Types and Rates of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Microsatellite Stable and Instable Non-Metastatic Colon Cancer.

Introduction Microsatellite instable (deficient mismatch repair, dMMR) colon cancer is associated with hypermutability and immune infiltration-activation. COVID-19 vaccines stimulate immune-inflammation response. This study aimed to investigate the types and rates of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with newly diagnosed colon cancer and compare it according to the microsatellite status. Methods The study was a single-center case-control study. Patients diagnosed with colon cancer at least three months after the last COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2, CoronaVac) dose were included. Patients with dMMR and microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors were defined as cases and controls, respectively, between June 2021 and June 2023. Baseline characteristics and vaccine status between case-control groups were compared as univariable and multivariable. Inflammation markers were compared between MSS+CoronaVac and dMMR+BNT162b2 groups. Results A total of 76 patients were included. The BMI was higher in the MSS group (BMI>25 84.3% vs. 57.9%, p=0.00), and right-sided tumors were more common in the dMMR group (71% vs.46.4%, p=0.00). The dMMR group had a higher BNT162b2 vaccine history than the MSS group (86.8% vs. 63.2%, p=0.01), while there was no difference in CoronaVac history (p=0.32). Significant variables in univariable analysis (BMI, localization, and BNT162b2) were included in multivariable logistic regression. The BNT162b2 vaccine was significantly associated with dMMR status (OR: 6.39, 95% CI: 1.55-26.26, p=0.01). The dMMR+BNT162b2 group had higher median C-reactive protein (CRP) level (p=0.01), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.05), and lower lymphocyte/CRP ratio (p=0.04) than the MSS+CoronaVac group. Conclusion Immune infiltration in dMMR colon cancer may interact with COVID-19 vaccine-induced immune activation. Long-term clinical and preclinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Analysis of Treatment Strategies and Outcomes in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Insights From a Multi-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic," clinicopathologic, and prognostic characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM), as well as the treatment options for the rare and heterogeneous MPeM population. METHODS: A retrospective multi-center observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients with MPeM. Due to the heterogeneity of the study population, the study divided them into two main groups in terms of treatments, follow-up periods, and prognostic features. The first group comprised the patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and the second group included the patients with metastatic disease for whom curative intent surgery was not possible. The patients' diagnostic procedures and treatments were identified from medical records. Patients older than 18 years old were included in the study regardless of asbestos exposure. Well-differentiated papillary and multicystic mesothelioma histologic types were not included in the study. RESULTS: The study evaluated 118 patients from five centers. Survival times, prognosis, and treatment responses were analyzed in both groups. The study showed that CRS-HIPEC was associated with longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Perioperative therapy was evaluated in subgroup analyses of this population and shown to provide survival benefits. The patients treated with chemotherapy (metastatic and medically inoperable patients and those for whom complete cytoreduction was not achievable) had a poorer prognosis than the surgery group. The study showed that life expectancy decreased significantly for the patients not suitable to undergo surgery for any reason. CONCLUSIONS: According to data from experienced centers, CRS-HIPEC is a treatment option recognized as effective, cost-effective, and safe, with better OS and PFS , as well as low morbidity and mortality rates similar to those in the literature. In addition, the platinum-pemetrexed combination continues to be an effective and acceptable treatment option for metastatic patients, those who are medically inoperable, and those for whom complete or near-complete cytoreduction is not achievable.

Prospective Study on Avoiding Seroma Formation by Flap Fixation After Modified Radical Mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Seroma development after mastectomy is a common complication. Continued seroma causes increased outpatient visits, repeated aspirations, infection, delayed healing, delayed adjuvant therapy, and increased cost. Various treatments are being attempted to prevent and reduce seroma development. We examined the effects of flap fixation on seroma using absorbable sutures after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). METHODS: The prospectively recorded data of patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. 72 consecutive patients who underwent MRM were included in the study. Patients who underwent MRM in the same way by the same surgeon were divided into two groups: the group whose wound was closed by fixing the flap to the chest wall with an absorbable suture (group A), and the group whose wound was closed with the classical method (group B). The groups were compared in terms of seroma development, clinicopathological data, and early complications. RESULTS: Drain removal time and the total amount of drained fluid in group A patients were significantly lower than drain removal time and the total amount of drained fluid in group B patients (P < .001). Similarly, the amount of aspirated seroma in the control examinations of group A patients was significantly lower than that in group B (P < .05). Group B needed re-aspiration significantly more than group A (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Flap fixation with suture after MRM is a method that reduces seroma formation and the amount of drained fluid, enables early removal of the drain, prevents delay in starting adjuvant treatment, is more comfortable for the patient and physician, and is also inexpensive.

Preoperative ALBI grade predicts mortality in patients undergoing curative surgery for pancreatic head cancer.

The clinical significance of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC) undergoing surgery is unknown. Preoperative ALBI grade is believed to be influenced by tumor burden. This study aimed to develop and validate the ALBI grade as a preoperative prognostic model for predicting the survival of patients with PHC. This is a retrospective study of Whipple procedures performed on PHC patients between January 2013 and December 2022. ALBI grade was compared to age, gender, type of operation, presence of complications, type of complications, Clavien-Dindo classification, total bilirubin levels, and albumin levels. Of the series, 46 (41.1%) of the 112 patients were female, while 66 (58.9%) were male. The rate of complications following Whipple procedures was 36.6% (n = 41). The overall mortality hazard ratio increased significantly with increasing ALBI grades (HR: 1538, hazard ratio mean: -1602). Hospital mortality increased 2.84 times as the ALBI grade increased. The model's accuracy of 88.4% showed that the ALBI grade directly affected both the overall mortality rate and the hospital rate. But there was no statistically significant difference between the ALBI grade and other variables. Multivariate regression analysis identified the preoperative ALBI grade as an independent predictor of mortality (P = .006). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify preoperative ALBI grade as an independent predictor of survival in PHC. It was found that the ALBI grade of -1602 was a new grading system that would be more predictive of mortality in PHC.

The impact of the Covid 19 pandemic in colorectal cancer.

AIM: COVID-19 was first seen in China at the end of December 2019. The disease spread rapidly and was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Only urgent surgi cal cases and oncological surgeries that cannot be postponed were performed during this pandemic process. As a wasting disease, colorectal cancer (CRC) itself and its corresponding treatment may weaken the immune response to respiratory bacteria, makes patients more susceptible to virus infection. Besides, colorectal cancer patients are immunosuppressed because of the side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy taken. The choice of surgical procedures and perioperative management of the patients with CRC has become even more important in the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on CRC surgery is unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the preopartive, intraoperative, and postoperative findings of patients operated for colorectal cancer in our clinic. MATERIAL-METHOD: We defined the 'COVID-19' period as occurring between 12-03-2020 and 31-08-2020. All the enrolled patients were divided into two groups, pre-COVID-19 group (Pre-CG; 66 cases) and COVID-19 group (CG; 43 cases). A total of 109 patients with CRC were included in this study. Patient characteristics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinicopathological findings were compared between groups. RESULTS: The waiting times before admission increased in CG (Pre-CG [5.34±2.55] vs CG [18.13±9.11]; p<0.001). After admission, the waiting time before surgery was longer in CG (Pre-CG [2.04±1.34] vs CG [5.53±6.00]; p<0.001). There were no significant difference between the groups in terms of operation method (laparoscopic/open), operation type (emergency/elective), surgical procedure, combine organ resection, intraoperative blood transfusion requirment, operation time (p values, respectively; p=0.082; p=0.474; p=0.317; p=0.656; p=0.617; p=0.696). In this study, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of postoperative complications (p=0.357) and mortality (p=0.826). It was found that the ICU stay was significantly shorter in CG (Pre-CG [11.63±2.22] vs CG [1.48±0.76]; p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was seen that the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect morbidity and mortality in CRC surgery, but it prolonged admission waiting and operation waiting times. Since there is very little data in the literature regarding the effect of COVID-19 on CRC surgery, our study will guide future studies on this subject. KEY WORDS: Colorectal Cancer, Coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, Surgery.

Relationship Between ABO Blood Group and Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in both women and men. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRC is a molecular subgroup and has distinct clinical and pathologic features from microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Studies have suggested an association between hereditary antigens in ABO blood group system and the risk of developing various cancers but the relationship between blood groups and MSI-H CRC has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate this relationship and its possible effect on clinicopathological features in patients with CRC. METHODS: This is a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study including pathology-confirmed CRC patients. Demographic and clinicopathological features, blood groups, and microsatellite status were examined among two groups. Microsatellite instability was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in pathology specimen. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients, 72 patients with MSI-H CRC and 72 patients with MSS CRC, were included in the study. Among all patients, median age was 61.7 ± 12.9 (range 27-89) and 57.6% were male. MSI-H and MSS groups were similar in terms of age, gender distribution, and comorbidities. Patients with MSI-H CRC had significantly common O-blood group than control group (44.4% vs 18.1%, p: 0.001). In multivariate analysis, O-blood group was 4.2 times more common in the MSI-H patient group (95% CI: 1.514-11.819, p: 0.006). Also patients with MSI-H CRC were found to have significantly more right-sided, high-grade tumors and early-stage disease. CONCLUSIONS: MSI-H CRC is an important subgroup in colon cancer with different molecular and clinicopathological features. It was observed that O-blood group was 4.2 times more common in MSI-H CRC. We believe that clarifying the relationship between microsatellite instability and O-blood group and its possible genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in larger studies will enable us to better understand tumor behavior and prognosis, also affect our treatment choices of these patient groups.

Can combined use of tumor markers in pancreatic cancer be a solution to short- and long-term consequences?: A retrospective study.

As in other types of cancer, tumor markers are used in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) for disease follow-up, especially after surgery. There has been shown to be a significant correlation between the tumor marker levels and poor prognosis in locally or systemic advanced stage PDAC patients. However, there is no significant correlation between prognosis and marker levels in patients with early stage PDAC patients. This study aimed to examine the effect of the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca19-9)/carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA) ratio in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head on disease prognosis and mean survival. This retrospective study was conducted with 129 pancreatic head adenocarcinoma patients who were treated with whipple procedure at the Ankara University Surgical Oncology Clinic between 2010 and 2020. All patients' demographics, stage of the disease, CEA, CA 19-9 levels, and CEA/Ca 19-9 ratio were enrolled and compared statistically. A new cutoff value was calculated for the Ca19-9/CEA ratio. A Ca19-9/CEA ratio >29.77 showed 69.9% sensitivity and 70.9% specificity for the probability of the T3 and T4 stages. The cutoff value for the Ca19-9/CEA ratio was 27.18. This cutoff value had a sensitivity of 79.4% and a specificity of 80.3% for lymph node metastasis. Patients with a Ca19-9/CEA ratio below the cutoff value of 28.475 had a mean survival of 93.161 months and those with a value higher than the cutoff value had a mean survival of 28.541 months (P < .001). A simple combination of tumor markers was determined to have higher accuracy rates in predicting tumor prognosis and in determining mean survival, which are particularly needed in early stage cancers.

Liver Dysfunction After Use of Nathanson Retractor During Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Background: Cardiopulmonary complications and liver dysfunction are also specific complications and problems associated with laparoscopic surgery. The main causes of postoperative liver dysfunction, which may often occur after laparoscopic surgery, include carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and ligation of the aberrant left hepatic artery. Hepatic steatosis may develop as a natural consequence of neoadjuvant therapy, although rarely, owing to chemotherapy. Nathanson retractor may cause a prolonged elevation in liver enzymes of these patients compared with those who do not receive neoadjuvant therapy. Materials and Methods: The data of 151 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy between January 2017 and January 2022 for histologically proven primary gastric cancer in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The mean length of hospital stay was 6.21 days. The mean time normalization of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) value was 2.45 ± 1.83 (range, 0-12) days postoperatively. The analysis of the correlation between the preoperative and postoperative 1-day values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and AST revealed a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative 1-day median values of both parameters (P < .001). Each one unit increase in ALT led to an increase of 0.338 days in the length of intensive care stay and an increase of 0.345 days in the overall length of hospital stay. As the time to normalization of the AST value increased, the length of both intensive care stay and hospital stay increased. Each one unit increase in AST resulted in an increase of 0.316 days in the length of intensive care stay and an increase of 0.376 days in the overall length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Alternative retraction methods can be used safely in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. We are of the opinion that the Nathanson retractor should be used only during dissection of the relevant regions to shorten the intraoperative intermittent release or the time of use.

The effect of primary tumour resection on patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab-containing regimens.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the effect of primary tumour resection (PTR) on patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with cetuximab. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary cancer center in Turkey. Patients with mCRC between January 2009 and December 2020 were extracted from the electronic hospital management system. Patients with RAS wild-type synchronous metastatic left-sided colon or rectum cancer who had cetuximab-containing treatment protocol were included in the study. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcome was response rates. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients with mCRC were included in this study. PTR was performed in 57.7% of all patients. Fifty-nine (53.2%) and 52 (46.8%) patients had rectal and left colon tumours, respectively. The combination treatment with cetuximab was FOLFIRI in 62.2% and FOLFOX in 29.7% of all patients. In subgroup analysis, the median PFS was 7.9 and 9 months in PTR (+) and PTR (-) patients, respectively. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.3). The median OS was 33 months in all patients. In subgroup analysis, the median OS was 39 and 27.9 months in PTR (+) and PTR (-) patients, respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.002). After adjusting for confounding factors, PTR and ECOG performance score were the independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSION: PTR improved the OS in patients with RAS wild-type synchronous left-sided colon or rectum cancer treated with cetuximab-containing chemotherapy regimens.

The contribution of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy videos on YouTube to the learning curve in the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no standardization in videos uploaded to Youtube. Were the videos capable of contributing to adequate technical quality and surgical training? We are aiming to answer these questions in this paper. It is a cross-sectional study. In January 2022, we searched the Youtube platform using the keyword "distal pancreatectomy." The substantiality, transparency, reliability, quality, popularity and educational values of the video content were evaluated after exclusion criteria. These parameters were evaluated using we the modified Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria, Global Quality Score (GQS), Video Power Index, modified laparoscopic pancreatectomy scoring system. The videos uploaded after the pandemic had a statistically significant higher GQS score (P < .001). Video Power Index, like GQS, had a statistically significant difference before and after the pandemic. (P = .046). There was no significant difference in the evaluation of the reliability and substantiality. Until the development of Youtube videos is completed, peer-reviewed, more reliable and content-rich online education platforms should be preferred in the first place. Care should be taken to watch selected videos on Youtube videos.

Can CT Pelvimetry Be Used to Predict Circumferential Resection Margin Positivity in Laparoscopic Resection of Middle and Lower Rectum Cancer?

Background Previous studies have shown that pelvimetry can be valuable in predicting surgical difficulties in rectal cancer operations. However, its usability in predicting circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement remains debatable. This study investigated the factors affecting CRM status and the importance of computed tomography (CT) pelvimetry in predicting CRM involvement in laparoscopic resection of middle and lower rectal cancer. Methodology In this study, we retrospectively investigated the data of 111 patients who underwent a laparoscopic operation for middle and lower rectum cancer at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical Oncology between January 2014 and January 2020. The predictive value of CT pelvimetry and other variables on the CRM status was analyzed. Results The following four pelvic parameters differed significantly between the genders: transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet (p = 0.024), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet (p = 0.003), transverse diameter of the pelvic outlet (p < 0.001), and pelvic depth (p < 0.001). The effect of pelvic anatomic parameters on CRM involvement was not found to be significant. It was found that tumor height from the anal verge (p = 0.004), tumor size (p < 0.001), and gender (p = 0.033) were significant risk factors for CRM involvement. Survival was poor in patients with male gender (p = 0.032), perineural invasion (p < 0.001), and grade 3 tumor. Conclusions In this study, no benefit was found in predicting CRM positivity from CT pelvimetry in the laparoscopic resection of middle and lower rectal cancer. Besides, tumor height from the anal verge, tumor size, and gender were important factors for CRM positivity. Although our study sheds light on this issue, prospective randomized studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in appendix cancer A single-center experience.

AIM: The traditional treatment for appendiceal cancer with peritoneal spread is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) but added HIPEC chemotherapy to cytoreductive surgery and has shown that it improves overall survival. The aim of this study was to report the results of CRS and HIPEC treated patients with appendiceal cancers which is based on the experience of at Surgical oncology department. MATERIAL-METHOD: Ankara University School of Medicine, Deparment of Surgical Oncology. The data of patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC for appendiceal cancer between January 2008 - January 2019 was retrospectively analysed. 40 patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with unresectable liver metastasis, large retroperitoneal tumor, tumoral infiltration in the intestinal mesentery and liver hilum were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The mean (±sd) PCI was 17.98 (±8.21). Twenty six patients's completeness of cytoreduction score was 0(65.0%), 10(25.0%) CCS-1, 3(7.5%) CCS-2 and 1(2.5%) CCS-3. There was statistically significant difference with prognosis between ccr score, ASA, lymphovascular invasion, PCI score, albumin categories. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients survival can be increased. However, it is thought that cytoreductive surgery should be performed even if completeness of cytoreduction score is two. In our study we represent that >17PCI patients could be managed by CRS/HIPEC if the CC score ≤2 can be reached. Our results suggest that the CRS/HIPEC procedure can improve the benefits of larger patient group and provides longer survival. KEY WORDS: Appendiceal Neoplasms, Cytoreductive Surgery, Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

10-years mortality risk estimation for gastric cancer patients based on clinicopathological factors.

AIM: In order to create a nomogram for the gastric cancer no comprehensive study has been performed in Turkey so far and in our study, we tried to forecast the 10-year survival by using risk factors in patients without distant metastasis, who have not previously been diagnosed with another cancer but who underwent curative surgery. MATERIAL METHOD: The data of 411 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2010 and January 2020 in Surgical Oncology Department were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: It has been shown statistically that the high RDW value point to poor survival (p <0.001). There were 173 patients with ≤3.5g/dl and 238 patients with> 3.5g/dl. It was found out statistically significant that hypoalbuminemia indicated poor survival (p <0.001). Moreover, it was determined that high CEA and Ca19-9 with lymphovascular invasion were to be statistically significant with prognosis (p <0.001). On the based of all this data, we have created a dekstop application for the mortality estimation. CONCLUSION: We think that this model will ensure individualization of the treatment for patients and will contribute to the patient's compliance with the treatment by strengthening the communication between the physician. KEY WORDS: Gastric cancer, Gastrectomy, Survival analysis, Prognosis.

Management of Aberrant Left Hepatic Artery During Laparoscopic Gastrectomy and Consequences.

Introduction: Aberrant left hepatic artery (ALHA) can exist in up to 25% of the population. The presence of ALHA during lymph node (LN) dissection in gastric cancer may complicate the process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the existence rate, management, and consequences of ALHA in our laparoscopic gastrectomy series. Patients and Methods: Demographical and clinical data of laparoscopically operated 158 consecutive gastric cancer patients were collected retrospectively. Study patients were divided into three groups according to absence, existence and preservation, and existence and sacrification of ALHA. Harvested LN numbers, operation time, and postoperative alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase values on consecutive days were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. P < .05 is accepted as significant. Results: The median AST and ALT values of the ALHA-sacrificed group were higher than those of the group without ALHA and the ALHA-preserved group on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days (P < .05). On the 10th day, liver enzymes returned to normal values. Conclusion: Adequate and appropriate dissection of LNs while preserving ALHA can be performed without prolonging the operation time. Sacrification of ALHA causes an increase in liver enzymes, with spontaneous recovery in most cases.

The diagnostic value of modified systemic inflammation score in predicting post-operative outcomes of cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent isolated limb perfusion.

BACKGROUND: In-transit metastasis is considered a locoregional disease in cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients. Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is among the treatment options in selected cases. The aim of this study was to determine the success of pre- and post-perfusion mSIS values in predicting the potential complications and the prognosis of the disease by investigating the early and long-term results of mSIS values calculated before and after ILP in CM cases with in-transit metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent ILP within the period from 2014 to 2020 in our department were retrospectively scanned. A total of 20 patients were found to undergo ILP. The scores obtained from modified inflammation score (mSIS) were formulated according to albumin (Alb) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) scores. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 20.47 months. Complications requiring surgical intervention developed in three patients. According to the Wieberdink local toxicity classification, the majority (70%) of the patients were found to be grade II. Based on pre-perfusion mSIS values, 8 patients were classified as mSIS 0 while six patients were classified as mSIS 1 and 2. Based on post-perfusion mSIS values, 14 patients and one patient were classified as mSIS 2 (70%) and mSIS 0, respectively. Accordingly, univariate analysis showed that mSIS 1 and mSIS 2 were negative prognostic factors for mean survival in the pre-perfusion period (HR 0.162, 95% CI 0.036-0.729; p = 0.018 and HR: 0.223, 95% CI 0.049-1.019; p = 0.053) whereas albumin (Alb) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were not independent prognostic factors for mean survival. CONCLUSION: The mSIS values calculated in the pre-perfusion period can give an opinion about the OS of the patients whereas post-perfusion mSIS values may predict potential surgical complications and local toxicities.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A single center retrospective experience.

AIM: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, slowly growing, painless mesenchimal tumor particularly originating from cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. This neoplasy mostly presents as protrude indurated plaque with brownreddish color or same color of the skin. DFSP has a high rate of recurrence but a low rate of metastasis. METHODS: We present a retrospective study of 23 patients who were diagnosed with DFSP and operated at our institution. We examined the clinicopathological parameters with clinical outcome and the follow-up. RESULTS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 23 patients operated for DFSP in Ankara University Medical School Department of Surgical Oncology between 2006 and 2017. Out of these 23 patients, 14 of them were male and 9 of them were female. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has been detected within body in 13 patients, extremities in 7 patients, chest in 2 patients, neck in one patient as well. 6 patients were opereted one times and 17 patients were operated twice due to getting tumor free margins. One patient devaloped local recurrence and reexcision was performed. All patients are still alive and follow up period varied from 12 up to 144 months with a median of 54.2. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, DFSP is an uncommon, low-grade sarcoma of dermal fibroblast origin with a high local recurrence rate. Diagnosis is established by histology and immunohistochemistry. The greatest clinical challenge in the management of DFSP is achieving local control. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. KEY WORDS: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Local Recurrence, Mesenchymal tumor.

Impact of Muscle Mass Depletion on Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Primary High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Undergoing CRS and HIPEC.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sarcopenia on surgical outcomes in patients with primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University Ankara, Turkey,  from January 2013 to January 2020. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients, who underwent CRS and HIPEC with the diagnosis of primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis were included in the study. Preoperative staging CT images were used to determine total psoas index values by measuring psoas muscle area at the level of L3 vertebra. Patients with total psoas index values below the cut-off levels were considered sarcopenic. Demographic, clinicopathological and perioperative results were compared between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. RESULTS: Serious postoperative complications (36.4% vs. 6.9%, p=0.039)  and infective (54.5% vs. 17.2%, p=0.042) and pulmonary (72.7% vs. 34.5%, p=0.040 complications were significantly higher in sarcopenic patients. Hospital stay [20(12-25) vs. 12(9-16.5) days, p=0.017] and ICU stay [4(2-6) vs. 2(1-2.5) days, p=0.013)] were found to be longer in sarcopenic patients. In univariate analysis, advanced age (OR: 1.40 95% CI: 1.07-1.84; p=0.021) and sarcopenia (OR: 7.71% 95 CI: 1.17-51.06; p=0.039) were significantly associated with serious postoperative complications. The presence of sarcopenia (OR: 0.050 95% CI: 0.004-0.675; p=0.024) was found to be independent predictor of serious postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia can easily be diagnosed without additional cost or radiation exposure with routine preoperative staging CT images. Identification of sarcopenic ovarian cancer patients in preoperative period may affect patient selection, predictability of possible serious complications, elective operation preparation process with a combination of nutrition and exercise therapy, thus postoperative complication rates may be reduced and short-term results may be improved. Key Words: Cytoreductive surgery, Ovarian cancer, Sarcopenia.

The efficiency of D1(+) lymphadenectomy in signet ring cell carcinoma: comparison of postoperative early and late outcomes between standard lymphadenectomy and D1(+) lymphadenectomy.

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a poorly cohesive subtype of gastric cancer. It is more aggressive than other types of gastric cancer. There is no special method for its treatment, but gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy is the standard approach. The aim of this study is to investigate postoperative outcomes of D1 lymphadenectomy and D1(+)lymphadenectomy in gastric SRCC.A total of 358 cases whohad a gastrectomy performed forthe diagnosis of gastric cancer between 2013 and 2019 in Ankara University Medical Faculty, Surgical Oncology Department were retrospectively investigated. In all, 128 of the cases had SRCC in the final pathology. We separated the cases into two types,D1 lymphadenectomy and D1(+) lymphadenectomy. The 5-year survival, early mortality, hospital mortality and postoperative complication rates were evaluated.There were 59 patients in the D1 group and 64 patients in the D1(+) group.Metastatic lymph node amount and therefore N stage was found to be significantly higher in the D1(+) group (p=0.00 and p=0.03, respectively). Postoperative chyle fistula was found to be significantly higher in the D1(+) group (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard tomean survival (p=0.065);the 5-year mean survival was 21% in the D1 group and 7% in the D1(+) group. Present findings suggest that extended lymphadenectomy does not provide a benefit in cases of SRCC.