Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in secondary amyloidosis: a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 63-year-old man who had had a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented with shock and hemoperitoneum, without a history of trauma. An emergency laparatomy revealed hemoperitoneum and splenic rupture with massive bleeding. Splenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the spleen revealed amyloid deposition in the wall of the vessels. Rectal biopsy revealed amyloid deposition in mucosa that indicating amyloidosis was systemic. Histochemical studies showed that amyloid was secondary or AA.

Intussusception in adults.

To review clinical, radiological and histopathological findings of adult intussusception and its management, 18 adult patients who had been treated surgically because of intussusception were reviewed. Of the patients, 5 (27.8%) had idiopathic intussusceptions, while the other 13 (72.2%) had a definable intraluminal pathology. The site of the intussusception was more common in the small bowel (83.3%) than the colon (16.7%). Ultrasonography and computed tomography were successful in demonstrating "target lesion" in 80% and 75% respectively. Patients with idiopathic intussusception were treated with simple reduction, while the others underwent segmental resection because of the possibility of malignant tumour. In contrast to intussusception in childhood, intussusception in adults usually has a definable lead point and resection of the involved bowel, rather than simple reduction, is indicated.

Expression profiling of SCN8A and NDUFC2 genes in colorectal carcinoma.

AIM: The expression differences of SCN8A (which encodes type VIII alpha subunit of voltage gated sodium channel) and NDUFC2 (which encodes C2 subunit of Complex I enzyme in oxidative phosphorylation) genes were evaluated in paired colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues which was relied on our partial transcriptome analysis data in cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 paired tissues of CRC patients (34 male, 28 female) were included in the study. The mRNA levels of SCN8A and NDUFC2 genes were determined by using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR and semiquantitative PCR). RESULTS: SCN8A gene expression level was significantly lower in tumor tissues (p = 0.0128) and in the patients with the age below 45 years (p = 0.0049). There were also meaningful relationships between the gender, grade of CRC, tumor location, histopathological classification, and SCN8A expression. There was no NDUFC2 differential expression. However, the tumors taken from right colon had significantly lower NDUFC2 expression. CONCLUSION: Although the voltage gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and Complex I (CI) were associated to a number of diseases including different types of cancers, the different subunits of CI and individual members of VGSCs seem to be cancer type-specific in varying proportions.

Surgical treatment of hydatid disease of the liver: review of 304 cases.

HYPOTHESIS: To review the results of different modalities of treatment of hydatid disease of the liver. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 304 patients. SETTING: A university hospital in Turkey. PATIENTS: Three hundred four patients with hepatic hydatid disease who underwent operation between 1981 and 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight patients had a cyst on the right lobe, 41 patients had a cyst on the left lobe, and 25 patients had a cyst on both lobes. Forty-five patients had multiple hepatic cysts and 18 patients had coexisting cysts in other intra-abdominal organs. Surgical procedures were tube drainage, capitonnage, omentoplasty, cystectomy, segmentectomy, and cystoenterostomy. Of the patients with tube drainage, 36 developed an infection of the remaining cavity, 10 developed long-lasting biliary fistula, 8 developed cholangitis, and 6 developed septicemia. Four patients died of unreleated complications. Of the patients with capitonnage, 7 developed cholangitis and 3 developed an infection of the remaining cavity. Of the patients with omentoplasty, 1 developed an infection of the remaining cavity and 1 developed cholangitis. One patient who underwent segmentectomy developed pulmonary complications. Of the patients with cystoenterostomy, 1 developed cholangitis, 1 developed septicemia, and 1 developed pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: For management of hydatid disease of the liver, capitonnage, omentoplasty, cyst excision, segmentectomy, or cystoenterostomy are all superior to tube drainage.

Fournier's gangrene: review of fifteen cases.

Fournier's gangrene is a synergistic necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and abdominal wall along with the scrotum and penis in men and the vulva in women. The process was believed to be idiopathic in initial descriptions. Fifteen patients were treated for Fournier's gangrene between 1990 and 1995 in the Departments of General Surgery and Urology, School of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. The most common causes were perianal sepsis and urogenital diseases. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were identified most commonly in cultures of necrotic tissue. The mortality rate was 20 per cent despite aggressive surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The effect of growth hormone on 24-h urinary creatinine levels in burned patients.

Catabolism is increased in burned patients. Creatinine excreted in urine is accepted as an indicator of catabolism of muscle mass. Growth hormone (GH) is one of the most potent anabolic agents. We investigated the effect of GH on 24-h urinary creatinine levels as an indicator of catabolism of muscle mass in burned patients. In 20 patients with severe burns, 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days following hospitalisation. Then the patients were divided into two groups of 10. In the study group, following investigation of 24-h urinary creatinine levels for 3 days, GH 0.1 mg/kg was injected subcutaneously three times in a week. Following the last dose of GH, 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days again. In the control group, an equal volume of isotonic saline solution was injected at the same times instead of GH, and 24-h urinary creatinine levels were investigated for 3 days again. Mean burn size and age were not significantly different between the groups. 24-h urinary creatinine level obtained in the early period was 48.5+/-16.6 mg/day in the study group and 49.9+/-11.3 mg/day in the control group. There was no statistical difference between these two values (p>0.5). 24-h average urinary creatinine level obtained in the late period was 36.6+/-16.4 mg/day in the study group and 50.6+/-9.9 mg/day in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the comparison of early and late 24-h urinary creatinine levels in the study group, there was a statistically significant difference between these two values (p<0.05). In the control group, there was no difference between early and late 24-h urinary creatinine levels (p>0.5). We concluded that GH is effective in decreasing urinary creatinine excretion. This decrease in urinary creatinine excretion may be associated with diminished muscle catabolism.

Importance of psychiatric intervention in intolerances in endoscopic procedures.

Despite the fact that pre-medication, in a number of different drug combinations, has been used for a long time in endoscopy units, and has been subject to extended clinical studies, it is still not possible to claim that it has attained an ideal state with regard to patient tolerance to endoscopy procedures. In this clinical study, we have investigated the effects of psychological intervention in addition to medication, which we used on patients with intolerance to endoscopy. Intolerance was very high in all endoscopic procedures (15.8% total). It was observed that average midazolam doses were significantly higher in intolerant than in tolerant patients. It was found that in patients who had received psychiatric intervention, the decrease in midazolam dose was statistically significant in a subsequent endoscopy procedure.

Intrabiliary rupture in liver hydatid cysts: results of 20 years' experience.

To assess the diagnostic tools and results of treatment of biliary rupture observed in liver cyst hydatids, clinical findings of 562 patients with hepatic hydatid disease were reviewed. Imaging techniques were not very effective to determine intrabiliary ruptures. Rates of rupture sizes determined in the patients were as follows; 22 (%24.7) large, 38 (%42.7) small, and 29 (%32.6) occult. Most frequently utilized procedures for patients with intrabiliary rupture were Roux-en-y cystojejunostomy, tube drainage + omentoplasty, sutured fistula + omentoplasty, and sutured fistula + tube drainage. Of the total 25 external biliary fistulas, 21 closed spontaneously. Of the four fistulas that did not close, one was managed by internal drainage and three by endoscopic sphincterotomy. Preoperative diagnosis of biliary rupture in liver hydatid cyst allows early planning of operation and helps the surgeon design the operative strategy. In the treatment of cases with large rupture, internal drainage may be proposed.

Percutaneous drainage of hydatid cyst of the liver: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Previously surgical operation was the only accepted treatment for hydatid liver cysts. Recently percutaneous management has become more preferable because of its low morbidity rate and lower cost. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 101 patients harbouring 120 hydatid cysts of the liver were treated by percutaneous drainage between October 1994 and December 1997. Of these cysts, 89 were in the right liver and 31 in the left liver.Thirty-one patients had had previous operations for hydatid disease. All cysts had an anechoic or hypoechoic unilocular appearance on ultrasound scan. The mean dimension of the cysts was 7.5+/-2.9 cm (range 3-10.4 cm). All patients received oral albendazole 10 mg/kg perioperatively. After aspiration under sonographic guidance, cysts were irrigated with 95% ethanol. RESULTS: The amount of cyst fluid aspirated was 220+/-75 ml and the amount of irrigation solution used was 175+/-42 ml. Four patients developed mild fever and three had urticaria. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.1+/-0.7 (range 1-4) days, and patients were followed up for 43-62 months (mean 54+/-5.4 months). Maximal cyst diameter decreased from 7.5+/-2.9 cm to 3.2+/-15 cm (p<0.001). Sonographic examinations revealed high-level heterogeneous echoes in the cyst cavity (heterogeneous echo pattern), while the cyst cavity was completely obliterated by echogenic material (pseudotumour echo pattern). DISCUSSION: Most hydatid cysts of the liver can be managed successfully by a combination of drug therapy and percutaneous drainage.

Anal canal amputation and necrosis of the anal sphinchter due to electric current injury.

The pathophysiology of electrical burns differs from thermal and chemical burns and electrical injuries which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report on a patient who suffered anal canal amputation and necrosis of the anal sphinchter as a result an electric current injury.

[Thromboembolic prophylaxis after major abdominal surgery]. / Büyük karin ameliyatlarindan sonra tromboembolik profilaksi.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of prophylaxis modalities after major abdominal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between October 1998 and October 1999 were randomly divided into 3 groups. The patients in Group 1 received compression stockings, in Group 2 0.3 ml low-molecular weight heparin (nadroparine calcium 0.3 ml, 2850 IU AXa LMWH) subcutaneously and in Group 3 compression stockings and 0.3 ml LMWH. All symptomless patients evaluated with low extremity deep venous Doppler ultrasonography (DUSG), and patients who had pulmonary embolus (PE) suspicion evaluated with pulmonary scintigraphy. RESULTS: There were 91 patients in Group 1, 91 patients in Group 2 and 92 patients in Group 3. The mean age was 57.25 +/- 13.12, 54.53 +/- 13.54, and 53.65 +/- 13.28 respectively. Male/female ratio was 51/38, 56/35 and 62/30, in Group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Twenty-seven patients in Group 1, 26 patients in Group 2 and 37 patients in Group 3 had risk factors. DUSG showed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on the 7th postoperative day in 10 patients in Group 1, in 8 patients in Group 2 and in 3 patients in Group 3. Pulmonary scintigraphy showed PE suspicion in 6 patients in Group 1, 1 patient in Group 2 and 1 patients in Group 3. Wound hematoma and hemorrhage from abdominal drains were developed in 1/0, 8/2 and 3/1 patients in Groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Four patients in Group 1 and 2 patients in Group 2 died during the treatment (2.2%). Satistical analysis showed significant differences in PE and wound hematoma between Groups 1 and 2, in DVT and PE between Groups 1 and 3, in risk factors between Groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). The differences in DVT and PE and hematoma between group 2 and 3 were not significant. CONCLUSION: All treatment modalities could not prevent all thromboembolic complications. In our study combined treatment was the most effective one.

Intra-abdominal extrahepatic echinococcosis.

Twenty-seven patients who were treated surgically because of extrahepatic abdominal hydatid disease between 1981 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Nineteen patients had coexistent hepatic cysts while 8 patients had only peritoneal cysts. The cysts were located in the spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, mesentery of the intestines, ovaries, retroperitoneum, omentum, abdominal wall, rectovesical region, and the psoas muscle. Due to organ destruction because of large cysts in 8 patients, the involved organ had to be sacrificed. The other 19 patients were treated by a pericystectomy. No postoperative mortality or severe morbidity was seen. In conclusion, symptomatic or large cysts should be surgically treated. In cases suspected of having peritoneal spillage, antihelminthic drugs should be administered. In addition, small asymptomatic cysts may also be effectively treated with antihelminthics.

[Hepatic injuries. Surgical treatment experience]. / Karaciger yaralanmalarinda cerrahi tedavi deneyimimiz.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of hepatic injuries in our institution for liver injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy four patients who underwent operations between January 1986-December 1999 in Atatürk University Medical School, Emergency Service were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: 135 patients were male (77.5%). The mean age was 25.4 (range 3-84). Sixty three patients (36.3%) had only hepatic injuries and the others had co-existing abdominal organ injury [62 patients (35.7%) had one organ, 29 (16.7%) had two, 17 (9.7%) had three, 2 (1.1%) had four, and 1 (0.5%) had 5 organ injuries]. Five patients (2.8%) had inferior vena cava and 1 (0.5%) had vena porta injuries. One hundred seven patients (61.4%) had blunt, 44 (25.3%) had stab wound and 23 (13.3%) had gunshot injuries. Management was simple suture in 104 patient (60%), primary suture + surgical cell patching in 52 (29.8%), hepatectomy (5 right hepatectomy, 5 non anatomic hepatectomy) in 10 (5.7%), perihepatic packing in 4 (2.3%), primary suture + omental patch in 2 (1.1%), primary suture + arterial ligation in 2 (1.1%). Eleven patients (16.4%) in penetrating trauma group "Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index" (PATI) score were higher than 25. Fever was the most common complaint postoperatively (5%). Three patients (1.7%) underwent reoperation. Twenty-six patients (14.9%) which one of them ware died. Died in the postoperative periods, 23 (13.2%) had blunt and 3 (1.7%) had penetrating traumas. CONCLUSION: Liver trauma still has high mortality rate injuries are very momentous. Especially blunt trauma related hepatic.