Long-term results of breast cancer patients who received IOERT as boost during BCS: A single-institution retrospective analysis.

Objectives: Intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) applied as boost to the tumor bed during breast conserving surgery is advantageous in terms of local recurrence in breast cancer patients. In addition, it has other advantages over the adjuvant boost RT such as no risk of tumor bed change, ease of sequencing radiotherapy chemotherapy, and reduced workload of the radiotherapy clinic. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of our patients who were treated with this method in our institution and are still being followed up. Material and Methods: One hundred and three patients enrolled in this study received IOERT equivalent to 10 Gy as boost during BCS and were subsequently given adjuvant WBI according to the biological subtype of the tumor systemic therapy. These patients were analyzed using their files and hospital records. Patients were evaluated for overall survival, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and cosmetic outcome (using LENT-SOMA scale). Results: Median age was 53,5 (27-74), mean follow-up time was 75 (48-106) months. Mean pathological tumor size was 18 mm (4-30), 90 of the patients had invasive ductal carcinoma, eight of them were lobular and five of them had mixed histological structure. Ninety-three of the patients presented histological grade II, 15 grade III; 74 patients were luminal A-like, 15 luminal B-like, eight HER2 positive and six triple negative breast cancer. According to the LENT-SOMA scale, 35 had grade 0, 42 each had grade I, 23 had grade II, and two had grade III. All patients underwent whole breast irradiation after surgery, 81 received chemotherapy and 90 endocrine therapy. There was one local recurrence, distant recurrence was seen in four patients and one patient died of non-breast cancer causes. Overall survival was %99, and event free survival %96. Conclusion: IOERT for breast cancer treatment during BCS is a safe option with low chronic toxicity and the cosmetic outcome gets better over time.

Is Xbox 360 Kinect-based virtual reality training as effective as standard physiotherapy in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery?

PURPOSE: Breast cancer surgery may be associated with pain and physical symptoms in the upper limbs. Functional impairment and pain-related avoidance of movement may further increase disability level. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of early postoperative virtual reality (VR) therapy on pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, functionality, and fear of movement. METHODS: Forty women with breast cancer who had undergone unilateral mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection and who were receiving adjuvant therapy were included in the study and randomly assigned to two groups: the Kinect-based rehabilitation group (KBRG) and the standardized physical therapy group (SPTG). The KBRG (n = 20) received VR therapy using Xbox Kinect-based games and the SPTG (n = 20) received standard physiotherapy. Study subjects were assessed at baseline and after the 6-week treatment. Outcome measures were pain (visual analogue scale), grip strength (dynamometer), functionality (disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand questionnaire), muscle strength (handheld dynamometer), ROM (digital goniometer), and fear of movement (Tampa kinesiophobia scale (TKS)). RESULTS: Both groups detected significant changes in pain, ROM, muscle strength, grip strength, functionality, and TKS scores after the treatment (p < 0.01). Fear of movement was significantly improved in the KBRG and the SPTG displayed more improvement in functionality (p < 0.05). There were no differences in ROM, muscle strength, grip strength, and pain between the groups after the treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kinect-based VR therapy resulted in significant outcomes that were comparable to those obtained under standard physiotherapy in the early postoperative phase in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03618433).

A Comparison of the Clinicopathological Features, Metastasis Sites and Survival Outcomes of Invasive Lobular, Invasive Ductal and Mixed Invasive Ductal and Lobular Breast Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the breast cancer patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and mixed invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma (IDLC) in terms of clinicopathological and treatment features, metastatic patterns and long-term survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 10 years patient cohort, 3412 patients with unilateral breast carcinoma were enrolled in the study. Tumors were classified histologically according to criteria described by World Health Organization classification. RESULTS: The highest rate of T3 tumors were found in IDLC patients, the lowest in IDC patients, and the difference between groups was significant only in comparison of IDC vs IDLC. Axillary positivity rate was highest in IDLC, lowest in ILC; differences were significant in comparisons of IDLC vs ILC and IDLC vs IDC. There was no significant difference between the patient groups in terms of surgical treatment, mastectomy and breast conserving surgery. Rate of bone metastasis was highest in IDLC, lowest in IDC, with significant difference between IDLC and IDC. Locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate was 90.9% in ILC patients, 92.5% in IDC patients, 92.9% in IDLC patients, with no significant difference between the groups; in multivariate Cox analysis, histological type had no prognostic significance (p=0.599). Distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate was 66.2% in ILC patients, 66.7% in IDC patients, 57.1% in IDLC patients; in multivariate Cox analysis, histological type had no prognostic significance (p=0.392). CONCLUSION: Although these results suggest that IDLC may have a worse prognosis than IDC and ILC, in multivariate analysis LRFS and DMFS were not significantly different among the histological type groups.

Primary Hydatidosis of the Gluteus Muscle: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation of humans and herbivorous animals, caused by Echinococcus granulosus. A 55-year-old woman had no prior surgery for hydatid disease earlier. Total cystopericystectomy was performed without cyst rupture. Albendazole was given postoperatively. Neither systemic or local complications nor recurrences were found after minimum follow-up of 12 months, and the laboratory test results were within the normal ranges. Since primer muscular hydatidosis is a very rare disease, care should be taken in diagnosis of cystic mass of skeletal muscle, especially in endemic areas.

Solitary caecum diverticulitis mimicking acute appendicitis.

Solitary cecum diverticulum is a benign formation, but it can be complicated with inflammation, perforation and bleeding. Cecum diverticulitis (CD) is the most common complication of caecal diverticulum and it has the highest incidence among Asians, but it is a rare condition in the western world. The incidence of colonic diverticular disease can vary according to national origin, cultural structure and nutritional habits. CD is not common in our country, but it is an important situation because of its clinical similarity with the commonly seen acute right side abdominal diseases like acute appendicitis. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and hence, the actual frequency is not known. The treatment of CD can vary from medical therapy to right hemi colectomy. In this study, we presented ten CD cases on whom surgical resection was performed in our surgery unit during the last 8 years. Our purpose was to increase the awareness of surgeons about this situation, and so, make them pay attention for not having their first experience in the operating room.

Short- and long-term results of harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy versus stapler hemorrhoidopexy in treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.

PURPOSE: In this prospective randomized study, our aim is to compare the short- and long-term results of harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy (HSH) and stapler hemorrhoidopexy (SH) methods in the surgical treatment of Grade III and Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients diagnosed with Grade III or Grade IV internal hemorrhoidal disease were included in the study. Patients were randomized to HSH (n = 48) or SH (n = 51) treatments. Data on patient demographic and clinical characteristics, operative details, postoperative pain score on a visual analog scale, additional analgesic requirement, postoperative short- and long-term complications, and recurrence of hemorrhoidal disease were also recorded. Patients were regularly followed for a total period of 24 (6-36) months. RESULTS: The patient demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. The operative time was significantly shorter in the HSH group compared with the SH group. Overall pain scores were not significantly different between the groups, although severe pain was significantly more common in the HSH group. Recurrence was significantly lower in the HSH group compared with the SH group. CONCLUSION: HSH and SH are both safe and effective methods for surgical treatment of Grade III and Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease. In our study, the HSH method was determined to be safer, easier, and faster to perform, and associated with fewer long-term recurrences than the SH method.

The use of dermal automesh for incidental hernia repair in abdominoplasty: Clinical, biochemical, and radiological results.

Abdominal wall hernias are often diagnosed on clinical examination or encountered intraoperatively during an abdominoplasty. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of the use of dermal automesh for the repair of incidental hernias during abdominoplasty operations, and to perform a comparative analysis of the biomechanical strengths of dermal automesh vs biological tissue graft. Between 2008-2012, dermal automesh was used in 12 patients for hernia repair. After repair of hernia, dermal automesh was applied over the repaired area in an onlay fashion. Postoperative follow-up was performed by physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal wall. Biomechanical test was performed with prepared samples from excised abdominal panniculus for tensile strength and yield power. Mean age was 45 years (range = 36-54 years). Total follow-up was 26 (14-52) months. MRI studies showed that there were no hernias or defects of the anterior abdominal wall. The tensile strength of the dermal mesh was measured as 15.9 ± 6.0 Mpa (6.4-24.5), maximum load before yield measured 680 ± 175.2 N (336.0-856.0). In conclusion, dermal automesh is a useful option for surgeons who encounter undiagnosed hernias during abdominoplasties.

Saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal dissection in lower extremity melanoma.

Aim. The classic inguinal lymph node dissection is the main step for the regional control of the lower extremity melanoma, but this surgical procedure is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The permanent lymphedema is the most devastating long-term complication leading to a significant decrease in the patient's quality of life. In this study we present our experience with modified, saphenous vein sparing, inguinal lymph node dissections for patients with melanoma of the lower extremity. Methods. Twenty one patients (10 women, 11 men) who underwent saphenous vein sparing superficial inguinal lymph node dissection for the melanoma of lower extremity were included in this study. The effects of saphenous vein sparing on postoperative complications were evaluated. Results. We have observed the decreased rate of long-term lymphedema in patients undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy for the lower extremity melanoma. Conclusion. The inguinal lymphadenectomy with saphenous vein preservation in lower extremity melanoma patients seems to be an oncologically safe procedure and it may offer reduced long-term morbidity.

Intraoperative Period and Breast Cancer: Review.

Intraoperative radiation therapy in breast cancer (IORT) delivers a concentrated dose of radiation therapy to a tumor bed during surgery. IORT offers some of the following advantages with typically fewer complications like; maximum effect, sparing healthy tissues and organs, to help the patients finish treatment and get back to their normal activities. The goal of IORT is to improve local tumor control and survival rates for patients with breast cancer. IORT can both be performed with electron beams (ELIOT) and X-rays. Two main randomised trials testing intraoperative partial breast radiotherapy are TARGIT trial and the ELIOT (intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons) trial, but the techniques are fundamentally different. Whereas TARGIT delivers radiation from within the undisturbed tumour bed, for ELIOT, the mammary gland is mobilised, a prepectoral lead shield is inserted, the edges of the tumour bed are apposed, and radiation is delivered from without.

Penetrating cardiac injury: factors affecting outcome.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare but represent a high mortality. Early recognition of the injury and rapid intervention are necessary. We analyzed the characteristics of patients with penetrating injury and the factors affecting the outcome, including the experience of the general surgeon. METHODS: Twenty-three patients suffering penetrating cardiac injury were retrospectively evaluated in the Istanbul Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery between 1995 and 2009. Patients with no sign of life on admission were excluded. RESULTS: All patients were male, and the median age was 25 years. Fifteen patients had left ventricular, 4 had right ventricular and 4 had right atrial injuries; in addition, 2 patients had accompanying intra-abdominal injuries. No coronary vascular injury was reported, and pericardial tamponade did not statistically influence the outcome. Ten of 23 patients suffering of penetrating cardiac injury were lost, and in 6 of the 10 cases, the patient represented the first experience for the operating surgeon. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the penetrating cardiac injuries seen in our institution are consistent with the literature. However, we believe that the surgeon's experience is another prognostic factor. Dedicated level 1 emergency services and trained trauma surgeons are invaluable.

The effects of splenectomy and splenic autotransplantation on plasma lipid levels.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerosis observations after splenectomy for trauma and hypersplenism suggests a possible role for the spleen in lipid metabolism. The authors examined the effects of splenectomy on serum lipids in rats and also cholesterol-fed rats with experimental atherosclerosis. METHODS: This study was designed on rats. The rats were divided into five groups: splenectomy, normal diet (SP-N, n: 8), splenectomy, cholesterol-fed groups (SP-C, n: 8), splenic autotransplantation after splenectomy, normal diet (SA-N, n: 8), splenic autotransplantation after splenectomy, cholesterol-fed groups (SA-C, n: 8) and sham groups (n: 8). Total triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) levels were determined in 40 rats. The rats were classified into five groups based on the surgical procedures. The spleens were removed and then the rats were fed a normal diet in Group SP-N (n = 8). The spleens were removed and then the rats were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol in Group SP-C (n = 8). Splenectomy and splenic autotransplantations were performed and then the rats were fed a normal diet in Group SA-N (n = 8). Splenectomy and splenic autotransplantations were performed and then the rats were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol in Group SA-C (n = 8). The rats were sham-operated in the control group (Group S, n = 8). An active splenic function was shown in rats that underwent splenic autotransplantation in both groups by using Technicium 99 m sulphurcolloide sintiscan on day 30. Blood lipid levels were repeated 6 months later. RESULTS: There was no difference between pre- and postoperative lipid levels in the sham group and SA-N group (p >.05). All lipid levels including HDL were increased significantly in SP-C group (p <.05). Also VLDL and total tryglyceride levels were increased significantly in SP-N and SA-C groups (p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the spleen might have an important effect on lipid metabolism and splenic autotransplantation may be protective in conditions with increased lipid levels.