The Effectiveness of Neck Stretching Exercises Following Total Thyroidectomy on Reducing Neck Pain and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although there are a limited number of studies showing effects of neck stretching exercises following a thyroidectomy in reducing neck discomfort symptoms, no study has specifically dealt with and examined the effect of neck stretching exercises on neck pain and disability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of neck stretching exercises, following a total thyroidectomy, on reducing neck pain and disability. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned either to the stretching exercise group (n = 40) or to the control group (n = 40). The stretching exercise group learned the neck stretching exercises immediately after total thyroidectomy. The effects of the stretching exercises on the participants' neck pain and disability, neck sensitivity, pain with neck movements as well as on wound healing, were evaluated at the end of the first week and at 1 month following surgery. RESULTS: When comparing neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) scores, neck sensitivity and pain with neck movement before thyroidectomy, after 1 week and after 1-month time-points, it was found that patients experienced significantly less pain and disability in the stretching exercise group than the control group (p < .001). At the end of the first week, the NPDS scores (mean [SD] = 8.82 [12.23] vs. 30.28 [12.09]), neck sensitivity scores (median [IR] = 0 [.75] vs. 2.00 [4.0]) and pain levels with neck movements (median [IR] = 0 [2.0] vs. 3.5 [5.75]) of the stretching exercise group were significantly lower than those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the scores at the 1-month evaluation (p > .05). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Neck stretching exercises done immediately after a total thyroidectomy reduce short-term neck pain and disability symptoms.

Association of biochemical and clinical parameters with parathyroid adenoma weight. Turkish-Bulgarian endocrine and breast surgery study group, hyperparathyroidism registry study.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) caused by a single benign parathyroid adenoma is a common endocrine disorder that is affected by regional differences. Living in different geographical regions reveals differences in the laboratory results and pathological findings, but studies on this subject are not sufficient. The article focuses on biochemical and pathological effects of geographical differences in parathyroid adenoma. In addition, the present study seeks to elaborate on treatment methods and effectiveness of screening in geographical area of Bulgaria and Turkey. METHOD: In this prospective study, 159 patients were included from 16 centres. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, biochemical markers and pathologic characteristics were analysed and compared between 8 different regions. RESULTS: Patients from Turkish Black Sea had the highest median serum calcium (Ca) level, whereas patients from Eastern Turkey had the lowest median serum phosphorus (P) level. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between Ca, parathormone (PTH) and P levels according to regions. Patients from Eastern Turkey had the highest adenoma weight, while patients from Bulgaria had the lowest adenoma weight. The weight of adenoma showed statistically significant differences between regions (p < 0.001). There was a correlation between adenoma weight and serum PTH level (p = 0.05) and Ca level (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: This study has provided a deeper insight into the effect of the regional differences upon clinicopathological changing and biochemical values of pHTP patients with adenoma. Awareness of regional differences will assist in biochemical screening and treatment of this patient group.

Preoperative administration of oral carbohydrate-rich solutions: Comparison of glucometabolic responses and tolerability between patients with and without insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative carbohydrate loading with clear fluids is thought to reduce surgery-related insulin resistance (IR). However, IR per se is already present in some patients scheduled for elective surgery. Data on the safety of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading in patients with IR undergoing surgery is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading on the glucometabolic state and gastric content of patients with and without IR. METHODS: Thirty-four non-diabetics received 800 mL of a special carbohydrate-containing drink on the evening before the operation and then 400 mL 2 h before surgery. Blood samples for glucose, insulin, and cortisol levels were taken immediately before the second dose, at 40 and 90 min after intake of the drink, and at the onset of surgery. Patients with a homeostasis model assessment IR score >2.5 were considered to have IR. The differences between patients with and without IR were then evaluated. RESULTS: Eight of the 34 patients had IR and the remaining 26 did not. Glucose levels in the IR group were higher than those in the non-IR group, but the differences did not reach significance. The initially elevated insulin concentrations then tended to decrease to the corresponding levels detected in the non-IR group. The cortisol concentrations were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with IR receiving a carbohydrate-rich drink before surgery appear not to be affected adversely by the beverage. Furthermore, they also obtain the probable beneficial effects related to these drinks and, like patients without IR, can undergo surgery safely.

Lightning strike: an unusual etiology of gastric perforation.

Lightning strike is an unusual form of trauma in terms of being one of the leading causes of death from natural phenomenon. Lightning strike can cause severe damage to many systems and results in a high mortality. The most common cause of death in the lightning strike victim is cardiopulmonary arrest. The most vulnerable subjects for lightning strike are individuals who work in open fields, farmers, and swimmers. The cardiac and neurological injuries are the most serious injuries. Burns, tinnitus, blindness, and secondary blunt trauma have also been reported. Gastrointestinal complications have been documented very rarely. In this study, we present a case of gastric perforation after lightning strike. No report related to gastric perforation caused by lightning strike has been identified in the literature.

Penetrating abdominal gunshot wounds caused by high-velocity missiles: a review of 51 military injuries managed at a level-3 trauma center.

The aim of this study was to present the outcomes of military penetrating abdominal gunshot injuries, to identify factors that predict morbidity, and to compare the present results with those from two civilian trauma centers. Fifty-one consecutive patients who had suffered high-velocity gunshot wounds to the abdomen were assessed retrospectively. Penetrating abdominal trauma index, the number of injured organs, and the presence of colonic injury were significantly associated with high morbidity by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that only the number of organs injured and presence of colonic injury were independent predictors of morbidity. Our results showed that military rifle bullets do not cause greater tissue disruption than that found in wounds created by lower-velocity projectiles. The presence of colonic injury and the number of organs injured (more than three) seem to be important predictors of morbidity in penetrating abdominal gunshot wounds caused by high-velocity missiles.

Extracapsular extension is associated with increased ratio of metastatic to examined lymph nodes in axillary node-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Extracapsular extension of nodal tumor cells, although it is not a parameter of staging, has recently been shown to be correlated with the high number of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with axillary-positive breast cancer. It is suggested that the use of involved/examined lymph node ratio instead of the number of metastatic lymph nodes in axillary evaluation would obtain standardized prognostic data for patient management. This study investigated the association of the extracapsular extension with the lymph node ratio in a node-positive group of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 170 patients with positive axillary status were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 54 were extracapsular extension positive, and the remaining were extracapsular extension negative. A comparison was made between extracapsular extension-positive and extracapsular extension-negative groups with respect to some potential prognostic indicators. RESULTS: Number of metastatic lymph nodes, number of examined lymph nodes, and involved/examined lymph node ratio were found to be significantly higher in patients with a presence of extracapsular extension. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the presence of extracapsular extension might force physicians to perform more aggressive adjuvant therapies and that the extracapsular extension could be a valuable parameter in the management of breast cancer because it has a strong relationship with the proven prognostic factors.

Accurate positioning of the 24-hour pH monitoring catheter: agreement between manometry and pH step-up method in two patient positions.

AIM: To investigate the agreement between esophageal manometry and pH step-up method in two different patient positions. METHODS: Eighteen subjects were included in the study. First, the distance from the nose to the proximal border of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was measured manometrically. Then a different investigator, who was blinded to the results of the first study, measured the same distance using the pH step-up method, with the patient in both upright and supine positions. An assessment of agreement between the two techniques was performed. RESULTS: In the supine position, the measurement of only one subject was outside the range accepted for correct positioning (< or = 3 cm distal or proximal to the LES). In the upright position, errors in measurement were recognized in five subjects. Bland-Altman plots revealed good agreement between measurements obtained manometrically and by the pH-step up method with the patient in the supine position. CONCLUSION: In the case of nonavailability of manometric detection device, the pH step-up method can facilitate the positioning of the 24 h pH monitoring catheter with the patient in the supine position. This should increase the use of pH-metry in clinical practice for subjects with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease if our results are supported by further studies.

Regional Clinical and Biochemical Differences among Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Environmental habitat may play a role in clinical disparities of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) patients. AIMS: To compare preoperative clinical symptoms and associated conditions and surgical findings in patients with pHPT, living in different geographical regions from the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Anatolia regions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical-based multi-centric study of 694 patients with pHPT. METHODS: Patients from 23 centers and 8 different geographical regions were included. Data related to baseline demographics, clinical, pathologic and treatment characteristics of 8 regions were collected and included age, gender, residential data, symptoms, history of fracture, existence of brown tumor, serum total Ca and p levels, serum parathormone (PTH) levels, serum 25-OH vitamin D levels, bone mineral density, size of the resected abnormal parathyroid gland(s), histology, as well as the presence of ectopia, presence of dual adenoma, and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)- or familial-related disease. RESULTS: The median age was 54. Asymptomatic patient rate was 25%. The median PTH level was 232 pg/mL and serum total Ca was 11.4 mg/dL. Eighty-seven percent of patients had an adenoma and 90% of these had a single adenoma. Hyperplasia was detected in 79 patients and cancer in 9 patients. The median adenoma size was 16 mm. Significant parameters differing between regions were preoperative symptoms, serum Ca and p levels, and adenoma size. All patients from South-East Anatolia were symptomatic, while the lowest p values were reported from East Anatolia and the largest adenoma size, as well as highest Ca levels, were from Bulgaria. CONCLUSION: Habitat conditions vary between geographical regions. This affects the clinicopathological features of patients with pHPT.

Preoperative and postoperative administration of hyperbaric oxygen improves biochemical and mechanical parameters on ischemic and normal colonic anastomoses.

Colonic anastomotic leaks are a major postoperative complication, causing increased mortality and morbidity. Tissue ischemia is one of the most important factors that disrupt anastomotic healing. It is possible to reverse inadequate tissue oxygenation by using increased atmospheric pressure and hyperoxia, which are obtained from hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO). Our aim was to investigate the effects of preoperative and postoperative HBO treatment on normal and ischemic colonic anastomoses in rats. Eighty male Wistar Albino rats, weighing between 180 and 240 g, were divided into 8 equal groups. A 1-cm segment of left colon was resected 3 cm proximal to the peritoneal reflection in all groups and colonic anastomosis was performed. In groups 2, 4, 6 and 8, colonic ischemia was established by ligating 2 cm of mesocolon on either side of the anastomosis. Control groups (1 and 2) received no HBO. HBO treatment was given preoperatively in groups 3 and 4, postoperatively in groups 5 and 6, and both preoperatively and postoperatively in groups 7 and 8. HBO treatment was applied for 2 days in the preoperative period and 4 days in the postoperative period. Relaparotomy was performed on postoperative day 5 and a perianastomotic colon segment 2 cm in length was excised for detection of biochemical and mechanical parameters of anastomotic healing and histopathological evaluation. HBO treatment increased tissue hydroxyproline levels in all groups, and this difference was significant in normal anastomosis groups receiving preoperative HBO compared to controls (p = .013 for group 1 vs. group 3; p = .023 for group 1 vs. group 5). This improvement was more evident in ischemic and normal groups treated by administration of combined pre- and postoperative HBO (p = .021 and p = .013). HBO treatment also increased the mean bursting pressure values in all groups, and again, a statistically significant increase was noted in the ischemic groups compared to controls (p = .002 for group 2 vs. group 6; p = .001 for group 2 vs. group 8). Histopathological evaluation of anastomotic line fibrosis was not found to show significant differences between the groups. Adequate tissue oxygenation is the main factor in wound and anastomosis healing. HBO treatment has a positive effect on biochemical and mechanical parameters of ischemic and normal colon anastomoses in rats. It is possible to see this effect more clearly with combined HBO treatment applied before and after ischemic anastomosis.

An adult choledochocele case presented with gastric outlet obstruction: a rare presentation.

Bile duct cyst is a biliary tract disease that is less common among adults compared to children, and it is accepted to have a congenital entity. The classical findings constitute a triad including abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass. However, infective findings also occur in case of developed cholangitis, pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Duodenal obstruction leads to a rarely seen case in patients accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and it may easily be confused with other obstruction causes. We present a case report of an adult male patient with complaints of abdominal pain, and intermittent nausea and vomiting. Due to failure of attempted endoscopic approach for treatment, we performed transduodenal cyst excision during surgical procedure on the patient diagnosed to have type III biliary tract cyst. The complaints of the patient decreased significantly after the surgical therapy compared to the previous period and no complication was observed.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure causes bacterial translocation in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as intra-abdominal hypertension associated with organ dysfunction. Subsequently, increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) adversely affects the pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal/integumentary and central nervous systems. Bacterial translocation (BT), which is defined as the movement of viable enteric bacteria to the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen, occurs after various types of stress and results in splanchnic ischemia. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the effects of various levels of increased IAP on BT in rabbits; IAP was increased by the intra-abdominal balloon-insufflation method, thus simulating noncompliant abdominal-wall closure under tension. METHODS: Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups, with each group comprising 10 animals. In group I (control group), an intra-abdominal balloon was placed without inflation. In groups II, III, IV and V, IAPs of 10, 15, 20 and 25 mmHg, respectively, were established via inflation of the intra-abdominal balloon. All groups underwent laparotomy after 12 hours. Multiple biopsies were taken from ileocecal lymph nodes, the spleen and liver. RESULTS: BT was observed to some degree in all 4 experimental groups. A gradual increase in the phenomenon was noted as IAP increased from 10 to 15 mmHg; and BT was overt at 20 mmHg, and significant at 25 mmHg. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coil were the predominant pathogens identified by culture. CONCLUSION: We propose that an intravesical pressure (IVP) of 15 mmHg is the critical point for BT in patients with increased IAP. In this experimental study, BT occurred when IVP reached 20 mmHg. We suggest that IVP monitoring is desirable in the management of patients with ACS, and that decompressive laparotomy should be performed in patients with IVP >20 mmHg.

Comparison of five different popular scoring systems to predict nonsentinel lymph node status in patients with metastatic sentinel lymph nodes: a tertiary care center experience.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the current standard of care for breast cancers with no clinically palpable axillary lymph nodes. Almost 50 % of sentinel lymph node positive patients have negative non-sentinel nodes and undergo non-therapeutic axillary dissection. Five different scoring systems, reported in the literature, were compared for their predictive ability of non-SLN involvement in patients with SLN positive breast cancer. 242 patients who underwent breast surgery and SLNB were included in the study. Of these, 70 who were confirmed to have SLN metastasis and received complementary ALND and constituted the final study population. The nomograms (MSKCC, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Tenon model, Stanford and Turkish) were statistically compared for their prediction of non-SLN metastasis (95 % confidence interval). We have determined only two clinicopathologic (multifocality and size of the primary tumor) situations which have a statistically significant association between SLN metastasis with using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multifocality (P = 0.001) and size of the primary tumor (P = 0.001) were associated with a higher probability of-SLN metastasis. No predictive model was constructed that showed good area under the curve (AUC) discrimination in the validation series. Currently published predictive models lack accuracy when applied to a different population. Multi-institutional heterogenic population studies are important to determine the exact combination of scoring systems and/or nomograms.

Effects of portal triad occlusion on left-sided colonic anastomosis.

Anastomotic healing can deteriorate because of different local and systemic effects in cases of concomitant left colon and liver injuries. We evaluated the effects of portal triad occlusion (PTO) on bowel anastomosis after concomitant segmental left colonic resections achieved in rats. There were three separate groups of animals; each consisted of 20 Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 250 +/- 20 g. In group I, left colonic segmental resection 1 cm in diameter and anastomosis were performed as controls. In group II, the same surgical procedure was done after 15 minutes of PTO followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. In group III, PTO time was held at 30 minutes. The rats were killed at days 4 and 7 to evaluate anastomotic healing, histological changes, bursting pressures, and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline. In group II, the bursting pressures of anastomosis on days 4 and 7 were similar to group I; these pressures were significantly lower in group III (P < 0.001), whereas the hydroxyproline levels in group II were lower than group I and group III levels (P < 0.002). There were histopathological changes that support the data found in groups II and III. Serum MDA levels in groups II and III were significantly higher than in group I (P < 0.001). We observed that serum MDA levels peaked at day 4 and gradually decreased with a statistically significant difference at day 7. In conclusion, there were no negative effects of PTO on colonic anastomosis in group II. But in group III, with longer occlusion times, anastomotic healing was impaired and the mortality rate was higher.

The role of 2-[f-18] fluoro 2-deoxy d-glucose positron emission tomography in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: FDG-PET can contribute significantly to the preoperative period of patients with planned curative resections or with isolated liver or lung metastasis. In this study, we analyze the importance and diagnostic value of FDG-PET in the preoperative evaluation of gastric cancers by correlating its value with computerized tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Abdominal and pelvic CTs were obtained for preoperative staging in each patient. Separate stagings were performed according to the findings of conventional methods and PET scans, and the results were compared with the operative and histological findings. RESULTS: When the patients were evaluated according to the pathological stage, eight patients were Stage 1 (26.7%), five were Stage 2 (16.7%), eight were Stage 3 (26.7%), and nine were Stage 4 (30%). FDG-PET and CT down-staged the disease in eight (26.7%) and twelve (40%) patients, respectively. FDG-PET and CT up-staged the disease in two (6.7%) and five patients (16.7%), respectively. FDG-PET accurately staged the disease in eighteen patients (60%) (p= 0.182). CONCLUSION: To develop highly sensitive radioactive tests that show invasive local lymph node and peritoneal metastases, more studies in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer are needed. FDG-PET indicates a high specificity in the staging of gastric cancer. In patients who are planned for curative surgery, FDG-PET provides better staging when used with CT.

Combination of preoperative ultrasonographic mapping and radioguided occult lesion localization in patients with locally recurrent/persistent papillary thyroid carcinoma: a practical method for central compartment reoperations.

PURPOSE: To improve the surgical success and reduce the complication rates, we combine our routine preoperative ultrasound (US) mapping technique with radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer recurrences in central compartment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the morning of surgery, biopsy proven recurrent/persistent tumoral lesions were plotted on a sketch and injected with Tc-99m labeled macroaggregated albumin under US guidance. Thyroid bed exploration was carried out based on the location of biopsy proven lesion with the guidance of intraoperative gamma probe and neck map. The lymphoadipose tissues showing high count rates were resected and labeled separately for histopathologic study. RESULTS: Despite extensive scarring in some patients probe safely guided to lesions. Noninjected tumor foci were searched and successfully resected in the light of neck map that showing topographic relation of injected and noninjected lesions. Among total of 41 excised lesions, 28 metastatic foci ranging from 3 to 38 mm in largest diameter were recognized at final histologic examination. Combination of preoperative mapping with ROLL was found helpful by the operating surgeons in all patients, respectively. Except 2 patients with known distant metastases, undetectable thyroglobulin levels were reached 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of preoperative US-mapping with ROLL in patients with nonpalpable recurrent/persistent papillary thyroid cancer in central compartment is technically safe and effective method. Combination of techniques provides better information about topographical relations of recurrent/persistent lesions during surgery.

Hyperbaric oxygen enhances the efficiency of 5-aminosalicylic acid in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of hyperbaric oxygen alone and in combination with 5-aminosalicylic acid in the acetic acid-induced colitis model, a well-known experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease in rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups. In the noncolitis control group, rats were given isotonic saline, while in the other groups rats were treated by intracolonic administration of 4% acetic acid. In group 2, the untreated control group, no additional therapy was applied. In groups 3, 4, and 5 hyperbaric oxygen, 5-aminosalicylic acid. and 5-aminosalicylic acid + hyperbaric oxygen therapies were applied, respectively. Administration of acetic acid caused an inflammatory response in all animals. Histopathologic score was significantly higher in group 2 than in any other group. 5-Aminosalicylic acid and hyperbaric oxygen significantly decreased the histopathologic score (P < 0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity was also reduced significantly by 5-aminosalicylic acid (P < 0.05) but not by hyperbaric oxygen. The most prominent ameliorative effect, however, was seen in group 5 and the histopathologic score and myeloperoxidase activity were significantly lower than in groups 3 (P < 0.05) and 4 (P < 0.001). Hydroxyproline level also increased significantly in group 5, but not in groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is effective in reducing the extent of colitis induced by acetic acid, although it is not as potent as 5-aminosalicylic acid. The combination of hyperbaric oxygen and 5-aminosalicylic acid, however, led to a much more prominent reduction in the severity of colitis. Hyperbaric oxygen may have a promising place in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Results of surgical, laparoscopic, and percutaneous treatment for hydatid disease of the liver: 10 years experience with 355 patients.

Selection of the most appropriate treatment to obtain the best results with the lowest rate of recurrence and minimal morbidity and mortality is mandatory for the management of hepatic hydatid disease. The surgical approach is the mainstay of treatment, and there has been a tendency toward laparoscopic surgery and, more recently, percutaneous treatment (PT), which has become increasingly popular with revolutions in techniques. We aimed to evaluate the results of current therapeutic methods in the context of a 10-year single-institution experience. Between 1992 and 2003, 355 patients with 510 hydatid cysts of the liver were treated by open operation, laparoscopic surgery, or PT. The series included 128 females and 227 males ranging in age from 10 years to 73 years. Preferred treatment modalities, perioperative complications, interventions, recurrences, and length of hospital stay were retrospectively analyzed. There were two postoperative deaths (1.08%) in the open surgery group. Biliary leakage was observed in 28 patients treated with open surgery, in 10 patients after PT, and in 2 after laparoscopic treatment. Recurrence rates were 16.2%, 3.3%, and 3.5% after open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and percutaneous treatment, respectively. Characteristics of the cyst, presence of cystobiliary communications, and the availability of a multidisciplinary team are the factors that we believe directly affect the results. Radical surgery can be done safely for suitable cases; conventional procedures are associated with greater morbidity. Laparoscopic surgery seems effective and safe, with low morbidity and recurrence rates for type I-III cysts in accessible localizations. Our experience with PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration) and catheterization provides evidence that the procedure is an effective and safe option.

Psoas abscess as a complication of pyogenic sacroiliitis: report of a case.

A psoas abscess is, either primary or secondary, a rare entity for a general surgeon. Images by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) can help a general surgeon to make an accurate diagnosis when encountering the patient complaining of unilateral lower abdominal deep pain with fever. A case of pyogenic abscess of the psoas muscle as a result of sacroiliitis in a 22-year-old man is reported herein. The abdominal CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a large multilocular abscess extending along the iliopsoas muscle, and erosion and a widening of the left sacroiliac joint. The abscess was drained with an open surgical approach and the patient responded well to antibiotic therapy. Aggressive surgical and medical treatment is necessary in patients with psoas abscess to prevent complications.

Retroperitoneal benign schwannoma: report of three cases and analysis of clinico-radiologic findings.

Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare tumor that originates in the neural sheath and accounts for only a small percentage of retroperitoneal tumors. Presentation is typically varied and non-specific ranging from abdominal pain, abdominal mass or an incidental finding and the diagnosis is quite often fortuitous being confirmed by anatomopathological study afterwards. We report 3 cases of benign retroperitoneal pelvic schwannoma with varied presentations. Main symptoms were abdominal and pelvic pain whereas a patient with left parailiac mass had urinary incontinence and left lower extremity pain. Surgical exploration and complete excision of tumors were successful. The histological diagnosis of the tumors was reported as benign schwannoma. All patients are doing well and had no symptoms of motor or sensory disturbances after surgery with a mean follow up of 18 mounts.

The effects of gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on experimental acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Acute pancreatitis is an important and fatal disease with high mortality and morbidity. Although the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis is poorly understood, there are many studies that suggest the role for oxygen free radicals (OFRs) in the development of pancreatitis and its complications and show beneficial effects of scavenger treatment. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether Egb761, the standardized extract of gingko biloba, restrains the generation of OFRs and ameliorates the histopathologic findings of acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups. In early and late pancreatitis and treatment groups, acute pancreatitis was induced by retrograde infusion of 3% sodium taurocholate. In treatment groups, 100 mg/kg Egb 761 was given intraperitoneally (IP) 24 h and immediately before induction of pancreatitis. Sham-operated rats received isotonic saline instead of sodium taurocholate. After observation times of 3.5 and 12 h, the pancreas was removed for light microscopy and determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker for OFRs-induced lipid peroxidation. Serum samples also were obtained for amylase and lipase levels. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in control and sham-operated groups in terms of histopathologic findings and serum enzyme levels. The tissue concentrations of MDA and serum enzyme levels were significantly elevated in early and late treatment groups as compared with the control group. The treatment with Egb 761 caused significant decrease in serum amylase and lipase levels and histopathologic scores as compared with early and late pancreatitis groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic application of Egb761 exerts highly beneficial influence on the course of acute pancreatitis, and this seems to be related to the oxygen radical scavenger effect of Egb761.