. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of a minimally invasive percutaneous drainage of liver abscesses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 37 patients were treated for liver abscess in the years 2007-2016. The treatment involved sonographically guided percutaneous drainage of liver abscess. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with a solitary abscess were successfully cured with minimally invasive percutaneous drainage. Two patients with abscesses volume > 20 cm3 were treated surgically after ineffective percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage is effective in the treatment of solitary liver abscesses volume < 5 cm3. Irregularly shaped abscesses are effectively drained with multisite drainage. Hybrid drainage (endoscopic and percutaneous) is a method of choice in the treatment of abscesses resulting from biliary duct obstruction. Statistical significance regarding inflammatory markers was found only for C-reactive protein (CRP), because it correlated with the effectiveness of drainage, i.e. the possibility of drainage effectiveness decreased with the increase in CRP values.

3D-fusion-imaging-assisted carotid artery stenting is safe and feasible.

BACKGROUND: Renal insufficiency and allergy to iodine contrast are relative contraindications to carotid artery stenting (CAS). The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the CAS assisted by 3D fusion of previously performed computed tomography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images and DynaCT, the secondary aim was to determine if 3D fusion decreases radiation exposure and the amount of contrast needed during the procedure. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent CAS between October 1st, 2012 and November 30th, 2014 was performed. CTA-assisted fusion was used in group A (CAS/CTA), MRA-assisted fusion in group B (CAS/MRA) and group C (control group) underwent CAS without fusion. No patient in the study had renal dysfunction, risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy or insulin-dependent diabetes. Primary outcome was perioperative stroke or death, secondary outcome included technical success, radiation dose, exposure time and volume of contrast used. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test, using the permutation methods. Level of significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (32 female, mean age: 69.4 years, range 61 to 82 years), underwent CAS (group A: 10 patients, group B: 10 patients, group C: 37 patients). Technical success was 100%. There was no 30-day mortality or stroke and there were no general, neurological or local complications. Mean contrast volume was significantly less in groups A and B, than in group C (15±5 mL and 16±4 mL vs. 51±16 mL, group A vs. C: t(43.35)=11.85; P<0.0001; group B vs. C: t(44.94)=12.23; P<0.00001). Radiation exposure time and dose were not statistically different between groups (group A vs. C: t(45)=0.95, P=0.3497 and t(45)=0.3, P=0.7694, respectively; group B vs. C: t(45)=0.93, P=0.3455 and t(45)=0.92, P=0.3644, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid stenting with 3D fusion in this pilot study was safe and feasible. 3D fusion techniques using either CTA or MRA allowed a significant reduction of contrast volume but did not reduce radiation dose or exposure time. Larger prospective studies of CAS with 3D fusion imaging in patients with renal insufficiency or mild allergy to contrast are warranted.

Diabetes association of polyps and colon cancer.

AIM: The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the relationship between the occurrence of polyps and colon cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In 2014-2015, 976 colonoscopies were performed in patients. We compared the number of polyps with high-grade dysplasia and colorectal cancers in patients with and without diabetes. In addition, in the diabetic group we documented the relationship between HbA1C and the occurrence of polyps with high-grade dysplasia, and colon cancer. The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: 1. Patients with diabetes show a higher incidence of polyps with high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma - 32/91 (35.16%) in comparison to patients without diabetes - 136/885 (15.37%), P < 0.001; 2. Patients with diabetes show a higher incience of polyps with cancer - 9/91 (9.89%) as compared to patients without diabetes - 18/885 (2.03%), P < 0.001. 3) Colorectal cancer occurred significantly more often in uncontrolled diabetes (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: The conducted study shows a significant association between type 2 diabetes and the incidence of colorectal adenomas. These findings may lead to a conclusion that diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, thus are in higher need for controlled colonoscopy. Therefore, it may be worth considering a scheme for screening patients in the above-mentioned group with colonoscopy.

Results of Endoscopic and Surgical Fistula Treatment in Esophagointestinal Anastomosis After Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal fistulas occur in 4% to 8% of cases of upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. Until now, this type of surgery has been the standard for treating fistulas in esophagointestinal anastomosis. The use of stents and hemoclips is still controversial, but an increasing number of publications have been presenting good results with this type of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the outcome of endoscopic and surgical treatment of fistulas in esophagointestinal anastomosis after gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fistulas in esophagointestinal anastomoses were observed in 23 patients (4.8%) over an 18-year period. The indications for endoscopic treatment were small (<50 mL/d) and large (>50 mL/d) fistulas in patients with no symptoms of peritonitis or abscess, who were treated with implantation of a covered stent.Surgical intervention was carried out for large fistulas that resulted in peritonitis and complicated gangrene of margins and/or abscesses. RESULTS: Four subjects were treated endoscopically with hemoclips, resulting in 50% technical and clinical success. We implanted stents in 12 patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients; yet, permanent closure of the fistula was reported in 8 subjects (66%). Thirty-three percent of patients were operated upon for fistulas. We reported 4 deaths in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hemoclips in the treatment of small fistulas and of self-expandable covered stents in the treatment of medium and large fistulas is an effective method that shortens the hospitalization period and accelerates the introduction of oral nutrition while reducing the number of fatal complications.

The Use of Interventional Radiology Techniques in the Treatment of Pancreatic Fistula.

One of the complications of pancreatic disease is the formation of pancreatic fistulae. The presence of fistula leads to body wasting and cachexia. The standard treatment is intubation of the Wirsung duct and in cases where there are no improvements the next proposed form of treatment is surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic fistula closure using interventional radiology techniques. In 2009 to 2014, 46 patients diagnosed with pancreatic fistula were treated with interventional radiology techniques. Treatment consisted of vascular coil implanted at the entry of the fistula and then sealed with tissue glue adhesive during endoscopic procedure. Technical success of vascular coil implantation and the use of tissue glue adhesive were reported in all patients. Pancreatic fistula recurred in 7 patients (15.2%). The latter group of patients underwent statistical analysis to determine what the risk factors in recurring pancreatic fistulas were. The results indicate a significant relationship between etiology of the fistula and treatment effect. IN CONCLUSION: (1) the use of interventional radiology methods in the closure of pancreatic fistula is an effective and safe procedure; and (2) the recurrence of fistula is dependent on the etiology and often occurs after surgery or trauma.

NK cell count and glucotransporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in subjects with type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and colon cancer (CC) are numbered among the most common diseases in the world. The decreased activity of natural killer (NK) cells previously revealed in both mentioned pathological states may be correlated with impaired expression of GLUT4 as the major insulin-dependent glucose transporter in these cells. METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate GLUT4 expression and NK cells number in subjects with T2D and/or CC in comparison with control group. We evaluated 78 individuals divided into four groups: (1) patients with CC and T2DM, (2) patients with CC, (3) patients with T2DM (4) healthy control. GLUT4 expression on the surface of NK cells was measured using flow cytometry and phenotyping of NK cell was performed by immunofluorescent method. RESULTS: Subjects with diabetes had the highest GLUT4 expression (21.35 ± 7.2 %) in comparison with other groups (P < 0.01). The mean values of GLUT4 expression in group with CC and in patients with both T2D and CC were similar (1.4 ± 0.4 % vs 1.5 ± 1.0 %; respectively). These values were significantly lower than in control group (12.6 ± 2.9 %; P < 0.01). In patients with T2D and CC the number of NK cells (20.15 ± 6.6 %) was significantly higher than in other groups, i.e. in group with T2D (14.08 ± 5.7 %), in group with CC (9.21 ± 3.6 %) and in control group (9.48 ± 4.7 %), respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that there is a need to pay more attention to the high incidence of colon cancer among patients with type 2 diabetes. Decreased GLUT4 expression observed on NK cells in patients with colon cancer may be responsible for dysfunction of these cells and the higher carcinogenic risk in type 2 diabetic subjects.

Results of endoscopic and surgical fistula treatment in oesophagointestinal anastomosis after gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal fistulas occur in 4-8% of cases of upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. Until now, surgery has been the standard of treating fistulas in oesophagointestinal anastomosis. The use of stents and haemoclips still causes much controversy, but more and more publications present good results with this type of treatment. AIM: To present results of endoscopic and surgical treatment of fistulas in oesophagointestinal anastomosis after gastrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A fistula in the oesophagointestinal anastomosis was observed in 23 (4.8%) patients within an 18-year period. The indications for endoscopic treatment were small fistulas (< 50 ml/day), and large (> 50 ml/day) fistulas in subjects with no symptoms of peritonitis or abscess were treated with implantation a of covered stent. Surgical treatment was performed with a large fistula leading to peritonitis and complicated gangrene of margins and/or the presence of abscess. RESULTS: Four subjects were treated endoscopically with the use of haemoclips, resulting in 50% technical and clinical success. We implanted stents in 12 patients. Technical success was achieved in all the patients, yet permanent closure of the fistula was reported for 8 (66%) subjects. The percentage of patients operated on for fistula was 33%. We recorded 4 deaths in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of haemoclips in treatment of small fistulas, and self-expandable, covered stents in treatment of medium and large fistulas, is an effective method that shortens the hospitalisation period and accelerates introduction of oral nutrition while reducing the number of fatal complications.

Implantation of a new enteral stent in obstructive colorectal cancer using interventional radiology in patients over 70 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in Poland. The traditional approach to treat patients included a surgical procedure. Irrespective of the surgical method being used, surgical treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction is associated with prolonged hospitalisation, and the postoperative mortality rate is approximately 5-11%. Due to these problems, more interest has been shown in less invasive methods. Prosthesis implantation is a leading endoscopic method used currently in palliative or preoperative treatment. AIM: To compare the results of implantation of traditional stents with the results of implantation of an own stent using minimally invasive methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Left-sided colon obstruction due to cancer was an indication for transplantation. All patients were aged over 70 years and had serious concomitant diseases. The control group included 50 patients with colorectal cancer who received traditional stents in the period 2009-2011. Our stent covers only the internal length of a tumour. It is not equipped with anti-migration flares. To minimize the risk of migration it has a system of hooks that are responsible for permanent anchorage of the stent within the tumour mass. RESULTS: Implantation technical and clinical success defined as effective decompression of intestinal obstruction was 100% in both groups. There were 2 cases of stent migration in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to achieve a secure surgical anastomosis after intestinal decompression. Stent implantation is fast and safe thanks to the positioning system that was used. The use of labelled hooks is a secure anti-migration solution.

Multiple orifices are better than single in the endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical drainage of large, symptomatic pancreatic cysts (>5 cm) with single- and multi-channel endoscopic drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the period 2005-2010, we treated 112 patients with post-inflammatory pancreatic cysts. Thirty-six patients underwent surgical internal drainage. The remaining group of patients was treated endoscopically. In 28 of them, drainage was performed by anastomosing the cyst to the gastrointestinal tract using a single pig tail drain and then widening the channel to a diameter of 15 mm. Forty-eight patients underwent multi-channel cystic drainage. It consisted of connecting the cyst to the stomach and/or duodenum using at least 3 drains. Each connection was widened to a minimum diameter of 15 mm to ensure free drainage of the morphotic elements of the cyst. Each procedure was preceded by abdominal computed tomography to determine the exact location of the cyst in relation to the gastrointestinal tract and a Doppler ultrasound scan to determine the location of the blood vessels modeling on its surface. RESULTS: In 48 patients with multi-channel drainage, there was no obstruction of the anastomosis, and cysts closed within 4 months. The drains were removed after about 3 months. The created channels were patent for about 3-4 weeks, which was enough to completely close the cyst. CONCLUSION: Multi-channel endoscopic anastomosis of pancreatic cyst to the gastrointestinal tract is a very effective method for drainage of large post-inflammatory pancreatic cysts, comparable in terms of effectiveness with the surgical method but less invasive.

Rectal endometriosis--rare case of intestinal obstruction. Case report.

The study presented a case of a 32-year old female patient admitted to the department of surgery with symptoms of abdominal pain and retention of gas and stool. The abdominal X-ray examination showed signs of intestinal obstruction. Abdominal CT suggested the possibility of a cancerous lesion located in the colon. The patient was qualified for surgical intervention. An anterior rectal resection was performed. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of colorectal endometriosis. After two months the patient was subject to gastrointestinal continuity restoration. Endometriosis is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, considering patients hospitalized in the department of general surgery.

Treatment results of gastrointestinal perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

INTRODUCTION: Duodenal perforation, damage to common bile duct or ampulla of Vater complicates from 0.7% to 10% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. This complication is associated with high risk of contracting fatal diseases and death. As the endoscopic and minimally invasive treatment methods develop and gain popularity, it becomes increasingly important to determine the correct procedure in the event of gastrointestinal perforation after ERCP. AIM: To present the results of treatment of gastrointestinal perforation after ERCP and indicate the correct procedure for such cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material includes 19 patients who underwent ERCP in the years 2008-2011 and were subsequently diagnosed with duodenal perforation (except for duodenal bulb) and common bile duct (CBD). Women accounted for 68% of patients (13/19), while men constituted 32% (6/19). The mean age of patients was 66.6 years old. Indications for ERCP included cholelithiasis in 95% of cases and bile duct strictures in the remaining 5%. Treatment was conditional on the result of X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity, followed by computed tomography with aqueous contrast medium administered orally. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed with intraperitoneal perforation and 15 patients with retroperitoneal perforation. In the patient group with retroperitoneal perforation the contrast media leakage (10 patients) required surgical intervention - the perforation site was located in 5 cases; in the other 5 the site could not be found. With the absence of active contrast media leakage in computed tomography (CT) (5 patients) conservative treatment was applied. Four patients with intraperitoneal perforation were referred for operative treatment. In patients under conservative treatment no complications were observed and the average hospitalization time was 9 days. Among patients with retroperitoneal perforation, who had undergone surgical treatment, complications occurred in 3 cases. The average hospitalization time in the group in which the perforation site was located was 16 days, while in the group with an unidentified perforation site it was 17 days. Patients with intraperitoneal perforation were given operative treatment, with the average hospitalization time of 12 days. CONCLUSIONS: Each patient with suspected post-ERCP perforation should undergo CT of the abdominal cavity with aqueous contrast medium administered orally. In the event of no contrast leak in patients with retroperitoneal duodenal perforation, conservative treatment should be applied. In the case of retroperitoneal perforation with active contrast media leakage outside the gastrointestinal tract, and in the case of intraperitoneal perforation, an immediate surgical intervention is recommended.

The dysfunction of NK cells in patients with type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.

Glucose metabolism disorders influence anticarcinogenic function of natural killer (NK) cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number and cytotoxic activity of NK cells in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients with negative family history of cancer, type 2 diabetic subjects with newly diagnosed untreated colon cancer (T2DCC) and patients without type 2 diabetes with newly diagnosed, untreated colon cancer (CC). Incubation tests were performed in 18 T2D patients, treated with diet and oral antidiabetic agents, 16 T2DCC; cT1-4N0M0 (c-clinical diagnosis based on computed tomography, colonoscopy and histopathology) treated with diet and oral antidiabetic agents and 16 normoglycemic CC; cT1-4N0M0. Control group included 18 metabolically healthy (with normal fasting glucose and normal glucose tolerance) subjects (HS) with negative family history of cancer, matched by age, BMI and waist circumference. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by means of gradient centrifugation. The K562 human erythroleukemia cell line served as the standard target for human NK cytotoxicity assay. The T2D revealed an increased number of NK cells (13.56 ± 5.9 vs 9.50 ± 4.8 %; p < 0.05) when compared with HS, yet these cells had a decreased activity (3.3 ± 2.5 vs 9.4 ± 3.6 %; p < 0.01). The CC demonstrated a decreased activity (2.9 ± 1.8 %; p < 0.01) but a similar number (8.82 ± 3.7 %; not significant) of NK cells when compared to HS. The T2DCC NK cells were characterized by trace cytotoxic activity (1.1 ± 0.7 %; p < 0.01) and nearly three times greater amount (21.24 ± 7.5 %; p < 0.01) when compared to T2D. Type 2 diabetes and CC are associated with disadvantageous alterations of NK cells, leading to impairment in their cytotoxic activity. The impaired activity of NK cells in T2D can be involved in the increased carcinogenic risk and can promote a higher incidence of CC.