The role of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in the aetiology of inguinal and incisional hernias.

Inguinal and incisional hernias are the two most common types of hernias caused by abdominal wall weakness and defects in connective tissue. The structure of the extracellular matrix, mainly collagen and metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their regulators have been studied extensively and found to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of hernias. One of the regulators of MMPs, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMPs), bind to MMPs and inhibit its activity significantly shifting the balance towards collagen synthesis rather than degradation. Due to their importance in collagen metabolism, their metabolism might be significant in the aetiology of hernias. Our study used immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the possible effects of TIMP 1 and 2 on the samples taken from the abdominal walls of patients with inguinal and incisional hernias, compared them with control patients, and reviewed the literature. In this study, samples of 90 patients (30 patients from control, inguinal hernia, and incisional hernia groups) were taken and analysed. These samples were stained with TIMP-1 Ab-2 and TIMP2 Ab-5 (Clone 3A4) antibodies and evaluated under ×100 magnification. The degree of staining was classified as (a): No staining (0), (b): Staining less than 10% (I), (c): Staining between 10% and 50% (II), (d): Staining more than 50% (III). Statistical analyses were done. No significant difference was found between groups in terms of patient demographics. Smoking and family history of hernia was not found to be associated with TIMP expression. TIMP1 expression was significantly higher in the incisional and inguinal hernia group than in the control group (P < .05), while the level of TIMP2 was higher in the control group. (P < .05). TIMP1 and TIMP2 levels did not significantly differ between incisional and inguinal hernia groups. We found significantly increased TIMP-1 levels in tissue samples from patients with hernia supporting its suggested role in hernia pathophysiology. Local alterations in MMP and TIMP levels might play a role in the pathogenesis of hernias. Thus detection of TIMP in tissues can be important for clinical use after further validation studies. In the era of molecular medicine, detecting TIMP levels in hernia patients can impact clinical practice.

Incidental gallbladder cancers: Our clinical experience and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Gallbladder carcinomas are rare and aggressive neoplasms. They are usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate incidental gallbladder cancers in our clinic, in terms of patients' demographics, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and compared our results with the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the last 9 years were retrospectively reviewed, and features of the patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer after histopathological evaluation were further evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were female and two were male. The mean age was 67 years. Additional treatment was applied in seven patients. All patients were operated on laparoscopically, with conversion to open surgery in four patients. The rate of incidental gallbladder cancer was 0.17% in our patients. Survival rates were found to be 22.2% in patients who had been operated at least 5 years ago. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the only curative treatment in gallbladder cancers; however, they are usually at advanced stages at the time of diagnosis. In incidental gallbladder cancers, survival can be prolonged with appropriate treatment models if they are identified at early stages. The relatively low rates that have been reported in our population may be due to geographical differences and problems in study design.

The Relationship Between Serum Lipids and the Formation of Colorectal Polyps.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia are known as risk factors for colorectal tumors. Colorectal polyps are accepted as potential precursors of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was designed to clarify the association between the levels of serum lipids and the presence of colorectal polyps. METHODS: This study was conducted at Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Gastroenterological Surgery Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent colonoscopy with serum lipid profile within one month for a one-year period. Groups were analyzed in terms of the correlation between hyperlipidemia and the formation of polyps. The study group was also evaluated in terms of the polyp type, localization, and number. RESULTS: Among 453 patients, females were 248 and males were 211, with a mean age of 56.7. The study and control groups involved 259 and 194 patients, respectively. The age and serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were found to be statistically significant in terms of polyp presence and number (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Colorectal polyps are well-known precursors of CRC. We found that the combination of elevated serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides may be a risk predictor for the presence of colorectal polyps, which can be advantageous in cancer screening.

Complete Mesogastric Excision with D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer: Short-Term Results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term results of complete mesogastric excision with the conventional surgical technique. STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Health Sciences University, Basaksehir City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye, from April to December 2023. METHODOLOGY: Comparison of short-term results of open total gastrectomy + mesogastrectomy with standard total gastrectomy + D2 lymph node dissection at a tertiary centre in terms of peroperative results, histopathological findings, and postoperative short-term outcomes prospectively, with review of the literature. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were included in the study. The groups involved 26 male and 11 female patients. The study group included 14 patients while the control group involved 23 patients. The mean blood loss (mL) was significantly lower and number of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in the study group. CONCLUSION: Total mesogastric excision is a safe technique which has advantages over conventional D2 gastrectomy in terms of not only peroperative and short-term outcomes, but also disease-free survival. This is the first study from a different population of the world and initial results can contribute to the literature for universalisation. KEY WORDS: Complete mesogastrium excision, D2 lymphadenectomy, Gastric cancer, Gastrectomy, Mesogastrectomy.

Colonoscopy following the positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in patients with incidental colorectal uptake: what is the most effective management?

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Survival rates are directly related to the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the value of early diagnosis. Positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose is the gold standard imaging technique in staging, monitoring after treatment, and follow-up. We aimed to assess the importance of incidental 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by colon and rectum in positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging to determine a significant cutoff value for further investigation using colonoscopy and histopathological assessment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with both 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan and colonoscopy during 1 year and included the cases who had undergone a colonoscopy within 3 months following the positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan due to an incidental positive finding. Patients with a diagnosed colorectal malignancy or with a history of previous colorectal operations were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were included in this study. Among 81 colonoscopic evaluations, histopathology revealed malignancy in 8 patients, and the prevalence of incidental colorectal cancer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was found to be 9.87%. SUVmax was found to be significantly related to malignancy and other colonoscopic findings (p<0.001). SUVmax cutoff value to suggest colorectal cancer was found to be median [7.9 (4.1-12.7)] (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Regarding the studies determining a significant cutoff value, incidental colonic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography should lead the clinician to further investigation with colonoscopic biopsy, although the cutoff values for SUVmax are not certain and different in almost every published study, and negative positron emission tomography.computed tomography findings should not completely rule out malignancy, especially in high-risk patients.

The Potential Role of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Sodium Score in Predicting the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis.

Background and aim Acute pancreatitis is a common inflammation of the pancreas which can be severe and even potentially mortal. High rates of mortality showed the importance of immediate identification of patients at high risk and led the clinicians to refer to various scoring systems. Our aim was to investigate a clinical predictive model using the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-sodium) scoring system, adapting it to acute pancreatitis patients referring to the systemic inflammatory nature of the disease and potential multi-organ failures in severe form. Methods Our multicenter study was designed retrospectively. The medical records were reviewed for the period of two years. Demographics, biochemical results, MELD-sodium scores and mortality rates were analysed. Results MELD-sodium score was found to be statistically correlated with both mortality and the severity of pancreatitis (p<0.001) and significant difference between both mild and severe (p<0.001), moderate and severe groups (p<0.001). Mortality was found to be significantly higher in patients with MELD-Na score when the cut-off value was accepted as '≥11'. Conclusion We found that MELD-sodium score was significantly associated with both severity of disease and mortality rates and also significantly effective between both mild/severe and moderate/severe groups which may be a guide for future multi-center reviews with larger patient and control groups, which can define the potential role of this non-invasive and easy-to-use predictive model in acute pancreatitis patients.

Mixed Adeno-Neuroendocrine Carcinoma; Case Series of Ten Patients with Review of the Literature

Aims: Mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare entity, diagnosed with immunohistochemical studies. Literature mainly includes case reports and series which are very few. In our study, we aimed to report a case series from a tertiary hospital with demographics of the patients, detailed tumor and clinical findings and follow-up plus survival conditions. Methods: Pathology database was explored for patients with the pathological diagnosis of 'mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma' and patients were identified retrospectively and evaluated in means of demographics, histopathological examination, tumor properties. Results: Ten patients had been diagnosed with mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinoma in our center, diagnosed at a mean age of 64.7. Stomach was found to be the most common localization. Five patients (50%) were diagnosed as grade 3. Following surgery, median follow-up was 15 months with a median survival time of 20.6 months. Conclusion: This case series may contribute to the literature on the pathological and clinical aspects of the mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system.

Hybrid appendectomy with classic trocar on McBurney's point.

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is still the most commonly performed intra-abdominal operation worldwide. Interestingly, it has not reached the same popularity as other laparoscopic surgical procedures. Although multiple techniques have been described, a standard approach has not been described for the laparoscopic technique yet. AIM: To perform hybrid appendectomy for acute appendicitis on McBurney's point, aiming to perform an easier and quicker procedure while limiting the trauma to the abdominal wall by obtaining the advantages of both laparoscopic and open techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results of 24 patients on whom we had performed hybrid appendectomy with an optical trocar on McBurney's point for acute appendicitis in 1 year in terms of demographics, operative time, complications, hospital stay and cosmetic results. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the patients underwent hybrid appendectomy with a one-optic trocar on McBurney's point. The mean operative time was 21.4 ±6.2 min. We did not encounter any postoperative complications in any of the patients. The median hospital stay was 1.2 ±1.0 days. The postoperative scar was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is defined in the literature for the first time, and it is easy and feasible for the surgeons. It may reduce the operative time and costs when compared to the conventional laparoscopic technique, but prospective studies with more patients are needed for more certain results.

Colonoscopy following the positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in patients with incidental colorectal uptake: what is the most effective management?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. Survival rates are directly related to the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the value of early diagnosis. Positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose is the gold standard imaging technique in staging, monitoring after treatment, and follow-up. We aimed to assess the importance of incidental 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by colon and rectum in positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging to determine a significant cutoff value for further investigation using colonoscopy and histopathological assessment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with both 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan and colonoscopy during 1 year and included the cases who had undergone a colonoscopy within 3 months following the positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan due to an incidental positive finding. Patients with a diagnosed colorectal malignancy or with a history of previous colorectal operations were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were included in this study. Among 81 colonoscopic evaluations, histopathology revealed malignancy in 8 patients, and the prevalence of incidental colorectal cancer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was found to be 9.87%. SUVmax was found to be significantly related to malignancy and other colonoscopic findings (p<0.001). SUVmax cutoff value to suggest colorectal cancer was found to be median [7.9 (4.1-12.7)] (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Regarding the studies determining a significant cutoff value, incidental colonic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography should lead the clinician to further investigation with colonoscopic biopsy, although the cutoff values for SUVmax are not certain and different in almost every published study, and negative positron emission tomography.computed tomography findings should not completely rule out malignancy, especially in high-risk patients.

Morgagni's Hernia: Analysis of 21 Patients with Our Clinical Experience in Diagnosis and Treatment.

A Morgagni's hernia is a congenital defect found in the anterior aspect of the diaphragm between the costal and the sternal portions of this muscle. This defect is also referred to as the space of Larrey. It has been reported that 70% of patients with Morgagni's hernia are female, 90% of the hernias are right-sided, and 92% of the hernias have hernia sacs. This type of hernia is a rare clinical entity and accounts for 3% of all surgically treated diaphragmatic hernias. There are no large retrospective or prospective studies on this topic. This type of hernia is a rare type among adults without a well-described prevalence and without well-established definitive management strategies. There are also few clinical reports about this clinical entity and its surgical treatment. We treated 21 patients with Morgagni's hernia in a 12-year period, and we report our experience while discussing the surgical treatment of this disease. We performed a retrospective review of the 21 patients who were operated between 2003 and 2015. These patients had undergone surgical repair of Morgagni's hernia. For each subject, demographic data, symptoms of presentation, physical examination findings, preoperative imaging studies and diagnosis, and surgical procedures were documented. Location of the hernia sac and its contents, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were recorded and evaluated. Twelve patients were females and nine were males. The mean age of patients was 63.85 years. Dyspnea was the most prominent symptom in our patients. Morgagni's hernias were located on the right side in 19 patients and on the left side in 2 patients. Chest X-ray in 10 patients and abdominal computerized tomography in 17 patients were the major diagnostic tools. Four patients were operated as emergency while others underwent elective surgery (17 patients). Twelve patients were operated with laparoscopy and the remaining nine were operated with the conventional open abdominal technique. Hernia sacs were observed in all of the patients and removed except in four of them. The omentum and the transverse colon were the most commonly seen organs in hernia sacs. Hernia defects were repaired with primary sutures in four patients (all open cases) and primary closure supported with mesh in six patients (four laparoscopic, two open cases). In the remaining 11 patients, hernia defects were closed with synthetic meshes (eight laparoscopic, three open cases). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.8 days. No recurrence was observed in any patients. Only one of our patients died during follow-up. In Morgagni's hernias, surgical intervention is necessary as the hernia may cause complications such as strangulation of the colon or intestines. A laparoscopic approach has increased its popularity in recent years because of the well-known advantages of laparoscopy.

Xenotransplantation of human cryopreserved parathyroid tissue isolated from parathyroid adenomas to normocalcemic rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: Parathyroid allotransplantation is a new method for the treatment of permanent hypoparathyrodism. Adenoma cells are not used for transplantation because of the potential for functional or histopathologic transformation. In this study, we transplanted human adenomatous parathyroid cells to rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Parathyroid adenoma tissue taken from a male patient was cryopreserved and transplanted into seven New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight, 3700±220 g; mean age, 4.5 months) under immunosuppression. The levels of parathormone, calcium and phosphorus were measured before and after transplantation, and the parathyroid cells were observed histopathologically. RESULTS: Mean parathyroid hormone level was 0.5 pg/dL before transplantation and 6.6 pg/dL after transplantation (p<0.05). Preoperative mean calciumlevel was 14.1 mg/dL, and mean phosporus level was 3.5 mg/dL before transplantation while these values were 14.4 mg/dL and 3.3 mg/dL, respectively, after transplantation (p>0.05). Morphologic transformation was not observed in parathyroid cells after transplantation. CONCLUSION: In short-term observation, adenomatous parathyroid cells can function without malignant transformation. In the future, the preliminary methodology in this study may serve as a safe alternative for allotransplantation into patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Physical Trauma among Refugees: Comparison between Refugees and Local Population Who Were Admitted to Emergency Department-Experience of a State Hospital in Syrian Border District.

BACKGROUND: Hundreds of thousands of people have fled to Turkey since the civil war started in Syria in 2011. Refugees and local residents have been facing various challenges such as sociocultural and economic ones and access to health services. Trauma exposure is one of the most important and underestimated health problems of refugees settling in camps. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate refugee admissions to emergency department because of trauma in means of demographics of patients and mechanism of trauma and compare the results with the local population. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of results and comparison with the results of local population. RESULTS: We determined that the ratio of emergency admission of refugee patients because of trauma was significantly higher than the local population for most types of trauma. CONCLUSION: Further studies with more refugee participants are needed to fully understand the underlying reasons for this high ratio to protect refugees as well as for planning to take caution to attenuate the burden on healthcare systems.

Colonoscopic perforations: Single center experience and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Iatrogenic colonic perforation is a well-known complication that can increase mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Closer follow-up and a well-planned treatment strategy are required when perforation arises as a complication. The aims of this study are to (1) report our experience with a large colonoscopy series; (2) evaluate the underlying mechanisms of iatrogenic colonic perforation; (3) discuss the ideal period between onset and treatment; and (4) review the current literature regarding the management of iatrogenic colonic perforations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent colonoscopy between January 2005 and May 2015 at a single center were reviewed retrospectively. Procedures during which colonic perforations occurred were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Between January 2005 and May 2015, 31,655 patients underwent colonoscopy and 5,214 patients underwent recto-sigmoidoscopy at our center. Thirteen of these procedures were associated with perforation. The perforation rate was found to be 0.041%. The most frequent locations of perforation were (a) the rectosigmoid junction, (b) the proximal rectum, and (c) the sigmoid colon. Management included surgical treatment in 11 patients and conservative management in 2 patients. Twelve patients (92.31%) were discharged uneventfully, and death occurred in one (7.69%) patient. CONCLUSION: Although they are rarely encountered, colonic perforations are serious complications of colonoscopy. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Age, co-morbidities, the location and size of the perforation, and the time interval between onset and diagnosis should be evaluated, and the treatment approach should be planned accordingly.

Clinical Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Stents and Review of Current Literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an alternative for several possible surgical and palliative treatments of upper gastrointestinal obstructions that occur in several disease states. The present study was performed to describe a single-center experience with upper gastrointestinal stents. METHODS: All patients at a single center who had an SEMS placed for the treatment of obstruction over a 3-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Pre- and postoperative dysphagia scoring was calculated and used to evaluate postprocedure improvement in quality of life. Procedural success and early and late complication rates were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 171 endoscopic procedures were performed in 73 patients. Procedural success was 95.8% (n = 69) and dilatation was performed in 80 patients. The rate of perioperative complication was 26% (n = 19). After 1 month, stents were patent in all patients (n = 73). Stent obstruction was noted in 6 patients: 2 each at 2, 7, and 10 months. CONCLUSION: SEMS usage for palliative and curative purposes in benign or malignant upper gastrointestinal system obstructions is an efficient and reliable treatment method with advantages, such as shortening hospital stay, decreased pain, cost-effectiveness, and low mortality-morbidity rates when compared to surgical procedures, and a high rate of clinical success.

Multiple plastic biliary stent placement in the management of large and multiple choledochal stones: single center experience and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy is the first step treatment modality of choledocholithiasis. In spite of an extended sphincterotomy, 10-15% of complex choledochal stones (larger than 15 mm and/or more than 3 stones) cannot be removed and recurrent ERCP procedures may be needed. AIM: To evaluate the role and efficiency of multiple biliary stent application in the treatment of large and multiple choledochal stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with complex choledochal stones and patients with inadequate choledochal clearance during ERCP were included in the study. The study group was divided into 2 groups as the placement of single (n = 27 patients) or multiple stents (n = 58 patients). After a mean time interval of 21 days (10-28), the ERCP procedure was tried for the second time and a stent was placed in case of recurrence. RESULTS: Successful biliary drainage was provided in both groups. The decrease in the longitudinal or transverse size of the stones after stent placement was found to be statistically significant in both groups (p = 0.001). Cholestatic enzymes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT)) and bilirubin levels decreased significantly in both groups following stenting (p = 0.001). Additionally, multiple stents functioned as a bridge starting from the first ERCP to full clearance in patients with large and multiple stones which could not be removed at once and saved them from the possible morbidities of an invasive operation. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic multiple biliary stent placement should be preferred in the treatment of patients with complex choledochal stones and high rates of co-morbidity, as a safe alternative to surgery.

Ostomy in Nontraumatic Conditions: Our Experience and Review of the Literature.

A number of nontraumatic acute abdomen can result in peritonitis leading to sepsis. In emergent conditions, various procedures like segmentary colectomy and/or subtotal colectomy with anastomosis, Hartmann's procedure, transverse colectomy, and/or expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement can be performed, considering the status of the patient and the facilitaties of the institution. In our study, we examined the cases diagnosed as acute abdomen without the history of trauma, which had lead to a procedure requiring colostomy. We retrospectively analysed 105 cases of nontraumatic acute abdomen, resulted in a procedure requiring colostomy. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scoring and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) were used in the evaluation of the risk of mortality and morbidity. There were colonic perforations of rectosigmoid tumor in 66 cases (62.8 %), sigmoid volvulus in 10 cases (9.5 %), colonic anastomotic leakage in 9 cases (8.5 %), intestinal adhesions in 8 cases (7.6 %), mesenteric ischemia in 5 cases (4.7 %), gynecological diseases in 3 cases (2.85 %), strangulated hernias in 3 (2.85 %), and Ogilvie syndrome in 1 case (0.95 %). Rate of morbidity was found to be 25.7 %, while mortality occurred in 2.8 % of the cases. Cases with mortality and morbidity had ASA scores above two and MPI scores above 23. Anastomotic leakage was the only reason of mortality. In nontraumatic occasions, the management and prognosis of cases with peritonitis, general status of the patients play major roles. The prognosis rates of morbidity and mortality can be highly predicted when ASA and MPI scores are evaluated together.

The Comparison of Lichtenstein Procedure with and without Mesh-Fixation for Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Aim. Although inguinal hernia repair is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world, the best repair method has not gained acceptance yet. The ideal repair must be safe, simple, and easy to perform and require minimal dissection which provides enough exploration, maintain patient's comfort in the early stage, and also be cost-effective, reducing operation costs, labor loss, hospital stay, and recurrence. Materials and Methods. There were eighty-five patients between the ages of 18 and 75, diagnosed with inguinal hernia in our clinic. Lichtenstein procedure for hernia repair was performed under spinal anesthesia in all patients. Forty-two patients had the standard procedure and, in 43 patients, the polypropylene mesh was used without fixation. All patients were examined and questioned on the 7th day of the operation in terms of pain, scrotal edema, and the presence of seroma and later on in the 6th postoperative month in terms of paresthesia, neuropraxia, and recurrence by a single physician. Results. Operative time and pain scores in the nonfixation group were significantly lower, without any increase in rates of recurrence. Conclusion. Based on these findings, in Lichtenstein hernia repair method, nonfixation technique can be used safely with better results.

LGALS3 and AXIN1 gene variants playing role in the Wnt/ ß-catenin signaling pathway are associated with mucinous component and tumor size in colorectal cancer.

The Wnt pathway alterations have been identified in colorectal and many other cancer types. It has been reported that galectin-3 (which is encoded by the LGALS3 gene) alters the signaling mechanism in the Wnt/ ß-catenin pathway by binding to ß-catenin in colon and other cancers. AXIN1 is mainly responsible for the assembly of the ß-catenin destruction complex in the Wnt pathway. This study investigated the relationship of rs4644 and rs4652 variants of the LGALS3 gene and rs214250 variants of the AXIN1 gene to histopathological and clinical properties. Our study included a total of 236 patients, of whom 119 had colorectal cancer (42 women, 77 men) and 117 were healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) PCR methods were used. In addition, the serum galectin-3 level was studied with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. For the rs4644 variant of the LGALS3 gene, the CC genotype a mucinous component was significantly more common than those without a mucinous component (p=0.026). C allele frequency of the rs214250 variant of the AXIN1 gene was significantly correlated to tumor size in the advanced tumor stage (p=0.022). The CCAACT haplotype was more common in colorectal cancer patients (p=0.022). Serum galectin-3 level was higher in the patient group compared to the control group (5.9± 0.69 ng/ml vs. 0.79±0.01 ng/ml; p<0.001). In conclusion, variants of LGALS3 and AXIN1 genes affect tumor sizes and the mucinous component via Wnt/ ß-catenin pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with ileal transposition - an alternative surgical treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus and gastroesophageal reflux.

Currently, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered as a gastrointestinal disease. Numerous studies have demonstrated that bariatric operations ameliorate T2DM significantly. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (L-RYGB) is considered as the gold standard procedure. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of L-RYGB with ileal transposition (or interposition) on diabetes resolution in a patient who has not benefited from any medical therapy, with its additional effect on the amelioration of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient was a 38-year-old diabetic woman with uncontrolled blood glucose despite medical treatment, with additional gastroesophageal reflux disease. Following the procedure, her biochemical parameters and reflux symptoms improved significantly within 10 months. We think that L-RYGB with ileal transposition may be easily employed to gain a maximum effect in diabetics with adverse prognosis. This technique may be an alternative in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with gastroesophageal reflux.

A Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen: Perforation of Double Meckel's Diverticulum.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. In this report, we aimed to represent a case of intestinal perforation, caused by double Meckel's diverticulum, which is a very rare entity in surgical practice. The patient was a 20-year-old Caucasian man, admitted to hospital with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomitting during the last 3 days. Physical examination indicated tenderness, rebound, and guarding in the right lower quadrant of abdomen. Abdominal X-ray revealed a few air-liquid levels in the left upper quadrant. In the operation, 2 Meckel's diverticula were observed, one at the antimesenteric side, at 70 cm distance to the ileocecal valve, approximately in 3 cm size, and the other between the mesenteric and antimesenteric sides, approximately in 5 cm size. The first one had been perforated at the tip and wrapped with omentum. A 30 cm ileal resection, including both diverticula with end-to-end anastomosis, was performed. The diagnosis of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is considerably hard, especially when it is complicated. Diverticulectomy or segmentary resections are therapeutic options. In patients with acute abdomen clinic, Meckel's diverticulum and its complications should be kept in mind, and the intestines should be observed for an extra diverticulum for caution although it is a very rare condition.