Evaluation of current therapeutic approach to obstructive and perforated colorectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis continues to be a significant problem in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Most cases require emergency surgical intervention due to acute intestinal obstruction or perforation. This retrospective study was formed from an assessment of the clinical presentation, treatment, early results, and survival of patients with CRC undergoing emergency surgery for acute obstruction or perforation. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2017, 612 patients underwent surgery for CRC. In all, 179 patients who required emergency treatment were retrospectively evaluated according to age, gender, significant comorbidities, physiological status, surgical indications, tumor location, tumor stage, perioperative blood transfusion rate, type of surgery, and the length of the operation and hospitalization. RESULTS: In total, 152 (85%) patients had a complete obstruction and 27 (15%) patients had a perforation. A major postoperative complication was identified nearly in half of the patients. The overall mortality rate was 12% (22 patients). Mortality was seen in 12% (18 patients) cases received surgery due to obstruction and in 15% (four patients) cases received surgery due to perforation. Perioperative blood transfusion and a high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were independent factors that predicted a major complication. Advanced age and perioperative blood transfusion were statistically independent prognostic factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Consisted with the findings of studies in the literature, the results of this study also revealed a high perioperative morbidity and mortality rate in patients with CRC who required urgent surgery. Our findings suggest that early detection and treatment of CRC with screening programs can be life-saving.

Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts. Our approach.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with hydatid cyst (HC) of the liver who were laparoscopically operated at our clinic and to define a new technique and technical details to present our experience in the field of laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts. METHODS: Between January 2014 and October 2016, 18 patients with hydatid disease of the liver were considered for laparoscopic surgery in Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery. All patients were evaluated based on history, physical examination, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) scan. All ultrasound examinations were classified according to Gharbi. All cases received laparoscopic surgical interventions. Demographic data, clinical presentation, cyst location, operative data, postoperative complications and follow-up results were recorded retrospectively. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for hydatid cysts of the liver. here were 14 female (78%) and 4 male (22%) patients with a mean age of 42.9 years (range, 19-57). The hydatid cysts were solitary in 11 patients, and multiple in 7 patients had 2 or more cysts (4 patients had 2 cysts, 3 patients had 3 cysts). Most of the cysts on USG were Gharbi type III (8 cysts), 4 of Type II, and 3 of Type I. The average operating time was 75 minutes (range 50 - 135 minutes). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one patients due to cyst in difficult location. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver can be performed safely and successfully. This technique can be used in patients with unique, small sized, superficially located cysts, and also has the advantages of other abdominal laparoscopic operations. KEY WORDS: Hepatic hydatid cysts, Laparoscopic surgery.

Outcomes of silver nitrate use in perianal fistula: are perianal fistulas still a nightmare for surgeons?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate outcomes of % 20 silver nitrate (SNS) application in perianal fistula patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All patients who received 20 % SNS treatment for intersphincteric and transsphincteric fistulas between January 2017 and December 2017 were included in our study. Patients were invited for control examinations after one week. Patients with continued discharges after single dose of SNS kept receiving solution six more times with one month intervals. Stopping of discharges were considered as finalization of the study. Cases with discharges after 6 episodes of SNS were described as insufficient healing. The patients were grouped according to healing status (healing patients in Group 1, non-healing patients in Group 2) .Gender, age, follow-up times, date of the complaint start, number of SNS application, type of fistula and frequency of fistula discharge were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in this study. Forty-four (% 89.8) of them were male. The mean age was 44.9. Twenty-eight patients (57.1%) had intersphincteric fistulas, while twenty-two patients (42.9%) had intersfinteric fistulas. Mean number of SNS application was 4.1 (1-6). Patients in Group 1 had mean number of SNS therapy as 3.42 (1-6), whereas cases in Group 2 this number was 5.5 (3-6). Patients were observed approximately for 8.84 months (6-12). We were able to reach sufficient healing in 13 (%26) cases via 2 times and 20 (%40) cases via 3-6 times application of SNS. CONCLUSION: We were able to reach complete healing rates as % 67 with SNS application in perianal fistula. This is a non-invasive procedure and could be applied in out patient clinics, with low costs. Less complication rates enhances attraction. Patients will not loose chance of surgical treatment. Therefore, we believe SNS may be used as first line treatment in perianal fistulas. KEY WORDS: Follow-up, Perianal fistula, Silver nitrate.

Evaluation of the effects of absorbable and nonabsorbable tacks on laparoscopic suprapubic hernia repair: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The contradictory results of fixation methods concerning the pubic region are an obstacle to define a standardized procedure for laparoscopic repair of suprapubic hernia (LRSPH). This study aims to evaluate the effects of different tacks on LRSPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients (70 females, three males) with suprapubic hernia were admitted and had LRSPH. Absorbable tacks were used in 42 (57.5%) patients (AG group), whereas nonabsorbable tacks were used in 31 (42.5%) patients (NAG group). Patient characteristics and demographics, previous operations, previous hernia repairs, size of the defect, size of the mesh, type of the mesh, type of the tacks, operative time, conversion rate, complications, recurrences, follow-up time, numeric pain rating scale (NRS), prolonged use of analgesics and early termination of analgesics were evaluated as variables. RESULTS: NRS results were significantly lower in the AG group regarding the postoperative day one (p < 0.001) and 10 (p:0.004), whereas there was no statistically significant difference on postoperative sixth week. Prolonged use of analgesics was significantly higher in NAG, whereas early termination of analgesics was significantly higher in AG (p < 0.001). There was no patient with complaints of pain that restricted daily activities on sixth month and the following annually visits. CONCLUSION: Absorbable tacks had satisfactory results with a reduction of pain and lower rates of using analgesics. However, considering the similar results of groups on long-term follow-up, it would be inaccurate to explain this situation with the property of absorption. Although the failure of attempts to bony structures during fixation with absorbable tacks could explain the lack of deep penetration, further studies are required to verify this view.

Are the single-step resection and primary anastomosis suitable for obstructive colorectal patients in older cases?

Aim To investigate the efficacy and safety of the single-step surgery in elderly patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods All patients who underwent single-step surgery and primary anastomosis for obstructive colorectal cancer in the period between January 2021 December 2017 were evaluated in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: younger than 65 (Group Young) and older than 65 (Group Old). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (ASA) scores, comorbidities, preoperative albumin levels, type of surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality, pathological stages, and overall survival rates were investigated. Results A total of 89 patients were included: 49 (54%) were older than 65 (Group Old). In Group Old, the mean age was 75 (65-97), of which 28 (58.3%) were males. There were 41 patients younger than 65 (Group Young) with the mean age of 52.6 (41-64 years of age), of which 21 (51.2%) were males. There was no difference between groups according to albumin level. There was no statistical difference between two groups according to tumour localization, pathological stage and type of surgery, as well as according to surgical complications. The median overall survival rate was 11 months in both groups (0-66) (p=0.320). Conclusion Meticulous preparation of older patients (correction of anaemia, electrolyte levels and pH ) paves the road for successful surgeries, including single-step resection and primary anastomosis.

Clinical evaluation of negative-pressure wound therapy in the management of electrical burns.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of the patients with electrical burns. METHODS: This study was retrospectively performed using a database placed prospectively in the burn center of our hospital. All consecutive patients with electrical burns treated using NPWT at our center between August 2008 and December 2012 were included. The treatment results in our study were grouped as successful or unsuccessful considering the treatment objectives in accordance with therapy indications. RESULTS: In total, 39 patients were included in our study; of them, 36 (92.3%) were men. The average age was 34.9±9.8 years (range, 17-63 years). The majority of the patients in our study (92.3%) had been exposed to high voltage electricity. The mean total burned body surface area (TBSA) was 19.3±9.8 (range, 4-44). Six patients (15.4%) had TBSAs ≥30%, 31 (79.5%) had third degree burns, and 8 (20.5%) had fourth degree burns. In our study, indications of NPWT included bone and/or tendon exposed deep wounds that are not suitable for early grafting or flap applications owing to the lack of supporting tissue in 27 (69.2%) patients, graft fixation in 8 (20.5%) patients, and secondary grafting following graft loss in 4 (10.3%) patients. The general success rate of NPWT was 90.7% according to indications and treatment objectives in our study. CONCLUSION: In the light of our results, NPWT may contribute to the present conventional treatments used in severe electrical burns.

Evaluation of intradermal absorbable and mattress sutures to close pilonidal sinus wounds with Limberg flap: a prospective randomized comparative study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare skin closure techniques, standard (intermittent mattress) and continuous subcuticular sutures, following Limberg flap procedure. METHODS: From July 2013 to July 2015, 92 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease were prospectively randomized into 2 groups consisting of 46 patients for both. Patients underwent sinus excision and closure with Limberg flap; continuous subcuticular suture was used in subcuticular group (SG) and intermittent mattress sutures were used in mattress group (MG) for skin closure. Characteristics of patients, features of pilonidal disease, macerations, infections, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, operation time, time of drain removal, wound complications, early recurrences, and time till return to work were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between groups per sex, age, body mass index, smoking, number of sinuses, depth of intergluteal sulcus, distance of incision to anus, volume of extracted tissue, number of hair follicles per cm2, recurrence, operation, and mean follow-up time. Two patients showed signs of wound complications (4.4%) in SG, whereas 8 cases (17.4%) showed signs in MG (P < 0.05). One patient in SG had surgical site infection and required antibiotics (2.2%), where as there were 6 cases treated in MG (13.0%) (P < 0.05). Removal of drain tube, and time till return to work rates are lower for SG than MG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, surgical procedures which include Limberg flap method and subcuticular closure may reduce infection and maceration rates. Future studies are needed to achieve greater detailed evaluation.

Separate and synergistic effects of taurolidine and icodextrin in intra-abdominal adhesion prevention.

BACKGROUND: In our present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of taurolidine, a blocking agent of fibrin deposition, and icodextrin, a colloid osmotic material that also inhibits fibrin accumulation, and the effect of their application separately and concomittantly in intra-abdominal adhesion prevention. METHODS: Forty BALB/c male mice, weighing 30-35 g and 11-12 weeks old were divided into four groups as follows: group 1: control group, group 2: taurolidine group, group 3: icodextrin group, and group 4: taurolidine and icodextrin group. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 14 days. The adhesions were classified and scored by two blinded researchers according to Nair's macroscopic adhesion staging system and microscopically evaluated using Zuhlke classification system. RESULTS: In group 2 there was no mice with score 4. In group 3, scores 3 and 4 were absent. Scores 2, 3, and 4 were not detected in group 4. The mean value of adhesion scores decreased from groups 1 to 4. There was a significant statistical difference between all the groups and group 1. There was no change between the study groups on macroscopic examination, whereas histopathological examination revealed statistically significance between group 4 and other groups. CONCLUSION: Taurolidine and icodextrin, when used alone or together, decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Macroscopic appearence was not supportive of statistical difference between group 4 and other groups. Microscopic evaluation paves the road for future studies for determining significance when taurolidine and icodextrin are applied concomittantly. Additional experimental studies are required for dose adjustment.

Laparoscopic repair of large suprapubic hernias.

INTRODUCTION: Suprapubic hernia is the term to describe ventral hernias located less than 4 cm above the pubic arch in the midline. Hernias with an upper margin above the arcuate line encounter technical difficulties, and the differences in repair methods forced us to define them as large suprapubic hernias. AIM: To present our experience with laparoscopic repair of large suprapubic hernias that allows adequate mesh overlap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with suprapubic incisional hernias who underwent laparoscopic repair between May 2013 and January 2015 were included in the study. Patients with laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair who had a suprapubic hernia with an upper margin below the arcuate line were excluded. RESULTS: Two men and 17 women, with a mean age of 58.2, underwent laparoscopic repair. Most of the incisions were midline vertical (13/68.4%). Twelve (63.1%) of the patients had previous incisional hernia repair (PIHR group); the mean number of previous incisional hernia repair was 1.4. Mean defect size of the PIHR group was higher than in patients without previous repair - 107.3 cm2 vs. 50.9 cm2 (p < 0.05). Mean operating time of the PIHR group was higher than in patients without repair - 126 min vs. 77.9 min (p < 0.05). Although all complications occurred in the PIHR group, there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of large suprapubic hernias can be considered as the first option in treatment. The low recurrence rates reported in the literature and the lack of recurrence, as observed in our study, support this view.

An unusual appearance of complicated hydatid cyst: necrotizing pancreatitis.

Hydatid acute pancreatitis is a rare condition and always presents as consequence of acute edematous pancreatitis. Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cysts and obstruction of papillary orifice with hydatid membrane is possible mechanism. A 49-year-old man was admitted with epigastric and right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography scan showed 5 x 5 cm cyst in left hepatic lobe, which had ruptured into the biliary tract and caused necrotizing pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography trial failed. Surgical choice was drainage of cyst, insertion of T-Tube, exploration of common bile duct and omentoplasty. No additional necessary surgical intervention was necessary for necrotizing pancreatitis. Clinical and laboratory findings resolved rapidly and there was no recurrent pancreatitis episode during 1 year of follow-up. Hydatid edematous and necrotizing pancreatitis have similar progress. Recovery is quick and uneventful after elimination of mechanical obstruction of papillary orifice.

Current approach to liver traumas.

INTRODUCTION: Liver injuries remain major obstacle for successful treatment, due to size and location of the liver. Requirement for surgery should be determined by clinical factors, most notably hemodynamical state. In this present study we tried to declare our approach to liver traumas. We also tried to emphasize the importance of conservative treatment, since surgeries for liver traumas carry high mortality rates. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Patients admitted to the Department of Emergency Surgery at Kartal Research and Education Hospital, due to liver trauma were retrospectively analyzed between 2003 and 2013. Patient demographics, hepatic panel, APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), PT (prothrombin time), INR (international normalized ratio), fibrinogen, biochemistry panel were recorded. Hemodynamic instability was the most prominent factor for surgery decision, in the lead of current Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols. Operation records and imaging modalities revealed liver injuries according to the Organ Injury Scale of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. 300 patients admitted to emergency department were included in our study (187 males and 113 females). Mean age was 47 years (range, 12-87). The overall mortality rate was 13% (40 out of 300). Major factor responsible for mortality rates and outcome was stability of cases on admission. 188 (% 63) patients were counted as stable, whereas 112 (% 37) cases were found unstable (blood pressure ≤ 90, after massive resuscitation). 192 patients were observed conservatively, whereas 108 cases received abdominal surgery. High levels of AST, ALT, LDH, INR, creatinine and low levels of fibrinogen and low platelet counts on admission were found to be associated with mortality and these cases also had Grade 4 and 5 injuries. Hemodynamic instability on admission and the type and grade of injury played major role in mortality rates). Packing was performed in 35 patients, with Grade 4 and 5 injuries. Mortality rate was %13 (40 out of 300). CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach to the management of hepatic injuries has evolved over the last few decades, but the basic principles of trauma continue to be observed. Diagnostic and therapeutic endeavors are chosen based mainly on the stability of the patient. Stable patients with reliable examinations and available resources can be managed nonoperatively. Unstable patients require surgery. Our current approach to liver traumas is non operative technique, if possible.

Evaluation of the patients with colorectal cancer undergoing emergent curative surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to evaluate perioperative and mid-term oncologic outcomes of the patients with colorectal cancer, who underwent emergent curative surgery. METHODS: The study included all patients with colorectal cancer, who underwent surgery for curative intent between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 in General Surgery Department of Kartal Training and Research Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of admission (emergent or elective). The data of the patients were retrospectively collected with chart review. Demographic characteristics of the patients, ASA scores, emergent indications and surgical interventions, postoperative complications, pathological findings, oncological therapy, and follow-up findings were investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-one and 209 patients were evaluated in both groups, respectively. Rate of right sided and sigmoid/recto-sigmoid tumors were significantly higher in emergent group. Ostomy rate, early morbidity, ICU need, transfusion, and mortality rates in emergent group were significantly higher than elective group. Average length of hospital stay in emergent group was also significantly longer in elective group (11.2 ± 3.2 vs. 8.4 ± 2.4 days). The patients in emergent group had a much lower survival rate than those in elective group. CONCLUSION: In our study, emergency presentation of colorectal cancer was found associated with increased morbidity, a longer length of stay, increased in-hospital mortality, advanced pathologic stage and worsened long term survival in even same stages.

Retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix mimicking hydatid cyst: A case report.

Appendiceal mucocele is a cystic dilatation of the appendix due to abnormal appendiceal mucinous secretion. Cystadenoma of the appendix is one of the most common causes and is encountered in 0.6% of all appendectomy specimens. The diagnosis may be difficult due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease; pain in the right lower quadrant may be the only symptom. Complex ovarian cyst, urolithiasis or cystic hydatid disease of the liver have been reported as mimicking appendiceal mucocele in the literature. In this study, we present a case of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix mimicking retroperitoneal hydatid cyst in a 59-year-old woman. The patient was treated with laparoscopic appendectomy with partial resection of the caecum following laparoscopic exploration.

Effect of local bleomycin sulfate application on seroma formation in a rat mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection model.

Seroma formation is one of the most common complications following breast cancer surgery. It may lead to delay of adjuvant therapies and increasement of therapy costs. Bleomycin sulfate is a sclerosing antibiotic with antineoplastic efficacy. It is locally used in the treatment of pleural effusion. The present study aimed to investigate seroma-reducing effect of local bleomycin application after mastectomy. Sixteen female Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into two equal groups. Under general anesthesia all rats underwent unilateral mastectomy as definition by Harada. Serum physiologic was applied to animals in Group 1 (control group) and bleomycin to Group 2. Mastectomized localization was explored on the 10th day postoperatively. Seroma and tissue samples were obtained from axilla and thoracic wall for histopathological examination. The amount of seroma was significantly lower in the bleomycin group as compared to the control group (P=0.002). Fibrosis, PNL infiltration and the number of fibroblasts were significantly higher in the bleomycin group. No difference was identified between the groups in terms of angiogenesis, edema, congestion, and monocyte, lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration. Local bleomycin sulfate application might be a therapeutic option in patients with seroma formation, as well as in the patients with malignant pleural effusion. Nonetheless, further studies that compare the efficacy and adverse effects (benefit-to-harm ratio) of bleomycin sulfate are needed.

A prospective comparative study to assess the contribution of radioisotope tracer method to dye-only method in the detection of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis in the axillary lymph nodes is the most important known prognostic factor for breast cancer. We aimed to investigate the contribution of the radioisotope tracer method to the dye-only method by performing sentinel lymph node biopsy on the same patient group during a single surgical session. METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent operations in our clinic from February 2010 to October 2011 and with masses of <5 cm and clinically and radiologicallly negative axilla (T1-2 N0) were prospectively included in this study. After paraffin examination results were obtained, the numbers and metastatic states of the lymph nodes that were unidentifiable during surgery (although they were stained) but were detected by a gamma probe, lymph nodes that were only stained, lymph nodes that were only radioactive (hot), and lymph nodes that were both stained and radioactive (stained-hot) were determined in all patients. In patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection, the total numbers of lymph nodes removed and their metastatic states were determined separately. RESULTS: At least one blue-stained sentinel lymph node was identified in all patients during the blue-stained lymph node detection stage. The average number of sentinel nodes removed at this stage was 2.1 ± 1.1. In the second surgical stage (the stage in which nodes with axillary counts were investigated with the gamma probe) in these 41 patients, at least one additional hot node was removed, or at least one of the nodes that was removed because it was blue was also hot. In addition to the lymph nodes removed in the dye stage, 34 hot lymph nodes were excised from 21 patients. Overall, the average number of hot lymph nodes removed was 2.9 ± 1.5. In all patients, subsequent frozen sections and histopathological examinations were 100% concordant with the sentinel lymph nodes that were removed; the stained sentinel lymph nodes that were removed first did not affect the decision to perform axillary dissection. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that performing sentinel lymph node biopsy with dye only is sufficient and as effective as the combined method.

Effects of local phenytoin on seroma formation after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection: an experimental study on mice.

BACKGROUND: Seroma formation is the most common complication after breast cancer surgery. It is an important complication since it prolongs therapy duration, increases cost, and negatively affects patient psychology. Currently, there is no widely accepted method that prevents seroma formation. We tried to investigate impact of local phenytoin application on seroma formation following an experimental mastectomy model created in rats. METHODS: Two groups including eight rats in each were randomized. Saline injection was applied in the first group, whereas 1% phenytoin was locally used in the second group. Ten days after the surgery, seroma formation and wound-healing processes were evaluated using histopathological and biochemical examinations. RESULTS: Phenytoin significantly decreased seroma formation. Fibrosis was significantly increased and angiogenesis was significantly reduced in the phenytoin group (P < 0.05). Increased levels of macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration was detected in the control group (P < 0.05). No difference was detected between the groups in terms of necrosis, edema, congestion, and PNL (Polymorphonuclear leucocyte) and fibroblast infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Seroma formation-reducing effect of phenytoin might have occurred over its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenetic, and fibrosis augmenting effects.

Acute mechanical intestinal obstructions.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated our treatment modality and timing of surgery in acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (AMIO) patients who were admitted to the emergency room. METHODS: Only patients with the diagnosis of AMIO were included in this study. Surgery was performed in patients with hemodynamic instability despite fluid resuscitation and peritoneal signs upon physical examination. Patients were divided into two groups. Adhesion cases were assigned to Group 1, while non-adhesion cases were assigned to Group 2. The decision to provide surgical or medical therapy was assessed 24 hours (h) after admission. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients in Group 1 and 53 patients in Group 2 underwent surgical procedures. The difference between the groups was statistically different (p < 0.05). The mean monitoring time after admission to the hospital was 128.3 +/- 24.85 h and 43.1 +/- 15.51 h in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.0001). In Group 2, 76.6% of the patients who were monitored for over 24 hours required surgery. In contrast, this rate was only 36% in Group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our clinical experience shows that medical therapy and monitoring over 24 hours is not a good substitute for surgical treatment of AMIO when the obstruction is not due to an adhesion.

Acute abdomen due to rupture of hemangiopericytoma of the greater omentum: case report.

Hemangiopericytoma (HP) is a vascular tumor that mostly develops in soft tissues. The greater omentum is a very rare site for its occurrence. We present herein the clinical evaluation and outcome of a very rare case of HP that caused acute abdomen. We evaluated a case of acute abdomen due to rupture of a HP of the greater omentum. The clinical and laboratory findings and treatment modality are reported. A 70-year-old patient with severe abdominal pain was operated with the diagnosis of acute abdomen. A semi-solid mass (12 x 10 x 6 cm) originating from the greater omentum was detected during surgery. There was active bleeding from the tumor. Pathologic evaluation of this lesion was reported as benign HP. HP of the greater omentum can be the cause of intraabdominal bleeding leading to acute abdomen. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, especially in benign hemangiopericytomas.

The effectiveness of hyaluronan-carboxymethylcellulose membrane in different severity of adhesions observed at the time of relaparotomies: an experimental study on mice.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Seprafilm use in the presence of different severity of adhesions encountered in relaparotomies. METHODS: A total of 110 male Balb/c mice were randomized into two experiment groups: Sepra and Control. All animals underwent cecal and small-bowel abrasions during the first operation. The severity of adhesions were evaluated as "slight" or"dense" at the time of relaparotomy performed 14days after the initial operation, and Seprafilm was applied to the animals in Group Sepra. Accordingly, the groups were documented as Sepra-slight, Sepra-dense, Control-slight, and Control-dense. All subjects were killed 14days later, the adhesion severity was evaluated with a scale scoring 0 to 5, and the results were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The death of 21 animals (19.1 percent) before (n = 10) and after (n = 11) the second operation left 22, 24, 26, and 17 animals in groups Sepra-slight, Sepra-dense, Control-slight, and Control-dense, respectively. Seprafilm significantly reduced the adhesion severity score (1.1 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.1 +/- 1.5 in Groups Sepra and Control, respectively; P < 0.05). Seprafilm did not significantly decrease the severity of adhesions in the presence of slight adhesions at the time of relaparotomy (P > 0.05). However, the analysis of groups revealed that Seprafilm was more effective when used during the observation of severe adhesions at the time of relaparotomy (1.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 2.7 +/- 1.5 in Groups Sepra-dense vs. Control-dense, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Seprafilm is effective in preventing adhesions even if it is used at the time of relaparotomy, but the antiadhesive effect of product peaks when it is used during the observation of dense adhesions at the time of relaparotomy.