Effect of preoperative skeletal muscle area and prognostic nutritional index values on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with gastric cancer: a single-center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) value and skeletal muscle area (SMA) on short-term outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients underwent gastrectomy due to gastric cancer between January 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into groups according to the determined PNI and SMA cutoff values. Clinicopathological features and short-term results were compared. RESULTS: Overall morbidity was 29% (n = 31) in patients who underwent gastrectomy. Preoperative PNI value was ranged from 24.5 to 61.5 (median, 49.5). Preoperative SMA values were ranged respectively from 55.7 to 142 (median, 98.9) in women and 77.5 to 203.3 (median, 129.3) in men. It was observed that the risk of postoperative complications increased in patients with low PNI (OR 0.270, p = .003). The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 12.1 days. The longer postoperative hospital stay was seen in lower PNI group (PNI ≤ 48, 15.1 days vs. PNI> 48, 10 days; p = .033). Clavien-Dindo classification was high in patients with low PNI and sarcopenia (PNI ≤ 48, p = .004 and Sarcopenia, p = .006). Likewise, mortality was significantly increased in patients with low PNI and sarcopenia (PNI ≤ 48, 20% vs. PNI > 48, 0%; p < .001 and Sarcopenia, 13.7% vs. Nonsarcopenia, 3.6%; OR 0.233, p = .053). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, preoperative SMA and PNI values were found closely related to the postoperative hospital stay, morbidity and mortality results of patients with gastric cancer. Preoperative nutritional support may help to overcome longer hospital stay, higher mortality and morbidity rates in patients with gastric cancer.

Outcomes of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer with intestinal metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of advanced stage (stage IIIB-IVB) ovarian cancer (OC) patients with intestinal metastasis, and to investigate the factors that affect survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CS) for FIGO stage IIIB-IVB OC with metastasis in the intestinal system, at Tepecik Research and Treatment Hospital between 2008-2014, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with borderline ovarian tumor; those who had previously undergone radiation therapy and/or hysterectomy and patients having secondary or tertiary cytoreduction were excluded and 49 patients were included and analyzed in this study. Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling, resection of bulky lymph nodes and omentectomy were performed. Optimal cytoreduction was accepted as that which left residual tumor ≤ one cm maximum size. RESULTS: The risk factors affecting OS interval were investigated according to Cox' regression analysis. Optimality of the primary CS (P = 0.008 and HR = 5.202) and cancer stage (P = 0.016 and HR = 6.083) were found to be statistically significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal CS is the most important aim for the general surgeon carrying out an intestinal resection procedure. Although resection procedures are superior in providing the desired optimal results when compared to excision surgery, their higher complication rates and subsequent lower quality of life must be taken into consideration when choosing either resection or excision methods; surgical intervention should always be kept to the minimum possible.

Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplantation: Risk Factors and Impact on Early Graft Function.

CONTEXT: Although kidney transplantations are routinely performed at many centers in Turkey, the incidence and risk factors associated with delayed graft function (DGF) here have not yet been well defined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of DGF and its impact on early graft function. DESIGN: The medical charts of 154 adult patients who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2014 in a single center were reviewed retrospectively. SETTING: Delayed graft function-related risk factors for donors, recipients, and the transplant surgery itself were analyzed, and their relation with graft function was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The median recipient age was 39 years. The median cold ischemia time (CIT) was 840 minutes (14 hours). The incidence of DGF and acute rejection were 57.8% and 8.4%, respectively. Higher serum creatinine levels at 3, 6, and 12 months were observed in patients with DGF compared to other patients without DGF (P < .05). Patients with DGF had poor graft function (glomerular filtration rate ≤ 50) at 3 and 6 months (P < .05), but these correlations were not seen at 12 months (P = not significant). RESULTS: This study showed that DGF was a common and serious problem associated with poor graft functions at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Extra effort to shorten CIT as an independent risk factor for DGF could have protective effect on graft functions.

Oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty for breast cancer in women with macromastia: long term aesthetic, functional and satisfaction outcomes.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Despite the increase in studies concerning oncoplastic reduction mammoplasty (ORM), data showing long-term aesthetic and patient satisfaction for ORM in patients with macromastia remain limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the long-term results of tumorectomy and concomitant bilateral ORM for early-stage breast cancer patients with macromastia in terms of cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data of patients with macromastia undergoing ORM for breast cancer between 1996 and 2011 were examined and evaluated regarding the aesthetic results, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The median age of the 82 patients was 50 years. The median follow-up was 120 months (range: 28-212 months). The median breast volume was 1402 cm(3), and the median weight of the excised breast material was 679 g. A good or excellent evaluation of the cosmetic outcome was as follows: self-evaluation: 84.1% at the early-stage, 80.3% at the later stage; panel evaluation: 75.4% at the late-stage. Median patient satisfaction rates were 9.1% for early-stage disease and 8.8% for late-stage disease. Reduced mobility and intertrigo improved by three-fold during the post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: ORM for early-stage breast cancer in women with macromastia results in good cosmesis in both the early-stage and long-term, and is quite acceptable for use in patients. Patients reacted favorably to the prospect of having their breast cancer and macromastia treated in a single session, and positive results continued over the long-term.

Islet of Langerhans isolation from pediatric and juvenile donor pancreases.

Islet grafts isolated from young donors allow superior functional outcomes but are often associated with poor islet isolation yields. The objective of this study was to comparatively analyze the outcomes of islet isolation between young and older donors. We retrospectively analyzed 564 pancreas isolations performed at our institution. Isolation outcomes were compared between donors aged ≤20 years (n = 42, YD) and >20 years (n = 522, OD). Isolation procedure was identical in both groups. Prepurification percentage of embedded islets was higher in YD (44.3 ± 22.7% vs. 24.9 ± 20.9%, P < 0.001). This led to a lower recovery rate in YD (48% vs. 76%, P = 0.002) and hence lower postpurification IEQ/g pancreas in YD (2 412 ± 1 789 IEQ/g vs. 3 194 ± 1 892 IEQ/g, P = 0.01). Final yield was 180 982 ± 128 073 IEQ in YD and 244 167 ± 134 137 IEQ in OD, (P = 0.006). In vitro function was markedly, albeit nonsignificantly, higher in YD (SI: 4.5 ± 5.1 vs. 3.0 ± 5.7, P = 0.350). Proportion of transplanted preparations was similar in both groups, 38% (16/42) in YD vs. 43% (224/522) in OD, P = 0.628. In spite of isolation and purification difficulties, pancreases from young donors allowed similar islet transplantation rates as older donors. Efforts should be directed at improving islet extraction in these donors to realize their full potential for islet transplantation.

Adverse effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer: single institute experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study is to assess the known adverse effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy for non-metastatic breast cancer patients and to present our single center experience with light of literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy in Medical School of Ege University between January 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated for this trial after obtaining their acceptance. Vital findings, bone mineral densitometry, endometrium thickness measured with trans-vaginal ultrasonography, biochemical results including liver function tests and blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglyceride) were recorded for each controls. Socio-demographic data, financial statuses, medical history, co-morbid diseases were obtained from first controls. Patients were followed without any local recurrence and distant metastases until June 2011. RESULTS: Endometrium thickness was not seen in AI using patients. As compared with tamoxifen group, lack of thickness in AI group was statistically significant (p = 0.000). When compared the values before AI, the number of patients who had osteoporosis was gradually increasing. The decrease was seen in the number of patients with osteopenia. The number of patients with normal lipid profile was gradually increasing up to the second evaluation for tamoxifen group (p = 0.000). On the other hand, the number of patients with hyperlipidemia was increasing for AIs group in follow-up period statistically (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: With the aid of careful patient follow and effective disease management strategies, the negative effect over the QoL can be minimized and also the greatest benefit from endocrine therapy can be obtained.

Effect of Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Postoperative Morbidity and Difficult Cholecystectomy in Patients With Grade II Cholecystitis According to Tokyo 2018 Guidelines: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The timing of the cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis is still controversial. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of early and delayed cholecystectomy on difficult cholecystectomy, morbidity and mortality in patients diagnosed with Grade II acute cholecystitis according to Tokyo 2018 guidelines. METHODS: Patients who presented to the emergency department and diagnosed with Grade II acute cholecystitis between December 2019 and June 2021 were included in this study. Cholecystectomy was performed within 7 days and 6 weeks after symptom onset. The effect of early and delayed cholecystectomy was observed. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. The timing of cholecystectomy was not a risk factor for mortality, morbidity and difficult cholecystectomy. The conversion rate was higher in delayed group (P = .007). The bleeding was significantly higher in early group (P = .033). Total hospital stay was higher in delayed group (P < .001). CRP was a predictive parameter for increased Parkland score in early group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed cholecystectomy does not facilitate cholecystectomy in patients with Grade II acute cholecystitis. Early cholecystectomy can be performed safely and high CRP levels can be used to determine difficult cholecystectomy in early period.

Effect of skeletal muscle area and prognostic nutritional index in periampullary tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The skeletal muscle area (SMA) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are both considered as predictive parameters for mortality and morbidity for various type of cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of pre-operative SMA and PNI values on post-operative mortality and morbidity in patients with periampullary region tumors (PRT). METHODS: Patients between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to SMA and PNI cutoff values. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to find potential risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age was 65.94 ± 11.242 and 54 (60.6%) of the patients were male. Hypertension was found a reducing factor for morbidity in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.039; p = 0.045). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and low PNI were found as factors affecting mortality in univariate analysis (p = 0.046; p = 0.014). However, only low PNI was found as an enhancing factor for mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Although SMA is not a risk factor for post-operative morbidity and mortality, PNI can be considered as a risk factor for mortality in patients with PRT.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El área del músculo esquelético (SMA) y el índice nutricional pronóstico (PNI) se consideran parámetros predictivos de mortalidad y morbilidad para varios tipos de cáncer. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue identificar los efectos de los valores preoperatorios de SMA y PNI sobre la mortalidad postoperatoria. y morbilidad en pacientes con tumores de la región periampular (PRT). MÉTODOS: Los pacientes entre 2010-2020 fueron analizados retrospectivamente y divididos en dos grupos según los valores de corte de SMA y PNI. Se realizaron análisis univariados y multivariados para encontrar posibles factores de riesgo. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 65.94 ± 11.242 y 54 (60.6%) de los pacientes eran varones. Se encontró que la hipertensión es un factor reductor de la morbilidad tanto en el análisis univariado como en el multivariado (p = 0.039; p = 0.045). La EPOC y el PNI bajo se encontraron como factores que influyen en la mortalidad en el análisis univariante (p = 0.046; p = 0.014). Sin embargo, solo el PNI bajo se encontró como un factor potenciador de la mortalidad en el análisis multivariado. CONCLUSIÓN: Aunque la SMA no se consideró un factor de riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad posoperatorias; La PNI puede considerarse un factor de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con PRT.

Duct-to-Mucosa Pancreaticojejunostomy with Less Serosal Stitches: A Different Approach to Well-known Problem.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new approach (duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with less serosal stiches) for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in pancreaticoduodenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: An observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, between January 2019 and May 2020. METHODOLOGY: Medical records of 45 patients, who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy by the same general surgeon between January 2019 and May 2020, were reviewed retrospectively. Pylorus-preserved pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for all patients. Duct-to-mucosa PJ with less serosal suture technique was used for all patients in reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Definition of the ISGPS was used for the POPF and only grade B and C fistulas were accepted as clinically relevant POPF. Here, the descriptive measures were reported. RESULTS: Seventeen (17) of the forty-five (45) patients were females and median age was sixty- six (66) years. The majority of the underlying disease was pancreatic adoneocarcinoma. Hyperbilirunemia was seen in 15 patients. Median operation time was 360 minutes. Number of patients with pancreatic duct size <3 mm was five. Rate of soft pancreas texture was 33.3%. Lastly, the number of patients that underwent vascular resection or additional organ resection were 6 (13.3%) and 8 (17.8%), respectively. Clinically relevant POPF according to ISGPS was seen in 6 patients (grade B:4 and grade C:2). The most prevalent postoperative complication was surgical site infection at a rate of 40%. There was no POPF related mortality. CONCLUSION: Two-layer duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with less serosal stitches technique has acceptable pancreatic fistula rates. This technique could be used by surgeons who are faced with challenges with the duct-to-mucosa anastomosis due to aforementioned causes. Large multi-centre randomised future studies are required to confirm these findings. Key Words: Postoperative pancreatic fistula, Surgical technique, Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy, Less serosal stiches.

Prognostic Nutritional Index in Short-term Postoperative Outcomes in Hepaticojejunostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on short-term complications, biliary fistula, mortality, and morbidity in patients undergoing hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, between January 2018 and January 2020. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent elective HJ for benign and malignant reasons were scanned retrospectively using the hospital digital record system. Many data such as chronic diseases and PNI values of patients, postoperative 30-day mortality and morbidity, days of hospital stay (HS), postoperative complications, and data of surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients, of whom 42 (52%) were males and 39 (48%) were females, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.8 ±11.3. In 53 patients (65.4%), surgeries were performed due to malignancy. In 19 (23.4%) patients, grade 3 and 4 complications according to Clavien-Dindo Classification were observed in 12 patients (14.8%), and postoperative 30-day mortality was observed. The rate of grade 3 and 4 complications increased in patients with a PNI below 45, it was not statistically significant (p=0.165). The mortality rate was 4.5% in patients with PNI>45, and 18.6% in patients with PNI<45 but this difference was not significant (p=0.165). The mean HS was significantly shorter in patients with PNI>45 (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: At PNI>45, many complications and hospital stay become markedly shorter. Large multi-centre randomised future studies are required to confirm these findings. KEY WORDS: Prognostic nutritional index, Hepatic duct, Biliary tract, Biliary fistula.

Risk Factors for the Morbidity and Mortality of Stoma Closure.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for postoperative complications of stoma closures. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of General Surgery, Izmir University of Health Sciences, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir Turkey from October 2008 to December 2018. METHODOLOGY: A total of 179 patients were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of postoperative complications. Differences between these two groups were analysed with tests of proportion; p <0.05 value was considered statistically significant. The results are reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The median age of the patients with postoperative complications was 57.00 (40.00-67.00) and 30/55 (54.5%) of them were males. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score and coronary artery disease had significant association with postoperative complications of stoma closure (p=0.033, p=0.024). Although colostomy was not associated with presence of postoperative complications, but when the authors analysed correlations of colostomy with postoperative complications separately, it was found that colostomy was a risk factor for postoperative ileus (OR 0.257, 95% CI 0.081-0.821; p= 0.026). CONCLUSION: ASA score and coronary artery disease should be considered as risk factors for complications of stoma closure. Colostomy should be considered as a risk factor for postoperative ileus. Key Words: Colostomy, Ileostomy, Stoma closure, Risk factors.

A Management of Ureteral Obstruction After Lichtenstein Tension-Free Hernia Repair in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The number of renal transplants has been increasing in recent years. Recent literature data show that abdominal operations performed on patients who undergo renal transplant have higher morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old man who had received a renal transplant from a living donor 19 years ago underwent Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair. Anuria was observed after the operation. Renal ultrasound demonstrated massive hydronephrosis and an elevated serum creatinine level (4.6 mg/dL). It was thought that the ureter may have been obstructed because of the operation, and, with the patient under local anesthesia, all sutures and polypropylene mesh were removed. Urine output was still not present, so a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter was inserted to normalize renal function. The patient underwent reoperation under general anesthesia 45 hours after the first operation. It was observed that the ureter was ligated during high ligation. The ureter was released, and no additional intervention was performed. The patient was discharged 6 days later with a return to basal creatinine level and a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter. The patient was hospitalized twice for severe urinary tract infection and urosepsis within 3 months and received appropriate treatment. The patient has had an uneventful postoperative course for 18 months. DISCUSSION: Inguinal hernia repair is seen as a safe surgical procedure, but the risk of emerging urological complications is higher in patients with renal transplant. Imaging before surgery to identify the anatomy of the kidney and ureter may be useful. Delicate dissection of the extraperitoneal area during the operation will reduce surgical complications.

Ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome in a kidney recipient: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION Zinner's Syndrome is a triad of mesonephric duct anomalies comprising unilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. In this study, we present a kidney recipient with ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome and a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease and left renal agenesis underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. After securing optimal renal functions, the patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for the seroma that occurred under the incision. The final diagnosis was an ectopic distal ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst's wall and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was discharged without any complications and the clinical follow up was uneventful. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Congenital seminal vesicle disorders are usually associated with ipsilateral urinary duct anomalies stemming from the same embryonic structure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes kidney transplantation in a patient with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst. In patients with renal agenesis, during the ipsilateral urinary tract anastomosis, the possibility of ectopic ureter should be kept in mind otherwise graft loss can occur with a high morbidity rate.

Outcome of Children With Intestinal Failure Due to Waardenburg Syndrome From an Intestinal Transplant Center: A Case Series.

Waardenburg syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by hearing loss and pigmentation abnormalities. Waardenburg syndrome type 4 is very rare, and children with Waardenburg syndrome type 4 present with intestinal aganglionosis. The associated findings and severity of Waardenburg syndrome type 4 may also differ significantly between cases. Intestinal insufficiency is probable and creates difficulties in terms of treatment; intestinal transplant may be required. In this case report, we present 4 cases of patients with Waardenburg syndrome who have intestinal issues, 2 of whom underwent small bowel transplant. Appropriate surgical and nutritional management should be provided for patients with Waardenburg syndrome type 4 who have gastrointestinal manifestations.

Assessment of prophylactic antibiotic usage habits of the general surgeons in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important aspects of inappropriate antibiotic use among general surgeons in Turkey is the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP). In order to shed light on the current situation, we conducted a survey of general surgeons in our country. Our aim was to evaluate the approach taken by our general surgeons in prescribing SP, while providing data pertinent to the effectiveness of the 'Rational Drug Use' (AIK) national action plan. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire on the subject of personal SP usage and compliance with guidelines was distributed amongst general surgeons between 2018-2019. The questions related to individual approaches taken by surgeons when treating patients with either clean or clean-contaminated wounds. Results of the questionnaires were collated and compliance with ASHP guidelines was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 317 completed questionnaires were evaluated. According to the questionnaire results, the rate of total compliance with ASHP guidelines was 26.8%. The compliance rate for preoperative SP was 69.7% in the clean wound group and 54.6% in the clean-contaminated wound group. Although 96.5% of the participants reported correct timing for the first dose of SP, this number dropped to 79.5% apropos the adminstration of further doses of prophylaxis. The percentage of surgeons prescribing continued antibiotics at discharge for clean and clean-contaminated cases was 22.7% and 38.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that inappropriate use of SP is widespread in our country, and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Discharge Prescriptions in the General Surgery Department.

Introduction Although there are international guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP), the use of inappropriate SP is still a common problem. Most studies investigated SP applications in clean and clean-contaminated cases. However, antibiotics in the discharge prescriptions of these cases have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine the antibiotics in SP applications and discharged prescriptions together and to find out the causes of inappropriate use. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients admitted to our general surgery wards between 2014 and 2015. Patients with clean or clean-contaminated wound category operations were included. The patients were evaluated in terms of convenience of SP (choice of antibiotics, compliance with an indication for SP, timing of the first dose, SP>24 hours, and discharge prescription). In addition, to interpret the results, a questionnaire has been performed for the surgeons in the same clinics. Results A total of 1205 patients with clean and clean-contaminated wound class operation were enrolled in this study. The total accuracy rate of SP was 7.1%. SP application with the correct indication and timing of the first dose was compatible with guidelines: 55.6% and 81.9%, respectively. SP was applied >24 hours at 60.2% and antibiotic prescribing carried out after discharge at 80.6% of patients. According to questionnaire results, the use of SP over 24 hours and the prescription of antibiotics during discharge were: drain usage, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, surgeons feeling of comfort, avoidance of patients, and their relatives' reactions. Conclusion The total accuracy rate of SP rate was low in the present study and in surgeons prescribing the SP after discharge. In light of the present study, we suggest that discharge prescriptions should also be reviewed in clinics who have a high inappropriate surgical antibiotic prophylaxis rate.

Correction: Evaluation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Discharge Prescriptions in the General Surgery Department.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4793.].

A new antibiotic stewardship program approach is effective on inappropriate surgical prophylaxis and discharge prescription.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP) and antibiotics in discharge prescriptions used as a continuation of SP. METHODOLOGY: The study included elective patients with clean and clean-contaminated wounds. The accuracy of the assigned SP was evaluated according to international guidelines. Primary outcome measures comprised appropriateness of prophylactic antibiotic indication, correct timing of initial dose, discontinuation of SP within 24 hours, and antibiotic prescription at discharge. A secondary outcome measure was to determine whether the effect of ASP was sustained long-term. RESULTS: The total compliance rate for all stages of SP increased from 8% to 52.1% after the intervention (p < 0.05). When analyzed according to individual SP components, it was found that although ASP did not change first dose timing rates, it did affect the rates of prophylactic antibiotic indication, discontinuation of SP within 24 hours and antibiotic prescription at discharge, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In addition, ASP continued to increase its effectiveness throughout the 3rd year. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of our study, it seems clear that the modified ASP introduced in our general surgery clinic can be used effectively and simply; in addition, this ASP increases its efficacy with time.

Impact of Subclinical Rejection on Kidney Graft Function.

BACKGROUND: In kidney transplant recipients with borderline infiltration, protocol biopsy results demonstrated the relationship with chronic injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical rejection (SCR) on 6-month protocol biopsy results in long-term renal function in renal transplant recipients with stable graft function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transplant protocol biopsies performed in 45 patients with stable renal function were included in this study at 6 months. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for SCR. Study groups were divided into patients with and without SCR. Renal functions were compared with pathologic evaluation. The effect of immunosuppressive regimens on renal function were evaluated in patients with SCR RESULT: The median age of patients was 32 years (range, 18-64 years). The median follow-up was 56 months (range, 24-84 months). According to the 6-month protocol biopsy results, 20 of 45 patients (44.4%) met SCR criteria based on Banff 07 parameters. There was not a statistically significant difference in renal function with SCR. CONCLUSION: The presence of SCR on the 6-month protocol biopsy results in renal transplant recipients with a stable graft function does not cause deterioration in the long-term graft function.