Management and Morbidity of Major Pelvic Hemorrhage in Complex Abdominopelvic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhage is a challenging complication of pelvic surgery. This study aimed to analyze the causes, management, and factors associated with morbidity in patients experiencing major pelvic hemorrhage during complex abdominopelvic surgery. METHODS: Patients who had major intraoperative pelvic hemorrhage during complex abdominopelvic surgery at 11 tertiary referral centers between 1997 and 2017 were included. Patient characteristics, management strategies to control bleeding, short- and long-term postoperative outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 120 patients with a mean age of 56.6 ± 2.4 years and a mean BMI of 28.3 ± 1 kg/m2. While 104 (95%) of the patients were operated for malignancy, 16 (5%) of the patients had surgery for a benign disease. The most common bleeding site was the presacral venous plexus 90 (75%). Major pelvic hemorrhage was managed simultaneously in 114 (95%) patients. Electrocauterization 27 (23%), pelvic packing 26 (22%), suturing 7 (6%), thumbtacks application 7 (6%), muscle welding 4 (4%), use of energy devices 2 (2%), and topical hemostatic agents 2 (2%) were the management tools. Combined techniques were used in 43 (36%) patients. Short-term morbidity and mortality rates were 48 (40%) and 2 (2%), respectively. High preoperative CRP levels (p = 0.04), history of preoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.04), longer bleeding time (p = 0.006), and increased blood transfusion (p = 0.005) were the factors associated with postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity related to major pelvic hemorrhage can be reduced by optimizing the risk factors. Prehabilitation prior to surgery to moderate inflammatory status and prompt action with proper technique to control major pelvic hemorrhage can prevent excessive blood loss in complex abdominopelvic surgery.

Is the Anal Component of the Anogenital HPV-Related Disease Overlooked During the Surveillance of Patients Treated for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia?

AIM: To investigate the anal component of the anogenital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related disease during surveillance of patients treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). METHODS: Patients were analyzed within two groups according to the histopathological examination of the cervical biopsies: Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) and High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) groups. Anal specimens were also collected in the first-year follow-up visit. RESULTS: All patients had cervical high-risk HPV (HR HPV) infection at admission. At the first-year follow-up, positive HR HPVs were found in 47% of cervical samples. Despite this clearance, the anal HPV infection rate after the first year was 42.5% and 39.6% in LSIL and HSIL groups. Amongst the HSIL group, anal HR HPV positivity was observed in 29.6% of cases without any cervical HPV infection. CONCLUSION: A group of women cured of high-grade lesions have ongoing anal HPV infection. It is reasonable to propose that detecting anal HPV could impact the patient's treatment process. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to investigate this group of women's clinical outcomes and define the clearance rate of cervical HPV infection when anal HPV persists.

Factors affecting operative morbidity and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours: a multicentric cohort study from the Turkish Collaborative Group for Quality Improvement in Colorectal and Pelvic Surgery.

AIM: Data regarding the operative management of presacral tumours present various dilemmas due to their rarity and heterogeneous nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management strategy, factors associated with operative morbidity and long-term postoperative outcomes in a large group of patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. METHOD: This study was designed as a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Records of patients who underwent surgery for presacral tumours at 10 tertiary colorectal centres between 1996 and 2017 were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty seven patients (44 men) with a mean age of 46 years and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 were included. Fifty eight per cent of the patients had low sacral lesions (below S3). The operative approaches were transabdominal (17%), transsacral (65%) and abdominosacral (17%). The postoperative morbidity was 19%. Thirty per cent of the patients had a malignant tumour. Longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.01), abdominosacral operations (p = 0.0001) and presacral tumours located above S3 (p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Overall long-term postoperative recurrence and mortality were 6% and 5%, respectively, within a 3-year mean follow-up period in patients with presacral malignant tumours. CONCLUSION: Reduced physical condition, omission of symptoms prior to surgery, combined resections and high sacral tumours are the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. Meticulous planning of the operation and intensified perioperative care may improve the outcomes in high-risk patients.

Might simple peripheral blood parameters be an early indicator in the prediction of severity and morbidity of cholecystitis?

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) in evaluating disease severity and predicting clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis (AC). Methods: A total of 186 patients with AC were evaluated retrospectively. NLR, CAR, Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), and P-POSSUM (Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity) scores were compared with AC severity grade. Results: The rates of the grade 1 patients (group 1) and the grade 2-3 patients (group 2) were 57.5% (n = 107) and 42.5% (n = 79) according to the disease severity according to Tokyo Guidelines criteria (TG) 18/TG13, respectively. The morbidity rates determined in groups 1 and 2 were 26.7% (n = 28) and 51.9% (n = 41), respectively. No mortality was found in group 1, whereas the mortality rate in group 2 was 6.3% (n = 5). According to multivariate analysis, CAR (odds ratio [OR], 1.234; P < 0.001) and MPI (OR, 1.175; P = 0.001) were found to be associated with moderate-severe disease while CAR (OR, 1.109; P = 0.035) and P-POSSUM morbidity (OR, 1.063; P = 0.007) variables were found to be associated with the presence of morbidity. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that CAR can be used in predicting severity of AC and that CAR is an alternative simple parameter of P-POSSUM morbidity score in prediction of morbidity in these cases. In addition to other assessment methods, these scores can provide valuable and complementary information in assessment of disease severity and prognosis in AC.

The Effect of Continuing Chemotherapy after Chemoradiotherapy during the Time to Surgery on Tumor Response and Survival for Local Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Aim: The current standard treatment of locally advanced rectal carcinoma is total mesorectal excision and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). Many studies have shown that pathological complete response (pCR) is an important prognostic factor for patients receiving NCRT. Many studies have therefore been conducted to increase pCR rates by changing the perioperative treatment strategies. Prolonging the chemotherapy time may be a reasonable way to increase the effectiveness of NCRT, pCR, and survival rates. We investigated whether neoadjuvant consolidation chemotherapy had an effect on tumor response and survival. Methods: The data of 163 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal carcinoma were evaluated. The data of 107 patients (Group 1) who were radiologically T3-T4 and/or N+ and received chemotherapy after NCRT until their operations were compared with the data of 56 patients (Group 2) who were operated after NCRT. Results: Group 1 patients had tumor and node downstaging. Their pCR was found significantly higher than in Group 2 (p = 0.005). In Group 1 patients with T3, pCR was significantly higher than for those with T4. The elapsed time between NCRT and surgery was significantly longer in patients with pCR (respectively, p = 0.012 and p = 0.008). Conclusion: Neoadjuvant consolidation chemotherapy after NCRT is a safe approach that can lead to higher pathological complete response rates. The time until surgery with neoadjuvant consolidation chemotherapy may provide the chance to follow the patient without surgery in addition to increasing pCR.

A Comparison of Subgaleal Active Drainage and Subdural Passive Drainage and an Analysis of Factors Affecting Chronic Subdural Hematoma Outcomes.

AIM: To analyze and to compare the factors that influence the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) among patients treated with subdural non-suction-assisted passive drainage, subgaleal suction-assisted active drainage, and without drainage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 87 surgical patients with a diagnosis of CSDH treated between 2007 and 2018 using patient records from the neurosurgery archive of our faculty. The patients were divided into three groups: drainfree group (group A), subdural passive drainage group (group B), and subgaleal active drainage group (group C). Recurrence was defined as an increase in hematoma volume on imaging and persistence of the patient?s symptoms. RESULTS: Patients with double-membrane CSDH exhibited higher recurrence rates (p=0.043) and those with low-density CSDH exhibited lower recurrence rates (p=0.015) compared to the other patients. No relationship was found between the number of burr holes made and CSDH recurrence (p=0.177). Group C showed the lowest recurrence rate (13.3%), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Hematoma density, membrane type, postoperative Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, and postoperative drainage time were found to be statistically significant predictors of recurrence. Burr-hole craniotomy with subgaleal active drainage is a safe and effective method for preventing CSDH recurrence and carries a reduced risk of parenchymal injury.

A series of post-traumatic midline epidural hematoma and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Supratentorial midline epidural hematoma is rare but challenging in diagnosis and management. Indication for surgery can arise even following hospital admission. Being familiar to the presentation and watching out for direct and indirect signs on axial computed tomography (CT) such as suture diastasis or fracture traversing midline are essential to plan multi-planar CT enabling exact diagnosis including form and mass effect of hematoma. METHODS: Nine patients with midline epidural hematoma including two pediatric patients underwent surgery between 2013 and 2018. Pre-operative and post-operative patient status, radiological features, and surgical technique were analyzed. RESULTS: Four patients had deteriorating consciousness levels and two patients had paraparesis. All had fractures traversing midline and epidural hematomas with significant mass effect. They were operated through separated craniotomies around the midline and midline bone strip was used for dural tenting and as support for natural closure of bone flaps. No post-operative complications were developed. All patients were discharged with Glasgow Outcome Score of 5. CONCLUSION: Because of the rarity of the lesion and small number of patients, definitive conclusions may be misleading but we think that, in experienced hands, midline epidural hematomas can safely be operated on and, preservation of midline bone strip pro-vides easier bleeding control.

Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Ultra-modified Internal Sphincterotomy vs Closed Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy for Chronic Fissure-in-Ano.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the lateral internal sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for a chronic anal fissure (CAF). However, the length of the internal sphincter incision varies, due to lack of standardization. Insufficient length increases the risk of recurrence. To compare a new ultra-modified internal sphincterotomy (UMIS) to the closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (CLIS) for treating CAF, based on internal anal sphincter function and postoperative complications. The primary endpoint was continence after UMIS. The secondary outcomes were CAF healing complications, visual analog scale pain scores, and sphincter pressures. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial (block randomization method). 200 patients with CAFs were randomly assigned to receive either UMIS (n = 100) or the closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (CLIS) (n = 100). Follow-up was 2 years. RESULTS: All (100%) patients in both groups showed clinical improvement at 1 month post-surgery. Recurrences were accompanied by deteriorations in Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence scores at 12 months and 2 years (P < .05). The groups showed significant differences in fissure healing rates and pain scores. After 1 and 2 years, incontinence rates were significantly higher, and patient satisfaction scores were significantly lower in the CLIS group than the UMIS group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: UMIS provided a faster healing rate and fewer side effects than the CLIS for treating CAFs. These results might lead to a standardized treatment among surgeons.

Spousal and living related kidney transplantation: our center experience.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the most preferred type of renal displacement therapy for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. More patients developed ESRD. The most important source is the donations from unrelated spouses. In this study, we aimed to compare the transplantation data obtained from the spouses of the patients with the transplantation data obtained from other relatives. METHODS: The data including 167 living kidney transplantations performed between January 2006 and December 2019 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups; spousal donor group (n: 53) and living-related donor group (n: 114). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in delayed graft function in both groups. There were no patients with acute rejection proven by biopsy or considered biochemically in the spousal donor group. With regard to 3-year results in the living-related donor group the patient survival rate was 100%, while it was 98.2% in terms of graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, similar patient and graft survival rates between spousal donor kidney transplantation and living-related kidney transplantation has made spousal donor kidney transplantation, with possible problems in terms of tissue compatibility, an acceptable alternative to donor supply.

The preventative effect of of Ro5-4864 (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist) on spinal epidural fibrosis after laminectomy in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histopathological effects of a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist (Ro5-4864) on epidural fibrosis (EF) in an experimental study model (post-laminectomy) in rats. METHODS: A total of 32 albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 8). In Group 1, no treatment was applied after laminectomy (control group). In Group 2, hemostasis was achieved after Laminectomy, and the surgical procedure was terminated by placing a 2-mm absorbable gelatin sponge dipped in saline into the epidural space. In Group 3, low-dose (4 mg/kg) Ro5-4864 was administered 30 minutes before the surgery. In Group 4, high-dose (8 mg/kg) Ro5-4864 was administered 30 minutes before the surgery. A histopathological examination was performed to evaluate arachnoidal invasion and EF. RESULTS: Our data revealed the EF was significantly reduced in rats treated with high-dose Ro5-4864 (Group 4) compared to the control and saline-soaked Spongostan groups (p = 0.000 and p = 0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups treated with high- and low-dose Ro5-4864. Arachnoidal invasion was not seen in any of the rats in the high-dose R05-4864 group. However, the arachnoidal invasion results did not significantly differ between the study groups (p = 0.052 = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Ro5-4864 could be effective in reducing EF in rats after.

A single-center experience of transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery for acromegaly in 73 patients: results and predictive factors for remission.

BACKGROUND: Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is the first-line treatment for growth hormone-secreting adenomas. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results of the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach for acromegaly and to determine the predictive factors of remission. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective review was performed in patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly between January 2009 and January 2019. Demographic features, clinical presentation, histopathology records, complications and pre- and postoperative radiologic and endocrinological assessments were evaluated. The factors that influenced the remission rates were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients underwent surgery via the transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. Cavernous sinus invasion was detected in 32 patients (43.8%); and macroadenoma, in 57 (78%). The pathology specimens of the 27 patients (36.9%) showed dual-staining adenomas with prolactin. A total of 51 patients (69.8%) attained biochemical remission 1 year after surgery. A second operation was performed in 10 patients (13.6%) with residual tumours without biochemical remission in the first year. Six (60%) of the patients attained remission at the last follow-up. Transient diabetes insipidus was observed in 18 patients (24.6%); and rhinorrhoea, which was resolved with conservative treatment, in 4 (5.4%). None of the patients developed panhypopituitarism. The presence of cavernous sinus invasion and preoperative IGF-1, immediate postoperative GH and third-month IGF-1 levels were predictive of remission. CONCLUSION: Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment for acromegaly. Reoperation should be considered in patients with residual tumours without remission.

Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological findings, treatment approach, and treatmen outcomes in patients diagnosed with phyllodes tumor (PT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 26 patients with PT, who were treated between 2008 and 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 35.07±13.95 years (range: 14-71), while mean tumor size was 54.76±29.24 mm (range: 25-135). Benign, borderline, and malignant PT were detected in 18 (69.2%), 3 (11.5%), and 5 (19.2%) patients, respectively. Marginless excision was performed in 20 patients (76.9%), while six (23.1%) patients underwent mastectomy. A statistically significant correlation of tumor type with mean tumor size and mean age was observed (p=0.041 and p=0.013, respectively). Margin positivity on first excision was more frequent in the malignant tumors (p=0.02). No statistically significant correlation of PT type with presence of breast cancer in the family history, and tumor localization was observed (p=0.79 and p=0.13, respectively). Mean postoperative follow-up duration was 56 months (range: 6-147). Local recurrence was not observed in any of the patients. Lung and left vastus lateralis muscle metastases were encountered. The patient with lung metastasis became exitus because of the same reason 6 months after detection of the metastasis. CONCLUSION: PT is a rare fibroepithelial tumor of the breast that is characterized by a mixed histology seen in younger ages when compared to the classical breast tumors. The probability of PT should be considered in the presence of a rapid-growing mass in the breast. In addition, it should also be considered that the contribution of imaging techniques may be limited.

The histopathological effects of reabsorbable polyethylene glycol hydrogel (Coseal) on epidural fibrosis in an experimental postlaminectomy model in rats

Background/aim: To investigate the histopathological effects of reabsorbable polyethylene glycol hydrogel (RPGH, Coseal) on epidural fibrosis (EF) following laminectomy in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 24 rats were equally divided into three groups. In the first group, no treatment was applied after laminectomy (control group, Group 1). In the second group, hemostasis was achieved after laminectomy, and 2 mm absorbable gelatin sponge soaked in saline was placed over the epidural space and the wound was closed (Group 2). In the third group, hemostasis was achieved following laminectomy, and 0.5 mL RPGH (Coseal, Group 3) was squeezed over the dura mater, and the wound was closed. A histopathological examination was undertaken to evaluate arachnoidal invasion and EF. Results: The results of EF in the Group 2 and Group 3 were significantly lower compared to the Group 1 (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the Group 2 and Group 3 in terms of EF (p = 0.957). There was also no statistically significant difference between the mean arachnoidal invasion of the three groups (p > 0.171). However, the rate of arachnoidal invasion was the lowest in the Group 3. Conclusion: Intraoperative Coseal, a polyethylene glycol polymer, tends to reduce the risk of epidural fibrosis, although this is not statistically significant.

Clinical Study of Decompressive Craniectomy in Children.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of children who recently underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC) due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) correlated to head trauma or other causes, such as ischemic insult. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients aged ≤17 years who underwent DC due to elevated ICP between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. The clinical status of the participants, radiological characteristics, type and timing of surgery, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Three female and nine male patients with a mean age of 10 years were included. The initial average Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6 (3-12). All patients presented with signs of diffuse cerebral edema and subdural hematoma of various sizes along with other intracranial pathologies. Only one patient required bilateral frontal craniectomy. In the postoperative period, three patients died, and three had severe disability. CONCLUSION: With the increasing use and success of DC in adults, this procedure can also be effective in children. Considering brain differences in children, large and well-structured clinical trials must be conducted to prevent complications and to identify the best technique, timing, and benefits of DC for children.

Subacute Traumatic Ascending Myelopathy in a 28-Year-Old Man: A Rare Case.

BACKGROUND: Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) involves the rise in high signal intensity on T2-weighted images ≥4 vertebral segments above the initial injured site, and it usually occurs within the first few weeks after the injury. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of traumatic spinal cord damage are not clearly understood; however, there are some pathophysiologic processes such as arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis, congestive ischemia, inflammatory or autoimmune reaction, and infection in the form of meningitis or myelitis that could lead to SPAM. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of T7 fracture because of left shoulder gunshot injury and ascending myelopathy up to the C2 vertebra level, which occurred 1 week after the gunshot injury, without pretraumatic cervical injury or syringomyelia. Although control magnetic resonance imaging findings showed the second rise in the high signal intensity level of the spinal cord, T2-weighted signal intensity and cord edema decreased and the patient showed neurologic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first case in the literature that showed rise 2 times in high signal intensity level in the spinal cord because of gunshot injury. Inflammatory reactions and secondary injury processes might have led to neurologic deterioration and ascending myelopathy in our case; therefore, the patient may have shown neurologic improvement after methylprednisolone therapy because of its anti-inflammatory and antiedema effects. There is no clear evidence whether neurologic improvement is associated with steroid therapy or it is because of the natural course of SPAM.