Side-specific factors for intraoperative hemodynamic instability in laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is challenging because of the high risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability (HDI). This study aimed to compare the incidence and risk factors of intraoperative HDI between laparoscopic left adrenalectomy (LLA) and laparoscopic right adrenalectomy (LRA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed two hundred and seventy-one patients aged > 18 years with unilateral benign PHEO of any size who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy at our hospitals between September 2016 and September 2023. Patients were divided into LRA (N = 122) and LLA (N = 149) groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to predict intraoperative HDI. In multivariate analysis for the prediction of HDI, right-sided PHEO, PHEO size, preoperative comorbidities, and preoperative systolic blood pressure were included. RESULTS: Intraoperative HDI was significantly higher in the LRA group than in the LLA (27% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, right-sided tumours showed a higher risk of intraoperative HDI (odds ratio [OR] 5.625, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.147-27.577, p = 0.033). The tumor size (OR 11.019, 95% CI 3.996-30.38, p < 0.001), presence of preoperative comorbidities [diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease] (OR 7.918, 95% CI 1.323-47.412, p = 0.023), and preoperative systolic blood pressure (OR 1.265, 95% CI 1.07-1.495, p = 0.006) were associated with a higher risk of HDI in both LRA and LLA, with no superiority of one side over the other. CONCLUSION: LRA was associated with a significantly higher intraoperative HDI than LLA. Right-sided PHEO was a risk factor for intraoperative HDI.

Comparative study of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy versus perineal stapler resection for external full-thickness rectal prolapse in elderly patients: enhanced outcomes and reduced recurrence rates-a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In elderly patients with external full-thickness rectal prolapse (EFTRP), the exact differences in postoperative recurrence and functional outcomes between laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) and perineal stapler resection (PSR) have not yet been investigated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 330 elderly patients divided into LVMR group (n = 250) and PSR (n = 80) from April 2012 to April 2019. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery by Wexner incontinence scale, Altomare constipation scale, and patient satisfaction questionnaire. The primary outcomes were incidence and risk factors for EFTRP recurrence. Secondary outcomes were postoperative incontinence, constipation, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: LVMR was associated with fewer postoperative complications (p < 0.001), lower prolapse recurrence (p < 0.001), lower Wexner incontinence score (p = 0.03), and lower Altomare's score (p = 0.047). Furthermore, LVMR demonstrated a significantly higher surgery-recurrence interval (p < 0.001), incontinence improvement (p = 0.019), and patient satisfaction (p < 0.001) than PSR. Three and 13 patients developed new symptoms in LVMR and PSR, respectively. The predictors for prolapse recurrence were LVMR (associated with 93% risk reduction of recurrence, OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.03-0.347, p = 0.001), symptom duration (prolonged duration was associated with an increased risk of recurrence, OR 1.131, 95% CI 1.036-1.236, p = 0.006), and length of prolapse (increased length was associated with a high recurrence risk (OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.197-1.655, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LVMR is safe for EFTRP treatment in elderly patients with low recurrence, and improved postoperative functional outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial.gov (NCT05915936), retrospectively registered on June 14, 2023.

Biliary fistula and late recurrence of liver hydatid cyst: Role of cysto-biliary communication: A prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst disease (HCD) is common in certain locations. Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula (POBF) and recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication (CBC) can predict recurrent HCD. The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD. AIM: To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD. The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD. METHODS: From September 2010 to September 2016, a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty. Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence. RESULTS: There was a highly statistically significant association (P ≤ 0.001) between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications (of 16 patients with POBF, 15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels), where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications. There was a highly statistically significant association (P ≤ 0.001) between biliary complications, biochemical indices, and the occurrence of recurrent HCD (of 30 patients with recurrent HCD, 15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP; all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD), where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts, respectively. CONCLUSION: Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD. Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.

Intraoperative endomanometric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication improves postoperative outcomes in large sliding hiatus hernias with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the gold standard surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). LNF can be followed by recurrent symptoms or complications affecting patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the intraoperative endomanometric evaluation of esophagogastric competence and pressure combined with LNF in patients with large sliding hiatus hernia (>5 cm) with severe GERD (DeMeester score >100). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Baseline characteristics, postoperative dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome, recurrent symptoms, and satisfaction were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes analyzed included recurrent reflux symptoms, postoperative side effects, and satisfaction with surgery. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty patients were stratified into endomanometric LNF (180 patients, LNF+) and LNF alone (180 patients, LNF). Recurrent heartburn (3.9 vs. 8.3%) and recurrent regurgitation (2.2 vs. 5%) showed a lower incidence in the LNF+ group ( P =0.012). Postoperative score III recurrent heartburn and score III regurgitations occurred in 0 vs. 3.3% and 0 vs. 2.8% cases in the LNF+ and LNF groups, respectively ( P =0.005). Postoperative persistent dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome occurred in 1.75 vs. 5.6% and 0 vs. 3.9% of patients ( P =0.001). Score III postoperative persistent dysphagia was 0 vs. 2.8% in the two groups ( P =0.007). There was no redo surgery for dysphagia after LNF+. Patient satisfaction at the end of the study was 93.3 vs. 86.7% in both cohorts, respectively ( P =0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative high-resolution manometry and endoscopic were feasible in all patients, and the outcomes were favorable from an effectiveness and safety standpoint.

Combined endoscopic and radiologic intervention for management of acute perforated peptic ulcer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer perforation is a common life-threatening surgical emergency. Graham omental patch is performed for plugging of perforated peptic ulcer. Many endoscopic methods have been used to treat acute perforated peptic ulcer such as over the scope clips, standard endoscopic clips, endoscopic sewing and metallic stents. The main idea in endoscopic management of acute perforated peptic ulcer is early decontamination and decrease sepsis by interventional radiologic drainage. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. This study included patients who were developed acute perforated peptic ulcer manifestations and were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and August 2021. Sample size was 100 patients divided into 2 equal groups. Endoscopic group (EG): included 50 patients who were subjected to endoscopic management. Surgical group (SG): included 50 patients who were subjected to surgical management. RESULTS: One hundred patients were randomized into 2 groups: SG (50) and EG (50). Median age of patients was 36 (range 27:54) and 47 (range 41:50) years-old in SG and EG, respectively. Males constituted 72% and 66% in SG and EG, respectively. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 1 (range: 1-2) days in EG, while in SG was 7 (range 6-8) days. Postoperative complications in SG patients were 58% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (11%, 5%, 5%, 3%, 2% and 3%, respectively). Postoperative complications in EG patients were 24% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (10%, 0%, 2%, 0%, 0% and 0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Combined endoscopic and interventional radiological drainage can effectively manage acute perforated peptic ulcer without the need for general anesthesia, with short operative time, in high risk surgical patients with low incidence of morbidity & mortality.

The short-term outcome of distal mesogastric fixation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The proposed etiology of leakage after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be the axial rotation of the stomach owing to the loss of abdominal ligament fixation along the greater curvature of the stomach. The mechanism of increased intra-gastric pressure due to axial gastric rotation may place a great deal of stress on the staple lines, leading to an increased incidence of leakage. Other complications may occur, including vomiting, food intolerance or persistent reflux. METHODS: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04834323). This study included patients who were admitted to our center to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Cases were collected in the period from December 2019 to December 2020. The study population included 83 patients, who were divided into the following two groups: Group 1 included 42 patients who received distal mesogastric fixation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; Group 2 included 41 patients who received laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy alone without distal mesogastric fixation. RESULTS: No leakage or axial rotation occurs after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with distal fixation, while in patients without distal fixation, leakage and axial rotation occurred with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Leakage and axial rotation occurred two times more frequently among patients who received laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy without distal fixations. CONCLUSION: Distal mesogastric fixation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy decreased the axial gastric rotation and subsequently decreased gastric leakage.

Prognostic Implications of MALAT1 and BACH1 Expression and Their Correlation with CTCs and Mo-MDSCs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Surgical Management Options.

BACKGROUND: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a biologically separate entity of breast cancer that cannot get benefits from targeted or endocrine therapy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression of MALAT1 and BACH1, as well as monocyte-myeloid-derived suppressor cell (Mo-MDSC) levels and circulating tumor cell (CTC) count in TNBC to correlate these markers with the clinic-pathological criteria of TNCB patients and to evaluate their roles as predictive markers for selection of the patients that can be operated by oncoplastic conserving breast surgery. METHODS: Eighty-eight TNBC were managed by modified doughnut breast oncoplastic surgery in early stages and by modified radical mastectomy for patients with late stages unsuitable for breast-conserving. All were examined for MALAT1 and BACH1 expression by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR as well as Mo-MDSC levels and CTCs. RESULTS: MALAT1 and BACH1 expressions are correlated with the larger size, lymph node, distance metastasis, and TNM staging (p < 0.05). CTCs ≥ 5 and high MO-MDSCs were significantly more in TNBC with MALAT1 and BACH1 overexpression. The survival study proved that DFS for patients with both positive expression of MALAT1 and BACH1 was shorter than that of one positive expression, and both negative expression p ≤ 0.001, CTCs ≥ 5, and high Mo-MDSCs are associated with poor outcomes. No significant difference between modified round block and modified radical mastectomy techniques as regards recurrence. However, all postoperative management outcomes were significantly better in patients operated by oncoplastic conserving breast surgery. CONCLUSION: BACH1 and MALAT1 expressions are significantly upregulated in TNBC. They are correlated with CTCs and Mo-MDCs, and all are associated with poor outcomes. Not all TNBC patients have a bad prognosis, patients negative for one of MALAT1 and BACH1 or both, have a slightly good prognosis, and so can be managed by breast oncoplastic conserving surgery.

Recurrent appendicitis following successful drainage of appendicular abscess in adult without interval appendectomy during COVID-19. Prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is a global pandemic that affected routine health services and made patients fear to consult for medical health problems, even acute abdominal pain. Subsequently, the incidence of complicated appendicitis increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate recurrent appendicitis after successful drainage of appendicular abscess during COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study conducted in the surgical emergency units of our Universities' Hospitals between March 15, 2020 to August 15, 2020 including patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of an appendicular abscess and who underwent open or radiological drainage. Main outcomes included incidence, severity, and risk factors of recurrent appendicitis in patients without interval appendectomy. RESULTS: A total of 316 patients were included for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 37 years (SD ± 13). About two-thirds of patients were males (60.1%). More than one-third (39.6%) had co-morbidities; type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (22.5%) and hypertension (17.1%) were the most frequent. Approximately one quarter (25.6%) had confirmed COVID 19 infection. About one-third of the patients (30.4%) had recurrent appendicitis. More than half of them (56.3%) showed recurrence after three months, and 43.8% of patients showed recurrence in the first three months. The most frequent grade was grade I (63.5%). Most patients (77.1%) underwent open surgery. Age, T2DM, hypertension, COVID-19 infection and abscess size >3 cm were significantly risking predictors for recurrent appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: Interval appendectomy is suggested to prevent 56.3% of recurrent appendicitis that occurs after 3 months. We recommend performing interval appendectomy in older age, people with diabetes, COVID-19 infected, and abscesses more than 3 cm in diameter. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is interval appendectomy preventing a high incidence of recurrent appendicitis after successful drainage of appendicular abscess during COVID-19 pandemic?

Clinicopathological characterization and prognostic implication of FOXP3 and CK19 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma and concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered the most prevalent thyroid malignancy. The association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and PTC is still unclear. We aimed to examine the clinicopathological impact of immunohistochemical staining of FOXP3 and Cytokeratin 19 in PTC and concomitant HT and their correlation with patients' outcome and survival. Eighty thyroid biopsies obtained from patients with PTC were immunostained by FOXP3 and CK19.The patients were treated by radioactive iodine (I131) and followed up. FOXP3 and CK19 expression were detected in 45% and 80% studied cases of PTC respectively. 16.7% of PTC with associated HT showed FOXP3+ lymphocytes in lymphocytic infiltrate of HT, while most of PTC associated HT express cytoplasmic CK19 positive Hurtle cells. FOXP3 was more expressed in PTC female patients more than 45 years with higher stage, lymph node, and distant metastasis, extracapsular extension, number of I131doses, and cumulative radioiodine doses with a highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The relation was significant between CK19 immunostaining as regard 10-year Overall Survival and death (p value = 0.027 and 0.036, respectively). HT represents a step in the process of autoimmune inflammatory disease ending by the evolution of PTC with better prognosis, therefore appropriate follow up of these cases is needed. FOXP3 tends to be more expressed in PTC cases with worse prognostic variables and is predictable to become a recent prognostic and targeted therapy for PTC. There was a significant relation between CK19 immunostaining and 10 year overall survival.

Role of pH on antioxidants production by Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis

Abstract Algae can tolerate a broad range of growing conditions but extreme conditions may lead to the generation of highly dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause the deterioration of cell metabolism and damage cellular components. The antioxidants produced by algae alleviate the harmful effects of ROS. While the enhancement of antioxidant production in blue green algae under stress has been reported, the antioxidant response to changes in pH levels requires further investigation. This study presents the effect of pH changes on the antioxidant activity and productivity of the blue green alga Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis. The algal dry weight (DW) was greatly enhanced at pH 9.0. The highest content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids (10.6 and 2.4 mg/g DW, respectively) was recorded at pH 8.5. The highest phenolic content (12.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW) was recorded at pH 9.5. The maximum production of total phycobiliprotein (159 mg/g DW) was obtained at pH 9.0. The antioxidant activities of radical scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity were highest at pH 9.0 with an increase of 567, 250 and 206% compared to the positive control, respectively. Variation in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was also reported. While the high alkaline pH may favor the overproduction of antioxidants, normal cell metabolism and membrane function is unaffected, as shown by growth and chlorophyll content, which suggests that these conditions are suitable for further studies on the harvest of antioxidants from S. platensis.

Role of pH on antioxidants production by Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis.

Algae can tolerate a broad range of growing conditions but extreme conditions may lead to the generation of highly dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause the deterioration of cell metabolism and damage cellular components. The antioxidants produced by algae alleviate the harmful effects of ROS. While the enhancement of antioxidant production in blue green algae under stress has been reported, the antioxidant response to changes in pH levels requires further investigation. This study presents the effect of pH changes on the antioxidant activity and productivity of the blue green alga Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis. The algal dry weight (DW) was greatly enhanced at pH 9.0. The highest content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids (10.6 and 2.4mg/g DW, respectively) was recorded at pH 8.5. The highest phenolic content (12.1mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW) was recorded at pH 9.5. The maximum production of total phycobiliprotein (159mg/g DW) was obtained at pH 9.0. The antioxidant activities of radical scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating activity were highest at pH 9.0 with an increase of 567, 250 and 206% compared to the positive control, respectively. Variation in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) was also reported. While the high alkaline pH may favor the overproduction of antioxidants, normal cell metabolism and membrane function is unaffected, as shown by growth and chlorophyll content, which suggests that these conditions are suitable for further studies on the harvest of antioxidants from S. platensis.