Effects of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia on Allografts in Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Benign prostate hyperplasia is frequently diagnosed in elderly chronic renal failure patients. Although it is asymptomatic because urine flow declines in those with chronic renal failure, it may become symptomatic when urine flow increases after renal transplant. Untreated benign prostate hyperplasia may lead to several complications that adversely affect the kidney allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study investigated data from 286 male transplant patients. Data obtained included medical history, clinical examination, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, and residual urine volume results. Patients had completed an International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire to assess the low urinary symptoms. Creatinine level, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, and uroflow-metry results were reviewed. RESULTS: The average age of patients in our group was 54.8 years. Seven patients were diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia, and transurethral resection of the prostate was performed. The average creatinine levels before and after transurethral resection were 2.53 ± 0.76 mg/dL and 1.66 ± 1.12 mg/dL, respectively. Creatinine levels measured 6 months after transurethral resection versus before resection were statistically significant (P < .018). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference (P < .017) in the postmicturition residual urine volume between the preoperative and postoperative values, which were 132.14 ± 19.33 and 47.6 ± 18.6 mL, respectively. Maximum urine flow rates before and after transurethral resection were also significantly different (P < .017). CONCLUSIONS: Although the main reasons for graft function loss after renal transplant are rejection and infections, obstructive pathologies should also be considered. Especially for elderly patients, anamnesis, uroflowmetry, and digital rectal examination play critical roles in the evaluation of benign prostate hyperplasia before and after transplant.

D-Dimer and Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels: Useful Indicators for Predicting the Tumor Stage and Postoperative Survival.

The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the preoperative plasma D-dimer and serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels of patients scheduled for curative surgical resection for colorectal cancer and to evaluate the significance of these levels on the prognosis and postoperative survival rate. One hundred sixty-five patients with colorectal cancer, who were scheduled to have elective resection between January 2008 and January 2011, were included in the study. A significant increase was observed in the D-dimer levels, particularly in poorly differentiated tumors. The distance covered by the tumor inside the walls of the colon and rectum (T-stage) was significant for both D-dimer and CEA levels. As the T-stage increased, there was also a significant increase in the D-dimer and CEA levels. A high significance and correlation level was detected between the TNM staging and both D-dimer and CEA. A significant relationship was found between the advanced tumor stage and short postoperative survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, the analysis of preoperative D-dimer and CEA levels can be useful in predicting the stage and differentiation of the tumor and the postoperative survival rate.

A Rare Reason of Ileus in Renal Transplant Patients With Peritoneal Dialysis History: Encapsulated Peritoneal Sclerosis.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis ranging from moderate inflammation of peritoneal structures to severe sclerosing peritonitis and encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. Complicated it, ileus may occur during or after peritoneal dialysis treatment or after kidney transplant. We sought to evaluate 3 posttransplant encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis through clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and outcomes. We analyzed 3 renal transplant patients with symptoms of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis admitted posttransplant to our hospital with ileus between 2012 and 2013. Conservative treatment was applied to the patients whenever necessary to avoid surgery. One patient improved with medical therapy. Surgical treatment was delayed and we decided it as a last resort, in 2 cases with no response to conservative treatment for a long time. Finally, patients with peritoneal dialysis history should be searched carefully before renal transplant for intermittent bowel obstruction story.

Skin-Areola, Nipple Sparing, and Subcutaneous Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Using a Titanium-Coated Polypropylene Mesh.

Skin sparing and nipple areola complex sparing subcutaneous mastectomies are both oncologically safe surgical procedures. Although autologuous breast reconstruction has been considered as a standard means of surgical approach, excellent cosmetic results have been obtained by implant based breast reconstruction. In this report, we present the result of titanium coated polypropylene mesh (Tiloop Bra; Pfm Medical, Cologne, Germany), an ultimate support material utilized in the reconstruction of a patient with breast cancer.

Abdominal wall endometriosis in the cesarean section surgical scar: a potential diagnostic pitfall.

AIM: The abdominal wall is an uncommon site of extrapelvic endometriosis. It usually develops in a previous surgical scar and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any abdominal swelling. Classical symptoms of endometriosis may resemble abdominal wall lesions such as an incisional hernia, hematoma, granuloma, abscess or various soft tissue tumors; therefore, a definitive preoperative diagnosis is not always easy to determine in every case. The aim of this article is to review the clinical findings, imaging results and histopathology of those of our patients who have had cesarean scar endometriosis. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with abdominal wall endometriosis in their surgical scars from February 2008 to March 2010 were documented. The age, parity, symptoms, previous surgeries, initial diagnosis, diagnostic modalities, definitive operation, postoperative complications, histopathological evaluations and recurrences were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 18 patients with a mean age of 34.5 ± 9.6 years. All (100%) had a gradually growing nodular abdominal mass in or adjacent to their cesarean incision scars. This was often associated with pain (83.3%), either noncyclical (26.6%) or cyclical (73.3%) in nature. Ultrasonography (100%), computerized tomography with intravenous contrast (22.2%) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (66.6%) were performed on the patients. All patients underwent surgery and their masses were completely excised. The mean diameter of the removed masses was 3.9 ± 1.4 cm. The final pathological diagnosis for each case was abdominal wall endometriosis. Biannual follow-up examinations for two years revealed that each patient had a complete and uneventful recovery without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses located at cesarean section incision scars, which should be excised for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Granulomatous mastitis: is it an autoimmune disease? Diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.

PURPOSE: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare benign inflammatory breast disease. The clinical presentation of granulomatous mastitis usually mimics malignancy or infection. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and diagnostic features of GM and discuss the medical and surgical treatment of our series of eight GM patients. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, eight patients were diagnosed with GM and underwent surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The diagnosis of GM was confirmed in all cases by core needle or excisional biopsies. Serological tests were performed for rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibody (ANA), and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 37 years. Common presenting symptoms were a hard mass, pain, inflamed hyperemic skin, and sinus formation. Serological tests for RF were positive in 6 patients, and ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in 2 patients. All patients underwent antibiotic therapy before surgery, and were treated with wide surgical excision with negative margins. Methylprednisolone (16 mg/day for 3 months) therapy was used in 3 patients (all RF and 2 ANA/anti-dsDNA positive) following a wide excisional biopsy after a postoperative recurrence mimicking skin lesions was seen. These patients responded well to steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of GM should be made carefully to avoid a misdiagnosis. Steroid therapy should be considered based on the idea that this is an autoimmune disease.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome with atypical progress in a renal transplant recipient: a case report.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a rare complication of herpes zoster disease in which reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus infection occurs in the geniculate ganglion causing otalgia, unilateral vesicular eruption in a restricted dermatomal distribution, and peripheral facial paralysis. Dermal infections caused by human pathogenic herpes viruses are common in organ transplant recipients. For a transplant surgeon, it is imperative to remember that viral prophylaxis is essential in the follow-up of the transplant patients. Here, we presented a case of renal transplant and Ramsay Hunt syndrome with multiple cranial nerve involvement, with an atypical course. Management and differential diagnosis of this particular case are discussed with a review of the literature.

Acute abdomen in pregnancy requiring surgical management: a 20-case series.

OBJECTIVES: The obstetrician often has a difficult task in diagnosing and managing the acute abdomen in pregnancy. A reluctance to operate during pregnancy adds unnecessary delay, which may increase morbidity for both mother and fetus. In this study, we present our experience in pregnant patients with acute abdomen. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant patients with acute abdomen requiring surgical exploration were enrolled from 2007 to 2010. Demographics, gestational age, symptoms, fetal loss, preterm delivery, imaging studies, operative results, postoperative complications and histopathologic evaluations were recorded. Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies were evaluated. Data analyses were performed with Microsoft Excel and statistical evaluations were done by using Student's t-test. RESULTS: There were 20 patients with a mean age of 32 years. The rate of emergency surgery was seen to be significantly higher in the second trimester (p<0.05). Most common symptoms were abdominal pain (100%) and nausea (80%). US was done in all patients while MR imaging was used in 30%. However, US findings were consistent with surgical findings in only 55%, while MR was successful in assigning the correct diagnosis in 83.3%. Appendicitis and adhesive small bowel obstruction were the most common etiologies causing acute abdomen (30% and 15%, respectively). All patients tolerated surgery well, and postoperative complications included wound infection, 10%, preterm labor, 5%, and prolonged paralytic ileus, 5%. One patient died from advanced gastric carcinoma and the only fetal death was seen in this case. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are crucial in pregnant with acute abdomen. The use of US may be limited and CT is not desirable due to fetal irradiation. MR has thus become increasingly popular in the evaluation of such patients. Adhesive small bowel obstruction should be kept in mind as an important etiology.

Elective and emergency surgery in chronic hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to report our experience in elective and emergency surgery on chronic hemodialysis (CH) patients for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: All patients on CH for ESRD who underwent various surgical procedures in our unit within the past 9-year period (2001-2010) were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery performed: elective or emergency. Demographic data, indications for surgery, primary causes of ESRD, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and mortality rates were studied. RESULTS: Of 130 patients, 121 underwent elective surgery while 10 were addressed for emergency operation. In the elective surgery group, the most common diseases were secondary hyperparathyroidism, kidney diseases, cholelithiasis, and diabetic foot gangrene. Complications occurred in nine patients (morbidity rate, 7%) and only one patient died (mortality rate, 0.8%). In the emergency surgery group, the most common diseases were diabetic foot gangrene and obstructed sigmoid colon cancer. In this group, complications occurred in seven patients (total morbidity rate, 70%) and two patients died (mortality rate, 20%). CONCLUSIONS: Elective surgery in patients on CH for ESRD can be performed with acceptable surgical risks provided careful preoperative preparation, intraoperative, and postoperative precautions are taken.

A study to detect Helicobacter pylori in adenotonsillar tissue.

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the possibility of Helicobacter pylori colonization on tonsillar and adenoid tissues. Our study group was made up of 84 consecutively presenting children aged 4 to 12 years who had undergone adenotonsillectomy or adenoidectomy with or without ventilation tube insertion. The excised specimens were analyzed by rapid urease testing and histopathologic examination to detect H pylori. Histologic sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and Giemsa staining as performed in routine gastric biopsies. We found no H pylori colonization in any specimen. Therefore, we consider the possibility of H pylori colonization of adenotonsillar tissue unlikely, even though the authors of some recent studies have reported such a finding. Other means of detecting possible H pylori colonization in the upper aerodigestive tract rely on invasive biopsy procedures, which are difficult to use in clinical practice. Therefore, on the basis of our findings and our review of the literature, we conclude that looking for H pylori in the upper aerodigestive tract is not only clinically useless, but damaging, as well.

Histopathological changes of rat kidney with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation.

INTRODUCTION: Organic solvents are liquid substances commonly used in everyday life at home and in industrial workplaces. These solvents are found primarily in paint as thinner. Because other narcotics are hard to find, thinner is used as a narcotic especially among youngsters of low socioeconomic level. The aim of this study is to determine the histopathological changes of rat kidney with exposure to chronic thinner inhalation. METHODS: Randomized trial--the study was conducted at the animal care facility of Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. Forty albino Wistar male rats were used throughout the experiment. Three groups of rats inhaled thinner in a glass cage for 1, 3, and 5 weeks, respectively. Ten rats inhaled only the air in the room as the control group. RESULTS: We observed the development of inflammation in the kidneys that became more remarkable as exposure time extended. Development of inflammation because of thinner apparently differed between the groups of week 1 and week 5. There was no difference in granuloma development. If the experiment lasted longer, there might have been granuloma development. CONCLUSIONS: Based on histopathological evaluations, it was shown that exposure to chronic thinner inhalation causes detectable damage on the kidney, which becomes more prominent as exposure period extends. As we established disorders in movement and consciousness in the rats during thinner inhalation, we can conclude that thinner also has a damaging effect upon the central nervous system.

Denervation point for neuromuscular blockade on lateral pectoral nerves: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The objective of our study was to clarify the topography of the medial and lateral pectoral nerves (LPNs) and the vascularity in the infraclavicular fossa and to propose an ideal injection point for neuromuscular blockade of the pectoralis major (PM) muscle. METHODS: The pectoral muscles and their nerves were examined bilaterally on 10 formalin-fixed cadavers. The PM muscle was dissected from its clavicular origin and sternocostal attachments. It was reflected superolaterally to expose the pectoralis minor muscle and neurovascular bundle at the infraclavicular fossa. We took the measurements to identify a landmark point and reach the neurovascular bundle from an overlying point on the skin. RESULTS: The LPN was closely related to the thoracoacromial artery and veins on the lower surface of the PM muscle and was visible under the muscle fascia as a neurovascular bundle. The point where the pM line (perpendicular to midsternal line beginning from the inferior border of the jugular notch) transects the neurovascular bundle was sufficiently close to the point at which the neurovascular bundle enters the PM muscle. Hence, this point was determined as the denervation point in all cadaveric dissections. This denervation point is 2.81 ± 0.33 cm distant vertically from the 1/3 medial part of the clavicle and 8.12 ± 1.09 cm distant horizontally from the midsternal line. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an injection point which may be and suitable and safe location to administer neuromuscular motor blockade of the pectoralis muscles with a percutaneous local anesthetic agent in some clinical pathologies requiring elective denervation.

Comparative outcomes of antireflux treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

The objectives of this prospective study are to determine the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis, to investigate the relationship between LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to compare the treatment responses of both symptom groups. 120 consecutive patients having complaints of GERD were included. Group I consisted of 62 patients with a diagnosis of endoscopic esophagitis. The second group consisted of 58 subjects with no detectable pathology at gastroscopy. LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms were graded. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were prescribed to patients. Both groups of symptoms were compared in two groups of patients. The improvement in symptoms was evaluated after treatment. The frequencies of LPR symptoms were statistically higher in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. All LPR symptoms were statistically relieved in their frequency after treatment. The decrease in LPR symptom scores after treatment in group I was statistically significant. FSSG (frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD) scores were statistically higher in group I than in group II before treatment. After treatment, FSSG scores were significantly decreased in group I. There was statistically significant positive correlation between the LPR symptom scores and FSSG scores before treatment. In conclusion, there is a high incidence of LPR symptoms and upper abdominal symptoms in patients with endoscopic esophagitis. LPR and upper abdominal symptoms responded well to antireflux treatment in patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

Evaluation of intraoperative parathormone measurement for predicting successful surgery in patients undergoing subtotal/total parathyroidectomy due to secondary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of intraoperative parathormone measurement addressing successful surgical resection in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: The study included 42 consecutive patients operated on between May 2006 and July 2008. Patients were grouped according to successful surgery (Group 1, n = 36) and persistent postoperative hyperparathyroidism (Group 2, n = 6). Serum phosphorus (P), total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), intact parathormone (iPTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were drawn preoperatively and intraoperatively upon 15 minutes after completion of resection (iPTH(15)). The rate of decrease of pith detected by iPTH(15) compared to preoperative values was calculated (iPTH(%)). RESULTS: Preoperative P, tCa, iCa, iPTH, and ALP were comparable. Subtotal parathyroidectomy (sPx) (n = 27) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (tPx) (n = 15) were performed. Mean iPTH(15) value, iPTH(%) rates were 145.9 +/- 12.3 pg/mL, % 91.6 +/- 0.7, and 522.5 +/- 85.4 pg/mL, % 75.1 +/- 2.0 (P = ,001) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean serum tCa and iCa at POD#1 in Group 1 were 7.6 +/- 0.1 mg/dL, 0.910 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, and Group 2 were 8.3 +/- 0.3 mg/dL, 1.050 +/- 0.4 mmol/L (P < .05), respectively. ALP levels were similar. CONCLUSION: iPTH(15) value and iPTH(%) rate accurately predicts the completeness of resection in secondary hyperparathyroidism. The rate of decrease in serum iPTH detected intraoperatively compared to preoperative baseline levels exceeding 90% in sPx, 95% in tPx, accurately predicts the success of surgery. Postoperative normocalcemia without calcium replacement would raise a suspicion about completeness of surgical resection.

Does thyroid gland examination by palpation alter serum hormone levels?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study at Haydarpasa Numune Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: This study was carried out in two groups with a total of 50 consecutive adults. Group I consisted of 20 patients (12 female and 8 male, aged 20-48 years) with a diagnosis of nodular thyroid disease confirmed by ultrasound imaging techniques. The second group consisted of 30 otherwise healthy subjects (17 female and 13 male, aged 18-50 years) referred for neck and thyroid ultrasound and with no thyroid pathology detected. Thyroid gland palpations were performed by the same physician. Blood samples were obtained before and 2 hours after thyroid gland palpation. Serum total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (TG) measurements were made. RESULTS: We found that routine palpation in the first group caused a significant increase in serum TT3 (P < .05), FT3 (P < .01), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels. In the second group, TT3 (P < .01), FT3 (P < .05), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels also increased significantly after palpation. Differences in TSH and TT4 levels were not significant in any of the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data proposing a possible effect of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels suggest that serum thyroid hormone measurements should be performed before any manipulation of the gland, including palpation, to avoid misdiagnosis.

Investigation of gastric pepsinogen in middle ear fluid of children with glue ear.

CONCLUSION: The presence of pepsinogen in middle ear effusion (MEE) supports the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and otitis media with effusion (OME). Measurement of pepsin/pepsinogen can be considered as a simple and reliable method for assesment of reflux in children. However, further research is needed to establish a definite association between GER and OME before beginning antireflux treatment in the management of MEE. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between GER and chronic OME, and to confirm the presence of gastric enzyme in the MEE of children with OME. METHODS: This was a prospective study. MEE and blood samples were obtained from 42 children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement. Total pepsinogen concentrations of effusions and serum samples were measured with a commercial ELISA using a human pepsinogen I specific antibody. Albumin levels of effusions and serum samples were also measured with ELISA for comparison with pepsinogen levels. RESULTS: Measurable pepsinogen was present in all MEEs from patients, with levels higher than the serum values. The difference between the levels of pepsinogen measured in MEE and serum was statistically significant (p < 0.01), but albumin levels were higher in serum than in MEE and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01).

Effect of early preoperative 5-fluorouracil on the integrity of colonic anastomoses in rats.

AIM: To determine the effect of chemotherapy on wound healing by giving early preoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to rats with colonic anastomoses. METHODS: Sixty Albino-Wistar male rats (median weight, 235 g) were used in this study. The rats were fed with standard laboratory food and given tap water ad libitum. The animals were divided into three groups: Group 1: Control group (chemotherapy was not administered), Group 2: Intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered 5-FU group (chemotherapy was administered i.p. to animals at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily during the 5 d preceding surgery), Group 3: Intravenously (i.v.) administered 5-FU group. Chemotherapy was administered via the penil vein, using the same dosing scheme and duration as the second group. After a 3-d rest to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, both groups underwent surgery. One centimeter of colon was resected 2 cm proximally from the peritoneal reflection, then sutured intermittently and subsequently end-to-end anastomosed. In each group, half the animals were given anaesthesia on the 3rd postoperative (PO) day and the other half on the 7th PO day, for in vivo analytic procedures. The abdominal incisions in the rats were dissected, all the new and old anastomotic segments were clearly seen and bursting pressures of each anastomotic segment, tissue hydroxyproline levels and DNA content were determined to assess the histologic tissue repair process. RESULTS: When the i.v. group was compared with the i.p. group, bursting pressures of the anastomotic segments on the 3rd and 7th PO days, were found to be significantly decreased, hydroxyproline levels at the anastomotic segment on the 7th PO day were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this study, we conclude that early preoperative 5-FU, administered i.v., negatively affects wound healing. However, i.p. administered 5-FU does not negatively affect wound healing.

Predictors of hypocalcemia occurring after a total/near total thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of early postoperative hypocalcemia after a total/near total thyroidectomy in order to select patients for prompt treatment to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia. METHODS: Patients with hypocalcemia within 24 h of surgery were identified as Group I and normocalcemic patients as Group II. The perioperative serum total calcium (tCa, ionized calcium (iCa) and intact parathormone (iPTH) were measured perioperatively. Skin closure (SC) was accepted as the reference time point. Data are expressed as the mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: The study included 73 patients. Hypocalcemia (Group I) was detected in 40 patients (54%) within the first 24 h postoperatively. Symptomatic hypocalcemia was detected in 40% of the patients in Group I. Intact parathormone values at 10 min of SC were significantly lower in Group I (P = 0.001). IPTH measurement at 10 min of SC showing a >/=30% decrease had a 92.3% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity in predicting hypocalcemia after a total/near total thyroidectomy. The postoperative day 15 mean tCa, iCa, and iPTH values were similar in both groups of patients. The mean iPTH level was 16.79 +/- 2.5 pg/dl at 10 min after SC in patients who developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Intact parathormone measurement 10 min after SC is helpful to predict early postoperative hypocalcemia. An IPTH decrease >/=30% at this time point estimates the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia.

Association of laryngopharyngeal manifestations and gastroesophageal reflux.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms, the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and Helicobacter Pylori infection and treatment response to proton pump inhibitors. Forty-five patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux diseases related symptoms (sore throat, throat burning, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, halitozis, dysphonia, dysphagia, postnasal dripping, vocal fatigue, and sputum) were included in this study. For pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic comparison, symptoms and laryngological findings were graded on a 4-point scale. The patients underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. During endoscopy, antral biopsies from the stomach were obtained to detect H. Pylori. Antireflux medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and H. Pylori eradication therapy if present were prescribed to the patients. The improvement in symptoms and laryngological findings were evaluated after treatment. By means of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), reflux was detected in only 11% of patients. But there can be reflux patients other than the detected ones. Although, H. Pylori was present in 62% of patients, no correlation was found between H. Pylori positivity and symptoms. All patients responded well to antireflux treatment and H. Pylori eradication therapy. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms and findings can be predictors of gastroesophageal diseases when response to reflux treatment is taken into account.