Effect of Resection and Surgical Experience on Survival in Patients with Craniopharyngiomas: Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery in Series of 31 Cases.

AIM: To share the surgical outcomes of 31 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) at a single center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis of 31 craniopharyngioma cases (2013-2022) with a minimum 6-month follow-up included demographic data, preoperative findings, postoperative resection volumes, recurrence rates, pathological diagnoses, and complications. RESULTS: Herein, 34 EETS surgeries were performed on 31 patients (12 males, 19 females). The presenting symptoms included visual loss (58%), hypopituitarism (54.8%), and diabetes insipidus (25.8%). Gross total resection was achieved in 87% of the patients, with 64.5% total and 22.5% near-total resection. Total resection prevented recurrences, contrasting with 75% recurrence in the subtotal resection patients (p=0.000). The primary patients showed 73.1% total resection, while only 20% of the recurrent patients achieved it (p=0.049). When comparing the first 16 cases with the last 15 cases in terms of surgical experience, the rates of resection (p=0.040) and recurrence-free survival (p=0.020) in the last 15 cases were statistically significant. Patients with preoperative visual loss demonstrated 94.4% improvement or stability postoperatively. Postoperative complications included hypopituitarism (71.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus (60.8%), worsening vision (6.5%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.7%), meningitis (6.5%), and a 3.2% perioperative mortality rate. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the role of surgical resection in craniopharyngiomas, emphasizing the impact of surgical experience on recurrence-free survival. Primary surgery, with minimal complications and maximal resection, is crucial in managing recurrence challenges. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, particularly in experienced centers, offers advantages such as panoramic vision and access to the third ventricle base, facilitating total and near-total resection and extending recurrence-free survival.

Reconstruction of congenital rectovestibular fistula in an adult. Case report.

Anorectal malformations are common congenital anomalies but diagnosis and treatment in adulthood are quite rare. Treatment during adulthood may be challenging due to anatomic and physiologic changes. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty may provide good cosmetic and functional results even in adult patients. KEY WORDS: Congenital malformations, Rectovaginal fistula, Rectovestibular fistula.

Can omentin-1 be a prognostic marker in surgical intensive care patients?

Background/aim: A member of the adipokine family, omentin-1 is selectively secreted from visceral fat tissue and the omentum. It has been shown that omentin-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of certain diseases and can be used as a prognostic marker. This study first investigated the prognostic significance of omentin-1 in surgical intensive care patients. In addition, the relationship between omentin-1 and laboratory and clinical parameters commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs) was evaluated. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty-four patients hospitalized in the surgical ICU were included in the study. Blood samples for omentin-1 were collected from the patients displaying clinical condition changes. Changes in omentin-1 levels were observed during the hospital stay of the patients. A total of 423 blood samples were evaluated. Omentin-1 levels were compared to the laboratory parameters routinely monitored in the ICU and the prognostic significance of omentin-1 for surgical intensive care patients was investigated. Results: The median APACHE II score of all patients was (median-IQR, 8.0­6.0 ng/mL). Omentin-1 levels of the alive patients in the ICU (median-IQR, 339.04­407.68 ng/mL) were significantly higher compared to dead patients (median-IQR, 166.40­363.60 ng/mL). Omentin-1 levels were higher in nonsepsis patients compared to the levels of the patients in sepsis and septic shock (p < 0.001). Omentin-1 values were negatively correlated with the C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels, body temperature, and the SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment score) scores and they were positively correlated with albumin, prealbumin, and glucose levels. Conclusion: Omentin-1 may play a role in the complex constructs of inflammation and metabolic events in intensive care patients. Reduced omentin-1 levels in surgical intensive care patients were associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality.

An Unusual Schwannoma in the Proximal Forearm: A Case Report.

Schwannomas are common, well-encapsulated benign tumors of the peripheral nerves. They rarely emerge from the median nerve in the forearm. Here we report a case of an unusual schwannoma measuring 3 × 4 × 3 cm originating from the median nerve in the proximal forearm of a 49-year-old man. The mass was painless, but Tinel's sign was positive. Ultrasonography showed a solid, hypoechoic mass with central cystic areas in the flexor muscle group in the left forearm. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement in T1 sequences revealed that it originated from the median nerve. Surgical resection was performed by separating the nerve fibers from the tumor without any complications. Histological examination confirmed it as a schwannoma.

Air leak syndrome after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a rare and fatal complication.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for various pancreatic and biliary problems. In spite of the well-established safety of the procedure, there is still a risk of complications such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, bleeding and perforation. Air leak syndrome has rarely been reported in association with ERCP and the optimal management of this serious condition can be difficult to establish. Our group successfully managed a case of air leak syndrome following ERCP which was caused by a 3cm Stapfer type I perforation in the posterolateral aspect of the second part of the duodenum and was repaired surgically. Hereby, we describe the presentation and subsequent therapeutic approach.

Lessons learned from the first quadruple extremity transplantation in the world.

BACKGROUND: Limb transplantation is emerging as a promising area of surgery and is an indispensable alternative for prosthetic rehabilitation of amputees, the severity of which is increasing because of combat-related injuries. Successful unilateral and bilateral limb transplantations have already been performed before this operation. METHODS: We performed the first ever quadruple limb transplantation in February 2012. The limbs procured from a 40-year-old man heart-beating donor were transplanted to a 27-year-old male patient who was a quadruple amputee for the last 14 years because of an electrical injury. RESULTS: To shorten the ischemic period to a minimum, 3 separate microsurgery teams worked simultaneously. All extremities were reperfused within 8 hours of procurement, and the operation lasted for 12 hours. Metabolic load was managed by hemodialysis. One hour after the completion of the operation, cardiac arrest developed, resuscitation of which necessitated median sternotomy and temporary partial cardiopulmonary support. Despite the removal of the transplanted limbs and all efforts including continuous hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the patient died on the fourth day after transplantation in a clinical condition of severe systemic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The problems we faced were difficulty of vascular access for invasive monitoring and fluid replacement, and the severe systemic inflammation effects of which could not be dealt with, despite aggressive supportive treatment. We hope that our experience will enlighten the surgeons who are willing to extend the limits of limb transplantation and serve the success of future operations.

Validity and efficacy of office hysteroscopy before in vitro fertilization treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Office hysteroscopy (OH) allows assessment of the uterine cavity. The aim of this study is to investigate uterine cavity of infertile patients with OH, to treat pathologies and to measure the impact of OH on live birth rates and IVF treatment costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 498 IVF patients were selected for this study. Control group (398 patients) underwent IVF without OH evaluation. OH group (100 patients) was assessed prior to IVF and detected intrauterine pathologies were treated. OH group was divided into two subgroups: patients with normal uterine cavity (59 patients) and patients who had intrauterine pathologies (41 patients). Number needed to treat (NNT) was also measured. RESULTS: When live birth rates of the control and OH groups were compared, OH group's rate was significantly higher (18.3 vs. 26 %; p > 0.05). 41 % of the patients in the OH group had intrauterine pathologies. When live birth rates of control group and the subgroups were compared, it was significantly higher in the subgroups (p < 0.05). When live birth rates of the subgroups were compared, there was a statistically significant difference in intrauterine pathology subgroup (p < 0.05). NNT measures showed that 13 OH interventions were needed to achieve one additional pregnancy [NNT 13.05; relative risk (RR) 1.418], while five pathologies had to be found and treated with OH to achieve one additional pregnancy (NNT 5; RR 1.962). CONCLUSION: Usage of OH can play an important role in detecting intrauterine pathologies in IVF patients. Therefore, it may have a positive impact on pregnancy outcome and treatment costs.

The effect of problem-based learning with cooperative-learning strategies in surgery clerkships.

BACKGROUND: Cooperative learning is used often as part of the problem-based learning (PBL) process. But PBL does not demand that students work together until all individuals master the material or share the rewards for their work together. OBJECTIVE: A cooperative learning and assessment structure was introduced in a PBL course in 10-week surgery clerkship, and the difference was evaluated between this method and conventional PBL in an acute abdominal pain module. METHODS: An experimental design was used. RESULTS: No significant differences in achievement were found between the study and control group. Both the study and control group students who scored low on the pretest made the greatest gains at the end of the education. Students in the cooperative learning group felt that cooperation helped them learn, it was fun to study and expressed satisfaction, but they complained about the amount of time the groups had to work together, difficulties of group work, and noise during the sessions. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated the impact of a cooperative learning technique (student team learning [STL]) in PBL and found no differences. The study confirms that a relationship exists between allocated study time and achievement, and student's satisfaction about using this technique.

Combined long-term steroid and immunosuppressive treatment regimen in granulomatous mastitis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign inflammatory disease of the breast. It is related to various etiological factors. The treatment of IGM is challenging as there is a lack of consensus in the literature and treatment options vary widely. Conservative treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs, and surgery are used in the management of the disease. In this article we report our experience with IGM patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients with IGM receiving systemic therapy at the Hacettepe University Hospital between October 2007 and May 2010 were reviewed. 15 cases of histopathologically proven IGM were identified. The data was examined for risk factors and success of treatment. RESULTS: 14 patients were given prednisolone together with azathioprine, and 1 patient who was pregnant at the time of diagnosis received only prednisolone (30 mg/day). 11 (73%) patients had a complete response to systemic therapy. 2 patients had a relapse, of whom 1 required surgical drainage and 1 was treated with a higher dose of glucocorticoids. CONCLUSION: Systemic therapy is a safe and effective treatment for IGM. The addition of azathioprine to glucocorticoid therapy permits quick tapering of the steroid doses and increases the treatment success.

Scoring systems in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Although special features of acute appendicitis in the elderly have been described in some studies, no studies evaluating the applicability of appendicitis scores exist in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare Alvarado and Lintula scores in patients older than 65 years of age. METHODS: Patients older than 65 years with appendicitis confirmed by pathology report were matched by year of admission with a group of patients admitted to the emergency department with non-specific abdominal pain. Alvarado and Lintula scores were calculated retrospectively from patient charts. RESULTS: Both scores were observed to operate well in distinguishing between abdominal pain due to appendicitis and non-specific abdominal pain. The Alvarado score was a better predictor compared to the Lintula score. Two parameters (absent, tingling or high-pitched bowel sounds and nausea) had similar prevalence in the control and appendicitis groups. We selected to recalculate the two scores with the exclusion of these two parameters. The two scores performed better but were more similar to each other after the modification. CONCLUSION: Both Alvarado and Lintula scores have a high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the geriatric age group. Their performance improves with exclusion of the two parameters "nausea" and "absent, tingling or high-pitched bowel sounds".

Resuscitation and monitoring in gastrointestinal bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common life-threatening problem, causing significant mortality, costs and resource allocation. Its management requires a dynamic multidisciplinary approach that directs diagnostic and therapeutic priorities appropriately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles published within the past 15 years, related to gastrointestinal bleeding, were reviewed through MEDLINE search, in addition to current guidelines and standards. RESULTS: Decisions of ICU admission and blood transfusion must be individualized based on the extent of bleeding, hemodynamic profile and comorbidities of the patient and the risk of rebleeding. A secure airway may be required to optimize oxygenation and to prevent aspiration. Doses of induction agents must be reduced due to the changes in volume of distribution. Volume replacement is the cornerstone of resuscitation in profuse bleeding, but nontargeted aggressive fluid resuscitation must be avoided to allow clot formation and to prevent increased bleeding. Decision to give blood transfusion must be based on physiologic triggers rather than a fixed level of hemoglobin. Coagulopathy must be corrected and hypothermia avoided. Need for massive transfusion must be recognized as early as possible, and a 1:1:1 ratio of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets is recommended to prevent dilutional coagulopathy. Tromboelastography can be used to direct hemostatic resuscitation. Transfusion related lung injury (TRALI) is a significant problem with a mortality rate approaching 40%. Prevention of TRALI is important in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, especially among patients having end-stage liver disease. Preventive strategies include prestorage leukoreduction, use of male-only or never-pregnant donors and avoidance of long storage times. Management of gastrointestinal bleeding requires delicately tailoring resuscitation to patient needs to avoid nonspecific aggressive resuscitation. "Functional hemodynamic monitoring" requires recognition of indications and limitations of hemodynamic measurements. Dynamic indices like systolic pressure variation are more reliable predictors of volume responsiveness. Noninvasive methods of hemodynamic monitoring and cardiac output measurement need further verification in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Management of gastrointestinal bleeding requires a dynamic multidisciplinary approach. The mentioned advances in management of hemorrhagic shock must be considered in resuscitation and monitoring of patients with GI bleeding.

A novel fuzzy logic inference system for decision support in weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Weaning from mechanical ventilation represents one of the most challenging issues in management of critically ill patients. Currently used weaning predictors ignore many important dimensions of weaning outcome and have not been uniformly successful. A fuzzy logic inference system that uses nine variables, and five rule blocks within two layers, has been designed and implemented over mathematical simulations and random clinical scenarios, to compare its behavior and performance in predicting expert opinion with those for rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), pressure time index and Jabour' weaning index. RSBI has failed to predict expert opinion in 52% of scenarios. Fuzzy logic inference system has shown the best discriminative power (ROC: 0.9288), and RSBI the worst (ROC: 0.6556) in predicting expert opinion. Fuzzy logic provides an approach which can handle multi-attribute decision making, and is a very powerful tool to overcome the weaknesses of currently used weaning predictors.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor in Meckel diverticulum in an 86-year-old patient.

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Its prevalence is approximately 2% of the general population. Complications because of Meckel diverticula are rare and almost nil beyond the age of 40 years. This report details the case of an 86-year-old patient with Meckel diverticulum that perforated because of a tumoral lesion at its apex, also known as volvulus of Meckel diverticulum.

A novel fuzzy-logic inference system for predicting trauma-related mortality: emphasis on the impact of response to resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma scoring aims for quantification and uniform reporting of trauma-related outcomes. Despite significant advances in trauma scoring, the exact time period at which relevant calculations should be made is not clear. Considering the importance of response to resuscitation, calculation of trauma scores after a period of resuscitation can allow better discrimination of patients who will survive. METHODS: A fuzzy-logic inference system, which is completely based on expert opinion and uses Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and systolic blood pressure at arrival to emergency room (ER) and their response to resuscitation as inputs, was developed. Records of the last 150 trauma patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit (ICU) were used for calculations related to Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), Trauma and Injury Severity Score, and A Severity Characterization of Trauma (ASCOT) systems. Calculation of trauma severity and predicted mortality was performed at different time intervals during resuscitation [at arrival to emergency room (ER), after 1 h of resuscitation, and at ICU admission]. The performance of conventional systems and fuzzy-logic system was compared. RESULTS: Mean ISS was 32.31 ± 14.01. All systems included showed acceptable discriminative power. Among the conventional systems calculated at emergency room admission, ISS was the best performing [receiver operating characteristics (ROC), 0.9033] and RTS was the worst (ROC, 0.8106). Their performances were improved by up to 13% by use of post-resuscitation physiologic variables. Fuzzy-logic inference system performed slightly better (ROC, 0.9247) then the conventional systems calculated at arrival to ER. CONCLUSIONS: Response to resuscitation has significant impact on trauma mortality and must be considered in trauma scoring and mortality prediction. Fuzzy logic provides important opportunities for design of better predictive systems.