Phenol Injection Versus Excision With Open Healing in Pilonidal Disease: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive procedures may be an alternative to surgical excisions for pilonidal disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare phenol injection versus excision with open healing technique. DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized study (ACTRN12612000868886). SETTINGS: This study was conducted at the Ankara University and Ufuk University Departments of Surgery. PATIENTS: One hundred forty patients were randomly assigned to phenol injection (n = 70) or excision with open healing (n = 70). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point of the study was the time to complete wound healing. Secondary end points were visual analog scale pain score, painkiller intake, time to resume daily activities, recurrence rate, Short Form 36 Health Survey, and Nottingham Health Profile at 3 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Time to complete wound healing (16.2 ± 8.7 versus 40.1 ± 9.7 days) was significantly in favor of the phenol injection group (p < 0.001). The median operation time was 14.0 ± 3.8 minutes in the phenol group versus 49.0 ± 24.2 minutes in the excision with open healing group (p < 0.001). The time to resume daily activities (pain-free mobilization and defecation) was 0.8 ± 2.8 and 16.2 ± 12.6 hours after phenol injection and 9.3 ± 10.0 and 22.5 ± 15.1 hours after the excision with open healing treatment (p < 0.001, p = 0.008). Visual analog pain score at 48 hours and painkiller intake within 48 hours were significantly in favor of the phenol injection group. At the mean follow-up of 39.2 ± 9.0 months after surgery, no differences were seen in the recurrence rate between the treatment arms (13 recurrences in phenol vs 9 in excision with open healing; p = not significant). Short Form 36 and Nottingham Health Profile scores at 3 weeks after surgery were also in favor of phenol injection. LIMITATIONS: The present study was not double blinded, and a history of abscess drainage was significantly higher in the surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, we conclude that phenol injection is as effective as the excision with open healing technique.

Recurrent renal giant leiomyosarcoma.

Primary renal leiomyosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors. They constitute 1-2% of adult malignant renal tumors. Although leiomyosarcomas are the most common histological type (50-60%) of renal sarcomas, information on renal leiomyosarcoma is limited. Local or systemic recurrences are common. The radiological appearance of renal leiomyosarcomas is not specific, therefore renal leiomyosarcoma cannot be distinguished from renal cell carcinoma by imaging methods in all patients. A 74-year-old female patient presented to our clinic complaining of a palpable mass on the right side of her abdomen in November 2012. The abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass, 25 × 24 × 23 cm in size. Her past medical history revealed that she has undergone right radical nephrectomy in 2007, due to a 11 × 12 × 13 cm renal mass that was then reported as renal cell carcinoma on abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, but the pathological diagnosis was low-grade renal leiomyosarcoma. The most recent follow-up of the patient was in 2011, with no signs of local recurrence or distant metastases within this four-year period. The patient underwent laparotomy on November 2012, and a 35 cm retroperitoneal mass was excised. The pathological examination of the mass was reported as high-grade leiomyosarcoma. The formation of this giant retroperitoneal mass in 1 year can be explained by the transformation of the lesion's pathology from low-grade to a high-grade tumor.

The effects of preoperative oral antibiotic use on the development of surgical site infection after elective colorectal resections: A retrospective cohort analysis in consecutively operated 90 patients.

PURPOSE: The influence of oral antibiotic use together with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) on surgical site infection (SSI) rate, length of hospital stay and total hospital costs in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were evaluated in this study. METHODS: Data from 90 consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between October 2006 and September 2009 was analyzed retrospectively. All patients received MBP. Patients in group A were given oral antibiotics (a total 480 mg of gentamycin, 4 gr of metronidazole in two divided doses and 2 mg of bisacodyl PO), whereas patients in group B received no oral antibiotics. Exclusion criteria were emergent operations, laparoscopic operations, preoperative chemoradiotherapy, intraoperative colonoscopy prior to the creation of an anastomosis or antibiotic use within the previous 10 days. SSI, length of hospital stays and total hospital charges were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in both study groups, group A (n = 45) and group B (n = 45), were similar in terms of age, BMI, diverting ileostomy creation, localization and stage of the disease. Patients receiving oral antibiotics demonstrated a lower rate of wound infections (36% vs. 71%, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (8.1 ± 2.4 days vs. 14.2 ± 10.9 days, respectively, p < 0.001) and similar rates for anastomotic leakage (2% vs. 11%, p = 0.20). The mean ± SD total hospital charges were significantly lower in Group A (2.699 ± 0.892$) than that in Group B (4.411 ± 4.995$, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Preoperative oral antibiotic use with MBP may provide faster recovery with less SSI and hospital charges.

Ileocaecal Intussusception with a Lead Point: Unusual MDCT Findings of Active Crohn's Disease Involving the Appendix.

Adult intussusception is a rare entity accounting for 1% of all bowel obstructions. Unlike intussusceptions in children, which are idiopathic in 90% of cases, adult intussusceptions have an identifiable cause (lead point) in the majority of cases. Crohn's disease (CD) may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the appendix. It was shown to be a predisposing factor for intussusception. Here, we report a rare case of adult intussusception with a lead point, emphasizing diagnostic input of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in a patient with active CD that involves the appendix.

The long-term changes in pain-related symptomatology of inguinal hernia following 2 different herniorrhaphy techniques.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the changes in pain-related symptoms of inguinal hernias from initial admission to postoperative month 6 following 2 herniorrhaphy techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral inguinal hernias were scheduled for either Lichtenstein or self-gripping polypropylene mesh repair. Patients were preoperatively evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) and a Turkish version ofthe Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire and the complaints related to pain were noted. After surgery, patients were discharged without early complications. Patients were reassessed at postoperative month 6. The late-term complaints of pain as well as neurological findings were evaluated using the VAS and the Turkish version of the DN4 questionnaire. Quality of life was also assessed with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent conventional Lichtenstein repair and 19 patients underwent self-gripping polypropylene mesh repair. Even though decreases in VAS intensity scores for both hernia repair techniques were noted at postoperative month 6 when compared to the preoperative period, no significant changes were found in pain, VAS, total DN4, or NHP scores between groups. CONCLUSION: Despite its ease of application and short time duration, self-gripping polypropylene mesh repair was not found to be superior to conventional Lichtenstein hernia repair in terms of reducing pain related to inguinal hernia.

Five right hepatic vein reconstructions using the autologous saphenous vein in the right lobe living-donor liver transplant: a case report.

In living-donor liver transplant, hepatic venous anomalies are not rare. Despite numerous techniques developed over the years, the best way of establishing a patent and durable hepatic drainage system remains controversial. We present a case where we successfully reconstructed 5 hepatic venous structures with a combination of direct anastomosis and saphenous vein interposition. Careful planning before surgery, and a customized approach for the patient on the back table, brought about successful results.

The therapeutic results after laparoscopic hellers' myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this prospectively designed study was to postoperatively assess the subjective complaints or relief of symptoms of achalasia patients' who underwent Laparoscopic Hellers' myotomy and partial fundoplication in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients were enrolled in the study that underwent Laparoscopic Hellers' myotomy and partial fundoplication (toupet or dor) for idiopathic achalasia in our clinic between years 2002 and 2012. Postoperative follow-up was conducted at 1st, 3rd. and 6th months in each patient for symptoms and a follow-up questionnaire was completed which is classified according to Vantrappen and Hellemans' modified classification. RESULTS: 34 patients underwent Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Toupet fundoplication whereas 6 patients underwent Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication. After 3 months, 2 patients' complaints of dysphagia were detected (5%). In the 6 month follow-up, one of these two patient dysphagia symptoms got worsened and a balloon dilatation was performed (2.5%). In the other one no clinical reason was found for dysphagia and medical therapy was initiated. In the 6 th month only three patients (7.5%) were presented with gastroesophageal reflux which successful medical treatment was initiated. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication seems to be the most effective surgical technique that provides both short and long term symptomatic relief with released hospitalization time and less complication rate.

A preliminary study: aspirin discontinuation before elective operations; when is the optimal timing?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the optimum timing of aspirin cessation before noncardiac surgeries. We have conducted a pilot study to minimize the aspirin cessation time before various surgeries. METHODS: Eighty patients who were taking regular aspirin for secondary prevention undergoing elective surgical operations were enrolled in the study. We separated the patients into two groups. The control group had 35 patients who stopped aspirin intake 10 days before surgery. The study group had 45 patients who stopped their aspirin intake and underwent surgery one day after arachidonic acid aggregation tests were within normal limits. Bleeding, blood loss, and transfusion requirements were assessed perioperatively. RESULTS: The mean time between aspirin cessation and aspirin nonresponsiveness were found to be 4.2 days with a median value of 4 days. In addition, the mean time between aspirin cessation and operation day were found to be 5.5 days with a median value of 5 days. No perioperative bleeding, thromboembolic or cardiovascular complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Reducing time of aspirin cessation from 7-10 days to 4-5 days is a possibility for patients using aspirin for secondary prevention without increased perioperative complications.

Non-operative therapy for pilonidal sinus in adolescence: crystallised phenol application, 'report of a case'.

Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an acquired disease at the sacrococcygeal region that can be treated by different surgical techniques. Crystallised phenol application seems to be an alternative therapy to surgery with higher success rates, lower costs, faster recovery and earlier return to work. We aimed to state the success of phenol application for PS in adolescence. A 14-year-old boy with recurrent PS, an 18-year-old girl with the history of pilonidal abscess and a 15-year-old girl with PS was hospitalised. All patients underwent phenol application in an outpatient setting. The patients were followed thereafter. The 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl did not face any problems and all sinuses healed completely. The 15-year-old girl was followed for 2 weeks because of intergluteal maceration and ongoing drainage. She underwent another phenol application and the course after intervention was uneventful with complete healing of the sinus. Crystallised phenol application seems to be a promising non-operative therapy for PS in adolescents.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by Using a 2 mm Atraumatic Grasper without Trocar.

Purpose. We present our experience in single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using a grasper directly without using a trocar in five patients. Methods and Results. The technique involves the use of Karl Storz 27290F grasper in order to perform gallbladder retraction in single port cholecystectomy. The grasper was introduced directly into the skin through abdominal wall without using any trocar and used to mobilize gallbladder whenever needed during surgery without causing any perforation or leakage of the gallbladder. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications in 5 patients with the advantages of shorter operation time and almost invisible postoperative skin scar formation. Conclusion. We claim that the use of this instrument in SILS surgery might be advantageous than the conventional placement of sutures for the gallbladder mobilization.

A Burkitt's Lymphoma Case Mimicking Crohn's Disease: A Case Report.

Lymphomas are solid tumors that arise from lymphoid tissue and present themselves as Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Particularly gastrointestinal lymphomas can be clinically confused with other gastrointestinal tumors as well as with diffuse and inflammatory bowel disease. Early diagnosis and treatment bear vital importance in the management of lymphomas due to their high proliferation rates. In this report, we are presenting a case which initially displayed clinical and radiological signs of Crohn's disease, but was eventually diagnosed as Burkitt's lymphoma by laparotomy, and also we aim to underscore the importance of differential diagnosis.

The value of copper and zinc levels in hernia formation.

BACKGROUND: A defect in collagen metabolism is suspected to be one of the factors responsible for hernia formation. Lysyl oxidase is a copper-dependent enzyme in the process that provides for the structural integrity of collagen molecules, while zinc is essential for tissue maintenance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective fashion, copper and zinc levels were measured in plasma and tissue specimens obtained from indirect (n=23), direct (n=20) and incisional hernia patients (n=19) and from healthy controls (laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients, n=15) by enzymatic colorimetric analysis. RESULTS: Groups were similar in age, comorbid diseases and body mass index. Whereas plasma levels of Cu and Zn in hernia and control patients were similar, and tissue levels were significantly lower in all hernia groups (especially the incisional hernia group) compared to controls (P<0·001). The incisional hernia group had significantly lower tissue copper levels than direct hernia patients and lower zinc levels than indirect hernia patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with all types of hernia, especially those with incisional hernias, have significantly lower tissue copper and zinc levels than control patients, despite having similar plasma levels. This finding might reflect excessive consumption or dysfunction of lysyl oxidase as playing a role in the aetiology of hernias.

Torsion of the primary epiploic appendagitis: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment of epiploic appendagitis (EA) is a dilemma for general surgeons because of nonspecific signs and symptoms. METHODS: Twelve patients (3 women and 9 men, average age 40 years, range 18-82 years) who were diagnosed as having EA upon presenting to the emergency department or at the time of discharge between April 2002 and September 2008 were included. RESULTS: The major presenting symptom was abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed well-localized tenderness in all cases (n = 12); in addition, rebound tenderness and distention were also observed. Laboratory blood tests were normal except for 4 patients who had leukocytosis. Seven cases were diagnosed by an abdominal computed tomography scan. Five patients required surgical intervention, whereas the remaining did not. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should be aware of this self-limiting disease that mimics many other intra-abdominal acute conditions. An abdominal computed tomography scan has a significant role in accurate diagnosis of EA before surgery to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.