Comparison of two procedures for symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease: Ligation under Vision and Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy - a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Ligation under Vision (LUV) with Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy (FH) in patients with Grade II, III and IV hemorrhoidal diseases according to their postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Between July 2008 and August 2014, 155 patients underwent FH and 120 patients LUV, in Sakarya University Teaching and Research Hospital. Our retrospective analysis focuses on postoperative complications, postoperative pain and rate of recurrence. In LUV procedure, submucosal tissue of the hemorrhoidal pile base was transfixed using absorbable sutures under direct vision through anoscope in the Jackknife position. RESULTS: In a mean postoperative follow-up period of 51.76+/-22.3 months; ectropion, anal fissure, and anal incontinence were the most frequent complications. The overall complication rate was significantly less after LUV than FH, (6.7% vs. 14.2%, P=0.047). The complication rate and need for a second or third surgery did not significantly differ between the two procedures with the increase in affected quadrants (P>0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours was similar in both groups (P=0.267). CONCLUSIONS: LUV is a safe, and practical procedure with similar outcomes compared to FH. LUV may be a better choice than excisional hemorrhoidectomies when three or four quadrants of the anal canal are involved with hemorrhoids as this reduces mucosal defect related possible complications such as ectropion and anal stenosis.

[Detection of Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis in cyst samples using a novel single tube multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction]. / Kist örneklerinde yeni bir tek tüp multipleks gerçek zamanli polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu ile Echinococcus granulosus ve Echinococcus multilocularis'in saptanmasi.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively, are important helminthic diseases worldwide as well as in our country. Epidemiological studies conducted in Turkey showed that the prevalence of CE is 291-585/100.000. It has also been showed that the seroprevalence of AE is 3.5%. For the diagnosis of CE and AE, radiological (ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) and serological methods, in addition to clinical findings, are being used. The definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination When the hydatid cysts are sterile or does not contain protoscolex, problems may occur during pathological discrimination of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis species. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (M-RT-PCR) targeting mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis using Echi S (5'-TTTATGAATATTGTGACCCTGAGAT-3') and Echi A (5'-GGTCTTAACTCAACTCATGGAG-3') primers and three different probes; Anchor Ech (5'-GTTTGCCACCTCGATGTTGACTTAG-fluoroscein-3'), Granulosus (5'-LC640-CTAAGGTTTTGGTGTAGTAATTGATATTTT-phosphate-3') and Multilocularis (5'-LC705-CTGTGATCTTGGTGTAGTAGTTGAGATT-phosphate-3') that will enable the diagnosis of CE and AE in same assay. During M-RTR-PCR, plasmids containing E.granulosus (GenBank: AF297617.1) and E.multilocularis (GenBank: NC_000928.2) mitochondrial 12S rRNA regions were used as positive controls. Cysts samples of patients which were pathologically confirmed to be CE (n: 10) and AE (n: 15) and healthy human DNA samples (n: 25) as negative control as well as DNA samples of 12 different parasites (Taenia saginata, Hymenolepis nana, Trichuris trichiura, Fasciola hepatica, Enterobius vermicularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Trichomonas vaginalis, Cryptosporidium hominis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax) were used to develop M-RT-PCR. E.granulosus and E.multilocularis control plasmids were constructed to detect analytic sensitivity of the test using TOPO cloning. Positive control plasmids were diluted to determine analytical sensitivity and specificity by distilled water at 10(6)-10(5)-10(4)-10(3)-10(2)-10(1)-1 plasmid copy of dilution in each reaction. According to the results, analytical sensitivity of the assay for E.granulosus and E.multilocularis was 1 copy plasmid/µl reaction. The non-existence of cross reactivity with 12 different parasites' DNA samples showed the analytical specificity of the assay. Displaying Echinococcus DNA in cyst samples among 25 patients and species discrimination as well as non-existence of cross reactivity with human DNA samples showed that the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 100%. As a result, the M-RT-PCR developed in the present study provided a sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable method in the diagnosis of echinococcosis and the discrimination of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis from cyst samples.

Application of fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap in primary and recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease is a common disease of young adults, which most frequently occurs in the sacrococcygeal region on the skin's midline. Various procedures, ranging from simple incision and curettage to complex flaps for natal cleft obliteration, have been described in the literature. MATERIAL/METHODS: We aimed to present the dermographic characters, post-operative complications, length of stay in hospital, time of return to daily activities, and recurrence rates of the patients in which we applied sinus excision and fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap due to primary complicated or recurrent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease. RESULTS: Patients with primary complicated and recurrent pilonidal sinus received a fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap in the general surgery service of our hospital. Eleven patients had recurrent disease. Thirty-seven patients received a unilateral V-Y flap and 8 patients received a bilateral V-Y flap. None of the patients had post-operative flap necrosis or wound opening. Two of the patients had a self-draining simple seroma and 3 of the patients had delayed wound healing in the perianal region of the incision, which was treated with dressing. The mean time required to return to daily activities was 7 days, and return to work took 17 days. In the mean 25-month follow-ups of the patients, no recurrences were detected. CONCLUSIONS: We think that fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap is an easily learned and practicable method that reduces the recurrences in the patients with primary complicated and recurrent pilonidal sinus, length of stay in hospital, and time to return to daily activities and work in the post-operative period.

Effect of topical steroid treatment on idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: clinical and radiologic evaluation.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory, noncaseating, chronic granulomatous benign disease. The etiology of IGM is still unknown. It is postulated to be an autoimmune localized response. The use of a course of oral steroids provides an important regression of breast mass and skin lesions. Topical corticosteroids are used to treat many skin diseases, but no study is available on the sole use of topical steroids for treating IGM. Eleven women with IGM were treated with topical steroid and evaluated using mammography, ultrasonography, and dynamic MRI. At the end of the 12th week, patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated for the regression of breast and skin lesions. Pre- and post-treatment time-intensity curve patterns (TICs) were also compared. During the topical steroid treatment, the inflammation signs in the affected breast had markedly disappeared, the fistulas had become inactive, and the fistula orifices and/or skin erosions had closed in nine patients. The median follow-up period was 17 months (range: 12-48 months). Recurrence was observed in two patients (2/11) at 5 and 8 months, which were treated again topically. The inflammatory findings of the breast skin completely resolved after 8 weeks of treatment, and no side effects or steroid-related complications occurred. In the pretreatment period, TICs from enhancing areas showed a Type 1 pattern in three cases, a Type 2 pattern in five cases, and a Type 3 pattern in three cases. After topical steroid treatment, TIC was not changed only in one patient (Type 2). Type 1 patterns were determined in seven cases and Type 2 patterns in two cases. In addition, in two patients, TICs were not determined due to complete healing. Our MRI findings showed that topical steroid therapy may be useful because it affects mammary parenchyma as well as mammary skin. Further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to determine the topical steroid therapy dosing and duration, and to better understand the efficacy for treating IGM.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: an autoimmune disease?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the autoimmune basis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) by determining the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) levels of patients diagnosed with IGM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six IGM patients were evaluated. Serum samples were analyzed for autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using a substrate kit that induced fluorescein-conjugated goat antibodies to human immunoglobulin G (IgG). IIF patterns were read at serum dilutions of 1 : 40 and 1 : 100 for ANA positivity. Using the immunoblot technique, the sera of patients were assayed at dilutions of 1 : 40 and 1 : 100 for human autoantibodies of the IgG class to 15 lines of highly purified ENAs. RESULTS: In the IIF studies for ANA, positivity was identified for four different patterns in the 1 : 40 diluted preparations, for three different patients in the 1 : 100 diluted preparations and only one pattern was identified at the 1 : 320 dilution. In the ENA studies, positivity was identified for four different pattern in the 1 : 40 dilution, and only one pattern was identified at the 1 : 100 dilution. CONCLUSION: This study was not able to support the eventual existence of an autoimmune basis for IGM.

Morbidity and long-term results in patients with wild and mutant type Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal cancer (CRC), the mutation of the K(N)RAS gene has a significant impact on the clinical course, and is associated with a negative prognosis. We aim to present the morbidity and long-term results in patients with wild/mut-K(N)RAS, undergoing CRC surgery. METHODS: A total of 116 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancers with wild/mut-K(N)RAS were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: wild-K(N)RAS patients (Group 1) and mutant- K(N)RAS patients (Group 2). Results were evaluated for clinical, operative, morbidity and long-term survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The highest surgical site infection (SSI) rate (OR=140.339)(4.303-4581.307)(P=0.005) was seen in patients given Bevacizumab during neoadjuvant treatment. Meanwhile, the SSI site infection rate was at its lowest in cases where minimally invasive surgery was preferred (OR=0.062)(0.006-0.628)(P=0.019). In addition, the overall median survival rate for the total cohort was 38±3.1 (31-44) months. Multivariate analysis showed that CEA (>5ng/mL)(HR 2.94)(1.337-6.492))(P=0.007); tumor stage (P=0.034), T(T4) stage (HR 1.91)(1.605-252.6)(P=0.02); metastasectomy/ablation (HR 0.19)(0.077-0.520)(P=0.001); the number of removed metastatic lymph nodes (HR 1.08)(1.010-1.155)(P=0.025); tumor implant or nodule (HR 2.71)(1.102-6.706)(P=0.03); curative resection (HR 2.40)(0.878-6.580)(P=0.042) to be factors affecting the overall survival rate. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Bevacizumab during the neoadjuvant period in mut-K(N)RAS cases, surgical technique and complications of Grade 3 or higher are risk factors for SSI on morbidity in patients with mut/wild-K(N)RAS undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Moreover, CEA (>5ng/mL), tumor stage, T stage, metastasectomy/ablation, the number of removed metastatic lymph nodes, tumor implant/nodule and curative resection are risk factors on the overall survival rate. KEY WORDS: Bevacizumab, Colorectal cancer, K(N)RAS mutation, Morbidity, Mortality.

Effects of preoperative biliary drainage methods and time to postoperative complications after biliary drainage in periampullary tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative morbidity and mortality results in patients with and without endoscopic and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage due to obstructive jaundice caused by a periampullary tumor and to examine the effect of intervals until surgery on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent preoperative biliary drainage (BD). METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their BD status. Group1, no biliary drainage (NBD), Group2, Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD), Group3, Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PBD). Patients who underwent biliary drainage before pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were divided into 3 intervals according to the time interval between drainage and surgery: Short interval; patients undergoing surgery in 21 days and <, Medium interval; between 22-42 days, Long interval; 43 days and >. Groups and intervals were compared in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 122 patients who underwent PD, 76 (62.3%) were male, and 46 (37.7%) were female. Within these patients, 47 (38.52%) had NPD, 42 (34.42%) had EBD, and 33 (27.05%) had PBD. The rate of postoperative Grade B and C fistula was higher in the groups that underwent preoperative drainage compared to the group without preoperative drainage (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: It was determined that the postoperative complication rate was lower in patients who did not undergo BD compared to patients who underwent biliary drainage. Besides, the endoscopic drainage method was observed to be associated with fewer complications than the percutaneous transhepatic drainage method. KEY WORDS: Preoperative biliary drainage, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Periampullary tumors, Post procedure complication, Timing.

Factors Predicting the Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure.

Aim: This paper investigates the risk factors preventing the reversal and nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure, as a surgical technique that has been performed in our clinic for ten years. Methods: The study involved a ten-year Hartmann's procedure followed up at our center. The patients were divided into Hartmann reversal and nonreversal groups. Groups were examined in terms of age, gender, diagnosis, stage of malignancy, ASA score, comorbidity, perioperative morbidity-mortality, and the length of the operation. Results: Age (p < 0.001), ASA score (p < 0.001), stage in case of malignancy (p = 0.002), and comorbidities (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. The ratio of patients without any comorbidities to those with one or more comorbidities was 2.63 (95% CI 1.12-6.20). Among the malignant patients, the ratio of early-stage patients to advanced-stage patients in the group with reversal of Hartmann's colostomy was 2.82 (95% CI 1.30-6.10). In addition, the ratio of older patients to younger patients in group 2 was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98). A univariate analysis revealed that younger patients, those with lower ASA scores, those without comorbidities, and those with early-stage malignancy had a greater chance of closure of the stoma. Conclusion: Although Hartmann's procedure is performed in emergency surgery, the nonreversal of the colostomy is a problem in itself. It should be kept in mind that patients who have high risks are likely to have a permanent stoma.

Gastric perforation caused by Strongyloides stercoralis: a case report.

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitosis caused by the female nematode of the Strongyloides stercoralis. S. stercoralis causes a chronic infection that is asymptomatic in 50% of chronically infected patients, and it can also affect the stomach. Gastric involvement causes symptoms mostly mimicking gastritis. We report herein a case of gastric perforation in a 37-year-old woman, which was thought to be caused by S. stercoralis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone ameliorates hepatocellular damage in obstructive jaundice.

We aimed to investigate the ameliorating effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the potential hepatocellular damage in experimental obstructive jaundice. Twenty-four male rabbits in the study were randomly allocated into three groups. In the sham group, the choledochal canal was identified and explored. In the obstructive jaundice and treatment groups, the choledochal canal was ligated. Placebo and DHEA were administered to the obstructive jaundice and treatment groups, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, and both blood samples and liver tissue samples were obtained by re-laparotomy performed on day 8. Biochemical parameters were measured in blood samples, and liver samples were histopathologically evaluated. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels were lower in the treatment group than in obstructive jaundice. Mononuclear inflammation in the portal region and hepatocyte degeneration were milder in the treatment group compared to obstructive jaundice group. Fibrosis and necrosis were also recovered by the DHEA treatment.In conclusion, these findings suggested that DHEA may reduce the obstructive jaundice-induced hepatocellular damage.

Endoscopic Detorsion Results in Sigmoid Volvulus: Single-Center Experience.

Endoscopic detorsion is the first-line recommended treatment modality in sigmoid volvulus patients who have no peritoneal irritation signs on admission. In this paper, we present the results of endoscopic detorsion procedures applied at the time of presentation with the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus and review the current literature about this topic.

Intraoperative hemorrhage and increased spleen volume are risk factors for conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing elective robotic and laparoscopic splenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Minimal invasive surgery is one of the most popular treatment approaches which is safe and effective in experienced hands in different clinical practices. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the risks factors for conversion to open splenectomy and the performance of indirect hilum dissection technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic splenectomy for isolated spleen diseases were included into the study. Patients were divided into two groups as robotic or laparoscopic splenectomy (Group 1; n= 48) and conversion to open surgery (Group 2; n= 8). Patients were retrospectively evaluated according to clinical, biochemical, hematological and microbiological parameters and morbidity. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, co-morbid disease, operation time, hospital stay, follow-up period, accessory spleen, diagnosis, international normalized ratio (INR), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reapplication, splenosis, surgical site infection, vascular thrombus and incisional hernia (p> 0.05). On the other hand, intraoperative splenic hilum hemorrhage and increased spleen size (p <0.05) were higher in the conversion to open surgery group. In logistic regression analysis, intraoperative splenic hilum hemorrhage (B= 4.127) (OR= 61.974) (95% CI= 3.913-981.454) (p= 0.003) and increased spleen volume (B= 3.114) (OR= 22.509) (95% CI= 1.818-278.714) (p= 0.015) were found as risk factors for conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative hemorrhage from the splenic hilum and increased spleen volume (> 400 cm3) are risk factors for conversion to open splenectomy in patients undergoing elective robotic or laparoscopic splenectomy. Indirect splenic hilum dissection can decrease intraoperative hemorrhage and conversion to open surgery.

Blunt colonic injury: a 64-case series.

BACKGROUND: Blunt colonic injuries are rare but can complicate the management of the blunt trauma patient and worsen the outcome. We analyzed in this study the colonic injuries caused by blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: The records of 64 patients (60 male, 4 female; mean age 39.3 years; range 16 to 69 years) were investigated retrospectively. The records were reviewed for clinical presentation, investigations, diagnostic methods, associated injuries, time from injury to operation, site of colon injury, operative management, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: One-stage operation was performed in 53 cases (82.8%) and two-stage operation in 11 cases (17.2%). The treatment chosen was strongly related with the degree of fecal contamination and grade of colonic injury (p<0.01). The overall incidence of colonic injury-related abdominal complications was 26.5% (17 cases). There were six non-colon-related and one colon-related mortalities. Shock at presentation, severe fecal contamination, colon injury scale (CIS) grade, and associated injuries were related with complications and mortality. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in patients with shock at presentation, severe fecal contamination and higher CIS grade, two-staged operation is appropriate.

The effects of combined use of glutamine and growth hormone on the bacterial translocation associated with obstructive jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of combined use of glutamine and growth hormone on bacterial translocation. METHODS: The study was performed at the laboratories of the Department of Physiology at Ataturk University Medical School, Erzurum, Turkey between June and September 2007. Forty rats divided into 5 groups of 8, were included in the study. In the study groups, the common bile duct was ligated to obtain obstructive jaundice. The rats in the control group CG were given sodium chloride, in the glutamine group GLG they were given glutamine, in the growth hormone group GHG, growth hormone, and in the glutamine + growth hormone group GLGHG glutamine + growth hormone at equal doses by the same methods. Blood, spleen, liver, lymph node, and cecal content samples were obtained. Total bilirubin TB, alkaline phosphates ALP, and gamma glutamine transferase GGT activities were evaluated. RESULTS: In the CG, cecal contents were higher than in the GLG, and cecal contents and BT were higher than in the GHG and the GLGHG. The BT rate was the lowest in the GLGHG, with a borderline difference with the values of the GLG and GHG. CONCLUSION: We found that in preventing BT, combined use of glutamine, and growth hormone was more effective than using each of these agents alone.

Results of Use of Ringer Solution and Preservation Solution as Kidney Washing Solution in Living Donor Renal Transplantation / Resultados del uso de la solución Ringer y la solución de conservación como solución de lavado de riñón en el trasplante renal de donante vivo

ABSTRACT Background and Aims: Preservation solutions used as kidney washing solutions in transplantation are necessary for the longer preservation of the kidney. The study aims to compare different kidney-washing solutions used in living renal transplantation. Methods and Results: Forty-nine patients who underwent renal transplantation from live donors were included in the retrospective study. The Ringer's solution flushed the renal graft in 37 patients (Group 1), and the preservation solution was in 12 patients (Group 2). Group 1, and Group 2 patients were included in the study. There were 22 (59.5%) males in Group 1 and 9 (75%) males in Group 2. Twenty-seven (73%) patients using Ringer's and 7 (58.3%) patients on preservation solution had comorbidities. There was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in warm ischemia time, cold ischemia time, and HLA mismatch levels (p> 0.05). The preoperative creatinine value was significantly higher in the preservation solution group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between the two groups in values of creatinine levels on the postoperative (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In living renal transplantation, an inexpensive Ringer's solution, may be used instead of the expensive preservation solution to wash the graft.

RESUMEN Antecedentes y Objetivos: Las soluciones de conservación utilizadas como soluciones de lavado de riñón en trasplantes son necesarias para una conservación más prolongada del riñón. El estudio tiene como objetivo comparar diferentes soluciones de lavado de riñón utilizadas en el trasplante renal vivo. Métodos y Resultados: Cuarenta y nueve pacientes sometidos a trasplante renal de donante vivo incluidos en el estudio retrospectivo. La solución de Ringer se utilizó para lavar el injerto renal en 37 pacientes (Grupo1) y la solución de conservación se utilizó en 12 pacientes (Grupo2). Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes del Grupo 1 y del Grupo 2. Había 22 (59,5%) hombres en el Grupo 1 y 9 (75%) hombres en el Grupo 2. Veintisiete (73%) pacientes que usaban Ringer y 7 (58,3%) pacientes que usaban solución de conservación tenían comorbilidades. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el Grupo 1 y el Grupo 2 con respecto a la isquemia caliente, los tiempos de isquemia fría y los niveles de desajuste (p> 0,05). El valor de creatinina preoperatorio fue significativamente mayor en la solución de conservación (p = 0,003). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos en términos de niveles de creatinina en el postoperatorio (p> 0.05). Conclusión: En el trasplante renal vivo, se puede utilizar una solución económica de Ringer en lugar de la costosa solución de conservación para lavar el injerto.

A survey of current approaches to thyroid nodules and thyroid operations.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules are commonly seen. Our aim is to learn the behaviors and operational attitudes of surgeons approaching the thyroid nodules. In a literature search, our study is the first and only study performed merely on surgeons. MATERIALS- METODS: This cross-sectional study was done between June 2014-January 2015. The questionnaire consists of 25 questions. Initially, general questions consisting of demographic findings were asked. In step 2, questions consisting of the index case and case variants were asked. Results were compared with American Thyroid Association, European Thyroid Association guidelines, and Australia survey results. In the last step, questions about thyroid operations were asked. RESULTS: A total of 301 surgeons responded to the survey. The response rate was approximately 20%. Thirty nine were female and 262 were male. For the question that asks the diameter of the thyroid nodule that will require a thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB), 47.5% of the surgeons will require a TFNAB for 1-2 cm solid nodules. 40.15% of the surgeons required a TFNAB regardless of size. 46.1% of the surgeons who required a TFNAB between 1 and 2 cm solid nodules also required scintigraphy at diagnosis of suppressed TSH case variant. CONCLUSION: In this survey, we identified differences from up-to-date guidelines about approaching thyroid nodules and perioperative thyroid surgery. From our perspective, surgeons need updated training requirements. This can be done with updated seminars across the country. Thereby approaches may become standard and consequently patients may have qualified services.

Correlation of Bowel Wall Thickening Seen Using Computerized Tomography With Colonoscopies: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: Bowel wall thickening (BWT) is a common finding in abdominal computerized tomography imaging (CTi). The purpose of the present study was a prospective assessment and management of patients who have BWT in abdominal CTi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2012 and July 2014 at Erzincan University Hospital, Turkey, with 64 patients who were admitted to the emergency and general surgery department. All of the patients had received colonoscopies due to BWT seen in abdominal CTi. RESULTS: Twenty-three (36%) female and 41 (64%) male patients were included in the study. The mean age was 56.2 years (range, 14 to 84 y). The positive predictive value of CTi for BWT was 87.5%. The positive predictive value of a CTi diagnosis of the disease according to a radiologist's report was 78.1%. Common pathologies detected by colonoscopy included neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of BWT by abdominal CTi reveals pathologies in many cases. Colonoscopies will be helpful in the differential diagnosis.

Blood and urine iodine levels in patients with gastric cancer.

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is any relationship between gastric cancer and iodine concentrations in blood and urine in the northeast Anatolia region, where iodine deficiency is common. A total of 56 patients, diagnosed as gastric cancer and 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The methods used were based on the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The urine iodine concentration (UIC) and serum protein-bound iodine (PBI) levels were higher in patients with gastric cancer compared with healthy control subjects. The UIC in stage IV was higher than all other stages and the control group. The UIC was higher in stages III and IV compared with stages I and II. However, serum PBI levels in stage III were higher compared with stages I and II and also control group. The serum PBI level in stage IV was higher than stage II and the control group. In the patient and control groups, there were no significant differences in serum PBI and UIC with regard to age or sex. Our results suggested that urinary and blood iodine concentration might be a useful marker for following the disease.

An Unusual Cause of Abdominal Pain: Three Lead Pellets within the Appendix Vermiformis.

Most ingested foreign bodies usually pass out in the feces uneventfully. Complications such as intestinal perforation and bleeding usually occur with sharp, thin, stiff, long, and pointed objects. This case describes the management of three lead pellets within the appendix vermiformis. A 45-year-old male visited our clinic complaining of a 4-month history of abdominal pain. The patient inquiry revealed that he had eaten hunted rabbit meat on numerous occasions and had unintentionally ingested three lead pellets. Plain abdominal films and a barium enema showed foreign bodies in the right lower abdominal quadrant. Since the lead pellets were thought to have migrated extraluminally, they were removed through laparotomy under fluoroscopic guidance. An appendectomy was performed. Pathologically, three lead pellets were embedded in the appendix, which showed signs of intramucosal inflammation. Foreign bodies causing appendicitis are rare. However, if stiff or pointed objects enter the appendicular lumen, there is a high risk of appendicitis, perforation, or abdominal pain. An appendectomy was required to remove the ingested lead pellets in the appendix.

The time-related changes of antimicrobial resistance patterns and predominant bacterial profiles of burn wounds and body flora of burned patients.

To examine the bacterial isolates from the burn patients and to compare the antibiograms of the predominant bacteria isolated from 51 patients who were hospitalized at least 3 weeks or more over a period of 7 months, a prospective study was undertaken. Periodic swabs were taken from burn wound, nasal, axillary, inguinal, and umbilical region of the patients on admission and on 7th, 14th, and 21st days of hospitalization. Mean hospital stay was 36.5 days. A total of 1098 microbial isolates were detected during the study period. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, 63.0%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19.7%) were the most prevalent isolates in admission cultures. During the next weeks, these bacteria were superceded by mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Between admission and 21st day, the rates of methicillin resistance of staphylococci strains increased steadily. There was no vancomycin resistance in any staphylococci strains, although nine of the S. aureus isolates (2.7%) were resistant to teicoplanin. There were no strains producing inducible beta lactamase (IBL) among P. aeruginosa strains. One extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strain was recovered on admission, although strains producing IBL and ESBL were detected at rates of 79.6 and 57.1%, respectively, on the 21st day. The nature of microbial wound colonization, flora changes, and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles should be taken into consideration in using empirical antimicrobial therapy of burned patients.