Percutaneous Drainage of a Splenic Abscess via Laparoscopic Trocar in a Kidney Transplant Patient.

Spleen abscess is a life-threatening disease. Treatment can be done by medical, radiological, or surgical methods. Here, we offer an innovative method of laparoscopic trocar-assisted percutaneous abscess drainage in the treatment of splenic abscess. Our patient, a 48-year-old male who had a kidney transplant 3 years previously, was admitted due to abdominal pain and fever. A-25-cm splenic abscess was detected, and ultrasonography-guided percu-taneous catheter 10F drainage was attempted. However, this attempt was not successful due to the high viscosity of the abscess content. Under general anesthesia, we then attempted abscess drainage percutaneously via a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar, and a large-bore drain of 28F was inserted into the abscess cavity. The drainage was successful (5300 mL high viscosity content) without any complications. The patient was discharged on day 8 and remained well at 9-month follow-up. Percutaneous drainage instead of splenectomy is preferred in the treatment of spleen abscess by preserving the immunologic functions of the spleen, particularly in immunocompromised patients. When percutaneous catheter drainage therapy fails, percutaneous treatment with a laparoscopic trocar is an innovative and reliable alternative.

Acute Liver Failure following Sleeve Gastrectomy with Jejuno-Ileal Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in recent years, and some modifications have emerged to improve its efficacy. Melissas has described SG plus jejuno-ileal bypass (JIB), which has reported good results in a few studies. We performed this procedure in 21 cases and in one case, we observed acute liver failure (ALF) that has not been reported before. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old female (BMI: 56.1 kg/m2) underwent laparoscopic SG plus JIB. There was no sign of diarrhea, malnutrition or liver failure for eight months and her BMI was 43.0 kg/m2. At the 9th month, she was hospitalized for abdominal pain, jaundice and ALF. The patient was treated by plasmapheresis and molecular absorptive recirculation system. She was planned to undergo liver transplantation but died of multiorgan failure on the 40th day of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: ALF can be observed following SG plus JIB. JIB reversal before compromising liver functions should be taken into consideration.

Surgical Site Infections after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: Is Routine Antibiotic Prophylaxis Required?

Background: It is a challenging question, especially in bariatric surgery (BS), whether antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary in all cases; considering the serious consequences of surgical site infection (SSI) on the one hand and irrational use of antibiotics on the other. The aim of this study was to determine the need/rationale for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, especially low-risk patients. Methods: This retrospective analysis involved 313 morbidly obese patients (body Mass Index [BMI] ≥40) who underwent laparoscopic BS at three medical centers between September 2018 and June 2019. During the trial, no inducement was given to use antibiotics, and the centers had chosen whether to use prophylaxis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-2016 criteria were used for the diagnosis of SSI. Results: Antibiotic prophylaxis was given to 181 patients, and the SSI rate in the entire series was 4.5% (14/313). There was no significant difference in SSI between the group who received antibiotics and that who did not (2.8% versus 6.8%, respectively; p = 0.09). Post-operative intra-abdominal complications were the main independent determinant for SSIs (p < 0.001). Antibiotic prophylaxis did not have any significant effect on the rate of SSI caused by these complications (2.2% versus 3.8%, respectively; p = 0.50). The second independent factor was the rate of SSI in patients with super-obesity (BMI ≥60), particularly incisional SSIs (p < 0.001). Antibiotic prophylaxis did not produce any significant decrease in the rate of SSI in patients with a BMI < 60 (2.8% versus 5.5%, respectively; p = 0.24). When these two independent factors were excluded, there were no patients with SSI in the no-antibiotics group, and only one in the antibiotic prophylaxis group (0.5%) (p = 1.00). Conclusions: Routine antibiotic prophylaxis should be questioned in laparoscopic BS. Prophylaxis may reduce incisional SSI in patients with a BMI of ≥60. In other cases, antibiotic prophylaxis does not provide a decrease in SSI.

Totally minimally invasive radical gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system versus straight laparoscopy for gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the outcomes of pure minimally invasive techniques of radical gastrectomy are scarce. We aimed to compare short-term post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive radical gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system versus straight laparoscopy for gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Between December 2013 and March 2018, robotic and laparoscopic radical gastrectomy performed in two centres were included. Both groups were compared with respect to perioperative short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included in the study. Anticoagulant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy use were higher in the robotic group (p = 0.02, p = 0.02). There were conversions in the laparoscopy group whereas no conversions occurred in the robotic group (p = 0.052). Operating time in the robotic group was longer (p = 0.001). The number of harvested lymph nodes in the laparoscopic group was higher (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Totally robotic technique with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system provides similar short-term results compared to laparoscopic surgery in radical gastrectomy.

Educational Video Addition to the Bariatric Surgery Informed Consent Process: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Bariatric surgery is not a risk-free procedure and requires lifelong patient compliance in the postoperative period. Although the risks involved in bariatric surgery and the importance of lifelong follow-ups in the postoperative period are explained to patients in detail through verbal and written informed consent, the strong desire for weight loss can sometimes cause patients and their families to be ignorant of the mentioned issues preoperatively. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative informational videos at improving the comprehension of informed consent content in bariatric surgery candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 bariatric surgery candidates were randomized into two groups. The first group was given a usual verbal-written informed consent. The second group got an additional informing video presentation informed consent, in addition to the usual verbal-written informed consent. Then, both groups got a questionnaire evaluating their knowledge of bariatric surgery informed consent. The correct response scores and their relationship with patient demographics were analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups had similar demographic features. Video-presented group had higher scores in questionnaire (11.3 ± 2.3 versus 9.4 ± 1.7, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that health care workers (12.5 ± 1.9 versus 10.3 ± 2.2, p = 0.005) and university graduates (11.6 ± 2.4 versus 10.1 ± 2.1, p = 0.03) got better results in the questionnaire. In multivariate analysis, video-assisted informing was found to be the only independent variable for high questionnaire scores (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that video-assisted informed consent improves patients' comprehension prior to bariatric surgery. We recommend routine preoperative video-assisted informing for bariatric surgery candidates in addition to usual verbal-written informed consent.

Chemistry, structure, and biological roles of Au-NHC complexes as TrxR inhibitors.

In recent years, the preparation of metal complexes and the introduction of biologically active organometalic compounds are new strategies in drug development. For this purpose, generally N-heterocyclic pharmaceutical agents have been used as promising nuclei. Au-containing N-heterocyclic carbene (Au-NHC) derivatives are among the compounds used for this purpose, and their enzyme inhibition, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial and anticancer properties are widely studied. In these studies, the anticancer property of Au-NHC complexes is the most widely studied area. The common result in different studies has been revealed that mitochondrial thioredoxin reductases (TrxR) inhibition is the main pathway in the powerful anticancer effect of many Au-NHC complexes. In TrxR inhibition, the high affinity of gold to sulfur is considered to be the main component of the effect. This review includes the discussions releated to the anticancer activities and TrxR inhibition properties of Au-NHC compounds.

Risk factors for postoperative ileus following loop ileostomy closure.

OBJECTIVES: The most common intra-abdominal complication following loop ileostomy closure (LIC) is postoperative ileus (POI). The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors of POI development following LIC and make recommendations for its prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, patients having undergone LIC with peristomal incision following distal colorectal surgery were included. Clavien-Dindo classification was used to evaluate postoperative complications. POI and postoperative leakage were defined based on clinical and radiological criteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2017 criteria were used to diagnose surgical site infection (SSI). Postoperative bleeding was diagnosed one day after surgery if there was a >2 g/dL or ≥15% decrease in the hemoglobin level. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included into the study. In nine of the patients POI developed, six had SSI, five had postoperative bleeding, and two had anastomosis leakage. In the univariate analysis; age <60 years (p= 0.02), presence of comorbidity (p= 0.007), using an open technique in the first surgery (p= 0.02), performing total colectomy in the first surgery (p= 0.048), performing hand-sewn anastomosis of LIC (p= 0.01), and postoperative blood transfusion (p= 0.04) were found to be risk factors for POI. Performing hand-sewn anastomosis of LIC (p= 0.03) and using an open technique in the first surgery (p= 0.03) were found to be independent variables for POI risk. CONCLUSION: Using an open technique in the first surgery and performing a hand-sewn anastomosis of LIC may increase POI.

Surgical site infection and risk factors following right lobe living donor liver transplantation in adults: A single-center prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an important cause of decreased graft survival, prolonged hospital stay, and higher costs following living donor liver transplantation. There are several risk factors for SSI. In this cohort study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of SSI at our center and the associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult right lobe living donor liver transplantations were included in this prospective cohort. Patients who died postoperatively within 3 days; patients with infected ascites or open abdomen, cadaveric, or pediatric transplants; and patients with biologic or cryopreserved vascular grafts were excluded. Patients' demographic characteristics and perioperative surgical findings were recorded. SSI follow-up was continued for 90 days. CDC-2017 criteria were used to diagnose SSI. In the presence of superficial, deep, and organ/space SSI, only the organ in the poorest condition was included in SSI evaluation. The patients were administered similar to antibiotic prophylaxes and immunosuppressive protocols. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 30 (29.7%) were diagnosed with SSI. Organ/space, only deep, and only superficial SSI were noted in 90% (27/30), 6.7% (2/30), and 3.3% (1/30) of the patients, respectively. Twenty-five of 30 patients with SSI had a remote site infection. One or more bacteria observed in cultures were obtained from 28 patients. A donor-recipient age difference of >10 years, cold ischemia lasting for ≥150 minutes, surgical duration of ≥600 minutes, intraoperative hemorrhage of ≥1000 mL, intraoperative blood transfusion, biliary leak or stricture, prolonged mechanical ventilation, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, remote site infection, and the need for reoperation were associated with increased SSI incidence. Preoperative and intraoperative levels of blood glucose, albumin, and hemoglobin were not associated with SSI. A donor-recipient age difference of >10 years, remote site infection, and biliary leak were found to be independent risk factors for SSI. Hospital mortality with and without SSIs was 6.7% vs 4.4%, P = .61. DISCUSSION: Organ/space SSIs were the essential part of SSIs following right lobe living donor liver transplantations. Donor-recipient age gap, prolonged cold ischemia time, complicated surgery, and postoperative biliary complications were the main causes of SSIs. Although they did not increase the perioperative mortality, they promote increased rate of reoperations, remote infections, prolonged intensive care unit, and hospital stays.

Randomized controlled trial of monopolar cautery versus clips for staple line bleeding control in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding from the staple line is a rare but serious problem following bariatric surgery. Staple line bleeding control (SLBC) can be achieved in different ways such as the application of sutures, clips, glue or buttressing materials over the staple line. Cauterization alone is generally not preferred due to concerns about debilitating the staple line. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the clip and monopolar cauterization methods for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: A total of 70 morbidly obese patients were randomized into two groups. Patients with previous upper gastrointestinal surgery, re-do procedures and open surgeries were excluded. Their demographic characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were examined. RESULTS: A total of 489 SLBC interventions (274 clips and 215 cauterizations) were performed after 280 stapling applications. SLBC intervention number and location, additional trocar requirement, blood loss and operation time were not different between the groups. In the clip group, two patients required monopolar cauterization when clipping failed. No intraabdominal bleeding or gastrointestinal leakage was seen in any group. Postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage was seen in three patients, two in the clip group and one in the cautery group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain score, abdominal drainage amount, hemoglobin level alteration, morbidity or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, monopolar cauterization for SLBC can be used instead of clipping. It appears that monopolar cautery is a safe and effective approach for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Influence of Drain Placement on Postoperative Pain Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no evidence to support the routine use of an abdominal drain following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our aim was to investigate drain use in laparoscopic RYGB and its effects on postoperative pain. METHODS: Sixty-six patients were randomly divided into two groups as no-drain (n = 36) and with-drain (n = 30). Intraoperative (time, blood loss, complications) and postoperative outcomes (morbidities, pain scores, hospital stay) were compared. RESULTS: Demographics of both groups were comparable. Three patients in the no-drain group required a drain (8.3%). Median visual analog scale scores for days 1-3 for with-drain and no-drain groups were 4.5 (2-9) vs. 3 (0-8) (p = 0.02), 3 (0-7) vs. 2 (0-7) (p = 0.10), and 2 (0-7) vs. 0 (0-4) (p = 0.0004), respectively. There was no difference between the groups in terms of complications and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Drain use increased the postoperative pain following laparoscopic RYGB. Drain placement following laparoscopic RYGB should be selective instead of a routine application.

meta-Cyanobenzyl substituted benzimidazolium salts: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and carbonic anhydrase, α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties.

meta-Cyanobenzyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors were synthesized by the reaction of a series of N-(alkyl)benzimidazolium with 3-bromomethyl-benzonitrile. These benzimidazolium salts were characterized by using 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis techniques. The molecular and crystal structures of 2f and 2g complexes were obtained by using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The derivatives of these novel NHC precursors were effective inhibitors of α-glycosidase (AG), the cytosolic carbonic anhydrase I and II isoforms (hCA I and II), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with Ki values in the range of 1.01-2.12 nM for AG, 189.56-402.44 nM for hCA I, 112.50-277.37 nM for hCA II, 95.45-352.58 nM for AChE, and 132.91-571.18 nM for BChE. In the last years, inhibition of the CA enzyme has been considered as a promising factor for pharmacologic intervention in a diversity of disturbances such as obesity, glaucoma, cancer, and epilepsy.

Two cases of laparoscopic total colectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction and review of the literature.

We present two cases of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) after laparoscopic total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA), and we also review all of the previously reported cases. Our aim was to focus on patient selection for NOSE after TC-IRA. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were scanned. Demographic features, surgical indications, and techniques were analyzed. Basic calculations were used for statistical analysis. A total of 13 cases were detected in addition to our 2 cases. All of the specimens were removed through the natural orifices successfully. No case required a diverting ileostomy. No patients were converted to open surgery or to conventional laparoscopy. Complications were reported in three patients. Transanal extractions were performed in 12 cases (10 colonic inertia, 2 polyposis), and transvaginal extractions were performed in 3 cases (2 malignancy, 1 colonic inertia). Both transanal and transvaginal specimen extractions after laparoscopic TC-IRA can be preferred. However, transanal extraction seems to be feasible in cases of TC for benign disease with a limited mesenteric-omental resection. If the indication is a malignancy requiring a mesenteric-omental resection, a transvaginal route should be preferred for a voluminous specimen.

Management of Acute Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks by Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Small Case Series.

Management of early sleeve gastrectomy leak remains challenging. The recommended approach is endoscopic stenting and abdominal drainage. Conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common procedure used for late fistulas with distal obstruction. Here, we have presented three cases of early staple line leaks treated by conversion to RYGB. These patients had uncontrolled abdominal infections despite intensive medical treatments, and surgery was elected for abdominal drainage as well as to control the source of sepsis. All the patients were discharged without problems, and successful weight loss processes continued. Conversion to RYGB of a sleeve gastrectomy leak in an acute setting can be a feasible method in the case of inevitable surgical drainage for abdominal sepsis.

Transvaginal extraction of laparoscopic liver resection specimen.

The application of laparoscopic surgery via the vagina has been introduced at the beginning of this millennium. Here, we report a case of transvaginal extraction of a laparoscopic hepatectomy specimen. An exophytic liver mass originated from segment VI in a 24-year-old female was excised with laparoscopic technique using four trocars (0.5-1.2 cm sizes). The specimen (11 × 8.5 cm) was removed transvaginally instead of an abdominal incision. To the best of our knowledge, only six similar cases have been previously reported, with a patient age range of 32-74 years. Our case, due to younger age, had high cosmetic expectations. Specific to this case, we aimed a better aesthetic outcomes and better convalescence period and, we achieved these objectives. We believe that patient selection and experience on natural orifice specimen extraction were the keys to the success of the operation. We shared this technique with a video presentation.

Metastatic cutaneous melanoma presented with ileal invagination: report of a case.

We herein report a case of ileal invagination secondary to metastasis of a cutaneous melanoma. A 45-year-old female was admitted with intermittent abdominal pain and nausea. The patient's medical history was remarkable for cutaneous malignant melanoma. Imaging studies showed a solid mass in the right lower quadrant and the possibility of invagination. We made a preoperative diagnosis of partial intestinal obstruction, and laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative findings revealed ileal invagination. Segmental ileum resection with wide mesenteric lymph node dissection was performed. A polypoid metastasis of melanoma into the lumen of the ileum was confirmed with pathological examination. The diagnosis and management of intestinal metastasis of cutaneous malignant melanoma are discussed together with a literature review.