Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin and quinolones in patients with dyspepsia in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Aim To evaluate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to clarithromycin and quinolones in patients with dyspepsia in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a region with no data on clarithromycin or quinolones resistance. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at University Clinical Centre Tuzla between January 2021 and June 2022. The study included 99 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) due to dyspepsia. In all patients biopsies were taken for rapid urease test (RUT) and histology findings, concomitantly with blood samples for IgG serology. All RUT positive patient samples were tested for clarithromycin and quinolones susceptibility with GenoType HelicoDr, a PCR method which detects point mutations in 23S rRNA and mutations in the gyrA gene. Results Out of 99 dyspeptic patients, 67 (67.7%) were serologically positive to H. pylori, 46 (46.4.%) were RUT positive, and 19 (19.2 %) had a positive histology finding. Antibiotic (AB) resistance was tested in the total of 46/99 (46.4%) patients. Resistance to clarithromycin was detected in 28.26% (13/46), quinolones resistance in 36.96% (17/46) , and resistance to both AB was detected in 8.69% (4/46) tested biopsies. Conclusions Due to high clarithromycin and quinolones resistance rates, we recommend the use of bismuth quadruple or non-bismuth concomitant quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Adjuvant Intravesical Chemotherapy Versus Immunotherapy for All Risk Groups of Patients With Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Background: The treatment strategy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has not changed significantly over the past 30 years. Chemotherapeutic agents (mitomycin-C, epirubicin, etc.) and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) immunotherapy are used as adjuvant intravesical therapy. Objective: To compare the difference between adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant immunotherapy in their efficacy of reducing the number of tumor recurrences. Methods: In this prospective clinical study, which included 99 patients with NMIBC from March 2018.-March 2023., we publish the results for all risk groups of patients treated with intravesical chemotherapy Epirubicin or with BCG immunotherapy, after TURBT (Trans urethral resection of bladder tumor) within 1 year. Patients were stratified into 2 groups. The first group was treated with Epirubicin (1 dose within 24 hours of surgery, then 6 weekly instillations and 3 maintenance doses), and the second group was treated with BCG (2-3 weeks after TURBT 6 weekly instillations, and 3 maintenance doses). The monitoring period was 24 months. Results: In patients treated with intravesical chemotherapy, recurrence occurred in 9 patients (17.64%), and in patients treated with BCG, recurrence occurred in 7 patients (14.58%). A similar incidence of disease recurrence was observed in both groups (p=0.787). Conclusion: The results of our study show a similar therapeutic response by risk groups of patients treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Since BCG production will cease in the future, the task of urologists is to introduce intravesical chemotherapy into wider use and to modernize it as a safe and effective method of adjuvant treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of Severe Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Whipple Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) known as Whipple procedure is still one of the most complex abdominal surgeries used for treatment of periampullary tumors. PD is often followed with postoperative complications (pancreatic, biliar or intestinal fistula, haemorrhage, intraabdominal abscess, delayed gastric empting. Severe postoperative complications (SPC) can be reason for reoperation and reason of bad outcome of treatment and life treathening condition. Objective: To investigate predicitive value of preoperative hypoalbuminemia for severe postoperative complications (SPC) in patients who have undergone Whipple pancreaticoduodenetomy (PD). However, no similiar study has been ever reported from our country until now. Methods: In this retrospective-prospective study, 100 patients who have had Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant periampullary tumors at the Department for Surgery of University Clinic Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina were enrolled, from january of 2009 to decembre of 2021. All patients were preoperatively analysed according to serum albumine levels and presensce of hypolabuminemia (serum albumine levels <32g/l). Serum albumine biochemical test were done 1-2 days preoperatively. Clavien Dindo classification was used for determination patients with SPC. Patients who did not have SPC belonged to (I-II) Clavien Dindo group of patients while those who had SPC belonged to( III-V) Clavien Dindo group of patients. Results: Out of 100 patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenetomy, in 55 (55%) patients postoperative complications were noticed. Mortality rate was 18 (18%) and reoperation has been done in 20 cases (20%). SPC were noticed in 19 patients and most often were: delayed gastric emptying (20%), pancreatic fistula (13%) and intraabdominal collections (9%). Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly higher rate of severe postoperative complications ( p<0.05). Using hypoalbuminemia-SPC correlation analaysis, there is confirmed statistically significant correlation between hypoalbuminemia and SPC (ρ= 0.236; p<0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia can be used as predictor and prognostic factor for severe postoperative complications after Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy. Identification and optimization of serum albumin level prior to Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy may improve surgical outcomes.

Amyloid Goiter: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Amyloid goiter is a very rare manifestation of amyloidosis. Here, we describe the case of a 40-year-old male, who presented with upper airway obstructive symptoms including hoarseness and breathing difficulty, to highlight the clinical and pathological features of secondary amyloidosis of the thyroid gland and the difficulties in making a preoperative diagnosis. The patient had previously been wounded in the war in Bosnia, which resulted in the right kidney being surgically removed. Further, he had undergone two surgical interventions on both hips due to osteomyelitis and was on a chronic dialysis program due to a progressively poor left kidney function that had eventually resulted in complete loss of renal function. Thyroid function tests were normal, and the patient clinically was euthyroid; biochemical investigations were within normal limits. Results from sonography, computed tomography scan of the neck, scintigraphy and fine-needle aspiration cytology were nondiagnostic. Therefore, a thyroid biopsy was carried out, and amyloid deposits were found. After preoperative work-up, total thyroidectomy was performed with no complications. We conclude that amyloid goiter may have no major impact on thyroid function even when a substantial amount of amyloid has replaced the normal thyroid parenchyma, as was the case in our patient. Amyloid goiter should be suspected in all patients with a progressive, rapidly growing bilateral thyroid enlargement with concomitant inflammatory processes or in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Balkan Clinical Research Registry: Established by Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: From 2013 the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki explicitly requires pre-registration of a study involving human subjects. The registration gives a chance for improvement of design and avoidance of bias. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe process of bearing decision to create regional registry of clinical studies for Balkan countries. METHODS: After finding relevant studies about research registries and designing the concept and structure of future regional registry an article was published in IJBH journal. The article was than used as basis for discussion at 2020 meeting of Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AMSBH), and final decision was made by the Academy to create the research registry. RESULTS: Regional registry of clinical studies will be under the auspices of AMSBH and web-based, with the option of online registration of new studies. The data required to be entered in the moment of registration relate to key elements of research plan: topic, variables, sample, type of the study and the study population. After applying for registration of a clinical study, the authors will soon receive the review made by the AMSBH expert committee. The application could be accepted, rejected or returned for major or minor revision. After an application is accepted, it will be deposited in the searchable database and given the registration number. CONCLUSION: The AMSBH's decision to create the regional registry of clinical studies will satisfy needs of researchers from Balkan countries in the first place, who share cultural and lingual similarities. It will also help with increasing standards of clinical research in the region.

Guidelines for Editing Biomedical Journals: Recommended by Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: Enormous number of medical journals published around the globe requires standardization of editing practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to enlist main principles of editing biomedical scientific journals adopted at annual meeting of Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia & Herzegovina (AMSB&H). METHODS: The evidence for writing this Guideline was systematically searched for during September 2020 in the PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR databases. The inclusion criteria were: original studies, systematic reviews, invited expert opinions, guidelines and editorials. The exclusion criteria were narrative reviews and uninvited opinion articles. The retrieved evidence was analyzed by members of the AMSB&H, then discussed at 2020 annual meeting of the AMSB&H and adopted by nominal group technique. RESULTS: In total 14 recommendations were made, based on A to C class of evidence. The editors should educate potential authors and instruct them how to structure their manuscript, how to write every segment of the manuscript, and take care about correct use of statistical tests. Plagiarism detection softwares should be used regularly, and statistical and technical editing should be rigorous and thorough. International standards of reporting specific types of studies should be followed, and principles of ethical and responsible behavior of editors, reviewers and authors should be published on the journal's web site. The editors should insist on registration of clinical studies before submission, and check whether non-essential personal information is removed from the articles; when essential personal information has to be included, an article should not be published without signed informed consent by the patient to whom these information relate. CONCLUSIONS: Principles of editing biomedical scientific journals recommended in this guideline should serve as one of the means of improving medical journals' quality.

Impact of Preoperative Anxiety in Patients on Hemodynamic Changes and a Dose of Anesthetic During Induction of Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVES: Each surgical patient is preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the existence of preoperative anxiety, and to determine its impact on hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate) in patients and dose of anesthetics during induction of anesthesia. METHODS: A prospective clinical study conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation and Surgery Clinic of University Clinical Center Tuzla (UCC) in the period May 2012. to January 2015. The 80 patients were analyzed which were planned for and done an elective cholecystectomy surgery or herniectomy surgical intervention. Preoperative anxiety was measured with the help of Spielberg test and evaluation of depth of anesthesia was performed with BIS monitoring. RESULTS: The results showed that all patients had some degree of preoperative manifest anxiety. Average values of mean arterial pressure, preoperatively and after the induction of general anesthesia, differed for 15,4 mm/Hg, but were not observed significant association between Spielberg score and differences in blood pressure. Preoperative anxiety is a significant predictor of administered dose of anesthetic. Each additional score on Spielberg scale reduces the dose of anesthetic for 0,304 mg/kgTT. CONCLUSION: Adequate assessment of preoperative anxiety and undertaking of certain steps to reduce it can assist in accurately determining the required dosage of anesthetic for the introduction of general anesthesia.

Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer in Croatian and Bosnian Endemic Nephropathy Regions.

OBJECTIVES: Endemic nephropathy (EN) is a chronic tubulointerstitial renal disease associated with increased incidence of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) occurring predominantly in geographically limited areas in villages along big Danube river. Based on results obtained by the research it is confirmed that aristolochic acid is causative agent of endemic nephropathy (EN). AIM: The aim of this study was to determine characteristics of UTUC in two endemic areas and analyze trends in 5-year period. METHODS: This study included all patients with UTUC with or without synchronous/metachronous urothelial cancer in urinary bladder, from Croatian and Bosnian EN and non-EN regions. We analyzed archival data bases from all patients with UTUC who were admitted and operated in Department for surgery and urology, General Hospital Josip Bencevic Slavonski Brod in the time period between 2005 and 2010. Analyzed groups of patients were divided and compared as EN group (that includes patients from Croatian and Bosnian EN region) and non-EN group (that includes patients from Croatian and Bosnian non-EN region). All surgical specimens were processed according to standardized pathological procedures. RESULTS: Comparing patients basic characteristics from Croatian and Bosnian EN region there was no significant difference in gender (females were more frequently affected in both EN regions, p=0.99) or age (p=0.43) of patients. We found higher blood levels of urea and creatinine in group of patients from Croatian EN region when compared with group of patients from Bosnian EN region but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.79 and p=0.44, respectively). In patients from Croatian EN group Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower than levels from Bosnian EN region patients, p=0.0049. In group of patients from Bosnian EN region ureteral tumors were more frequently observed than in Croatian group of patients, when compared with renal pelvis tumors but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.258). CONCLUSION: Our data showed some differences in tumor localization between to investigated, relatively nearly situated, EN regions in Croatia and Bosnia. Statistically significant difference in hemoglobin levels between Croatian and Bosnian EN regions that should be further analyzed to give some reasonable explanation.

Risk factors for post-colectomy adhesive small bowel obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) following colectomy for colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study we analyzed 284 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer at the Department of Surgery University Clinical Center Tuzla in the period from 1st January 2009 until 31st December 2014. All patients underwent open colectomy. The length of follow up was from 6 months to 6 years (median follow up 3 years and 6 months). The study included all patients who underwent surgery due to colon cancer. The study excluded patients with postoperative small bowel obstruction after colon cancer surgery with different comorbidities. RESULTS: In the analyzed sample of 284 patients, a small bowel obstruction occurred in 13.7% patients after surgery for colon cancer. The highest correlation of risk factors and the occurrence of postoperative small bowel obstruction after colectomy for colorectal cancer in multivariate regression analysis was found to be for Tumor-Node-Metastasis ≥3 (or =3.680), and postoperative complications (or =30.683). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative SBO have many causes, but in this study the highest risk factors were the Tumor-Node-Metastasis ≥3, and postoperative complications.

Efficiency of Local Antiseptic Alkosol (Ethanol, Isopropanol-30g and Ortophenilphenol) and Povidone Iodide on the Incidence Of Surgical Site Infection After Inguinal Hernioplasty.

BACKGROUND: The risk of wound infection after elective inguinal hernia repair depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is the preoperative skin preparation. The use of antisepsis is performed to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) and to remove causing organisms. This work compares two different agent forms for preoperative skin preparation to prevent SSIs. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is comparing the effects of two different agents used for preoperative skin preparation and prevention of SSIs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 adult patients were divided and randomized into two groups, each containing 50 patients. Both groups included patients that are scheduled for elective Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. The first group includes patients whose skin preparations were done with povidone iodine (PI) only. The second group included patients that are treated with two antiseptics; Alkosol (96% ethanol, isopropanol-30g and ortophenilphenol-0.1g) and povidone iodide. Alkosol is applied before the induction of anesthesia. The povidone iodide is applied after Alkosol has evaporated. The presence of bacterial growth in the wound was determined 24 and 48 hours after operation. Swabs were used to take samples, which were then cultivated to check for bacterial growth. The presence of infection was also determined by the following criteria: pain or tenderness, induration, erythema, local warmth of the wound etc. RESULTS: The surgeon or clinician declared that after 24 hours the wound was infected in 20 patients in the control group and in 22 patients after 48 hours. In the Alkosol (96% ethanol, isopropanol-30g and ortophenilphenol-0.1g) and povidone iodide group infection was declared in only 3 patients after 24 hours. DISCUSSION: Compared to the use of providone only, the use of Alkosol (96% ethanol, isopropanol-30g and ortophenilphenol-0.1g) and povidone iodide has many advantages and was associated with lower rates of SSIs following clean surgery. A larger trial is warranted in order to add definitive and more conclusive data to the current evidence base.

Influence of Prognostic Factors for Recurrence of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer is the second most important neoplasm in the world. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for gastric cancer, and recognized by the International Union against Cancer (International Union Against Cancer - UICC) TNM classification of the parameters of the tumor and lymph node. Prognostic factors related to characteristics of the tumor by histopathologic findings have an impact on the planning of the operation. According to the results of most studies it is possible to predict survival and recurrence based on histological type and TNM classification of tumors on the one hand and the surgical procedure on the other. AIM: The aim of the research was to analyze prognostic factors that influenced the frequency of recurrence in gastric surgery patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The five year study covered a population of 100 treated patients of adenocarcinoma of the stomach at the Department of Surgery, University Clinical Center Tuzla. The first group were characteristics of tumors in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Lymphadenectomy and splenectomy, types of surgery were the second group of prognostic factors. RESULTS: Histological type and TNM stage of tumor as prognostic factors had a significant impact on local tumor recurrence. The type of surgery had no statistically significant value for tumor recurrence (p = 0.7520). CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis of prognostic factors related to histopathologic characteristics of tumors and the type of surgery gave the results that had an impact on recurrence in gastric surgery patients. The most important prognostic factors were TNM stage of tumor and histological type of tumor that influenced the incidence of recurrence.

Laparoscopic Wedge Resection of Gastric Stromal Tumor (GIST).

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic treatment in general, in recent age has proven that it is well associated with low morbidity, mortality, fast recovery, less pain and sound oncologic outcomes. Recent reports from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) GIST Task Force and the GIST Consensus Conference under the auspices of The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) show that laparoscopic resection may be used for small gastric GISTs (< 2 cm in size). CASE REPORT: We report, all the benefits of laparoscopic approach which include short hospitalization, less pain, better cosmetic effect and good oncological outcome, in this case report of 60 year old female patient with gastric GIST larger than 2 cm.

Body mass index and volume of fat tissue of unemployed men in the Tuzla Canton / Índice de masa corporal y volúmen de tejido graso en hombres desempleados de Tuzla Canton

The main objective of this study was to obtain information on indicators of obesity among the unemployed male subjects from the Tuzla Canton. Also, we wanted to determine whether there are significant differences in the observed parameters between subjects in relation to age. The main criterion for the selection of test subjects is that they are unemployed. This is because we felt that those persons have more free time for practicing sports and recreational activities, and there is a very small number of studies in the area of Tuzla Canton with the characteristics of the sample. For the purpose of this research we applied analysis of percentage/ratio, t-test for independent samples and the Mann-Whitney U Test. Applied analysis showed that the increased value of Body Mass Index (BMI) and to the account of increased amounts of body fat has 31.5% of the respondents. It also found that there are significant differences in the variables Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage (% FAT) and the total weight of fat mass (in kg) in the body (FATMAS-kg) in favor of the subjects belonging to the older age group. The results indicate the existence of the problem of obesity in males from Tuzla Canton, especially in the older age group. It is therefore necessary in adolescence or even earlier, to start with education and systematic practice of sports and recreational activities with respect to dietary habits.

El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener información sobre los indicadores de obesidad entre los varones desempleados en Tuzla Canton. Además, determinar si existen diferencias significativas en los parámetros observados entre los sujetos en relación con la edad. El criterio principal para la selección de los sujetos fue que se encontraran desempleados. Esto debido a que estas personas tienen más tiempo libre para la práctica de actividades deportivas y recreativas, y existe un número muy pequeño de estudios en el área de Tuzla Canton con las características de esta muestra. A los efectos de esta investigación se aplicó el análisis de porcentaje/proporción, prueba t, muestras independientes y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. El análisis aplicado mostró que el aumento del valor de índice de masa corporal (IMC) y una mayor cantidad de grasa corporal se observó en un 31,5% de los encuestados. También se encontró que existen diferencias significativas en las variables del IMC, porcentaje de grasa corporal y en el peso total de la masa de grasa (en kg) en el cuerpo en los sujetos pertenecientes al grupo de mayor edad. Los resultados indican la existencia del problema de la obesidad en los varones de Tuzla Canton, especialmente en el grupo de mayor edad. Por ello es necesario en la adolescencia, e incluso antes, comenzar con la educación y la práctica sistemática de actividades deportivas y recreativas con respecto a los hábitos alimenticios.

The role of fibrin glue polypropylene mesh fixation in open inguinal hernia repair.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to compare two methods of polypropylene mesh fixation for inguinal hernia repair according to Lichtenstein using fibrin glue and suture fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients with unilateral inguinal hernia, divided into two groups of 30 patients--Suture fixation and fibrin glue fixation. All patients were analyzed according to: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), indication for surgery--the type, localization and size of the hernia, preoperative level of pain and the type of surgery. Overall postoperative complications and the patient's ability to return to regular activities were followed for 3 months. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery, pain intensity and complications (p < 0.05) were verified between method A, the group of patients whose inguinal hernia was repaired using polypropylene mesh-fibrin glue and method B, where inguinal hernia was repaired with polypropylene mesh using suture fixation. Given the clinical research, this systematic review of existing results on the comparative effectiveness, will help in making important medical decisions about options for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may impact decision making process for recommendations of methods of treatment by professional associations, making appropriate decisions on hospital procurement of materials, as well as coverage of health funds and insurance.

Use of a circular stapler for Billroth I anastomosis after distal gastrectomy.

Staplers are widely used in gastrointestinal surgery. We used a circular stapler to establish gastroduodenal anastomosis after distal gastrectomy in a recent case. After separating the stomach from the duodenum, we anastomosed the posterior wall of the stomach to the duodenum by introducing the circular stapler through the part of the stomach that was to be resected. Then we separated the distal part of the stomach with a linear stapler, and so completed the distal gastric resection. The advantages of this technique are that it is simple and safe.

Influence of surgical complications on graft and patients' survival after a kidney transplantation according to donors' age.

The aim of this study was to determine a frequency and a type of early and late surgical complications in kidney transplantation, their impact on renal graft survival among 80 patients, 54 (67.5%) males and 26 (32.5%) females who had undergone a living and cadaveric kidney transplant at the Surgery Center in Tuzla in the period from 15.09.1999 until 31.12.2008. The subjects were divided into two groups according to donor age, younger and older than 55. A significantly higher incidence of early rather than late surgical complications was observed in an experimental group (p=0.001, and p=0.77, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the length of graft survival (p=0.004) and the number of deaths (p=0.038). Older age of kidney graft donor had an impact on the occurrence of early surgical complications and no influence on the occurrence of late surgical complications. Fatal outcome after kidney transplantation was significantly higher in patients who received grafts of elderly people.

A rare case of primary rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast.

Primary rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the breast is an exceedingly rare event. Its management differs from that of primary breast cancer, as illustrated by this case. A 63-year-old woman presented with a breast lump 30 months after abdominoperineal resection for rectal adenocarcinoma, stage T3N1M0 (stage III), followed by standard postoperative radiochemotherapy. The patient underwent a mammography and ultrasonography. A CT scan of the abdomen showed metastatic disease. An excisional biopsy of the breast lump was performed; morphological features were identical to the original rectal cancer. Immunohistochemical results were negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, and intensity positive for cytokeratin 20 and carcinoembryonic antigen. The patient died after treatment with palliative chemotherapy. Metastatic disease from rectal carcinoma to the breast is a marker for disseminated metastatic spread with poor prognosis.

Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Surgery of the gallbladder has evolved tremendously over the last century. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallbladder removal and the most common laparoscopic procedure worldwide. In recent times, innovative techniques of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and transumbilical single-port (TUSP) or single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), have been applied in gallbladder removal as a step towards even more less-invasive procedures. We report a 49-year-old woman with calculosis which were submitted to a single-port transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy, first time done on the Surgical Clinic of Tuzla, and first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Quality of life in patients after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to establish Gastrointestinal Life Quality Index scores of patients before and after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy comparing scores after both operations. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The 120 patients were involved in this prospective study, 51 male and 69 female, 59 of patients were underwent by laparoscopic method and rest of them, 61, by open method on Surgery Clinic on Clinical university center in Tuzla in period from February 2006 to October 2006, chosen by consecutive method. This study evaluates patients life quality according to score of Gastrointestinal Life Quality Index. METHODS: Patients have been tested two weeks before the operation and in two, five and ten weeks of post-operative period. Except from Gastrointestinal Life Quality Index total score, established scores,a parts of life quality are: symptoms, physical function, emotional and mental status and also social activities. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: For analysis of achieved results, SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, V 10.01) program with statistical parameters was used: average values and standard deviation. Out of statistical tests, we used Chi-square test and Student t-test. Values p < 0,05 have been accepted as statisticaly significant. RESULTS: The results of the study confirm a working hypothesis that patients life quality after two and five weeks of postoperative period is significantly better (p < 0.05) in laparoscopic method group versus open method group. Also, in domains Gastrointestinal Life Quality Index symptoms, physical function, emotional and menthal status and social activities results are significantly better (p < 0.05) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group than in open method cholecystectomy group. Ten weeks of post-operative period, results showed that these two groups have no difference in life quality in total score, also in domain score. CONCLUSION: This comparative study between laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy according to patients life quality aspects confirms advantages of laparoscopic technique in comparison to open cholecystectomy method.

Rate of complications and conversions after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although many advantages of laparoscopic method in regard to open one have been already proved, both surgical methods may cause a certain number of complications. The goal of the study is to answer the question: Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) safer and more satisfactory method than open cholecystectomy (OC) concerning number, type and seriousness of complications? DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, the research includes all patients in Bihac Cantonal Hospital during 2007, who had cholecystectomy, laparoscopic or open, because of the gallbladder calculosus. METHODS: The study has included 476 patients who had cholecystectomy and who satisfied standards for this study. Of the total number of patients, 293 of them had laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 183 open cholecystectomy. Total number of complications is established for each group of patients. RESULTS: The study has shown that there were more complications in patients operated by open method than in those operated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p < 0.0001). Intraoperative bleeding was found in 1.63% of patients with open and 0.68% with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Postoperative collection in abdomen were found in 2.18% of patients with open and 1.02% with laparoscopic method. The most common complications for open cholecystectomy were: infection (2.73%), hematoma in the wound (2.73%) and urine retention (2.18%). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that LC and OC are comparable procedures for the treatment of gall stone disease in terms of complications, results of this study demonstrate that LC is essentially a safe procedure with low complicatins, morbidity and mortality rate.