Atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer tissue miRNome analysis reveals hsa-miR-129-1 and hsa-miR-196a as potential early diagnostic biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumor globally. In most cases, GC develops in a stepwise manner from chronic gastritis or atrophic gastritis (AG) to cancer. One of the major issues in clinical settings of GC is diagnosis at advanced disease stages resulting in poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding molecules that play an essential role in a variety of fundamental biological processes. However, clinical potential of miRNA profiling in the gastric cancerogenesis, especially in premalignant GC cases, remains unclear. AIM: To evaluate the AG and GC tissue miRNomes and identify specific miRNAs' potential for clinical applications (e.g., non-invasive diagnostics). METHODS: Study included a total of 125 subjects: Controls (CON), AG, and GC patients. All study subjects were recruited at the Departments of Surgery or Gastroenterology, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and divided into the profiling (n = 60) and validation (n = 65) cohorts. Total RNA isolated from tissue samples was used for preparation of small RNA sequencing libraries and profiled using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Based on NGS data, deregulated miRNAs hsa-miR-129-1-3p and hsa-miR-196a-5p were analyzed in plasma samples of independent cohort consisting of CON, AG, and GC patients. Expression level of hsa-miR-129-1-3p and hsa-miR-196a-5p was determined using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and 2-ΔΔCt method. RESULTS: Results of tissue analysis revealed 20 differentially expressed miRNAs in AG group compared to CON group, 129 deregulated miRNAs in GC compared to CON, and 99 altered miRNAs comparing GC and AG groups. Only 2 miRNAs (hsa-miR-129-1-3p and hsa-miR-196a-5p) were identified to be step-wise deregulated in healthy-premalignant-malignant sequence. Area under the curve (AUC)-receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that expression level of hsa-miR-196a-5p is significant for discrimination of CON vs AG, CON vs GC and AG vs GC and resulted in AUCs: 88.0%, 93.1% and 66.3%, respectively. Compar-ing results in tissue and plasma samples, hsa-miR-129-1-3p was significantly down-regulated in GC compared to AG (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.024, tissue and plasma, respectively). Moreover, analysis revealed that hsa-miR-215-3p/5p and hsa-miR-934 were significantly deregulated in GC based on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status [log2 fold change (FC) = -4.52, P-adjusted = 0.02; log2FC = -4.00, P-adjusted = 0.02; log2FC = 6.09, P-adjusted = 0.02, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive miRNome study provides evidence for gradual deregulation of hsa-miR-196a-5p and hsa-miR-129-1-3p in gastric carcinogenesis and found hsa-miR-215-3p/5p and hsa-miR-934 to be significantly deregulated in H. pylori carrying GC patients.

The effect of surgical gastric plication on obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: All the bariatric procedures have evolved greatly over the past decades and laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP) is one of the quite recently introduced techniques lacking systematic evaluation. AIM: To compare and summarize the current data in the literature in regard to the effect of gastric plication on obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered at PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42018114314. The literature in English and German was searched using the MEDLINE (PubMed) and BJS databases for studies published in the last 10 years. A meta-analysis was performed focusing on the effects of this operation on weight loss, glycemia control and improvement of comorbidities. RESULTS: Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) ranged from 34.42 to 46.3 kg/m2. Most of the patients were female. The operation time was in the range from 50 to 192.23 min. Mean follow-up was from one month to 12 years, with most studies having a follow-up of less than 2 years. The postoperative BMI ranged from 28.59 to 38, with reported excess weight loss (EWL%) in the range 20-70%. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values decreased by up to 5.1% after surgery, ranging from 5.1% to 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the quality of most of the included studies being low, the present meta-analysis revealed that, in the short term, gastric plication is an effective measure for weight loss, while the effect on diabetes mellitus type 2 is not statistically significant.

Coagulation System Disorders and Thrombosis Prophylaxis During Laparoscopic Fundoplications.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess and recommend the optimal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis regimen during and after laparoscopic fundoplication according to the blood coagulation disorders and the rate of DVT in 2 patient groups, receiving different DVT prophylaxis regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized, single-center clinical study. The study population, 121 patients, were divided into 2 groups: group I received low-molecular-weight heparin 12 hours before the operation; group II received low-molecular-weight heparin only 1 hour before the laparoscopic fundoplication. Both groups received intermittent pneumatic compression during the entire procedure. Bilateral Doppler ultrasound to exclude DVT was performed before the surgery. Venous phase computed tomographic images were acquired from the ankle to the iliac tubercles on the third postoperative day to determine the presence and location of DVT. Hypercoagulation state was assessed by measuring the prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2), the thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and tissue factor microparticles activity (MP-TF) in plasma. The hypocoagulation effect was evaluated by measuring plasma free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (fTFPI). RESULTS: F1+2, TAT, and MP-TF indexes increased significantly, whereas fTFPI levels decreased significantly during and after laparoscopic fundoplication, when molecular-weight heparin was administered 12 hours before the operation. Computed tomography venography revealed peroneal vein thrombosis in 2 group I patients on the third postoperative day. Total postsurgical DVT frequency was 1.65%: 3.6% in group I, with no DVT in group II. CONCLUSION: Molecular-weight heparin and intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression controls the hypercoagulation effect more efficiently when it is administered 1 hour before surgery: it causes significant reduction of F1+2, TAT, and MP-TF indexes and significant increases of fTFPI levels during and after laparoscopic fundoplication.

Thromboelastographic changes during laparoscopic fundoplication.

INTRODUCTION: Thromboelastography (TEG) is a technique that measures coagulation processes and surveys the properties of a viscoelastic blood clot, from its formation to lysis. AIM: To determine the possible hypercoagulability state and the effect of antithrombotic prophylaxis on thromboelastogram results and development of venous thrombosis during laparoscopic fundoplication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 106 patients who were randomized into two groups. The first group received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) 12 h before the operation, and 6 and 30 h after it. The second group received LMWH only 1 h before the laparoscopic fundoplication. The TEG profile was collected before LMWH injection, 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope and 15 min after the surgery was completed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in thromboelastography R-time between the groups before low-molecular-weight heparin injection. In group I preoperative R-values significantly decreased 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope, after the end of surgery and on the third postoperative day. K-time values decreased significantly on the third postoperative day compared with the results before low-molecular-weight heparin injection, and after the operation. In group II, preoperative R-values significantly decreased 1 h after the introduction of the laparoscope, and after surgery. K-time values did not change significantly during or after the laparoscopic operation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results demonstrated that the hypercoagulation state (according to the TEG results) was observed during and after laparoscopic fundoplication in patients when LMWH was administered 12 h before the operation together with intraoperative intermittent pneumatic compression. The optimal anticoagulation was obtained when LMWH was administered 1 h before fundoplication.

How useful is antireflux surgery in lung transplant patients with gastroesophageal reflux?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Respiratory function deteriorates over time after lung transplant. Reflux disease with pulmonary complications is a possible cause of this decline. This case series we aim to assess whether respiratory function improves after Nissen fundoplication in lung transplant patients and if surgery reduces gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series of lung transplant patients with reflux disease and Nissen fundoplication. Clinical symptoms, pH-metry data, use of PPIs were recorded before the procedure and up to 18 months postoperatively. The FEV1 values before and after Nissen fundoplication were recorded at 3 monthly intervals. Patients' satisfaction scores were recorded before operation and postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 64 lung transplant patients were selected. After Nissen fundoplication, the pH studies were done on 26 patients. The mean overall acid exposure fraction was 1.03% (P<0.05). FEV1 declined for 6 months postoperatively and then gradually improved. The comparison of FEV1 at 3 months preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively showed no significant difference (P=0.067) as well as at 6 months. A significant improvement in clinical GERD symptoms was achieved after antireflux surgery; however, the patients remained receiving PPIs. CONCLUSIONS: NF has been established as a safe operation for lung transplant patients. Late Nissen fundoplication did not improve lung function significantly amongst lung transplanted patients; however, patients with symptomatic GERD may have benefited from Nissen fundoplication in terms of symptom relief. A multicenter randomized control trial is needed to assess the effect of early unselected reflux control on respiratory function and graft survival.

Trends and results in treatment of gastric cancer over last two decades at single East European centre: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A steady decline in gastric cancer mortality rate over the last few decades is observed in Western Europe. However it is still not clear if this trend applies to Eastern Europe where high incidence rate of gastric cancer is observed. METHODS: This was a retrospective non-randomized, single center, cohort study. During the study period 557 consecutive patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in which curative operation was performed met the inclusion criteria. The study population was divided into two groups according to two equal time periods: 01-01-1994 - 31-12-2000 (Group I - 273 patients) and 01-01-2001 - 31-12-2007 (Group II - 284 patients). Primary (five-year survival rate) and secondary (postoperative complications, 30-day mortality rate and length of hospital stay) endpoints were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Rate of postoperative complications was similar between the groups, except for Grade III (Clavien-Dindo grading system for the classification of surgical complications) complications that were observed at significantly lower rates in Group II (26 (9.5%) vs. 11 (3.9%), p = 0.02). Length of hospital stay was significantly (p = 0.001) shorter (22.6 ± 28.9 vs. 16.2 ± 17.01 days) and 30-day mortality was significantly (p = 0.02) lower (15 (5.5%) vs. 4 (1.4%)) in Group II. Similar rates of gastric cancer related mortality were observed in both groups (92.3% vs. 90.7%). However survival analysis revealed significantly (p = 0.02) better overall 5-year survival rate in Group II (35.6%, 101 of 284) than in Group I (23.4%, 64 of 273). There was no difference in 5-year survival rate when comparing different TNM stages. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric cancer treatment results remain poor despite decreasing early postoperative mortality rates, shortening hospital stay and improved overall survival over the time. Prognosis of treatment of gastric cancer depends mainly on the stage of the disease. Absence of screening programs and lack of clinical symptoms in early stages of gastric cancer lead to circumstances when most of the patients presenting with advanced stage of the disease can expect a median survival of less than 30 months even after surgery with curative intent.

Factors predicting the occurrence of a gastrojejunal anastomosis leak following gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Occurrence of anastomotic leaks following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), arising principally from the gastro-jejunal anastomosis, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Their early detection and treatment is essential. However, a significant number of postoperative oral contrast studies fail to identify leaks, and a negative study providing false reassurance can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Physiological features including tachycardia, increased respiratory rate and pyrexia or elevations in C-reactive protein and white cell count are seen in patients with leaks. In this study we examine physiological and laboratory parameters in patients with and without anastomotic leaks following RYGB to try and improve the detection of leaks. AIM: To evaluate clinical signs and laboratory tests in determination of the development of gastrojejunal leaks after gastric bypass surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined 116 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB. Clinical signs and laboratory results were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Four gastrojejunostomy leaks in our series were identified after RYGB surgery. All these patients were treated successfully. Leak patients' in-hospital stay was longer. Tachycardia among leak patients occurs from day 1 with 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity at a cut-off point of 90 bpm. A temperature difference appears on day 2 in leak patients. The CRP was higher on day 2 and 3 in leak patients. Higher intravenous fluid requirements were observed in patients with leaks. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrojejunal anastomosis leak is associated with longer in-hospital treatment. The earliest significant indicators of a leak are tachycardia and positive fluid balance. A temperature spike and CRP rise occur on day 2. Leak patients matched SIRS WBC count criteria on day 3.

The influence of operation technique on long-term results of achalasia treatment.

UNLABELLED: Currently, the most effective therapy for achalasia is laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term results between 2 different laparoscopic operation techniques in achalasia treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study, where 46 achalasia patients were examined: 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication (group 1); other 23 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy with limited surgical cardia region dissection, not dividing the short gastric vessels and performing anterior partial Dor fundoplication (group 2). Long-term findings included the evaluation of postoperative dysphagia according Vantrappen and Hellemans and intensity of heartburn according the standard grading system. RESULTS: The patients in these 2 groups were similar in terms of age, weight, height, and postoperative hospital stay. The median follow-up was 66 months in the group 1 and 39 months in the group 2 (P<0.05). Laparoscopic operation was effective in 82.6% of patients (excellent and good results) in the group 1; treatment was effective in 78.3% of patients in the group 2 (P>0.05). Clinically significant heartburn was documented in 39% of patients in the group 1 and only in 13% of patients in the group 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According our study results, both laparoscopic techniques were similarly effective (82.6% vs. 78.3%) in achalasia treatment. Postoperative heartburn was significantly more common (39% vs. 13%) after laparoscopic myotomy, followed by the full gastric fundus mobilization, total hiatal dissection, and posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication.

Influence of wrap length on the effectiveness of Nissen and Toupet fundoplications: 5-year results of prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results in antireflux surgery may depend on fundoplication type and wrap length. We compared the outcome of two different wrap lengths among the patients undergoing partial or total fundoplications. This study is the next part of a prospective 5-year follow-up assessment. METHODS: A total of 153 patients were randomized to Nissen or Toupet 1.5- or 3-cm wrap laparoscopic fundoplication. The primary endpoint--treatment failure rate was defined as a recurrent GERD or persistent dysphagia. Intensity of heartburn, dysphagia, gas-bloating, presence of esophagitis were assessed as a secondary outcome at 1-year and 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: At 5-year follow-up, data were collected from 129 (85 %) patients. At 1-year follow-up, 17 (11 %) treatment failures were detected. At the end of the fifth year, the numbers reached 23 (15 %). The failures were more common in the 1.5-cm Toupet (25 %) and the 3-cm Nissen group (18.2 %). The significant difference in failure rates was found between 1.5-cm and 3-cm Toupet groups (P < 0.05). Dysphagia remained low during the follow-up in all of the groups. The prevalence of higher scores of heartburn after 5 years was detected in Nissen 1.5-cm group (20.8 %). The lowest scores were observed in Toupet 3-cm group. Bloating symptoms were more prevalent among Nissen and Toupet 3-cm group patients at 5-year follow-up. At the end of the fifth year, the prevalence of esophagitis was lower in Nissen 1.5-cm (19.3 %) and Toupet 3-cm (13.3 %) groups. The highest prevalence of esophagitis-32.4 %-was found in Toupet 1.5-cm group. CONCLUSIONS: Nissen and Toupet fundoplication achieved sufficient control of reflux with success rate of 85 % at 5-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in the postoperative dysphagia, esophagitis, and bloating rates. However, the distribution of treatment failures leads us to conclude that 1.5-cm wrap length is insufficient in cases of posterior partial fundoplication.

A combinative effect of low-molecular-weight heparin and intermittent pneumatic compression device for thrombosis prevention during laparoscopic fundoplication.

BACKGROUND. Venous thromboembolism is known to be an important social and health care problem because of its high incidence among patients who undergo surgery. For instance, 20-30% of patients develop this problem after general surgical operations, while 5.5% of patients have this complication when laparoscopic fundoplications are performed without any prophylaxis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the hypocoagulation effect of the following treatments during and after laparoscopic fundoplication: a) intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and b) combination of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and IPC. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study was performed on 20 consecutive patients who were randomized into two groups. The first group received IPC during operation, the second group received IPC during operation and LMWH before operation. Plasma prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) - markers of thrombogenesis - and plasma free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (fTFPI) - a marker of hypocoagulation effect - were measured 1 h before, during, and after the laparoscopic operation. RESULTS. In the IPC group, plasma F1+2 and TAT levels increased significantly during and after laparoscopic gastrofundoplication. In the IPC+LMWH group, F1+2 and plasma TAT levels did not change during or after the operation. fTFPI levels significantly increased during and after the operation in the IPC+LMWH group; however, fTFPI levels did not change during or after the laparoscopic operation in the IPC group. CONCLUSIONS. A combination of low-molecular-weight heparin and intermittent pneumatic compression during laparoscopic fundoplication caused hypocoagulation effect in the patients, which was not observed in the patients who were treated with intermittent pneumatic compression alone.

The role of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia for biochemical relapse of prostate carcinoma after radical prostatectomy.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed after radical retropubic prostatectomy and the clinical and pathological characteristics of prostate cancer, and to evaluate the time to biochemical relapse of the disease within the groups of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and non-HGPIN patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients, clinically diagnosed with local prostate carcinoma at the Clinic of Urology, Kaunas University of Medicine, during 2003-2007 and treated with radical retropubic prostatectomies, were distributed into two groups according to the HGPIN detected in the postoperative material: HGPIN and non-HGPIN. The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative and postoperative characteristics. The patients who were followed up for at least 12 months were included into the study. The biochemical relapse of prostate cancer was determined if there were two consecutive rises of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level above 0.2 ng/mL or according to the attending physician's opinion, there was a need for adjuvant treatment even with onetime rise of PSA level above 0.2 ng/mL. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the HGPIN and non-HGPIN groups in terms of time to biochemical relapse and frequency of biochemical relapses, time before surgery, the timing of the HGPIN diagnosis, age, or PSA level. After radical prostatectomy, patients in the HGPIN group were found to have significantly more often poorer cancer cell differentiation according to the Gleason score (≥7 vs. <7; P=0.001) and higher TNM stage (T3a,b vs. T2a,b,c; P=0.001). Fewer positive resection margins were diagnosed in the HGPIN group (P=0.05). The groups did not differ in terms of the degree of differentiation according to the Gleason score or perineural invasion (P=0.811 and P=0.282, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HGPIN was more often associated with the characteristics of the poor prognosis for relapse of prostate cancer: poorer tumor cell differentiation according to the Gleason score and more cases of higher TNM stage. HGPIN did not have any influence on biochemical relapse of the disease during the short-term follow-up.

Influence of wrap length on the effectiveness of Nissen and Toupet fundoplication: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Incontinence or hypercontinence of the fundic wrap depends primarily on the length of the valve or the type of procedure. Much less attention has been paid to the fundic wrap length. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different wrap lengths among the patients undergoing partial or total fundoplication. METHODS: For this study, 153 patients were randomized to either Nissen (1.5- or 3-cm wrap) or Toupet (1.5- or 3-cm wrap) laparoscopic fundoplication. The groups were compared according to intensity of dysphagia, esophageal manometry data, ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring data, postoperative esophagitis rate, and overall treatment failure rate. RESULTS: In all the groups, the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter was significantly increased and the DeMeester score significantly decreased, reaching normal levels. At 6 months after surgery, the Toupet 1.5-cm group had significantly more cases of esophagitis than the 3-cm wrap group (24.2% vs 3.3%; p<0.05). At 12 months after surgery, only one patient in the Nissen 3-cm group had moderate to severe dysphagia. In all cases, failures were associated with persistent erosive esophagitis. At the 12-month follow-up assessment, treatment failures were significantly more common in Toupet 1.5-cm group than in the Toupet 3-cm group (17.5% vs 2.7%; p<0.05). However, such differences were not observed in the Nissen groups (7.8% for 1.5 cm and 15.6% for 3 cm; p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the treatment results suggests that the wrap length is important in partial Toupet fundoplication to avoid treatment failures. The 3-cm wrap is superior to the 1.5-cm wrap in cases of partial posterior Toupet fundoplication. The influence of wrap length on treatment failure remains unconfirmed for the Nissen procedure.

[Importance of repeat laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy for detection of prostate cancer in high-risk patients]. / Pakartotiniu krastiniu sekstantiniu prostatos biopsiju reiksme nustatant prostatos vezi padidejusios rizikos pacientams.

UNLABELLED: Our purpose was to evaluate the relevance of repeat laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy for detection of prostate cancer in high-risk patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 195 men at high risk for prostate cancer (elevated prostate-specific antigen level and/or abnormal prostate detected by digital rectal examination). We consulted the patients in outpatient department of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital during 2003-2007. We performed transrectal ultrasound-guided laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy in every patient. For the patients with benign histological findings and increased risk of prostate cancer, laterally directed sextant biopsies were repeated. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 30.3% of patients (59/195) on the first prostate biopsy, in 13.1% (11/84) on the second prostate biopsy, in 10.3% (4/39) on the third, and in 7.7% (1/13) on the forth biopsy. After all biopsies, prostate cancer was detected in 38.5% (75/195) of patients, and it differed significantly from the percentage of prostate cancer cases detected on the first biopsy (30.3%, P=0.04). We detected 78.7% (59/75) of all prostate cancer cases by the first laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy. The rest 21.3% (16/75) of cases we detected by repeat biopsies. The second laterally directed sextant prostate biopsy revealed additional 14.6% (n=11) of prostate cancer cases and increased the detection of prostate cancer to 93.3% (70/75). At the time of the first prostate biopsy, prostate cancer was diagnosed most frequently when patients had both risk factors: elevated prostate-specific antigen level and abnormal digital prostate examination; prostate cancer was diagnosed in 45.3% of these patients. The odds ratio to detect prostate cancer by the first biopsy in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen level and abnormal digital prostate examination was 3.7, and odds ratio to detect prostate cancer by repeat biopsies was 4.7. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat ultrasound-guided laterally directed sextant prostate biopsies reveal more cases of prostate cancer as compared to the first prostate biopsy. The majority of prostate cancer cases (93.3%) are detected by the first and second laterally directed sextant prostate biopsies. After the first negative prostate biopsy, we recommend to repeat prostate biopsy in high-risk patients.

Hiatal hernia recurrence after laparoscopic fundoplication.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of hiatal hernia size and the laparoscopic fundoplication technique on the rate of hernia recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The preoperative, operative, and postoperative observational data of 381 patients operated on at the Department of Surgery of Kaunas University of Medicine during the period of 1998-2004 for hiatal hernia complicated with gastroesophageal reflux were analyzed. The surgery technique (Nissen or Toupet operation) was chosen independently of the hernia size. The radiological investigation of the esophagus-stomach using barium contrast as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy was performed for all patients before the surgery. The subjective and objective assessment of the patients' health status was investigated before and no less than 12 months after surgery. If the disease symptoms remained or new ones (i.e. pain behind the sternum, dysphagia, etc.) occurred after surgery, the hernia recurrence was suspected. The radiological investigation of the esophagus-stomach using barium contrast, as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy were performed at the consultative outpatient clinic. The hernia recurrence was confirmed after performing these two investigations. When analyzing the results, the patients were divided into two groups: Group 1--patients with small hiatal hernia (grade 1 and 2 hernia according to radiological classification), Group 2--patients with large hiatal hernia (grade 3 and 4 hernia according to radiological classification). RESULTS: A total of 272 (71.4%) patients had small hiatal hernia, and 109 (28.6%) patients had large ones. Hernia recurrence was diagnosed in 7 (2.58%) patients in Group 1, while in Group 2, 11 (10.1%) patients had hernia recurrence (P<0.05). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed in 287 (75.4%) patients, after which 14 (4.98%) patients had hernia recurrence, while Toupet fundoplication was performed in 94 (24.6%) patients, after which 4 (4.3%) patients had hernia recurrence (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence rate of hiatal hernia after laparoscopic fundoplications is significantly higher in patients with large hernias (grade 3 and 4 according to radiological classification). The surgery technique (Nissen or Toupet fundoplication) was not a significant factor affecting the recurrence rate of hiatal hernia.

[Penetrating colorectal trauma: index of severity and results of treatment]. / Storosios zarnos kiaurines traumos sunkumo vertinimas bei gydymo taktika.

OBJECT OF STUDY: penetrating abdominal trauma index (PATI) validity in evaluation, management of the colorectal injuries and treatment results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of operations and treatment results of 42 patients, who had penetrating abdominal trauma with colorectal injury, was performed. RESULTS: Surgery performed was primary resection of injured bowel in 7 (16.7%) cases, resection with end colostomy in 5 (11.9%), stomy only in 2 (4.8%), suture of the bowel in 25 (59.5%), suture with protective enterostomy in 3 (7.1%) cases. Postoperative course was complicated in 19 (45.2%) patients, mainly as wound complication 12 (29%) and intraabdominal complication 8 (19%). Postoperative mortality was 3 (7.1%). Analysis of the complications according to penetrating abdominal trauma index has shown, that there were statistical differences below and above 15 points in PATI - 35% versus 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complication rates depend on arterial blood pressure, peritoneal cavity contamination, and PATI. There is no correlation between method of operation and complications. PATI is useful in comparing extent and severity of colorectal trauma and could help in defining method of surgical repair. If PATI

[Hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux: possibilities and results of surgical treatment]. / Stemplines angos isvarza ir gastroezofaginis refliuksas. Chirurginio gydymo galimybes ir rezultatai.

In this article we analyze our experience of surgical treatment of hiatal hernia, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux. We operated 134 patients with hernia hiatus esophagi, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux, from 03.1998 till 10.2001. One hundred twenty-six Nissen and 8 Toupet laparoscopic gastrofundoplications were performed. We evaluated clinical signs of gastroesophageal reflux, performed endoscopy and esophageal biopsy with histological examination and stomach X-ray examination with barium meal before the operation. Esophagus and stomach X-ray examination with water contrast on the first day after operation were performed in order to evaluate the position and function of created wrap. We also analyzed intraoperative and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (12 months) was obtained by using a structured questionnaire. We evaluated heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation and patient's satisfaction of surgery. RESULTS. Postoperative complications rate was 8.96%. Eighty-two percent of our patients completed our questionnaire. Ninety-one percent of patients had no heartburn signs, 95.5% any signs of regurgitation. Eighty-three percent of our patients were satisfied with our performed laparoscopic gastrofundoplication. We performed 6 refundoplications, when gastroesophageal reflux clinical signs renewed shortly after operation. CONCLUSIONS. Laparoscopic gastrofundoplication is a safe and effective treatment of hernia hiatus esophagi, complicated with gastroesophageal reflux. Operation success was about 90% in our study. Recurrences are more frequent in elderly patients or those with long disease anamnesis. Refundoplications can be successfully done laparoscopicaly as well.