MATRA-A: A study on massive transfusion.

BACKGROUND: We use massive transfusion in various clinical conditions and it is associated with high mortality. Although some massive transfusion protocols improve patient outcomes, the clinical circumstances requiring it are not well defined. METHODS: MATRA-A is a multicenter retrospective study. Six University and Training Research Hospitals in Ankara participated in the study. We collected clinical data on patients (>18 years) who received massive transfusions (≥10 units/24 h) from 2017 through 2019. RESULTS: Overall, 167 (0·27% of transfused patients) received a massive transfusion of 2586 units of red blood cells (1·5% of total RBCs transfused). The median interquartile range values for RBCs, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets were 13 (11-176), 16 (9-33) and 4 (0-11), respectively. Surgical patients received 90% of massive transfusions. The most common clinical indications for massive transfusion were cardiovascular diseases (42·6%), trauma (20·3%) and malignancies (11%). FFP: RBC: Platelets ratio was 1·9:1:0·5. The overall and trauma-related mortality rates were 57·4% and 61·8%, respectively. The hospital mortality rates of trauma patients that received high vs. low ratio (FFP: RBCs > 1:1·5 vs. ≤1:1·5) transfusions were 47·6% and 86·6% and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0·03). CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular diseases and trauma occasion are the most common causes of massive transfusion. It is infrequent in clinical settings and is associated with high mortality rates. Additionally, in massively transfused trauma patients, a high FFP:RBCs ratio seems to be associated with increased survival. Focused prospective studies are required to define the areas that need improvement on a national scale.

A retrospective analysis of 93 cases with anorectal abscess in a rural state hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Anorectal abscess is a clinical condition frequently encountered in daily surgical practice and recurrences may occur despite treatment with adequate incision and drainage. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the variables that may have resulted in recurrent anorectal abscess, retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients out of 149 patients who underwent surgery for anorectal abscess at our center between 2011-2012 were included in this study. Data regarding age, gender, presence of recurrence, time to recurrence, abscess type, presence of fistula, fistula type, drain usage, length of hospital stay and follow-up duration were retrospectively recorded. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups: the recurrence group and the treatment group. Eleven patients (11.8%) had a recurrence and the median time to recurrence was 3 months. None of the variables evaluated were found to be significantly associated with the presence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Variables such as age, gender, type of abscess, presence of fistula or drain usage were not associated with the development of recurrence in patients who underwent incision and drainage of an anorectal abscess.

De Garengeot's hernia: a case of acute appendicitis in a femoral hernia sac.

The presence of an appendix vermiformis in a femoral hernia sac is called De Garengeot's hernia. It is a very rare clinical condition and requires emergency surgery. However, preoperative diagnosis of De Garengeot's hernia is difficult. Herein, we report a 58-year-old female who presented with sudden-onset painful swelling in the right groin region. Diagnosis was established based on computed tomography findings, and appendectomy with mesh-free hernia repair was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the histopathologic examination of the specimen revealed gangrenous appendicitis.

Liver resection modulates hepatic chemokine levels in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Resection of metastatic hepatic tumors of breast cancer may result in the acceleration of hepatic and extrahepatic tumor progression due to the microenvironmental circulation of chemokines. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hepatectomy on a large panel of chemokines, liver regeneration, and myeloid cell levels in an experimental breast cancer model. METHODS: The 4T1 breast cancer cells were inoculated, and 30% to 40% hepatectomy was performed. Mice without tumors or only laparotomy (no hepatectomy) served as control groups. After 14 days (short-term) and 21 days (long-term), tissue samples were obtained from the regions near and distant from the resection site. Chemokine levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay arrays. Myeloid infiltration in the liver and the primary tumor and hepatic regeneration status were also histopathologically evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of pro-tumorigenic chemokines such as CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5 were elevated in hepatectomized tumor-bearing animals. This observation was consistent with the presence of hepatic metastases. Liver regeneration and myeloid cell infiltration showed significant differences between the tumor-bearing hepatectomized groups followed in the short and long term. CONCLUSION: Our study showed elevation and variations in chemokines after hepatectomy, with a prominent increase in pro-tumorigenic chemokines. These results can be associated with the acceleration of metastasis after liver resection. However, further prospective studies are required to better define the impact of resection, which may transform the liver into a favorable site for metastasis.

The effect of emergency room consultations on emergency general surgery operations.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations in emergency general surgery (EGS) cases in the USA have increased by 28% since 2001. The costs of these cases are estimated to increase by 45% annually until 2060, reaching 41.20 billion dollars. According to the literature, the general surgery clinic team allocates an average of 5.5 hours a day for emergency room consultations. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of consultations from the emergency room in our country on the EGS approach and to create appropriate solution proposals with the data obtained from the regional hospitals. METHODS: The source of the data in our study is the number of EGS cases presented by 10 regional hospitals at the Central Anatolia regional meetings of The Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery between 2017 and 2020. MATLAB R2021b (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, USA) and SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) programs were used for data analysis and graphics creation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The hospitalization/consultation rate was evaluated as the success of the doctors working at the emergency department in recognizing EGS cases; the average value was 20.15% across all hospitals. The surgery/emergency hospitalization rate, which shows rate of the hospitalized patients underwent surgery, is 59.17% when all centers are taken into account. The rate of surgery/admission in acute cholecystitis cases is 31.49% for all centers. It is seen that the hospitalization/consultation rate decreases with the increase in hospital workload. The rate of laparoscopic/total appendectomy is 22.78% across all centers. There is a correlation between acute appendicitis cases and EGS consultation numbers, but there is no correlation between laparoscopic appendectomy and consultation numbers. In addition, it is seen that medical follow-up is preferred in acute cholecystitis cases in centers where the consultation burden is increased; cholecystectomy is preferred at a higher rate in centers where the consultation burden is less. National EGS systems are needed and tried to be developed in order to improve the approach and outcomes of EGS patients worldwide. It is considered essential to establish a national EGS maintenance system that coordinates country resources and optimizes outcomes.

Recurrent Type 1 Enterocutaneous Fistula and Granulomatous Gastritis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Enterocutaneous fistula is an abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal tract and skin. One-third of enterocutaneous fistulas disappear spontaneously, but the rest of them require surgical treatment. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman with enterocutaneous fistula that she had had for year. She had previously undergone 2 unsuccessful operations, and the fistula recurred twice. Distal subtotal gastrectomy and Billroth 2 reconstruction were performed. In the pathological examination, the distal gastrectomy specimen revealed foci of ulceration. Well-circumscribed non-necrotizing granulomas were occasionally encountered beneath the ulcers. CONCLUSIONS Failure of treatment in recurrent fistula management has a variety of reasons. Our clinical experience shows that granulomatous gastritis can be a complicating factor in treatment of recurrent enterocutaneous fistula.

Physiological parameters for Prognosis in Abdominal Sepsis (PIPAS) Study: a WSES observational study.

Background: Timing and adequacy of peritoneal source control are the most important pillars in the management of patients with acute peritonitis. Therefore, early prognostic evaluation of acute peritonitis is paramount to assess the severity and establish a prompt and appropriate treatment. The objectives of this study were to identify clinical and laboratory predictors for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute peritonitis and to develop a warning score system, based on easily recognizable and assessable variables, globally accepted. Methods: This worldwide multicentre observational study included 153 surgical departments across 56 countries over a 4-month study period between February 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018. Results: A total of 3137 patients were included, with 1815 (57.9%) men and 1322 (42.1%) women, with a median age of 47 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28-66). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 8.9%, with a median length of stay of 6 days (IQR 4-10). Using multivariable logistic regression, independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified: age > 80 years, malignancy, severe cardiovascular disease, severe chronic kidney disease, respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths/min, systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, AVPU responsiveness scale (voice and unresponsive), blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) < 90% in air, platelet count < 50,000 cells/mm3, and lactate > 4 mmol/l. These variables were used to create the PIPAS Severity Score, a bedside early warning score for patients with acute peritonitis. The overall mortality was 2.9% for patients who had scores of 0-1, 22.7% for those who had scores of 2-3, 46.8% for those who had scores of 4-5, and 86.7% for those who have scores of 7-8. Conclusions: The simple PIPAS Severity Score can be used on a global level and can help clinicians to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure and mortality.

Incidence and risk factors of biliary fistulation from a hepatic hydatid cyst in clinically asymptomatic patients.

Biliary fistulation from a hepatic hydatid cyst is its most frequent complication. If unrecognised, this may cause difficulties during and after surgical intervention. Our study looked into its incidence and also the possible risk factors in a retrospective investigation of 60 patients (34 women) who had undergone surgery or percutaneous treatment. Demographics and anatomical characteristics, such as cyst type, location, number, diameter and laboratory findings were examined. A full 50% had biliary fistulation, with increased risk if the cyst diameter was ≥8.8 cm.

Prospective Observational Study on acute Appendicitis Worldwide (POSAW).

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical disease, and appendectomy is the treatment of choice in the majority of cases. A correct diagnosis is key for decreasing the negative appendectomy rate. The management can become difficult in case of complicated appendicitis. The aim of this study is to describe the worldwide clinical and diagnostic work-up and management of AA in surgical departments. Methods: This prospective multicenter observational study was performed in 116 worldwide surgical departments from 44 countries over a 6-month period (April 1, 2016-September 30, 2016). All consecutive patients admitted to surgical departments with a clinical diagnosis of AA were included in the study. Results: A total of 4282 patients were enrolled in the POSAW study, 1928 (45%) women and 2354 (55%) men, with a median age of 29 years. Nine hundred and seven (21.2%) patients underwent an abdominal CT scan, 1856 (43.3%) patients an US, and 285 (6.7%) patients both CT scan and US. A total of 4097 (95.7%) patients underwent surgery; 1809 (42.2%) underwent open appendectomy and 2215 (51.7%) had laparoscopic appendectomy. One hundred eighty-five (4.3%) patients were managed conservatively. Major complications occurred in 199 patients (4.6%). The overall mortality rate was 0.28%. Conclusions: The results of the present study confirm the clinical value of imaging techniques and prognostic scores. Appendectomy remains the most effective treatment of acute appendicitis. Mortality rate is low.

Total Versus Subtotal Gastrectomy for Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Stomach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the adequate surgery type for the treatment of signet ring cell of stomach in terms of postoperative complications and survival. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Baskent University Adana Teaching and Research Center, Adana, Turkey, between 2006 and 2015. METHODOLOGY: Atotal of 46 patients with the diagnosis of gastric signet ring cell, who underwent total or subtotal gastrectomy, were enrolled in this study. Patients were compared according to age, gender, tumor location, TNM stage, survival and mortality rates, operation time, complication and recurrence. Comparisons between groups were performed by using Mann-Whitney U-test for the data not normally distributed. The categorical data were analyzed by using the Chisquare test or Fisher's exact test, where applicable. Kaplan-Meier test was used for survival curve and Long-rank test was used for survival differences between groups. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically for all tests. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 29 (63.0%) were male. The mean age was 56.6 ±13.2 years. The median tumor size was 5.0 cm (IQR: 3.0-6.6). Twenty-six (56.5%) patients were in total gastrectomy, whereas 20 (43.5%) were in subtotal gastrectomy group. Five-year cumulative survival rate was 0.487. Five-year overall survival rate for early and advanced signet ring cell carcinoma was 0.830 and 0.164, respectively (p<0.001). Five-year overall survival rate for total and subtotal gastrectomy groups were 0.422 and 0.582, respectively (P=0.417). Complications were observed in 17.4% (n=8) of all 46 patients. CONCLUSION: Subtotal gastrectomy can be performed safely for patients with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma and is equal to total gastrectomy with respect to prognosis and complication rates.

Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy to prevent early post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and evaluation of postoperative parathyroid hormone levels to detect hypocalcemia: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. Postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement is one of the methods to detect or prevent postoperative hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation is another method to prevent early postoperative hypocalcemia. The aim of this study is to detect the accurate timing of PTH and evaluate efficacy of routine oral calcium supplementation for postoperative hypocalcemia. METHODS: A total of 106 patients were performed total thyroidectomy. Rotuine oral calcium supplementation was given to group 1 and no treatment to group 2 according to randomization. Serum calcium and PTH level of patients in group 2 at postoperative 6, 12 and 24 h and patients in both groups at postoperative day 7 were evaluated. Patients were compared according to age, sex, operation findings, serum calcium and PTH levels and symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: Half of the patients (50%) were in group 1. Most of the patients were female (83%). The most common etiology of thyroid disease was multinodular goiter (64.1%). Oral calcium supplementation was given to 18 (33.9%) patients in group 2. Symptomatic hypocalcemia for group 1 and 2 was found to be 1.9 and 33.9% respectively (p < 0.05). No statistical difference can be observed regarding the timing of serum biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Serum PTH levels at postoperative 12 and 24 h can predict early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Prophylactic oral calcium supplementation therapy can prevent early post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia with advantages of being cost effective and safe.

Barriers Against Mammographic Screening in a Socioeconomically Underdeveloped Population: A Population-based, Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Mammography-screening (MS) rates remain low in underdeveloped populations. We aimed to find the barriers against MS in a low socioeconomic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged 40-69 years who lived in the least developed city in Turkey (Mus), were targeted. A survey was used to question breast cancer (BC) knowledge and health practices. RESULTS: In total, 2054 women were surveyed (participation rate: 85%). The MS rate was 35%. Women aged 50-59 years (42%, p<0.001), having annual Obstetric-Gynecology (OB-GYN) visits (42%, p<0.001), reading daily newspaper (44%, p=0.003), having Social Security (39%, p=0.006) had increased MS rates. The most common source of information about BC was TV/radio (36%). Having doctors as main source of information (42%, p<0.001), knowing BC as the most common cancer in females (36%, p=0.024), knowing that BC is curable if detected early (36%, p=0.016), knowing that MS is free (42%, p<0.001) and agreeing to the phrase "I would get mammography (MG), if my doctor referred me" (36%, p=0.015) increased MS rates. Agreeing that MG exposes women to unnecessary radiation decreased MS rate (32%, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: To increase the MS rate in low socioeconomic populations, clear messages about BC being the most common cancer in women, MS after 40 years of age not causing unnecessary radiation but saving lives through enabling early detection, and MS being free of charge should be given frequently on audiovisual media. Uninsured women and women aged 40-49 years should be especially targeted. Physicians from all specialties should inform their patients about BC.

Effects of intra-abdominal pressure on adrenal gland function and morphology in rats.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) are life-threatening conditions and caused by several clinical status. Although there is insufficient data regarding its effects on adrenal glands. This study aimed to identify whether elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) caused any alteration on the morphology and function of adrenal glands in a rat model. Twenty four Sprague-Dawley male rats were included in the study. Animals were allocated into 4 groups. IAP was elevated to 15 mmHg for one hour and four hours in group 2 and 4. Group 1 and 3 were sham groups. Blood samples were taken for the assessment of plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, and corticosterone levels and adrenalectomies were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Blood adrenaline, noradrenaline and corticosterone levels were significantly higher in the study groups compared with the sham groups. However, there were no significant changes in apoptotic index scores in the study groups as compared to sham groups. These results support that increased IAH leads to discharge of catecholamine and corticosterone from the adrenal glands. Failure to demonstrate similar changes in apoptotic index score may be concluded as apoptosis is not a leading pathway for impairment of adrenal glands during IAH period.

Mean platelet volume and red cell distribution width as a diagnostic marker in acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common causes of emergent surgeries. Many methods are used for its diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic value of MPV and RDW in acute appendicitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective multi-center cross sectional planned study. The study included 260 patients operated for AA and 158 patients as the control group. Groups were compared in terms of MPV, RDW, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil predominance (NP) and platelet count (PC). RESULTS: MPV was significantly lower in AA group, compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The best cut-off level for MVP in AA was ≤ 7.3 fL and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy ratio were 45%, 89.2%, 87.3%, 49.6% and 61.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of RDW and platelet values. CONCLUSIONS: MPV is a routinely measured parameter in complete blood count (CBC) and requires no additional cost. It significantly decreased in AA, having a greater sensitivity and NPV when combined with WBC and NP.

Initial experience on utility of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography in diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of the use of gadobenate dimeglumine (also known as Gd-BOPTA) -enhanced T1-weighted MR cholangiography in diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospectively designed institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant study was done between January and November 2007. We included 11 consecutive patients (7 male, mean age 59 years) who presented to the emergency room with acute right upper quadrant pain and with equivocal physical examination and/or ultrasound findings. The control group included 15 patients who underwent liver MRI with Gd-BOPTA. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced (CE) MR cholangiography examinations. CE-MR cholangiography was performed on a 1.5 Tesla magnet using 3D T1-weighted high resolution isotrophic volume examination (THRIVE) obtained at the 90th min after intravenous injection of Gd-BOPTA. Imaging features detected on CE-MR cholangiography were correlated with operative and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: In the control group, GD-BOPTA was visualized within the gallbladder in all subjects. For the study group, gallstones were present in nine patients (n = 7 both in gallbladder and cystic duct, n = 1 only in gallbladder, n = 1 only in cystic duct) on MRCP. Hydropic gallbladder was detected in seven patients, significant wall thickening in seven patients, and pericholecystic free fluid in 6 patients. On delayed phase CE cholangiography, significant enhancement of gallbladder wall was seen in 10 patients, and contrast agent excretion into gallbladder was absent in all patients. Surgery was performed in 10 patients, and cholecystostomy was done in 1 patient. Surgery and histopathology findings were consistent with cholecystitis in all patients. CONCLUSION: In addition to anatomical assessment, Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MR cholangiography can provide functional evaluation similar to HIDA scintigraphy in diagnosing acute cholecystitis in patients with acute right upper quadrant pain and equivocal findings.