Relationship Between Metabolic Activity, Cellularity, Histopathological Features of Primary Tumors and Distant Metastatic Potential in Breast Cancer.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the types of distant metastatic spread, histopathological features, and imaging features of primary tumor on positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) for primary staging in newly diagnosed breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients. Methods: Data from 289 female patients were retrospectively evaluated. Maximum standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) values of primary tumors were obtained from PET/MRI. The patients were grouped as non-metastatic, oligometastatic (1-5 metastatic lesions) and multimetastatic (>5 metastatic lesions) disease according to the number of distant metastases, and divided into two groups as isolated bone metastasis (IBM) and mixed/soft tissue metastasis (M-SM) groups according to the sites of metastatic spread. Results: Metabolic parameters had higher values and ADCmin had lower values in the multimetastatic and oligometastatic groups than in the non-metastatic group. MTV was the only parameter that showed significant difference between the multimetastatic and oligometastatic groups. MTV and TLG were significantly higher in the M-SM group than in the IBM group. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET parameters had significantly higher values in grade 3, hormone receptor negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive, triple negative, and highly proliferative (Ki-67 ≥14%) tumors. The prediction models that included imaging parameters to predict the presence of distant metastasis had higher discriminatory powers than the prediction models that included only histopathological parameters. Conclusion: Primary tumors with higher metabolic-glycolytic activity and higher cellularity were more aggressive and had higher metastatic potential in breast IDC. Compared with histopathological parameters alone, the combination of imaging parameters and histopathological features of primary tumors may help to better understand tumor biology and behavior.

Does Venipuncture Increase Lymphedema by Triggering Inflammation or Infection? An Experimental Rabbit Ear Lymphedema Model Study.

Background: Recent guidelines recommend avoiding venipuncture to prevent lymphedema for breast cancer patients. This study investigated whether single or multiple sterile venipuncture procedures develop a systemic inflammation or infection and increase lymphedema in the rabbit ear lymphedema model. Methods and Results: Eighteen New Zealand white female rabbits were included. The right ear lymphedema model was created by surgical procedure; then, rabbits were divided into three randomized groups. Single and multiple venipuncture procedures were applied at least the 60th day after surgery for Group I and II, respectively. Group III was a control group. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were analyzed to determine inflammation and infection. Ear thickness measurements were applied using a vernier caliper to assess the differences in lymphedema between the ears. All rabbits were euthanized on the 90th day after surgery. Histopathological analysis was performed to evaluate lymphedema by measuring tissue thicknesses. Ear thickness measurements showed that ear lymphedema was developed and maintained with surgical operation in all groups (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the ear thickness measurements between and within-groups results (p > 0.05). CRP and PCT levels were below the lower detection levels in all groups. According to the differences of histopathological ear distances, there were significant differences within-groups for all groups (p < 0.05), and no differences were identified between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This experimental study demonstrated that single or multiple sterile venipuncture procedures did not trigger infection or inflammation and did not exacerbate ear lymphedema in the rabbit ear lymphedema model.

Is There Any Association Between Mammographic Features of Microcalcifications and Breast Cancer Subtypes in Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between mammographic features of microcalcifications and histopathological prognostic factors based on estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively determined 66 patients with microcalcification-associated pure DCIS. Distribution and morphological features of the microcalcifications were described using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon. All patients were divided into three subgroups: ER-positive, HER-2 positive, and triple-negative according to the immunohistochemical findings. RESULTS: The morphological features of microcalcifications and receptor subtypes were significantly correlated (p = 0.026). Fine pleomorphic and fine linear branching microcalcifications were observed in 85.2% of HER-2 positive cases, whereas this ratio was 71.4 % in ER-positive and 25% in the triple-negative group. Fine linear branching microcalcifications with linear or segmental distribution were more frequently found with comedo necrosis (p < 0.05). Larger tumour sizes were also associated with microcalcification distribution (p < 0.001). Segmental microcalcifications more likely associated with larger tumour sizes. CONCLUSION: Mammographic features in DCIS correlated with immunohistochemical and histopathological prognostic factors.

An Approach to Macroscopic Central Lymph Nodes Detected during Surgery in Patients with Thyroid Micropapillary Carcinoma: Should We Resort to Dissection?

Background. High-resolution ultrasonography and the ability to perform fine-needle aspiration biopsy even for nodules smaller than three millimeters have considerably increased the detection rate of thyroid micropapillary carcinoma (TMPC). Despite favorable prognosis, the prevalence of cervical lymph node metastases in patients with TMPC is approximately 30%. Aim. In this study, we aimed to determine the central lymph node metastasis rate and its relation to the characteristics of the tumor. Methods. One hundred nine patients who underwent surgery due to TMPC between December 2009 and January 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent lymph node dissection and the two groups were then compared with respect to tumor size and multicentricity, age, and presence of lymphocytic thyroiditis. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of tumor size, tumor multicentricity, age, and presence of lymphocytic thyroiditis. When the patient group that received lymph node dissection was further analyzed, it was found that patients with lymphocytic thyroiditis had a significantly lower number of metastatic lymph nodes. Conclusion. Central lymph node dissection in TMPC patients with macroscopic lymph node detected intraoperatively would ensure accurate staging without an increase in morbidity.

A prospective comparative study of the efficacy of conventional Lichtenstein versus self-adhesive mesh repair for inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Lichtenstein repair has been the gold standard in inguinal hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mesh fixation in terms of postsurgical chronic pain and recurrence. METHODS: Sixty patients with primary inguinal hernias were treated between March 2007 and December 2008. Thirty patients underwent conventional Lichtenstein repair while a self-adhesive mesh was used for the second group. The primary outcome parameters were the rate of recurrence and chronic pain. The operating time, postoperative pain, complications, and time when patients returned to work were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients completed the survey. Early pain scores were lower in the self-adhesive mesh group. The main advantage of the self-adhesive mesh was the shorter operating time (23.70 ± 5.57 vs 36.90 ± 11.36, P = 0.006). Both techniques were almost identical in terms of long-term chronic pain (P = 0.294), and the rates of recurrence at the end of a median of 31 months' follow-up were identical. CONCLUSION: Self-adhesive mesh repair of inguinal hernias is superior to the conventional Lichtenstein method in terms of shorter operative time and less pain in the early postoperative period. The rates of chronic pain and recurrence are similar with the suture-fixed repairs.

Comparison of laparoscopic primary and open primary repair of ventral hernias.

Prosthetic materials have gained popularity for ventral hernia repair. There are situations when the use of a mesh is either unnecessary or contraindicated. This study compares 51 patients with ventral hernia who underwent laparoscopic or open primary suture repair. Results were determined by a median follow-up of 33 months. Recurrence rates and operative time were the major parameters of outcome. Mean operative time was insignificantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (14.8 ± 4.3 vs. 15.6 ± 3.7 min). There were no short-term complications in groups. One patient in each group had recurrence. Conclusively, laparoscopic primary repair of small ventral hernias is simple and can be performed as an initial approach for small defects. Compared with open repair, it has the advantages of better exposure, reduced pain, and less morbidity. It can also be performed as a component of a combined laparoscopic operation. However, this technique is not recommended for repair of large ventral hernias.

Effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (E321) pretreatment versus L-arginine on liver injury after sub-lethal dose of endotoxin administration.

Aim of this study was to compare the effects of L-arginine (L-arg) and food-antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) against oxidative stress of Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) in liver. Ninety Wistar albino rats were assigned in three groups. Rats received one of the following pre-treatment previous to 5mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally: saline, L-arg (NO donor, 100mg/kg) or BHT (250 mg/kg/day), for 3 days. At second, fourth and sixth hours, plasma nitrite-plus-nitrate, circulating liver enzymes, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities were measured. The most remarkable liver injury was evident in BHT pre-treated animals at all time points compared to L-arg pre-treated rats. While BHT enhanced superoxide dismutase activities following LPS, glutathione decreased simultaneously compared to L-arg group. Although the risk associated with the use of BHT alone in subthreshold doses appeared to be low, higher risk of liver toxicity should be considered when over-consuming this food additive in endotoxemic settings.

Tryptophan degradation and serum neopterin concentrations in intensive care unit patients.

Alterations in neopterin concentrations and tryptophan degradation accompany the activation of cellular immune systems. Accordingly, in a variety of diseases, mainly in infections, elevated neopterin levels and tryptophan degradation have been observed. This study aimed to assess serum neopterin levels and tryptophan degradation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, n = 9), sepsis (n = 8), septic shock (n = 10), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS, n = 7) at the first day of ICU hospitalization. The kynurenine-to-tryptophan (kyn/trp) ratio was used in order to evaluate the degree of tryptophan degradation. The results of each patient group were compared with the control group (n = 30). The differences among the ICU groups and the correlations between APACHE II scores and neopterin concentrations or tryptophan degradation were investigated. All patient groups presented statistically higher kyn/trp and neopterin levels than the controls. The sepsis, septic shock, and MODS group had markedly higher neopterin levels than the SIRS group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the survivor group had significantly lower neopterin levels compared with non-survivors (P < 0.05) and lower kyn/trp, but the latter difference was not significant. Neopterin levels and kyn/trp were both correlated with APACHE II score (both P < 0.05). The results indicate that serum neopterin levels and tryptophan degradation correlate well with the severity of the disease in ICU patients, and this was true even at the first day of hospitalization in the unit.

Phyllodes tumor of the breast; a case series.

BACKGROUND: Phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare neoplasm comprising less than 1% of all breast tumors. Its clinical spectrum ranges from a benign and locally recurrent form of behavior to malignant and metastatic forms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, survival and late complications in patients with PT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 10 women who were treated for PT in our center between 1998 and 2002. All cases were histologically examined by an experienced breast pathologist, and tumors were classified as benign, borderline malignant or malignant according to standard histological criteria. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 45.5 years (range: 21-69 years). Seven (70%) of 10 tumors were benign and 3 (30%) were malignant. The median tumor size was 29 mm (range: 12-80 mm). The least safe margin was 1 cm. Three of 10 patients had malignant PT and underwent simple mastectomy. Local recurrence was determined in no patients. Only one patient had lung metastasis. Median follow-up period was 62 months (range, 12-96 months). The patient with lung metastasis was treated with doxorubicine but died one year after the operation. CONCLUSION: PT is a rare neoplasm of the breast. It resembles fibroadenoma. Local excision with appropriate surgical margins seems adequate in all patients (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 15). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Laparoscopic primary repair of ventral hernias: early results of a new technique.

Epigastric, umbilical, incisional, parastomal, and trocar site hernias are all classified as "ventral" hernias, which constitute a great portion of the surgery in a general surgical practice, and debate still continues regarding the optimal surgical strategy to correct these anatomical defects. Although repairing these hernias using a synthetic material, whether placed open or laparoscopically, has gained wide popularity, there are some situations where the use of a mesh is either unnecessary or contraindicated. This article presents the cases of 10 patients with some kind of ventral hernia which were all repaired laparoscopically with a primary suturing technique.

The protective role of anandamide in mesenteric ischemia reperfusion injury in guinea pig.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia is an entity characterized by rapid developing of circulatory failure. Reperfusion following ischemia causes further mucosal injury. METHODS: In our study, an experimental model of 15 minutes of reperfusion following 45 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion was established. The segments which underwent I/R injury were histopathologically examined, and blood samples obtained from the heart were analyzed for alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that mucosal injury in anandamide injected group was less expressed than in other groups suggesting that anandamide might have a protective effect on the mucosa. After L-NAME and indomethacin injection, the protective effect of anandamide seems to disappear due to inhibition of NO and prostaglandins. The results of histopathological examination of specimens from CB1 receptor and anandamide injected group indicate that I/R injury has regressed. CONCLUSION: The protective effect of endogenous anandamide on I/R injury may take place through CB2 receptors in the small intestine; NO and prostaglandin, which are activated through the stimulation of CB2 receptors may be responsible for this protective effect (Fig. 8, Ref. 29). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Preoperative detection of parathyroid adenomas with Tc-99m MIBI and Tc-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy: histopathological and biochemical correlation with Tc-99m MIBI uptake.

AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the dual phase MIBI scinitgraphy with MIBI and Tc-99m pertechnetate (MIBI + Tc-99m) study in defining the parathyroid adenomas, and to evaluate the effect of histologic and biochemical characteristics on the imaging of parathyroid adenomas with Tc-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with parathyroid adenomas were studied prospectively. All patients were evaluated with both MIBI and (MIBI + Tc-99m) study. MIBI uptake of adenomas correlated with oxyphill, chief cell and tumour weight of the surgically excised glands. MIBI uptake was also compared with serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and intact parathormone (iPTH) levels. RESULTS: A total of 38 parathyroid adenomas were surgically excised from 36 patients. MIBI + Tc-99m identified 35 of the parathyroid lesions (92%). Whereas, MIBI study detected 30 of the 38 parathyroid adenomas (79% sensitivity) (p=0.0001). There were no false positives. Adenoma weight showed significiant correlation with MIBI uptake (p=0.001). Oxyphyill cell content also showed high correlation with MIBI uptake. Delayed images showed better correlation than the early views (Early MIBI p=0.033; Delayed MIBI; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: MIBI + Tc-99m pertechnetate interpretation is more sensitive than only dual MIBI imaging for the detection of parathyroid adenoma. Oxyphill cell content and weight of the lesions proved to be important determinants of 99mTc-MIBI accumulation in parathyroid adenoma. We found no significant correlation between MIBI accumulation, Ca, P and iPTH serum levels (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 15). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Analysis of surgical complications of thyroid diseases: results of a single institution.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the complications of different types of thyroidectomy for benign and malignant thyroidal diseases. METHODS: Between January 2001 and March 2006, 982 patients underwent thyroidectomy in single institute. A retrospective analysis was performed on demographic characteristics and pathology reports of patients, complications of surgery as well as the follow-up of patients. Sixty patients could not be fully followed up and were excluded. RESULTS: The types of the surgical procedures were as follows; 451 (48.9%) total, 137 (14.9%) subtotal, 60 (6.5%) near-total thyroidectomy and 274 (29.8%) lobectomy with isthmectomy. In the benign group, temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) was the most common complication in patients with toxic diffuse goiter (TDG 2%) while this complication occurred in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC 1.5%) in the malign group. Permanent RLNI in benign thyroidal diseases was seen more commonly in patients with toxic multinodular goiter (1.3%). In benign thyroidal diseases, temporary hypoparathyroidism (THPT) was mostly found in patients with TDG (8%), whereas in malignant thyroidal diseases this was found more in patients with DTC (2%). Permanent HPT (PHPT) in benign thyroidal diseases was observed more commonly in patients with multinodular goiter (0.9%). In malignant thyroidal diseases, it was more frequently observed in patients with DTC (0.5%). Infective complications after thyroid surgery are rarely observed and have a low incidence (0.4%). CONCLUSION: RLNI and HPT are the most common complications of after thyroid surgery but they may be avoided with an accurate technique (Tab. 3, Ref. 15). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

The value of breast ductoscopy in radiologically negative spontaneous/persistent nipple discharge.

Breast ductoscope is a fiberoptic endoscope used for examining the distal breast ducts under direct vision in order to identify the source of pathologic nipple discharge. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of intra-operative breast ductoscopy in patients with pathologic nipple discharge, which could not be identified by radiologic tests. Between April 2002 and March 2007, breast ductoscopy was performed in 34 patients who had pathologic nipple discharge with no radiologic evidence about the source. The procedures were carried out under general anesthesia and ductoscopic findings were as well as the histopathology of the specimens were recorded and documented. In 88%, (30 of 34) of the patients, endoscope was successfully introduced into the external orifice of the ducts at the nipple and proximal breast ducts were successfully visualized. Ductoscopy revealed intraductal lesions (i.e., ductal obstruction, intraductal papilloma, red patches, and erythematoid platter) in 20 patients (66%). Among the 20 patients with visible endoluminal pathology, nine had a papilloma and eight had signs of either acute inflammation (bleeding, erythema) or previous inflammation with healing (adhesions and blocked ducts). In two cases, invasive breast carcinoma was identified, one of which was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with minimal invasion. In both cases, there had been blocked ducts. In one case DCIS was identified. Breast ductoscopy is a reliable and easy-to-use method to demonstrate the source of pathologic nipple discharge in cases with bleeding and other intraductal lesions.

Neopterin as a prognostic biomarker in intensive care unit patients.

PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate urinary neopterin in intensive care unit patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urinary neopterin levels were determined in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 10), sepsis (n = 18), septic shock (n = 9), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n = 5). It was tested whether neopterin is a differential parameter among the patient groups. Furthermore, the results were also evaluated by comparing with a healthy control group (n = 30), and the relationship between neopterin and mortality or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were investigated. RESULTS: Neopterin levels of the control group and patients were detected as 111 +/- 11 and 3850 +/- 1081 mumol/mol creatinine, respectively (P < .05). It was significantly increased in the sepsis and septic shock groups compared to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome group (P < .05). Neopterin levels were significantly higher in the patients with mortality and lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores. CONCLUSION: This study showed that monitoring of urinary neopterin profile can be used in intensive care units to show the degree and prognosis of the disease.

Cleft lift procedure for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease.

PURPOSE: The surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease varies widely. This study reports outcomes of cleft lift procedure combined with pit excision performed both in primary and recurrent pilonidal disease. METHODS: A total of 76 consecutive patients with primary or recurrent pilonidal disease who received cleft lift procedure or combined (cleft lift with pit excision) procedure in our clinic between March 2005 and May 2007 were investigated prospectively. Rate of postoperative complications and disease recurrence were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 16.4 months (SD 7.0, range 5-34). The most common early postoperative complications were minor wound dehiscence (11 patients, 14.5 percent), followed by infection (10 patients, 13.2 percent), and wound break (4 patients, 5.3 percent). One recurrence (1.3 percent) was observed during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study supported that cleft lift procedure fulfills the requirements of an ideal operation for pilonidal disease. The cleft list procedure was a relatively simple procedure that was easy to learn, to teach, and perform under either spinal or local anesthesia. The procedure can be performed as a "day-surgery" procedure with low postoperative morbidity, acceptable time to return to work, and low recurrence rate.

Acute hemiscrotum due to inguinoscrotal Littre hernia: a case report.

Meckel diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract that is generally asymptomatic and only manifests in a specific way when complications exist. An unusual complication of MD is known as Littre hernia. It comprises less than 1% of all MD. Littre hernia is the protrusion of an MD through a potential abdominal opening. Usual sites of Littre hernia are right inguinal (50% of cases), umbilical hernia (20%), and femoral hernia (20%). We report a case of Littre hernia in a boy who presented with acute scrotal pain and swelling.

Retrorectal tumors: a case series.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Retrorectal masses are rarely encountered in surgical practice, and they arise from congenital remnants, and from osteogenic, neurogenic, inflammatory, or metastatic processes. The majority of these masses are benign but many can be malignant, so they need to be treated with aggressive surgical management. METHODS: In this case series, eight patients with retrorectal masses of various etiologies are described, with particular emphasis on diagnosis and surgical treatment. RESULTS: In our series, we noted one duplication cyst, one tailgut cyst, one epidermoid cyst, one teratoma, one gastrointestinal stromal tumor, one epithelial malignant tumor, one inflammatory mass, and one retrorectal mass of as yet unknown origin. In three patients, complete excision via posterior sagittal approach was performed, one underwent abdominoperineal en-block proctectomy, two were only biopsied for neoadjuvant therapy, and two are waiting for operation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is the main treatment of choice, and the surgical strategy should be decided according to the localization and nature of the retrorectal mass.

Intermittent pneumatic sequential compression of the lower extremities restores the cerebral oxygen saturation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoperitoneum causes intracranial pressure elevation and blood stasis at lower extremities. This study investigates cerebral oxygen saturation changes during laparoscopy and the effects of intermittent sequential compression (ISC) of the lower extremities in patients during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the application of ISC to the lower extremities. Group I served as control group whereas ISC was applied to group II. Cerebral oxygen saturation, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, mean blood pressure, and associated changes have been recorded during the operation. RESULTS: Peripheral blood oxygen saturation and mean blood pressure values did not change significantly after pneumoperitoneum. Cerebral oxygen saturation levels of the group II patients were higher in than the group I patients and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). The difference became more prominent following the 35(th) minute of the operation. Mean heart rate of the patients in group II was lower than the patients in group I and the difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was found that the decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation was recovered with ISC application. This simple and reliable technique helps to restore cerebral oxygen saturation levels while increasing blood return from the lower extremities.

Infliximab "TNF-alpha antagonist" decreases intraabdominal adhesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of infliximab on adhesion formation and it's associated morbidity and complications. METHODS: This study was performed in the Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Turkey between July 2005 and October 2005. Thirty-five rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Laparotomy was performed in the Sham group (n=5), whereas cecal abrasion was carried out in all other groups. After cecal abrasion 0.9% sodium chloride was administered in the saline group (n=10), infliximab was administered to the study group (n=10) and nothing was administered to the last group (n=10). Adhesion formation was evaluated with macroscopic and microscopic adhesion scoring systems. Peritoneal fluid samples and mesenteric lymph node biopsies were taken to rule out bacterial peritonitis. Blood and peritoneal irrigation fluid samples were taken to measure the Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. RESULTS: Macroscopic adhesion scores showed fewer adhesions in the infliximab group. The infliximab group had significantly fewer adhesions than the abrasion control and saline groups. According to the histological findings, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Early blocking of the activity of TNF-alpha after cecal abrasion resulted in lower rates of adhesion formation, macroscopically. The TNF-alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine appears to be an important mediator for postoperative adhesion formation.