Single versus double Hem-o-lok clips to secure the apendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective randomized multicentric clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Polymeric clips (Hem-o-lok ligation system) are now widely used to securing the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy. Studies comparing the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of a single hem-o-lok clips with a double hem-o-lok clips for closure of an appendiceal stump. METHODS: This prospective randomized study includes patients from two centers who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with the diagnosis of appendicitis between September 2020 and March 2023. Demographic, operative and clinical outcomes of the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips for closure of the appendiceal stump were compared. Factors affecting long postoperative hospital stay were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyzes. RESULTS: One hundred forty two (48.3%) patients in the single hem-o-lok arm and 152 (51.7%) patients in the double hem-o-lok arm were included in the analysis.The shortest operative time was noted in the single hem-o-lok group (52.1 ± 19.9 versus 61.6 ± 24.9 min, p < 0.001). The median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-10) in the single hem-o-lok group and 1 day (range 1-12) in the double hem-o-lok group, and was shorter in the single hem-o-lok arm (1.61 ± 1.56 vs 1.84 ± 1.69, p = 0.019). Based on multivariate analysis, drain placement was identified as an independent predictive factor for long hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The use of single hem-o-lok clips for appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective. Trial registration NCT04387370 ( http://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ).

Effects of Carvedilol on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the potential protective effect of Carvedilol against liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each). Group I (Sham/Control group) underwent only laparotomy, Group II (Carvedilol group) was administered carvedilol and then underwent laparotomy, Group III (I/R group) underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion, and Group IV (I/R + Carvedilol group) was administered carvedilol and then underwent laparotomy and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion. Blood samples were collected for malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) analysis. Liver sections were obtained for histopathological analysis and stained with hematoxy-lin-eosin. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Caspase-3 primary antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Serum GSH levels increased in the I/R + Carvedilol group. MPO activity was increased significantly in the IR group. In I/R + Carvedilol group, serum MPO levels were similar to the control group. Histopathological findings showed reduced dilatation and congestion in vena centralis, regenerative changes in hepatocyte cells with the protected nucleus structure in the I/R + Carvedilol group. Hepatocyte nuclei with increased pycnosis and apoptosis and the dilated vena centralis were observed in I/R group. In the control group, TNF-α showed a positive reaction in macrophage cells around vena centralis. An increase in TNF-α expression was observed in hepatocyte cells of I/R group. Positive expression of caspase-3 in hepatocyte cells and a small number of endothelial and Kupffer cells were seen in I/R group. However, negative caspase-3 expression was seen in hepatocyte, endothelial, and Kupffer cells in I/R + Carvedilol group. CONCLUSION: Carvedilol may prevent initiation of oxidative stress process, inflammation induction and apoptotic progression.

The sensitivity of ultrasound in the clinical diagnosis of inguinal hernias in adults: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonography (US) is a non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation modality highly successful at diagnosing inguinal hernia. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating defects of fascia in inguinal hernias and compare with surgical findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 33 patients with a sonographic diagnosis of an inguinal hernia are included to study. After US, all patients underwent a blinded surgery and the surgical findings are compared with the US results. RESULTS: The sensitivity of US was found to be 100% and 80% for indirect and direct types, respectively. The mean size of the defect was found to be 22 mm (max: 70 mm, min: 6 mm) with US; and 27 mm (max: 50 mm, min: 4 mm) at surgery. The size of defects at US and in surgery were correlated with each other (p = 0.001).

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV- 2) and has resulted in increased mortality worldwide. Several studies have identified the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and other tissues. Although it has been reported that the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor affected by SARS-CoV is expressed more in the pancreas than in the lungs, the issue regarding the occurrence of pancreatitis is controversial. SARS Cov-2 rarely causes acute necrotizing pancreatitis without significantly affecting the respiratory and other systems. This paper presents a patient who underwent laparotomy due to acute necrotizing pancreatitis and hemodynamic instability caused by COVID-19 without any known risk factors.

Low-Dose Methotrexate Use in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: An Alternative Treatment Method.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, recurrent and progressive breast disease with an unknown etiology. Patients with IGM will probably face stressful, time-consuming treatment procedures with side effects due to medications. There are different treatment modalities in clinical use including medical and surgical interventions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the results of using the combination therapy of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) and steroid in IGM. METHODS: Seventeen patients diagnosed with IGM and treated with MTX were included into the study. Low-dose MTX at 5 mg/week and 8 mg/day prednisone were given for 2-3 months. RESULTS: After 2-3 months of treatment, 10 patients exhibited (58.5%) complete, 3 patients (17.6%) partial recovery, and no response to the treatment process was observed in 4 patients (23.5%). No side effects of MTX and recurrent events were noted in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Low-dose MTX and prednisone treatment for IGM patients, who did not respond to steroids alone, should be considered as an alternative treatment method instead of surgical intervention.

Submucosal Giant Lipoma of the Colon as an Unusual Cause of Partial Intestinal Occlusion: Report on Seven Consecutive Cases.

BACKGROUND: Colonic lipomas begin to be symptomatic when they reach a certain size, although the presentation can vary. In this study, we aimed to evaluate our experiences with the management of patients who presented with symptomatic giant colonic lipomas. METHODS: The data of 7 patients with single colonic lipoma were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were evaluated: age, gender, clinical and diagnostic findings, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, operative findings, postoperative complications, mortality, hospital stay duration, and hospital readmission. The diagnosis of colonic lipoma was established by computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: In this study, 4 (57.1%) of 7 patients with colonic lipoma were female, and 3 (42.9%) were male. The mean age was 56.7 years (range, 45-69). The main symptoms were abdominal pain (100%), and constipation (71.4%). The findings of intestinal occlusion detected on CT confirmed the diagnosis in all patients. Colon lipoma was located in the ascending colon in 2 patients, in the hepatic flexure in 2 patients, in the transverse colon in 2 patients, and in the cecum in 1 patient. The surgical procedure was uneventful in all patients. Four (57.1%) patients underwent laparoscopic colonic resection, while in the remaining 3 (42.9%) patients, a laparotomy was performed. The mean operating time was 185.7 min (150-210). Length of stay was 7.1 days (6-10), with no mortality. The mean diameter of the lesions was 7.4 cm (6-9). At a 6-month follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic with no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although colon lipomas are rare, they are of great importance because they can be symptomatic and can be confused with colon malignancies in the differential diagnosis. Being able to make a definitive preoperative diagnosis will change the surgical strategy. A minimally invasive surgical approach should be employed to resect symptomatic colonic lipomas with an experienced surgical team in eligible patients whenever possible.

Perforated colorectal cancers: clinical outcomes of 18 patients who underwent emergency surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Although colon cancer perforations are rare among acute abdominal syndromes, it is a clinical picture with high mortality that requires urgent treatment. AIM: In this study, the clinical results of patients who were operated in emergency conditions due to colorectal cancer perforation were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 18 patients treated for colorectal cancer perforation in our clinic between February 2014 and February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were evaluated: demographic features of the patients, location of the tumour, metastasis, stage of the tumour, number of lymph nodes dissected, survival, type, and prognosis of the surgery. RESULTS: Eight (44%) of 18 patients with perforated colon cancers were female and 10 (56%) were male. The mean age was 65.2 (31-104) years. Four of the patients had liver metastasis only, and 5 had multiple metastases. All cases had sudden abdominal pain and acute abdominal clinical findings. Fourteen of the patients underwent full resection, and 4 of them underwent partial resection and trephine stoma (colostomy). Perioperative mortality was not observed. The long-term mortality rate in our study was 77.7% (n = 14), and the operative mortality rate was 44% (n = 8). Additional organ injuries occurred during resection in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer perforation seen in advanced ages is one of the causes of acute abdominal syndrome, which can be fatal. The general condition of the patient and the size and localization of the perforation should be taken into consideration in the choice of treatment. Curative surgery can also be performed in perforated colorectal cancers. However, partial resection and trephine colostomy should be performed in patients with multiple metastases and poor general condition.

Median arcuate ligament (Dunbar) syndrome: Laparoscopic management and clinical outcomes of a single centre.

BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a condition characterised by chronic abdominal symptoms associated with median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression of the coeliac artery. AIM: In this observational study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic treatment in patients with MALS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of ten patients with MALS who were subjected to laparoscopic sectioning of the MAL were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were evaluated: age, gender, clinical and diagnostic test findings, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, operative findings and complications and mortality, hospital stay duration and hospital readmission. The diagnosis of MALS was established by computed tomography (CT) angiography. RESULTS: Six (60%) of ten patients with MALS were female and four (40%) were male. The mean age was 42.4 ± 12.3. The main symptoms were epigastric pain (100%) and weight loss (60%). CT angiography showed high-grade stenosis of the anterior wall of the proximal coeliac trunk and post-stenotic dilation caused by extrinsic compression of the MAL. Surgical procedure was uneventful in all patients. Operating time was 155.5 min (120-200) and intra-operative blood loss was 150 ml (100-250). Length of stay was 3.1 day (2-9), with no mortality. The post-operative complications developed in two female patients. One of them developed ileus and the other patient developed pulmonary thromboembolism. At 6-month follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic decompression is an effective treatment for MALS and can provide symptomatic relief. This method may be the preferred modality of treatment in view of its lack of morbidity and good results.

Acute abdomen due to torsion of the wandering spleen: A rare clinical presentation.

Wandering spleen is defined as the spleen that is not in its normal anatomic position due to the absence or laxity of suspensory ligaments. Congenital and acquired factors play a role in its etiology. It is a rare condition and may cause life-threatening complications as torsion or infarction. Rarely, patients may present to the emergency department with an acute abdomen. They may also present with chronic abdominal pain or intraabdominal mass. Given that its clinical diagnosis is difficult to make, radiological studies have an important role for an accurate diagnosis. In this paper, we presented a 24-year-old patient with torsion of a wandering spleen who presented with an acute abdomen and underwent laparoscopic splenectomy under urgent conditions.

Incidental giant adrenal lymphangioma presenting as nonfunctional cystic mass.

Adrenal masses can be encountered with many different clinical manifestations and a diverse spectrum of etiologies in clinical practice. Recent advances in imaging and laboratory studies as well as their increasingly widespread use and easy accessibility have currently made it possible to diagnose a greater number of surrenal masses than ever. The basic approach principles vary for incidentally detected masses, benign/malignant masses, and hormonoactive masses. Lymphangiomas are benign congenital malformations of lymphatic channels that primarily affect the neck and head region. They typically affect children younger than 2 years of age, they are uncommon in adults and they rarely involve surrenal glands. In this paper, we aimed to present a woman with a hormonally inactive right giant adrenal mass showing recent rapid growth, which was diagnosed to be a lymphangioma in an atypical localization in histopathological examination. The patient was operated with right adrenalectomy and total mass excision via laparoscopic lateral transperitoneal approach.

Gastric volvulus as a deadly cause of acute abdominal pain: Presentation of three cases.

Gastric volvulus is usually associated with non-specific abdominal pain and is a very rare condition. Diagnosis of gastric volvulus is difficult because of the lack of specific findings. Its acute form usually requires urgent surgical treatment and is associated with high mortality. In this study, gastric volvulus was diagnosed in three patients who presented with abdominal pain in the emergency department and had non-specific abdominal findings on physi- cal examination. We evaluated this situation, which is rarely seen, on different patients.

Mesenteric Cyst in 22 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to retrospectively and multi-centerly examine the clinicopathological features of patients who were operated with the diagnosis of mesenteric cyst, which is a rare cause of intra-abdominal mass in the last 9 years, in the light of the literature. METHODS: The patients were operated due to mesenteric cysts in the general surgery clinics of two Training and Research Hospital between 2010 and 2019; age, gender, preoperative clinical findings, computed tomography (CT) findings, localization of the mass, surgical procedure, morbidity, histopathological results, and follow-up period status were analyzed and reported electronically. RESULTS: The patients generally applied with the complaints of abdominal pain, palpable abdominal mass, and abdominal distention. Fourteen (63.7%) of the cases were male and 8 (36.3%) were female. The mesenteric cysts were located in the small intestine in 18 cases and colon in 4 cases. In the histopathological examination of the surgical materials, simple cyst was detected in 17 cases, lymphangioma in 4 cases, colon adenocarcinoma, and simple cyst in 1 case. In the postoperative period, superficial surgical site infection developed in 3 patients and morbidity developed in 1 patient due to anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: Although mesenteric cysts are rarely seen, although most of them are not histopathologically malignant, they can reach large sizes and require extensive surgical operation, and related morbidities can be seen. Therefore, mesenteric cysts should be followed carefully in the postoperative period as well as during the diagnosis and surgical treatment process.

The Investigation of 14 Appendiceal Mucocele Cases Encountered in 4850 Appendectomy Patients.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucocele is a rarely seen disease which occurs when the appendix lumen is filled and obstructed by mucous. In our study, we aimed to reveal the surgical approach of our clinic, features of tumors, and clinical presentations in line with literature in cases of appendix mucocele. METHODS: Fourteen appendix mucocele patients who were admitted in our hospital between 2012 and 2019 were examined retrospectively in the electronic recording medium. Our patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, clinical status, operation, imaging results, and pathology results. RESULTS: Of the fourteen patients, 12 applied to the emergency department and 2 to the general surgery clinic. All of our patients had abdominal pain at the time of admission. In the physical examination, 5 (35%) patients had defenses, 10 (71%) patients had rebound tenderness, and 12 (85%) patients had tenderness. In preoperative imaging studies, 11 patients were interpreted as having acute appendicitis and 3 patients were evaluated as having appendix mucocele. The pathological results were reported as 6 patients had appendiceal mucocele and 8 patients had appendiceal mucocele together with acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Appendiceal mucocele is a disease which generally causes similar clinical findings of acute appendicitis. Ultrasound and CT may be useful in preoperative diagnosis. Surgical treatment options of mucocele are open or laparoscopic appendectomy, cecum resection, and right hemicolectomy. Although its incidence is low, due to pseudomyxoma peritonei, it is a pathology that requires careful surgery.

Acute abdomen due to spilled gallstones: a diagnostic dilemma 10 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) carries a significant risk of gallbladder perforation and resulting scattering of bile stones into the abdominal cavity. The retrieval of the spilled stones is not always possible by laparoscopic technique. Most cases do not create long-term problems, although some cases may be complicated in future and create uncertainties regarding the correct diagnosis. Diagnosis can be difficult, and in most cases the patient may require open surgery for management of these complications. Herein, we report a case of acute abdomen due to spilled stones occurring 10 years after LC. In the first stage, definitive diagnosis could not be made with computed tomography examination. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with explorative laparotomy.

Comparison of negative-pressure incision management system in wound dehiscence: A prospective, randomized, observational study.

Wound dehiscence is a significant problem faced by surgeons after major abdominal surgery. In this study, it was aimed to select the best incision management system to keep the incision edges together and prevent wound opening, and infection by protecting the incision. In this study, 60 patients who underwent abdominal surgery were evaluated regarding their risk of wound dehiscence. In our clinic, high-risk cases of abdominal surgery are performed, the risk factors being ischemia along the incision line, dirty and contaminated wound, obesity, tension on the suture line, traumatization of the wound site, age at onset (> 65), body mass index (BMI) > 30, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immunosuppressive drug users. A prospective study protocol was planned after ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status class assignment. Patients were divided into three groups: patients who underwent a postoperative negative-pressure therapy dressing, patients who underwent subcutaneous aspiration drainage, and patients who received standard dressing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the decompensation, surgical site infection, seroma, hospital stay and costs and to evaluate the results in the postoperative period. Sixty patients were randomized (n = 20, for each group). Thirty-one (51%) of the patients were male, and the mean age was 64.3 ± 8.9 (46-85). The mean BMI was 30.45 ± 7.2. There was no statistically significant difference (p≥0.05) between groups in terms of sex, age, and BMI. The ASA score and surgical interventions were similar between the groups. Wound dehiscence rate was 25% (n = 8), 20% (n = 6) and 3% (n = 1) for the Standard Dressing (SD), Aspiration Drainage (AD) and Negative-Pressure (NP) groups, respectively (p <0.017). Duration of hospitalization was 16.45 ± 6.6, 14.3 ± 7.4 and 8.95 ± 2.8 days (p <0.001) for SD, AD and NP groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding other variables (p≥0.05 for all variables). Negative-pressure wound treatment is an easy, fast and practical technique which reduces lateral tension and swelling. It provides perfusion support and helps to protect the surgical field against external sources of infection.

Definition of giant inguinoscrotal hernias in infants and evaluation of reliable surgical approach in a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: Inguinal hernia surgery is the most common surgery performed by pediatric surgeons. Giant inguinoscrotal hernia has not been clearly defined yet. The definition of giant inguinoscrotal hernia and the reliability of the surgical procedure were investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixtyfour of totally 1548 male patients who have been operated with inguinal hernia from May 2015 to January 2018 were included in the study considering the diagnosis of giant inguinoscrotal hernia. The criteria for the diagnosis of giant inguinoscrotal hernia were determined as, observing that the hernia sac was filled with intestinal loops from the inguinal region to the scrotum during the physical examination, herniation of the intestines to the scrotum again as soon as the hernia was reduced and 2 cm and above inner ring diameter. High ligation and hernioplasty to 29 (45.3%) patients and hernioplasty using Zig maneuver to 35 (54.6%) patients were performed during the study. RESULTS: Postoperative wound infection was observed in 2 patients (6.8%) with high ligation and 1 (2.8%) patient with hernioplasty with Zig maneuver. Scrotal edema was detected in all the patients, which persisted until postoperative month 1. Recurrence was seen in 6 (20.6%) of 29 patients who operated using the high ligation method while it was seen in 2 (5.7%) of other 35 patients. None of the patients had testicular atrophy and/or iatrogenic undescended testis. CONCLUSION: Giant inguinoscrotal hernias should be defined and evaluated as a group apart from classical inguinoscrotal hernias. Recurrence and morbidity rates were lower in patients who underwent hernioplasty using Zig maneuver.

Effect of LigaSure™, Monopolar Cautery, and Bipolar Cautery on Surgical Margins in Breast-Conserving Surgery.

BACKGROUND: We compared the differences in thermal damage at the surgical margin between monopolar cautery, bipolar cautery, and LigaSure™ in breast cancer lumpectomy specimens and assessed the effect of these techniques on the evaluation of the surgical margins. METHODS: 30 patients scheduled for breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer were included in this study. During lumpectomy, each of the superior, inferior, lateral, and medial borders of the tumour was excised using one of the following: a scalpel, monopolar cautery, bipolar cautery, and LigaSure technology. The surgical margins of frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the lumpectomy specimen were evaluated. Thermal damage was defined as the maximum depth of thermal damage (in mm) from the surgical margin, and the level was categorized as none, low (≤1 mm), or high (>1 mm). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between monopolar cautery, bipolar cautery, and LigaSure in terms of thermal damage. There was no thermal damage at the surgical margin in tissues dissected by scalpel. CONCLUSION: Thermal damage due to the excision method may cause false-negative and false-positive results in the surgical margin evaluation of lumpectomy specimens. More research is needed on the effects of different energy modalities on surgical margin evaluation in breast-conserving surgery.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of strangulated femoral hernia: Superiority of an unusual emergency surgical approach due to a case.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations of general surgery. In order to avoid complicated and urgent cases, performing such operations electively is generally accepted. Otherwise, unforeseen emergency surgical situations accompanied by incarceration and strangulation may occur. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we present a 45-year-old female patient with strangulated femoral hernia repair that we performed using the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal method, unlike other conventional methods. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis and elective surgical treatment have an important role in hernia surgery, especially due to increased morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has developed in the recent years as a prominent method and nowadays it is performed much easier than the open method even in urgent and challenging cases. CONCLUSION: The transabdominal preperitoneal method has superiority over the conventional method in terms of ensuring that intestinal loop is visible during the strangulated femoral hernia repair and that the feeding of the intestine is intact.

Incidental giant adrenal lymphangioma presenting as nonfunctional cystic mass.

Surrenal masses can be encountered with many different clinical manifestations and a diverse spectrum of etiologies in clinical practice. Recent advances in imaging and laboratory studies as well as their increasingly widespread use and easy accessibility have currently made it possible to diagnose a greater number of surrenal masses than ever. The basic approach principles vary for incidentally detected masses, benign/malignant masses, and hormonoactive masses. Lymphangiomas are benign congenital malformations of lymphatic channels that primarily affect the neck and head region. They are typically found in children younger than 2 years of age, they are uncommon in adults, and they rarely involve surrenal glands. In this paper, we present a woman with a hormonally inactive right giant surrenal mass showing recent rapid growth, which was diagnosed to be a lymphangioma with an atypical localization in the histopathological examination. The patient was operated with right surrenalectomy and total mass excision via laparoscopic lateral transperitoneal approach.

Atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to abscess in a hemodialysis patient: a rare and fatal cause of acute abdomen diagnosed late.

Splenic abscess is a very rare condition in the general population. It is more likely to develop in association with underlying comorbidities and trauma. More attention should be paid in patients with immunosuppression, diabetes mellitus, and congenital or acquired immunocompromise. Splenic rupture secondary to nontraumatic abscess causing acute abdomen is a rarer condition. Herein, we report a 55-year-old hemodialysis patient who presented with signs and symptoms of late generalized peritonitis. The patient was operated under emergency conditions and diagnosed with splenic abscess rupture, for which splenectomy with drainage procedure was performed. In such patients, the morbidity and mortality rates vary depending on the intraoperative and postoperative risks.