Comparison of the effects of two different marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid sources, krill oil, and fish oil, on the healing of primary colonic anastomoses after colectomy applied Wistar albino rat model.

BACKGROUND: Oils from marine organisms have a different fatty acid composition. Fish oil (FO) has a high content of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids esterified to triacylglycerols; while in krill oil (KO), fatty acids are primarily esterified to phospholipids. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two different, marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid sources in the wound healing of colon anastomoses rat model. METHODS: For the study, we used 42 male Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups with seven rats in each group-CO3: left colonic anastomosis (control group), sacrificed on the third day; KO3: left colonic anastomosis + oral KO, sacrificed on the third day; FO3: left colonic anastomosis + oral FO, sacrificed on the third day; CO7: left colonic anastomosis (control group), sacrificed on the seventh day; KO7: left colonic anastomosis + oral KO, sacrificed on the seventh day; FO7: left colonic anastomosis + oral FO, sacrificed on the seventh day. Peritoneal adhesions, anastomotic bursting pressures, hydroxyproline levels, and histological examination of the anastomotic tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: On day 7, bursting pressure and hydroxyproline measurements of the KO group was significantly higher than the FO group (p=0.012; p=0.002, respectively). Also, on day 7, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups according to inflammatory cell infiltration, fibroblast activity, neoangiogenesis, and collagen deposition in favor of the KO group (p=0.023; p=0.028; p=0.016; p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both KO and FO supplementation in patients before colorectal surgery may reduce some risk of anastomotic leakage; and KO might be a better alternative and excellent omega-3 source.

The emerging role of national academies in surgical training: an inspiring environment for increasing the quality of health care in breast cancer management.

Medical education, both graduate and postgraduate, is given at medical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals. The training at these institutions is necessary and valuable. In each field of the medical profession, the relevant science is being developed and changed constantly. Training of medical staff and auxilliary professionals must be adaptable to changes in the field. Also, the development of standards for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases is important. Independent institutions, called academies, serve an extremely useful task in the continuing further training that needs to be adjusted according to individual needs. Academies are independent and free from bureaucracies. Standardized records are uniform and comparable at these institutions. Both patients and medical staff receive training from these institutions. In this way, a high standard is provided in medicine, error rates are decreased and patient satisfaction is increased. Breast cancer, the most common tumor in women, is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. The European Institute of Oncology (EIO) in Milan, Italy and the European Academy of Senology in Duesseldorf, Germany play important roles in establishing the standards of breast care. They provide substantial training for physicians to achieve high quality in breast cancer management. SENATURK (Senoloji Akademisi, Turkish Academy of Senology) was established in 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey. Both national and international scientists and physicians including eminent senologists are currently faculty members of this young organization. SENATURK collaborates with other institutions in Europe. Its missions include developing training programs for each level of the profession, as well as developing data recording systems and electronic learning tools for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation. Briefly, SENATURK plays a significant role as the opinion leader on every aspect of health care related to conditions and diseases of the breast.

Prospective randomized comparison of oral sodium phosphate and sennoside A+B calcium lavage for colonoscopy preparation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess 2 different bowel-cleansing agents. METHODS: The patients were prospectively randomized to 2 arms of sodium phosphate versus Sennoside A+B calcium preparation. Laboratory assessment, body weight, height, and vital signs were obtained at baseline and before colonoscopy. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by the patients. The time taken to complete the colonoscopy and the segment of the colon examined were recorded. RESULTS: The patients in the Sennoside A+B calcium group were more comfortable with the taste of the solution. Patients using sodium phosphate faced more nausea and significantly lower Ca levels and P values. The pulse rate was significantly higher in this group. Patients in the sennoside group had better grades of bowel cleansing in sigmoid and descending segments of the colon. CONCLUSIONS: Sennoside A+B calcium is more effective in some of the colonic segmental cleansing, causes fewer changes on serum electrolyte levels, and is better tolerated.