A New and Effective Technique in the Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity and Regulation of Diabetes: The Pyloric Revision.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the role of the functional structure of the pylorus in obesity and diabetes and to determine the efficacy of a new method, pyloric revision (PR), in the treatment. METHODS: The pyloric structures of the patients who applied for endoscopic obesity treatment were examined, and the patients were classified as normotonic (NP), hypotonic (HP), and atonic (AP) according to their pyloric structures. PR was applied to those with pyloric structural disorders. Patients with NP were also given the preferred endoscopic treatment (balloon, botulinum toxin, Kanlioz technique). In addition, the pre-procedure fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) of the patients were compared with the sixth-month post-procedure status. In order to compare the pyloric structure and other parameters in normal weights with the obese group, a second group of 100 normal-weight (BMI<25) individuals was formed and compared with the study group. RESULTS: In patients with HP (93 patients) and AP (61 patients), a statistically significant decrease was found between HbA1c and FBG levels before treatment and six months after treatment (p˂0.02, p<0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the endoscopic obesity treatment group (EOTG) in terms of pyloric disorder, HbA1c, and FPG levels between the EOTG and the normal weight group (NWG) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We recommend using PR as an easy-to-perform, effective, minimally invasive, reproducible, and cost-effective technique that does not require hospitalization.

Total Gastrointestinal Flora Transplantation in the Treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome and Flora Loss.

Introduction The aim of this work was to treat patients with leaky gut syndrome (LGS) and gastrointestinal flora loss in a simple, inexpensive, permanent and effective way without the need for further treatment. Methods A total gastrointestinal flora transplantation (TGFT) procedure is performed by simultaneously transferring the "flora" taken from approximately 30 different anatomical sites, from the mouth to the anus, of healthy donors to the corresponding anatomical site of the patient using the endoscopic lavage method. Results Of the patients, 25 (44.6%) were female and 31 (55.4%) were male, totaling 56 (100%). The mean age was 32.88±15.78 years. Among the 56 patients enrolled in the study, TGFT had no efficacy in one patient, five patients underwent repeat TGFT during a mean follow-up period of 23.73±16.74 months, and the treatment was permanent in 50 patients; our success rate during the follow-up period was 89.3%. Conclusion In LGS, TGFT should be the gold standard treatment.

Cosmetic results of circumcision and scar wrinkling: Do we exaggerate in terms of hemostasis and sutures?

OBJECTIVE: To objective of this study was to investigate poor scar appearance of the circumcision line and scar wrinkling caused by the sutures placed during the circumcision in primary school age circumcised children. METHODS: A total of 455 children aged between 6 and 9 years, circumcised by four different specialists in our hospital between 2009 and 2018 were evaluated. Circumcisions performed due to balanitis, phimosis, secondary phimosis, and paraphimosis were excluded from the study. Only routine religious circumcisions performed on request of the family were included in the study. Children underwent a second procedure and those receiving treatment after the circumcision due to infection were excluded from the study. About 363 patients included the study. Patients were evaluated according to the Fitzpatrick skin type classification, independent observer scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, and Dunn-Bonferroni test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between distributions of scar wrinkling levels in children according to the circumcision (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between age of circumcision according to scare wrinkling levels (p = 0.001). According to the Dunn-Bonferroni test; the circumcision age was found to be significantly lower in children with severe scar wrinkling compared to the children with no or mild scar wrinkling (p = 0.001; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The tense, short-interval sutures placed away from the wound margin during circumcision in order to control subcutaneous bleeding lead to scar wrinkling and a poor cosmetic appearance. Knowing the risk factors leading to scar wrinkling and taking appropriate measures will provide acceptable cosmetic outcomes after the circumcision.

A comparison of crystal phenol treatment, midline primary closure and Limberg flap reconstruction methods in female patients with primary pilonidal sinus disease.

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic problem often occurs in healthy hirsute men, however, women may also be affected. A range of conservative techniques to surgical flaps have been used to treat this condition. Currently, midline primary closure (MPC) is considered the standard of therapy; however, no statistically significant difference has been noted between primary versus secondary (Karydakis flap or Limberg flap) closure. Recently, flap reconstruction methods have been applied and superiority of these methods have been shown. Treatment methods should be employed to the individual, taking into account recurrence and complication rates of the method, recovery time, patients' preference and surgeon's skill. KEY WORDS: Crystal Phenol Treatment, Female Patient, Pilonidal Sinus, Limberg Flap Reconstruction, Primary Midline Closure.

Pilonidal Sinus Disease: An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of treatment methods at reducing recurrence, the most important problem in pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), along with factors affecting the occurrence of PSD and posttreatment recurrence. METHODS: The researchers retrospectively analyzed files of patients treated for PSD between 2003 and 2018. Three study groups were created: G1, G2, and G3. G1 included all PSDs with recurrence, and a comparable number of cases without recurrence were selected randomly for the G2 group. The control group, G3, included healthy individuals without PSD. In all groups, the following were recorded: body mass index, skin color and oiliness, family history of PSD, hair overgrowth, smoking habit, time spent sitting per day, and number of baths per week. The following were additionally recorded for G1 and G2: treatment methods, follow-up periods, pretreatment abscess(es), and time of onset of complaints before treatment. The number of recurrences and the period between last treatment and recurrence were also recorded for G1. RESULTS: G1 comprised 234 patients; G2, 247 patients; and G3, 128 healthy individuals. The significant factors causing recurrence included body mass index, family history, bathing habits, hair overgrowth, skin color and oiliness, time spent sitting per day, smoking habit, abscess(es), and duration of symptom(s) (P < .05). Limberg flap repair was the most successful treatment method. Sixty-three (27%), 135 (58%), and 185 (79%) recurrences occurred in the first 6 months, in the first year, and in the first 2 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The researchers recommend Limberg flap repair for treatment. It is possible to reduce recurrence by taking preventable factors into consideration.

Efficacy of Intragastric Balloon Placement and Botulinum Toxin Injection in Bariatric Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results obtained from the combination of intragastric botulinum toxin A (IGBTA), intragastric balloon (IGB), and IGBTA(+)IGB in the treatment of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three separate treatment groups were set up. IGBTA, IGB, and IGBTA(+)IGB were administered to Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The body mass indexes (BMI) of patients were measured before and 6 months after the treatment. The intragroup and intergroup treatment results have been evaluated. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean BMI decreased by 1.6 kg/m in 40 patients who received IGBTA in group 1 (P<0.001), 3.95 kg/m in 42 patients who received IGB in group 2 (P<0.001), and 4.9 kg/m in 39 patients who received IGBTA and IGB in group 3 (P<0.001) after 6 months of treatment. The intolerance because of the application was the highest in group 3, followed by group 2. CONCLUSION: The treatment was most successful in group 3 followed by group 2 and group 1, respectively. The authors recommend the group 3 treatment, provided that nausea, vomiting, and flatulence have a high index of probability in such a treatment. However, when deciding between group 1 and group 2 treatments, the authors recommend opting for group 2 treatment that shows to be more efficient.

How Taking into Account the Pyloric Tonus Contributes to Treatment Success While Administering Gastric "Botulinum Toxin A" for Weight Loss.

PURPOSE: To analyze how considering the structure of normotonic pylorus (NP) or hypotonic pylorus (HP) contributes to treatment success in patients administered gastric botulinum toxin A for weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured body mass indexes (BMIs) of the patients who applied for gastric botulinum toxin A (BTA) for weight loss, before and 6 months after the procedure. The patients' pylori were classified as normotonic pylorus (NP) if, during endoscopy, they had a normal peristaltic motion and was closing completely, and as hypotonic pylorus if they were not closing properly or were aperistaltic. We compared the patients' mean pre-operative and 6-month post-operative BMIs. The groups were compared using the chi-square test where a p Ë‚ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 178 patients administered gastric BTA. In the assessment made without considering the pyloric structure, the mean BMI decreased from 34.76 ± 7.65 to 33.09 ± 7.80 kg/m2, while the difference was not statistically significant (p Ë‚ 0.06). Conversely, in the analysis performed considering the structure of pylorus, the mean pre-operative BMI of the 45 patients with HP structure was 35.16 ± 7.07 kg/m2 which decreased to 35.11 ± 7.03 kg/m2 6 months after the procedure; hence, the difference was not statistically significant (p Ë‚ 0.7). The mean pre-operative BMI of the 133 patients with NP structure, 34.63 ± 7.84 kg/m2, decreased to 32.40 ± 8.05 kg/m2 6 months after the procedure and the difference was statistically significant (p Ë‚ 0.05)*. CONCLUSION: We advise to be selective in BTA administration and to administer BTA to the patients who, endoscopically, have a NP structure.

Reliability and Educational Features of YouTube Videos About Hernia Operations Performed Using Laparoscopic TEP Method.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability, educational features, and popularity of YouTube videos on inguinal hernia operations using the laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) method on the basis of objective scoring criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the first 50 videos on TEP. To assess the reliability and educational features of the videos, we used the DISCERN questionnaire score (DISCERN), Journal of the American Medical Association Benchmark criteria (JAMAS), and Global Quality Scores (GQS). We then used Video Power Index (VPI) to assess the videos' power on YouTube, and total extraperitoneal scoring (TEPS) to assess their conformity with the medical technique and also the accuracy, quantity, and quality of the information contained therein. RESULTS: In the analysis of the source and contents of videos, the VPI, DISCERN, JAMAS, GQS, and TEPS values of all videos were found to be low. A positive correlation-at a level of 0.988-was found to exist between their number of views and VPI values (r: 0.988, P<0.001). Furthermore, we also observed a positive correlation-at a level of 0.811-between the video's likes and DISCERN scores (r: 0.811, P: 0.004). There was no other statistically significant relationship between other scores and the quantitative features of videos. A positive correlation-at a level of 0.709-was found between the videos' GQS and TEPS (r: 0.709, P: 0.022). No correlation was found among other scores. CONCLUSION: Depending on the scoring criteria, the lower scores obtained by those videos show that they do not provide a sufficient level of reliability and quality information.

Perioperative and Postoperative Effects of Preoperative Low-Calorie Restrictive Diets on Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: A restrictive diet applied before bariatric surgery can be required to reduce the liver volume or as a necessity imposed by insurance companies. However, the benefits of preoperative weight loss remain controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of a restrictive diet applied before laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 128 patients who received surgery in 2015 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were advised to follow a 4-week low-calorie (1000 cal) restrictive diet. Nevertheless, approximately 50% of patients did not accept the diet plan. We divided the patients into two groups as dieters (group 1) and non-dieters (group 2). RESULTS: In group 1, changes in after-diet BMI and liver size were statistically significant (p < 0.001). In group 2, mean operation duration, mean hospitalization duration values, mean BMI values, and mean body weight at postoperative 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were statistically significantly higher than in group 1. No statistically significant difference was found between early complication rates of the groups (p = 0.844). CONCLUSION: Low-calorie restrictive diet applied before laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has reduced liver volume and shortens surgery and hospitalization time but does not have any significance concerning early complications and weight loss after operation in 1 year. Also, non-adherence of the bariatric surgery candidate patients to the diet seems to be a challenge.

Analysis of Incidental Gallbladder Cancer in Cholecystectomies.

OBJECTIVE: To study incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) incidence in patients who underwent cholecystectomy. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2004-2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic information, preoperative radiological findings of the patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer (GBC), as a result of routine histopathological examination and operation records, were reviewed and findings were recorded. The preoperative radiological records of the patients with GBC and, if any, findings of GBC suspected during surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Between 2004-2019, a total of 6314 patients underwent cholecystectomy. Of the patients, 5404 (85.59%) were female and 910 (14.41%) were male. The median age was 47 years (min:19, max:94) and the mean age was 47.28±14.60 years. Nine out of 6314 patients (0.14%) were diagnosed with GBC by postoperative histopathological examination. All patients with GBC were female and their mean age was 64.33±11.08 years. Two out of nine GBC cases were prediagnosed with GBC in preoperative radiological findings; the remaining seven (0.11%) had IGBC without any preoperative findings. CONCLUSION: Asian populations are reported to have a higher incidence of GBC. Turkey is located in the transition zone between Asia and Europe. However, the GBC rates in our study remain far below the rates reported in Asian publications. We believe that our results may be affected by the predominantly Mediterranean-type diet and the relatively higher socioeconomic level of the region where we conducted our study. Consequently, we recommend routine histopathological examination after cholecystectomies in regions with a high incidence of GBC.

Analysis of the Relapse Rates of the Primary Closure and Limberg Flap Techniques in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery.

Background This study aimed to assess the relapse rates at the long-term follow-up of the Limberg flap repair (LFR) and primary closure (PC) methods in the surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). Methods The records of primary PSDs who underwent LFR and PC due to PSD were retrospectively examined. The study included patients whose surgical intervention was performed at least two years ago. The patients were contacted by phone to obtain information. They were asked whether they had a relapse or not, and their answers were recorded. The recording and analysis were ensured using the SPSS statistical program (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, US). The groups were compared using the chi-square test. p˂0.05 was considered significant. Results The patients' mean age was 23.68 ± 8.21 years, and their median age was 22 years. The overall follow-up period was 4.38 ± 2.12 years. LFR-treated patients numbered 292; 38 (13.01%) females and 254 (86.99%) males. Of the LFR-treated patients, 23 (7.87%) had a relapse, including five (13.15%) females and 18 (7.08%) males (p˂0.03). PC-treated patients numbered 184; 58 (31.52%) females and 126 (68.48%) males. Of PC-treated patients, 39 (21.19%) had a relapse, including 15 (25.86%) females and 24 (19.04%) males (p˂0.04). The relapse was more than three times higher in PC when compared to LFR (p˂0.01). Conclusion LFR clearly takes precedence over PC. In both methods, the relapse rate is higher in females. We believe that this is due to our tendency to be more limited in resection in women.

Effects of Bathing Habits on Postoperative Wound Complications Following Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of 67 Adolescent Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease generally affects young people and impacts their quality of life. Few published studies assessing the characteristics of the disease in the adolescent population exist. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, the authors aim to evaluate the effects of bathing habits on wound complications in adolescent patients following Karydakis flap surgery for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 79 adolescent patients who underwent sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 at the Surgery Clinic of Malatya State Hospital (Malatya, Turkey) were evaluated retrospectively. Following exclusion, 67 patients were evaluated for demographics, body mass index (BMI), previous abscess formation, bathing frequency, number of sinus pits, and postoperative wound infection and dehiscence. The total follow-up time for the 67 patients was 90 days. RESULTS: The BMIs of patients with previous abscess formation were significantly higher (P = .029). In the cases with abscess, the number of pilonidal sinus pits was significantly higher (P = .039) There was a statistically significant difference between postoperative complication rates according to the number of baths per week. Wound infection rates were found to be higher in patients who bathed more than twice weekly during the 28 days after surgery (P = .005). No statistical significance was observed in complication rates from days 28 to 90 after the surgery between those who bathed twice weekly and more than twice weekly (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative wound complications in adolescent patients treated with Karydakis flap surgery for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus are more frequent in those who bathe more than twice weekly during the first 28 days postoperatively.

Complications During the Recovery Period After Pilonidal Sinus Surgery.

Introduction The current study aims to identify the complications that occur during the postoperative three-week period, which is considered the period of recovery in patients who undergo pilonidal sinus surgery. This identification of complications will help reduce morbidity and treatment costs and improve return to work. Methods This study included a total of 196 patients who underwent pilonidal sinus surgery by a combination of the resection and Limberg flap techniques under spinal anesthesia between the years 2012 and 2016. The postoperative three-week period was examined as the hospital stay period and the post-discharge period. The complications were classified into two groups: surgical and anesthesia. Results were recorded and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). p˂0.05 was considered significant. Results The female-to-male ratio of the patients was 1:4, whereas their average age was 24.15 years, the median age was 22 years, and the average body mass index was 24.79 kg/m². The average lengths of hospital stay in the postoperative period were 1.10, 2.15, and 3.95 days in patients without complications, all of the patients studied, and patients with complications, respectively. The difference between the groups was found statistically significant (p˂0.001). Conclusion Anesthesia-related and surgical complications were prominent in the postoperative hospital stay and post-discharge periods, respectively. The average length of hospital stay in patients with complications during hospital stay was found to be 3.59 times higher than those without complications. The difference between these two categories was statistically significant (p˂0.001).

Association Between Hemorrhoids and Lower Extremity Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of varicose veins among patients with hemorrhoidal disease and to compare its incidence reported in various community-based studies. Method The study group comprised of 100 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic internal or external hemorrhoids; the control group consisted of 100 volunteers who received no prior therapy for hemorrhoidal disease and lacked any symptoms or findings suggestive of this condition. Subjects in both the groups were inquired with respect to their demographic data and risk factors. Both groups were asked to stand for two minutes before performing leg examinations while still in the standing position. The findings were recorded for both the groups. Varicose veins were classified according to the clinical appearance section of the Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, and Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification that was developed by the 1994 American Venous Forum. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age and body mass index (BMI). Significant relationships were identified between the groups with respect to the incidence of varicose veins and chronic constipation. The incidence of C1 and C2 varicose veins observed in the study group was higher than that observed in the control group. The incidence of chronic constipation was higher in the study group than that in the control group. Discussion Lower extremity chronic venous insufficiency is more common in patients with hemorrhoidal disease which increases intra-abdominal pressure. A chronic increase in this pressure causes conditions, such as constipation, which trigger both lower extremity chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoidal disease.

The effects of skin closure by using mattress sutures or intracutaneous absorbable sutures after the Karydakis flap surgery because of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. A comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: After the pilonidal sinus surgery, the complications such as skin maceration, local wound dehiscence, wound site infection and recurrence may complicate the surgery. We aimed to compare the patients, who had undergone Karydakis flap surgery and the skin closure of whom was made by using intracutaneous or mattress sutures, with respect to wound site complications and recurrence. METHODS: The files of 230 Karydakis flap surgery patients were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were invited for re-examination and the lacking data were collected. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of skin closure methods as the mattress suture and the intracutaneous suture groups. In final control, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was used in order to determine their cosmetic satisfaction and it was investigated if any recurrence occurred. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of skin closure time during surgery (p=0,143), duration of hospitalization (p=0.724), duration of surgery (p=0.3), postoperative wound site complications (p=0.152), time of return-to-work (p=0.498) and recurrence (p=0.89) between the groups. At the end of the follow-up period, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of patients' subjective assessments regarding the cosmetic appearance of wound site (p=0.981). CONCLUSIONS: Skin closures by using mattress suture or intracutaneous absorbable suture material after the Karydakis flap surgery are reliable methods that can be used, but intracutaneous closure method may reduce infection and maceration rates. KEY WORDS: Intracutaneous suture, Mattress, Pilonidal Sinus, Skin Closure, Wound Infection, Karydakis flap.

Preoperative and postoperative risk factors in laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is nowadays the gold standard in the surgical treatment of cholelithiasis and gallbladder diseases. But sometimes it may be inevitable to convert it to open surgery to safely end the procedure. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for conversion to open surgery from LC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of patients that underwent LC in Malatya State Hospital (Malatya, Turkey) between January 2013 and May 2014 were prospectively examined. One hundred and forty-five patients were involved in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: LC patients and patients converted to open surgery. For the patients in both groups, the preoperative age, gender, body mass index (BMI), disease history, previous abdominal operations, and preoperative laboratory findings were recorded, as well as the fact if the abdominal ultrasonography (US) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were performed. RESULTS: Of 145 patients involved in this study, 127 (87.5%) were female and 18 (12.5%) were male; their mean age was 46.54 years. Nineteen of the patients were operated on after ERCP due to acute cholecystitis and 6 patients were operated on after ERCP due to choledocholithiasis. In 134 of the patients (92.4%), the operations were completed laparoscopically, while the process was converted to open surgery in 11 cases (7.6%). Male gender, chronic disease history, normal BMI level, increased thickness of the gallbladder wall, increased preoperative blood glucose level, leukocytosis, preoperative ERCP history, grade 3 or 4 (Blauer scoring system) adhesions determined during the operation, and multiple stone presence in the bladder were found to be statistically significant risk factors for conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the risk group should be informed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons about the potential conversion to open surgery and decision on such conversion should be made when necessary.

Evaluation of the Reliability, Utility, and Quality of the Information in Sleeve Gastrectomy Videos Shared on Open Access Video Sharing Platform YouTube.

BACKGROUND: The internet is a widely used source for obtaining medical information both by patients and physicians. YouTube® is a valuable information resource which can improve the learning experience of both public and medical professionals if appropriately used. In this study, we want to evaluate quality and accuracy of videos about sleeve gastrectomy procedure. METHODS: We included the first 100 videos returned by YouTube® search engine in response to "sleeve gastrectomy" keyword query to the study. The popularity of the videos was evaluated with an index called the video power index (VPI). Educational quality of videos was measured using the DISCERN score (DISCERN), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMAS) benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Scores (GQS). The technical quality was measured by Sleeve Gastrectomy Scoring System (SGSS) which was utilized by three bariatric surgeons. RESULTS: The source in 31% of the videos was a patient. The content in 53% of the videos was surgical technique. According to sources, videos uploaded by a university-affiliated physician had significantly higher DISCERN, JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. Videos uploaded by a university-affiliated physician also had lower video power index than videos uploaded by patients. Surgical technique videos had significantly higher DISCERN, JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. Patient experiences and advertisement videos had higher VPI scores. Also, negative correlations were found between video power index and JAMAS, GQS, and SGSS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Online information on sleeve gastrectomy is of low quality, and its contents are of unknown source and accuracy. However, educational potential of YouTube® cannot be ignored.

A comparative analysis of four different surgical methods for treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

OBJECTIVES: Although many surgical methods have been described for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus treatment, the best option is still controversial. We aimed to compare postoperative outcomes of these different methods in terms of advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: The records of 320 patients undergone surgery for primary or recurrent pilonidal sinus between May 2013 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographical data, pre operative stories, wound site infection, seroma development, wound dehiscence, time of healing, duration of return to work, and if there is any recurrence of 303 patients included in the study were recorded. Upon wide local excision, the first surgeon performed marsupialisation and the lay open technique, second surgeon performed vertical excision and primary closure, third surgeon performed Limberg flap transposition and fourth surgeon performed Karydakis' flap transposition. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the patients in terms of demographical characteristics. The duration of surgery was statistically significantly higher in primary closure method (p = 0.001). The mean duration of return-to-work was statistically significantly lower in primary closure method (p = 0.002). In primary closure method, the recurrence rate was found to be statistically significantly higher than the other methods (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: We do not suggest the use of primary closure method in treatment of pilonidal sinus. Because of lower rates of recurrence and shorter durations of return to work, the Karydakis and Limberg methods are seen as safer methods when compared to lay-open and marsupialization method.

Effects of the Folk Medicinal Plant Extract Ankaferd BloodStopper on the Healing of Colon Anastomosis: An Experimental Study in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVES: Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a topical hemostatic agent that modulates the inflammatory response and accelerates wound healing. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ABS on the colon anastomosis wound healing in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups as follows: Group A (n=8), left colonic anastomosis plus ABS treatment (sacrificed on the 3rd day); Group B (n=8) (control), left colonic anastomosis (sacrificed on the 3rd day); Group C (n=8), left colonic anastomosis plus ABS treatment (sacrificed on the 7th day); and Group D (n=8) (control), left colonic anastomosis (sacrificed on the 7th day). All rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment to assess the anastomosis integrity and the presence of perianastomosis abscesses, peritonitis, and adhesions. Additionally, the bursting pressure and hydroxyproline (OH-pyroline) levels were determined, and a histopathologic evaluation of the perianastomosis tissue was conducted. RESULTS: The mean bursting pressure on Day 7 was significantly higher than that on Day 3 in the ABS group (p=0.017). Overall, the bursting pressure was higher in animals treated with ABS than in the control animals, although the difference was not statistically significant. The OH-pyroline levels of both ABS groups were significantly higher than in the control groups. The mean OH-pyroline level on Day 7 was higher than that on Day 3 in the ABS-treated animals (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: ABS increases collagen formation and neovascularization, and it has a positive impact during the colon anastomosis healing in an experimental model of wound healing.

Obesity, Hypertrichosis and Sex Steroids: Are these Factors Related to the Pilonidal Sinus Disease?

OBJECTIVES: Pilonidal sinus disease causes chronic inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, and it commonly localises in the sacrococcygeal region. This study evaluated the effects of hypertrichosis, family history, obesity and sex steroids in 298 patients with pilonidal sinus disease. METHODS: The medical records of 618 patients treated at the General Surgery Clinic of Malatya State Hospital for primary pilonidal sinus disease between January 2014 and December 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Female sex and family histories of pilonidal sinus disease and hypertrichosis were significantly higher in patients with than without hypertrichosis (p=0.030, p=0.035, p<0.001). The mean progesterone level was significantly lower in female patients with hypertrichosis than female patients without hypertrichosis (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Being overweight or obese, having an occupation that requires long-time sitting and having a family history predisposed to developing pilonidal sinus disease.