The Impact of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer.

Despite incessant research, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still one of the most common causes of fatality in both men and women worldwide. Over time, advancements in medical treatments have notably enhanced the survival rates of patients with colorectal cancer. Managing metastatic CRC involves a complex tradeoff between the potential benefits and adverse effects of treatment, considering factors like disease progression, treatment toxicity, drug resistance, and the overall impact on the patient's quality of life. An increasing body of evidence highlights the significance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) concept, proposing that CSCs occupy a central role in triggering cancer. CSCs have been a focal point of extensive research in a variety of cancer types, including CRC. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making them potential treatment targets. Various methods exist for isolating CCSCs, and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance associated with them is crucial. This paper offers an overview of the current body of research pertaining to the comprehension of CSCs in colorectal cancer.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome. Anatomical Changes after Anterior Rectal Resection.

In this editorial, the authors bring to the attention of surgeons a personal point of view with the intention of offering a series of anatomical arguments to explain the high rate of functional complications following ultralow rectal resections, resections dominated by faecal incontinence of various intensities. Having as a starting point the anatomy of the pelvic floor and the posterior perineum, the authors are concerned with the functional outcomes of the sphincter-saving anterior rectal resection, regarding the low and ultralow resection. Technically, a conservative surgery for low rectal cancer has been currently performed. If 25 years ago the abdominoperineal resection was the gold standard for rectal cancer located under 7cm from the anal verge, nowadays the preservation of the anal canal as a partner for colon anastomosis has been accomplished. Progressively, from a desire to preserve the normal passage of stool into the anal canal, as anatomically and physiologically as possible, the distal limit of resection was lowered to 2-4 cm from the anal verge and ultra-low anastomoses were created, within the anal sphincter complex. The stated goal: keep the oncological safety standard and, at the same time, avoid definitive colostomy. Starting from the normal anatomy of the pelvic floor and the anorectal segment, the authors take a look at the alterations of the visceral, muscular, and nerve structures as a consequence of the low anterior resection and, particularly, the ultralow anterior resection. A significant degree of functional outcomes regarding defecation, with the onset of marked disabilities of anal continence, the major consequence being anal incontinence (30-70%), have been noticed. The authors go under review for the main anatomical and physiological changes that accompany anterior rectal resection. Conclusions: Thus, the following questions arise: what is the lower limit of resection to avoid total fecal incontinence? Is total incontinence a greater handicap than colostomy or is it not? The answers cannot be supported by solid arguments at this time, but the need to initiate future studies dedicated to this problem emerges.

Parathyroid Cancer-A Rare Finding during Parathyroidectomy in High Volume Surgery Centre.

Background and Objectives: Parathyroid cancer is a very rare endocrine tumor, especially in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to end stage renal disease failure. This pathology is difficult to diagnose preoperatively because it has nonspecific clinical manifestations and paraclinical aspects. Our study of the literature identified 34 reported cases of parathyroid carcinoma over the last 40 years in patients undergoing dialysis. We present our experience as illustrative of the features of clinical presentation and histopathological findings of parathyroid carcinoma and assess its management considering the recent relevant literature. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to November 2022, 650 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing dialysis were treated at our academic Department of General Surgery and only two cases of parathyroid carcinoma were diagnosed on histopathological examination. Results: All patients presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia, with no clinical or imaging suspicion of malignant disease and were surgically treated by total parathyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed morphologic aspects of parathyroid carcinoma in two cases and immunostaining of Ki-67 was performed for diagnostic confirmation. Postoperative follow-up showed no signs of recurrence and no oncological adjuvant treatment or surgical reinterventions were needed. Conclusions: Parathyroid neoplasia is a particularly rare disease, that remains a challenge when it comes to diagnosis and proper management. Surgical approach is the only valid treatment to remove the malignant tissue and thus improve the patient's prognosis. Medical and oncologic treatment may be beneficial to control hypercalcemia in case of tumor recurrence.

CD34-Structure, Functions and Relationship with Cancer Stem Cells.

The CD34 protein was identified almost four decades ago as a biomarker for hematopoietic stem cell progenitors. CD34 expression of these stem cells has been exploited for therapeutic purposes in various hematological disorders. In the last few decades, studies have revealed the presence of CD34 expression on other types of cells with non-hematopoietic origins, such as interstitial cells, endothelial cells, fibrocytes, and muscle satellite cells. Furthermore, CD34 expression may also be found on a variety of cancer stem cells. Nowadays, the molecular functions of this protein have been involved in a variety of cellular functions, such as enhancing proliferation and blocking cell differentiation, enhanced lymphocyte adhesion, and cell morphogenesis. Although a complete understanding of this transmembrane protein, including its developmental origins, its stem cell connections, and other functions, is yet to be achieved. In this paper, we aimed to carry out a systematic analysis of the structure, functions, and relationship with cancer stem cells of CD34 based on the literature overview.

Groin Hernia Repair during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Romanian Nationwide Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Groin hernia repair surgery (GHRS) is among the most common elective interventions. The aim of this three-year nationwide study on GHRS is to provide a thorough analysis of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Romanian Health System in regard to elective procedures. Materials and Methods: 46,795 groin hernia cases obtained between 2019 and 2021 from the DRG database using ICD-10 diagnostic codes. The data were collected from all 261 GHRS performing hospitals nationwide, including 227 public hospitals (PbH) and 34 private hospitals (PvH). The 42 variables taken into account were processed using Microsoft Excel 2021, applying Chi square, F-Test Two-Sample for variances, and Two Sample t-Test. The significance threshold considered was p < 0.001. Results: Of the grand total of cases, 96.2% were inguinal hernias, 86.8% were performed on men, 15.2% were laparoscopic procedures, and 6.88% were in PvH. Overall, due to the pandemic, the total number of GHRS decreased with 44.45% in 2020 and with 29.72% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic year 2019. April 2020 shows the steepest decrease in GHRS (91 procedures nationwide). In the private sector, there was an opposite trend with increases in the number of cases by 12.21% and a 70.22% in both pandemic years. The mean admission period (MAP) for all procedures was 5.5 days. There was a significant difference between PbH and PvH (5.75 vs. 2.8 days, p < 0.0001). During the pandemic, the MAP in PbH decreased (6.02 in 2019, 5.82 in 2020 and 5.3 in 2021), remaining stable for PvH (2.9 days in 2019, 2.85 days in 2020 and 2.74 days in 2021). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the overall number of GHRS performed in Romania in 2020 and 2021, compared to 2019. However, the private sector thrived with an actual increase in the number of cases. There was a significant lower MAP in the PvH compared to PbH throughout the three-year period.

Choledochal Lithiasis. Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Target. Past and Present.

Introduction: Cholelithiasis still remains one of the most frequent pathologies encountered in surgical practice. The authors review the stages which marked the evolution of the treatment of choledochal lithiasis (CL) during the last 50 years, based on their own experience. From the exclusively surgical choledochus, we have reached a multidisciplinary therapy in which both endoscopy and interventional radiology have found their place. Material and Method: The authors studied 2 groups of patients: Group 1 included patients from the period 1959-1997 (38 years - 982 cases of choledocholithiasis) who underwent classical surgery. Group 2 included patients treated between 1997-2017 (20 years â?" 347 cases) in whom both endoscopic surgery and classic surgery were used to obtain choledochal clearance. The types of choledochal lithiasis (CL) according to which the method of obstruction clearance was decided upon and chosen are presented here. Results: All the patients in group 1 underwent classical surgery, representing 9.8% of operations for biliary lithiasis. In group 2, classical surgery was recorded in 23.4% of patients, and endoscopic surgery in 76.6% of them. We mention that there was no laparoscopic approach for the treatment of CL due to the absence of experience. In group 2 we recorded 26.3% endoscopic failure, while in the classical approach group there was 12.3% failure of obstruction clearance, the solution being biliodigestive anastomoses. Conclusions: The authors propose three categories of therapeutic indications in CL. A first category is represented by the "endoscopic choledochus", which includes migrated lithiasis. A second category is the "surgical choledocus". It is the situation of complex and complicated lithiases. Finally, there would be a third category - the "lithogenic choledocus". This last group includes the most aggressive lithiases with repeated relapses, panlithiases, etc. For categories 2 and 3, endoscopic - laparoscopic clearance attempts have no chance of success or are even contraindicated.

Open and Laparoscopic Surgical Approache in Incisional Hernias: A Descriptive Analysis.

Background: Incisional hernias, occurring in 10-20% of patients post-abdominal surgery, significantly affect patient quality of life and healthcare systems. This study analyses two hernia repair methods: laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) and open on-lay hernioplasty. Key analysis factors include operative time, postoperative pain, complications, length of hospital stay, recovery speed, and recurrence rates, with the goal of identifying the most effective and beneficial approach for patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 70 patients with postoperative parietal defects at the Dr Carol Davila Clinical Nephrology Hospital, Bucharest, from January 2018 to December 2021. Patients underwent either laparoscopic IPOM (42 patients) or open hernioplasty (28 patients) for uncomplicated incisional hernia repair. We analyzed demographic data, comorbidities, defect size and location, previous surgeries, and surgical outcomes. Results: The laparoscopic group had a slightly shorter operative time and significantly lower postoperative pain levels, as assessed by the Visual Analog Scale. The laparoscopic approach also resulted in shorter hospital stays and quicker return to routine activities. Complications, such as seroma and hematoma, were more common in the open surgery group, but no wound infections or prosthesis rejections were observed in either group. Notably, the open surgery group showed a higher recurrence rate (11 %) compared to none in the laparoscopic group within a one-year follow-up. Conclusion: Laparoscopic IPOM for incisional hernia repair shows benefits over open hernioplasty, with less pain, shorter hospitalization, faster recovery, and lower recurrence. Its growing preference and potential for further research are highlighted.

Interstitial Cells of Cajal-Origin, Distribution and Relationship with Gastrointestinal Tumors.

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) represent a particular network formed by some peculiar cells that were first described by the great neuroanatomist, S. Ramon y Cajal. Nowadays, the ICC have become a fascinating topic for scientists, arousing their curiosity; as a result, there is a vast number of published articles related to the ICC. Today, everybody widely accepts that the ICC represent the pacemaker of the gastrointestinal tract and are highly probable to be the origin cells for gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs). Recently, Cajal-like cells (ICLC) were described, which are found in different organs but with an as yet unknown physiological role that needs further study. New information regarding intestinal development indicates that the ICC (fibroblast-like and muscle-like) and intestinal muscle cells have the same common embryonic cells, thereby presenting the same cellular ultrastructure. Nowadays, there is a vast quantity of information that proves the connection of the ICC and GISTs. Both of them are known to present c-kit expression and the same ultrastructural cell features, which includes minimal myoid differentiation that is noticed in GISTs, therefore, supporting the hypothesis that GISTs are ICC-related tumors. In this review, we have tried to highlight the origin and distribution of Cajal interstitial cells based on their ultrastructural features as well as their relationship with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Clinical features and outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 from a tertiary nephrology care center in Romania.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. Moreover, regional differences are also conceivable since the extend and severity of outbreaks varied among countries. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational, single-center study, we analyzed the clinical course and outcomes of 37 maintenance hemodialysis patients (median age 64 years, 51% men) hospitalized with COVID-19 from 24 March to 22 May 2020 as confirmed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The most common symptoms at admission were fatigue (51%), fever (43%), dyspnea (38%) and cough (35%). There were 59% mild/moderate patients and 41% severe/critical patients. Patients in the severe/critical group had a significantly higher atherosclerotic burden since diabetic kidney disease and vascular nephropathies were the most common primary kidney diseases and eighty percent of them had coronary heart disease. Also, Charlson comorbidity score was higher in this group. At admission chest X-ray, 46% had ground-glass abnormalities. Overall, 60% patients received hydroxychloroquine, 22% lopinavir-ritonavir, 11% tocilizumab, 24% systemic glucocorticoids, and 54% received prophylactic anticoagulation. Seven (19%) patients died during hospitalization and 30 were discharged. The main causes of death were cardiovascular (5 patients) and respiratory distress syndrome (2 patients). In Cox regression analysis, lower oxygen saturation, anemia and hypoalbuminemia at admission were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we observed a high mortality rate among maintenance hemodialysis patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Anemia, lower serum albumin and lower basal oxygen saturation at admission were factors associated with poor prognosis.

Unusual Complicated Gastric Ulcers.

We here draw attention to a practical issue: the approach to certain unusual gastric ulcers with haemorrhage- or perforation-induced complications. This category of ulcers, i.e., giant (over 2-3 cm) and multiple ulcers, is rarely encountered. We discuss the circumstances determining the occurrence of such lesions, their diverse aetiology and pathogenesis, their common manifestations, and the severity of their evolution. Some of the lesions are benign (chronic or acute ulcers), whereas others are neoplastic: carcinoma, stromal tumours, and lymphomas. In gastric ulcers, the characteristics of this particular and rare category of lesions strictly places them in the surgical field, requiring primary surgical intention. Conservative treatments are not effective in such cases, and preoperative biopsies are not appropriate for emergency interventions. Whether these unusual ulcers are benign or malign, they need to be surgically removed.

Cardiopulmonary Arrest Caused by Large Substernal Goiter-Treatment with Combined Cervical Approach and Median Mini-Sternotomy: Report of a Case.

INTRODUCTION: Substernal goiter is usually defined as a goiter that extends below the thoracic inlet or a goiter with more than 50% of its mass lying below the thoracic inlet. Substernal goiters may compress adjacent anatomical structures causing a variety of symptoms. CASE REPORT: Here we report a rare case of a 75-year-old woman presenting with cardiac arrest caused by acute respiratory failure due to tracheal compression by a substernal goiter. DISCUSSION: Substernal goiters can be classified as primary or secondary depending on their site of origin. Symptoms are diverse and include a palpable neck mass, mild dyspnea to asphyxia, dysphagia, dysphonia, and superior vena cava syndrome. Diagnosis of substernal goiter is largely based on computed tomography imaging, which will show the location of the goiter and its extension in the thoracic cavity. Surgery is the treatment of choice for symptomatic patients with substernal goiter. The majority of substernal goiters are resected through a cervical approach. However, in approximately 5% of patients, a thoracic approach is required. The most important factor determining whether a thoracic approach should be used is the depth of the extension to the tracheal bifurcation on CT imaging. CONCLUSION: Cardiac arrest appearing as the first symptom of a substernal goiter is a very rare condition and should be treated by emergency thyroidectomy via a cervical or thoracic approach depending on the CT imaging findings.

Intraoperative Monitoring of Parathormone in the Surgical Treatment of Renal Hyperparathyroidism.

Intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone can confirm the complete excision of hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue, as the plasma half-life of PTH is approximately 5 minutes. The purpose of this study was to analyse the values of parathormon (PTH) and the intraoperative impact in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal cause (sHPT). A series of 86 patients who were hospitalised in our clinic between February 2015 to December 2018, were included in the study rom. All patients underwent surgery with PTH monitoring. PTH was determined preoperatively, intraoperatively 15 minutes after parathyroidectomy and postoperatively. Out of a total of 86 patients, 6 patients had non-functional renal transplant. 81 patients were operated on per primam and 5 patients were operated for disease recurrence. There were 77 total parathyroidectomies and 4 subtotal parathyroidectomies. One patient had 5 parathyroid glands. There were 4 patients with recurrent hyper-plastic tissue excision. Blood samples were collected intraoperatively through the puncture of the jugular vein. The PTH value was determined by the Elecsys PTH STATÃÂî test. The mean value of preoperative PTH was 1658 pg / mL and decreased to 46.5 pg / mL at the end of the operation. Subsequently, the level of PTH harvested at 3-6 months increased slightly to 59.8 pg / mL. 80 (93%) of patients had elevated preoperative calcium values. Recurrent hyperparathyroidism was found in 1 of the 4 patients who underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy. IPTH value is influenced by the intraoperative manipulation of the parathyroid glands, the individual variability of PTH half-life and the physiological state of the patient. The decrease of PTH measured intraoperatively at 15 minutes after harvest with at least 90% of the preoperative value indicates the success of a total parathyroidectomy, with normalisation of calcium and PTH.

Parameters for Predicting Tumour Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Rectal Cancer.

Introduction: Pathologic response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) can vary from pathologic complete response (pCR), to tumour downstaging or minimum to no response. Our goal was to evaluate the parameters that could predict response to neoadjuvant therapy for patients with rectal cancer. Method: We performed a retrospective study and reviewed the medical documentation for patients that received treatment for rectal cancer in our surgical department between 2014-2018 and received nCRT. Results: A total of 98 patients were included in the study. 66 patients were males (67,3%) and 32 were females (32,7%). The mean age was 64,6 (39-87). The 48 months overall survival rate was 81,63% and the 48 months disease-free survival rate was 69,38%. Tumour grading was considered as a statisti cally significant parameter for evaluating the pathologic response. The tumours most likely to respond to radio-chemotherapy were G1 or G2 grade. T4 tumours compared with lesser T stages were less likely to achieve pathologic complete response. Elevated CEA levels predicted a poor pathologic response to nCRT. Conclusion: Our study concluded that tumour related factors, biologic and imagistic findings such as tumour stage, lymph node, tumour differentiation grade and CEA levels can be used as parameters for predicting the tumour response following neoadjuvant therapy.

The Value of Endoscopy as a Predictive Factor when Evaluating the Clinical Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Rectal Cancer.

Introduction: Standard treatment rectal cancer according to numerous international guidelines recommends neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Literature data suggests that a better response to nCRT (greater tumour regression) leads to improved overall survival rates (OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS). Tumour response to nCRT can be assessed either through clinical or pathological examination. The clinical tumour response is evaluated via a digital rectal examination, endoscopy (with or without ultrasound) and DWI-MRI. Our goal was to see if, when evaluating the clinical response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy we can rely on the endoscopic findings and if it could have a predictive value for the overall outcomes. Method: A retrospective study was performed on 43 patients that were treated for rectal cancer in our clinic following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We divided the patients into two groups regarding the endoscopy grading. Results: Patients with a better response (endoscopy good grade) had a better disease free survival rate and lower recurrence rate compared to patients with a endoscopy low grade (86,5% vs 56,6%) and (10.34% vs 42,85%). Conclusion: Endoscopy could be a useful tool in appreciating the tumour response to nCRT, and further research is needed in determining the best method for evaluating clinical response to neo adjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer.

The Value of Imaging of the Parathyroid Glands in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

It is estimated that up to 90% of patients with chronic kidney disease develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). Although the disease has multiple manifestations, the most important pathological feature, from the point of view of increased mortality, is represented by the ectopic arterial, myocardial and cardiac valvular calcifications. The calcifications are progressive and lead to high blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrio-ventricular blocks, angina and myocardial infarction. Therefore the risk of cardio-vascular events is increased. Failure of drug therapy to control disease progression is an indication for parathyroidectomy. In sHPT all parathyroid glands are affected, hence the need to detect 4 glands intraoperatively, by bilateral cervical exploration. However, considering the possibility of ectopic localization of these glands as well as the possibility of some supernumerary glands, it is desirable to have an imagistic map as accurate as possible, thus avoiding the risk of postoperative recurrence. The available imaging investigations are represented by the ultrasound of the cervical region, the parathyroid scintigraphy and those of the second line - CT or MRI examination. If in primary hyperparathyroidism, where there is only one parathyroid adenoma (or two), the preoperative imaging results are satisfactory, in sHPT there are many cases in which the imaging does not reveal all four parathyroid glands.

Clinical Aspects of Parathyroid Hyperplasia in Secondary Renal Hyperparathyroidism.

The secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) affects all patients with chronic renal failure in different degrees. The chronic kidney disease is often associated with multiple severe comorbidities, therefore the figures for mortality are higher than in the general population. The failure of medical treatment is an indication for surgical treatment. The recurrence of the disease in secondary hyperpara-thyroidism after surgical treatment using total parathyroid with autotransplantation or subtotal parathyroidectomy may be a challenge due to hyperplasia of the remaining tissue. The purpose of this retrospective study was to highlight the risk factors for the occurrence of glandular hyperplasia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and to determine optimal surgery approach for secondary hyperparathyroidism in order to minimize relapse rates. Parathyroid size evaluation may suggest the presence of nodular hyperplasia contributing to an early parathyroidectomy and at the same time selecting the best surgical treatment for sHPT patients. As resistance to medical therapy is due to the presence of nodular hyperplasia, some authors recomends subtotal parathyroidectomy with the excision of these glands, with the remaining parathyroids tissue and function controlled by medical therapy (20).

Ventriculoportal Shunt, a New Transomphalic Extraperitoneal Surgical Technique in Treatment of Hydrocephalus.

AIM: The aim of this article was to report a new transomphalic extraperitoneal surgical technique for treatment of hydrocephalus, called ventriculoportal shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed ventriculoportal shunt on an experimental animal (pig). The particularity of ventriculoportal shunt consists in the fact that the distal end of the catheter is inserted transomphalic extraperitoneally in the portal system through reopened umbilical vein. We present technical details regarding this new surgical technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The animal had favorable outcome, without any postoperative early or late morbidity. We discuss indications, contraindications, possible complications in humans and advantages of ventriculoportal shunt compared with ventriculocardiac and ventriculoperitoneal drainages and possibilities to avoid complications specific to classic shunt procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Ventriculoportal shunt is a new surgical technique for treatment of hydrocephalus. The distal end of the catheter introduced into reopened umbilical vein, drains cerebrospinal fluid into the portal system. Ventriculoportal shunt is safe and easy to perform. With ventriculoportal shunt specific complications of ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculocardiac drainages can be potentially avoided. Ventriculoportal shunt combines advantages of vascular shunt with those of having an immunological barrier for cerebrospinal fluid before entering the systemic circulation. Theoretically, indications for surgery are extended, and ventriculoportal shunt can be performed in patients former contraindicated for ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Further research is needed and this surgical technique must be performed on human subjects with hydrocephalus.

Comparative assay of Vipera ammodytes antivenom potency.

The finding of the most appropriate way to assess precisely the antivenom efficacy represents one of the major issues for antivenom standardization and success increasing of antivenom therapy. The efficacy of experimental Vipera ammodytes antivenom raised in sheep was determined using in vivo mouse lethality test, respectively, L-aminoacid oxidase, total proteinase and phospholipase A2 antienzymatic effectiveness. The values gained for the antivenom potency depend on the method of measure. So, some of the most toxic venom proteins own phospholipase A2 activity and provide the highest antivenom potency (lowest effective dose) values by antienzymatic assay method. This value is similar with total antiproteolytic antivenom potency value, but almost three times higher than value obtained by L-aminoacid oxidase (low toxic viper venom protein) antienzymatic assay method.

Peritoneal Dialysis-Induced Encapsulating Peritonitis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Women with Benign Gynecological Pathology.

Background: Peritoneal sclerosis (PS) and its most severe form, encapsulating PS (EPS), are rare entities that can occur in various procedures (liver transplantation, intraperitoneal chemotherapy) or secondary to medications (beta-blockers); however, PS or EPS typically occur in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis as a form of renal function substitution. Medical or surgical treatments can be applied, but morbidity and mortality have high rates. This condition typically presents clinically as an intestinal obstruction caused by the inclusion of the intestinal loops in the peritoneal fibrous membrane. Methods: Herein, we present data from a single tertiary surgery center that has dedicated teams for patients receiving dialysis. Over 12 years, we analyzed a group of 63 patients admitted for catheter replacement/removal or for acute surgical pathology. In five cases (7.9%), we diagnosed EPS. Two patients with EPS presented with atypical abdominal pathologies requiring emergency surgery: one case of hemoperitoneum caused by a ruptured ovarian cyst and one case of uterine fibroids and metrorrhagia. Results: The definitive diagnoses were established intraoperatively and by analyzing the morpho-pathological changes in the peritoneum. The possible intraoperative challenges included laborious dissection, difficulties in restoring the correct anatomical landmarks, an increased duration of the surgical intervention and a high rate of incidents and accidents. Conclusions: The aim of the present study was to emphasize the possibility of other surgical pathologies overlapping with EPS, increasing the complexity of the surgical intervention.

Advantages of total parathyroidectomy in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by end stage renal disease.

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism, as a result of chronic kidney disease could be treated medically or surgically. When pharmacotherapy fails, patients undergo surgery - parathyroidectomy, the curative treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). There are currently 3 accepted surgical techniques, each with supporters or opponents - total parathyroidectomy, subtotal parathyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy with immediate autotransplantation. Methods: In this paper we described our experience on a series of 160 consecutive patients diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent surgery, in 27 cases it was totalization of the intervention (patients with previously performed subtotal parathyroidectomy or with supernumerary glands and SHPT recurrence). We routinely perform total parathyroidectomy, the method that we believe offers the best results. Results: The group of patients was studied according to demographic criteria, paraclinical balance, clinical symptomatology, pre- and postoperative iPTH (intact parathormone) values, SHPT recurrence, number of reinterventions. In 31 cases we found gland ectopy and in 15 cases we discovered supernumerary parathyroids. A percentage of 96.24% of patients with total parathyroidectomy did not show recurrence. Discussions: After analyzing the obtained results, our conclusion was that total parathyroidectomy is the intervention of choice for patients suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism when pharmacotherapy fails in order to prevent recurrence of the disease and to correct the metabolic parameters.