Elastography and Doppler May Bring a New Perspective to TIRADS, Altering Conventional Ultrasonography Dominance.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The main aim of ultrasonography (US) examining thyroid nodules is to differentiate malignant nodules from benign nodules. Several professional societies and groups of investigators have defined guidelines such as Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) to provide the standardized language and approach to thyroid nodules. This study is aimed to investigate the compatibility of such classification systems with the pathological diagnosis of nodules and evaluate the contribution of the Shear-wave elastography (SWE) and Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study. Patients with thyroid US exams between December 2017 and April 2019 were included. In the study, eligible 210 nodules from 210 patients were enrolled. For stratification, the conventional B-mode US, SWE and DUS were performed. According to Kwak, American College of Radiology (ACR), and European (EU)-TIRADS, Nodules were classified separately, and a new scoring system whose the criteria was put defined in the study has developed. RESULTS: For SWE; Emean cut-off value was 33 kPa with a sensitivity and specificity of 95,6% (95% CI: 0,85-0,98) and 95% (95% CI:0,90-0,97) respectively (p <0.001). For spectral DUS; resistivity index (RI) cut-off value was 0.64 with a sensitivity and specificity of 73,3% (95% CI:0,59-0,83) and 80% (95% CI:0,73-0,85) respectively (p <0.001). Kwak TIRADS, American College of Radiology TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, and new system were compared by ROC curve analysis. The new system has the highest sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and AUC compared to others. CONCLUSIONS: The new scoring system has shown that SWE and DUS findings may alter the categorization in TIRADS and increase sensitivity and specificity.

Endoscopy in surgery.

In the last 20 years, there have been important developments in endoscopy. Initially, endoscopy was developed and used as a diagnostic tool. As new technology developed, these devices also became the basis for therapeutic maneuvers. In recent years, flexible endoscopes have been used to per- form procedures replacing traditional surgical approaches. Examples of this field are transanal minimally invasive surgery, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, endoscopic metabolic surgery and third space endoscopies. Throughout history, surgeons have played a vital role in the design and development of endoscopic techniques, procedures, and equipment. Surgeons continue to lead the advancement of endoscopy, make important contributions, and serve as role models for innovation.

General Surgery Operating Room Practice in Patients with COVID-19.

The virus COVID-19, which emerged in China in December 2019, was announced by the World Health Organization as a pandemic in January 2020. It is known that infection is not severe and may even progress without symptoms in patients who have come into contact with COVID-19. Although various organizations have been informed about how to take measures to protect the patient and the surgeon in case of diseases requiring urgent or elective surgery in people infected with COVID-19 or in cases with high suspicion, there is still no definite judgment between patients, physicians and health authorities. In this study, which was prepared with the initiative of the Turkish Surgical Association, we tried to shed light on what should be done and how surgeons should act in patients whose operation is mandatory in light of the available data.

Surgical Trends in Breast Cancer in Turkey: An Increase in Breast-Conserving Surgery.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women, and there is a great variability in surgical practice for treating that cancer in different countries. The aims of this study were to analyze the effect of guidelines from the Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies on academic institutions that have breast centers and to evaluate surgical practice in Turkey in 2018. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January and March 2019, a survey was sent to breast surgeons who were working in breast centers in academic institutions. The sampling frame included 24 academic institutions with breast centers in 18 cities in Turkey to evaluate interdisciplinary differences among breast centers and seven regions in Turkey regarding patients' choices, surgical approaches, and academic institutions. RESULTS: All surgeons responded to the survey, and all 4,381 patients were included. Most of the surgeons (73.9%) were working in a breast center. Multidisciplinary tumor boards were performed in 87% of the breast centers. The average time between clinical evaluation and initiation of treatment was 29 days; the longest time was in Southeast Anatolia (66 days). Only 6% of patients had ductal carcinoma in situ. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was available in every region across the country and was performed in 64.5% of the patients. In 2018, the overall breast-conserving surgery rate was 57.3% in Turkey, and it varied from 72.2% in the Black Sea region to 33.5% in Central Anatolia (P < .001). Oncoplastic breast surgery options were available at all breast centers. However, 25% of the breast centers from the Black Sea region and half the breast centers from Eastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean region did not perform this type of surgery. CONCLUSION: Increasing rates of nonpalpable breast cancer and decreasing rates of locoregional recurrences favored breast-conserving surgery, especially in developed countries. Guidelines from the Turkish Federation of Breast Diseases Societies resulted in more comprehensive breast centers and improved breast health in Turkey.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation does not influence liver regeneration in rats after partial hepatectomy.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In the initiation of liver regeneration, multiple stimulatory and inhibitory factors participate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on liver regeneration after 30% partial hepatectomy in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14 male Wistar Albino rats were included in this study. The animals were randomly allocated to two groups: the control group (n = 7) and the omega-3 group (n = 7). Rats in the control group were fed a standard rat chow and rats in the omega-3 group received 10 mg/kg/day omega-3 supplementation in addition to normal rat chow in the perioperative period. Rats were investigated seven days after 1/3 partial hepatectomy by liver weight change and hepatocyte proliferation. RESULTS: The mean liver regeneration rate was found to be slightly higher (p = 0.061) in the omega-3 group compared the control group. In addition, no significant difference was observed regarding binuclear hepatocyte ratio in pericentral and periportal areas between the two groups. However, livers from rats given omega-3 supplementation have less inflammatory cellular infiltrate in the portal space than livers from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids showed no influence on the liver regeneration in rats undergoing 1/3 partial hepatectomy.

Fibroadenoma gigante juvenil de mama: presentación de un caso clínico / Giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast: a clinical case

El fibroadenoma gigante juvenil es un tumor de mama benigno y una variante rara de los fibroadenomas. La presentación clínica suele ser una masa tumoral indolora en la mama, aislada y unilateral. Representa entre el 0, 5% y el 2% de todos los fibroadenomas y se desconoce su etiología precisa. Sin embargo, se cree que las hormonas son factores contribuyentes. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un fibroadenoma gigante juvenil de 20 cm de diámetro en la mama de una niña de 14 años. La paciente tenía una masa tumoral indolora, que se había agrandado progresivamente durante 1 año. La ecografía reveló la presencia de un fibroadenoma y se realizó una excisión quirúrgica. Tras diez meses de seguimiento, la paciente se encuentra bien.

Juvenile giant fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor and rare variant of the fibroadenomas. Clinical presentation is usually a painless, solitary and unilateral breast mass. It accounts for 0.5%-2% of all fibroadenomas and exact etiology is not known; however, hormonal influences are thought to be contributing factors. We present a case of a 20 cm diameter giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in a 14-year-old girl. The patient was suffering from a painless, progressively enlarging mass for 1 year. Ultrasound revealed fibroadenoma and total surgical excision was performed. The patient is doing well in ten months of follow up.

Giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast: a clinical case. / Fibroadenoma gigante juvenil de mama: presentación de un caso clínico.

Juvenile giant fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor and rare variant of the fibroadenomas. Clinical presentation is usually a painless, solitary and unilateral breast mass. It accounts for 0.5%-2% of all fibroadenomas and exact etiology is not known; however, hormonal influences are thought to be contributing factors. We present a case of a 20 cm diameter giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in a 14-year-old girl. The patient was suffering from a painless, progressively enlarging mass for 1 year. Ultrasound revealed fibroadenoma and total surgical excision was performed. The patient is doing well in ten months of follow up.

El fibroadenoma gigante juvenil es un tumor de mama benigno y una variante rara de los fibroadenomas. La presentación clínica suele ser una masa tumoral indolora en la mama, aislada y unilateral. Representa entre el 0,5% y el 2% de todos los fibroadenomas y se desconoce su etiología precisa. Sin embargo, se cree que las hormonas son factores contribuyentes. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un fibroadenoma gigante juvenil de 20 cm de diámetro en la mama de una niña de 14 años. La paciente tenía una masa tumoral indolora, que se había agrandado progresivamente durante 1 año. La ecografía reveló la presencia de un fibroadenoma y se realizó una excisión quirúrgica. Tras diez meses de seguimiento, la paciente se encuentra bien.

Effects of postoperative parenteral nutrition with different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (PN) using different lipid emulsions in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were randomized to receive soybean oil + medium chain triglycerides (MCT) (group I), soybean oil + olive oil (group II), soybean oil + olive oil + fish oil (group III) as a lipid source. PN was started on postoperative day 1 and patients were maintained on PN for a minimum period of 4 days. Laboratory variables (CRP, prealbumin, transferrin) were measured before surgery and on postoperative days. RESULTS: Three treatment groups were included in the study. Patients in group I received long chain triglycerides (LCT) + LCT/MCT emulsion (%75 LCT + %25 LCT/MCT); Patients in group II received olive oil based emulsion (80% olive oil + 20% soybean oil, ClinOleic); Patients in group III received fish oil in addition to olive oil based emulsion (%85 ClinOleic + %15 Omegaven; Fresenius Kabi). The following 14 parameters were assessed: body weight, CRP, prealbumin, transferrin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, total antioxidant status, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidized low density lipoprotein-2, complete blood cell, international normalized ratio, D-dimer, activated partially thromboplastin time, prothrombin time. All other parameters showed no differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our trial demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of soybean oil/olive oil based lipid emulsions for use in PN regarding inflammatory response and oxidant capacity in the treatment of patients.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Clinical Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon tumor of the breast, accounting for approximately 0.1% to 1% of all breast cancers. It is characterized by rare lymph node involvement and distant metastasis, and associated with a favorable prognosis with excellent survival, despite its triple-negative status. In the current state of knowledge, results of breast-conserving treatment with postoperative radiotherapy seem to be equivalent to mastectomy alone, with respect to survival for ACC of the breast. Due to its rarity, there is no consensus on optimal treatment for patients with ACC. Otherwise, the role of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy remains controversial. Further clinical studies are required to compare treatment options for ACC. But, a long-term follow-up is very important and mandatory for affected patients, due to the late onset of local relapse and occurrence of distant metastasis. CASE REPORT: Here, we report the case of a patient who presented with a palpable breast mass in the left breast that turned out to be an ACC of the breast.

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study / Existe correlação entre o volume ultrassonográfico da glândula tireóide e intubação difícil? Um estudo observacional / ¿Existe una correlación entre el volumen ecográfico de la glándula tiroides y la intubación difícil? Un estudio observacional

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1 < intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação ultrassonográfica pré-operatória da glândula tireóide feita por cirurgiões pode prever desafios no manejo das vias aéreas. O objetivo deste estudo observacional foi avaliar os efeitos de parâmetros relacionados à tireóide investigados pré-operatoriamente por cirurgiões mediante ultrassonografia e radiografia de tórax em condições de intubação. MÉTODOS: Foram inscritos 50 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de tireóide. Distância tireomentoniana (DTM), escore de Mallampati, circunferência do pescoço e amplitude de movimento do pescoço foram avaliados antes da operação. Volume da tireóide, sinais de invasão ou compressão e desvio da traqueia na radiografia de tórax também foram registrados. As condições de intubação foram avaliadas com o escore de Cormack e Lehane (CL) e a escala de intubação difícil (EID). Análises estatísticas foram feitas com o software SPSS 15.0. RESULTADOS: A média do volume da tireóide dos pacientes foi de 26,38 ± 14 mL. A mediana da EID foi de 1 (0-2). DTM (p = 0,011; r = 0,36, IC 95% 0,582-0,088); escore de Mallampati (p = 0,041; r = 0,29, IC 95% 013-0,526); sinais de compressão ou invasão (p = 0,041; r = 0,28; IC 95% 0,006-0,521) e desvio da traqueia na radiografia de tórax (p = 0,041; r = 0,52, IC 95% 0,268-0,702) foram correlacionados com a EID. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos também relacionados à EID (Grupo I, n = 19: EID = 0; Grupo II, n = 31: 1 < EID ≤ 5) e os preditivos de intubação difícil e os parâmetros da tireóide relacionados foram comparados. Apenas o escore de Mallampati foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p = 0,025). CONCLUSÃO: O volume da tireóide não está associado à intubação difícil. Contudo, os parâmetros de avaliação clínica podem prever intubação difícil. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La evaluación ecográfica preoperatoria de la glándula tiroides hecha por los cirujanos puede prevenir los retos en el manejo de las vías aéreas. El objetivo de este estudio observacional fue evaluar los efectos de parámetros relacionados con la tiroides investigados por cirujanos antes de la operación, mediante ecografía y radiografía de tórax en condiciones de intubación. MÉTODOS: Fueron inscritos 50 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de tiroides. La distancia tiromentoniana, puntuación de Mallampati, circunferencia del cuello y amplitud de movimiento del cuello fueron evaluados antes de la operación. También fueron registrados el volumen de la tiroides, signos de invasión o compresión, y desviación de la tráquea en la radiografía de tórax. Las condiciones de intubación se calcularon con la puntuación de Cormack y Lehane y la escala de intubación difícil (EID). Los análisis estadísticos fueron realizados con el software SPSS 15.0. RESULTADOS: La media del volumen de la tiroides de los pacientes fue de 26,38 ± 14 mL. La mediana de la EID fue 1 (0-2). Fueron correlacionados con la EID la distancia tiromentoniana (p = 0,011; r = 0,36; IC 95%: 0,582-0,088), puntuación de Mallampati (p = 0,041; r = 0,29; IC 95%: 013-0,526), signos de compresión o invasión (p = 0,041; r = 0,28; IC 95%: 0,006-0,521) y desviación de la tráquea en la radiografía de tórax (p = 0,041; r = 0,52; IC 95%: 0,268-0,702). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 2 grupos también relacionados con la EID (grupo i, n = 19: EID = 0; grupo ii, n = 31: 1 < EID ≤ 5), y los predictores de intubación difícil y los parámetros de la tiroides relacionados fueron comparados. Solamente la puntuación de Mallampati fue significativamente diferente entre los grupos (p = 0,025). CONCLUSIÓN: El volumen de la tiroides no está asociado con la intubación difícil. Sin embargo, los parámetros de evaluación clínica pueden prever la intubación difícil. .

Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38 ± 14 mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p = 0.011; r = 0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p = 0.041; r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p = 0.041; r = 0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p = 0.041; r = 0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n = 19: intubation difficulty scale = 0; Group II, n = 31: 1< intubation difficulty scale ≤ 5) and difficult intubation predictors and thyroid-related parameters were compared. Only Mallampati score was significantly different between groups (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The thyroid volume is not associated with difficult intubation. However clinical assessment parameters may predict difficult intubation.

[Does ultrasonographic volume of the thyroid gland correlate with difficult intubation? An observational study]. / Existe correlação entre o volume ultrassonográfico da glândula tireóide e intubação difícil? Um estudo observacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Preoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid gland done by surgeons could let us foresee airway management challenges. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid-related parameters assessed preoperatively by surgeons via ultrasonography and chest X-ray on intubation conditions. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing thyroid surgery were enrolled. Thyromental distance, Mallampati score, neck circumference and range of neck movement were evaluated before the operation. Thyroid volume, signs of invasion or compression and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray were also noted. The intubation conditions were assessed with Cormack and Lehane score and the intubation difficulty scale. Statistical analyses were done with SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The mean thyroid volume of the patients was 26.38±14mL. The median intubation difficulty scale was 1 (0-2). Thyromental distance (p=0.011; r=0.36; 95% CI 0.582-0.088), Mallampati score (p=0.041; r=0.29; 95% CI 0.013-0.526), compression or invasion signs (p=0.041; r=0.28; 95% CI 0.006-0.521) and tracheal deviation on chest X-ray (p=0.041; r=0.52; 95% CI 0.268-0.702) were correlated with intubation difficulty scale. Also patients were classified into two groups related to their intubation difficulty scale (Group I, n=19: intubation difficulty scale=0; Group II, n=31: 1

Gastric metastasis of ectopic breast cancer mimicking axillary metastasis of primary gastric cancer.

Ectopic breast tissue has the ability to undergo all the pathological changes of the normal breast, including breast cancer. Gastrointestinal metastasis of breast cancer is rarely observed and it is very difficult to differentiate gastric metastases from primary gastric cancer. We present a case of 52-year-old female, who suffered from abdominal pain. Physical examination showed a palpable mass in the left anterior axilla and computerized tomography revealed gastric wall thickening with linitis plastica. When gastroscopic biopsy showed no signs of malignancy, excisional biopsy was performed in the left axilla. Histological examination revealed invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast, consistent with ectopic breast cancer. Further gastroscopic submucosal biopsies and immunohistochemical studies revealed gastric metastases of invasive lobular carcinoma. Axillary ectopic breast tissue carcinomas can mimic axillary lymphadenopathies. Additionally, gastric metastasis of breast cancer is an uncommon but possible condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ectopic breast cancer with gastric metastasis.

Early and delayed pinhole MIBI SPECT in detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands: a comparison with peroperative γ probe.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the early and delayed pinhole MIBI single photon emission computed tomography (pSPECT) images in detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, to make a comparison with peroperative γ probe (GP) findings. METHODS: Planar, early, and delayed pSPECT scans and skin in-vivo and ex-vivo GP counts were obtained in 22 patients with hyperparathyroidism. All data were analyzed statistically on the basis of localization of the lesions, using the histopathological findings as the gold standard. RESULTS: Histopathological examinations revealed 18 of 44 adenomas, 18 of 44 hyperplasic glands, two of 44 lymph nodules, five of 44 thyroid nodules, and one of 44 normal parathyroid glands. Sensitivity and specificity were found to be 36 and 100% for planar, 69 and 75% for early pSPECT, 86 and 88% for delayed pSPECT scans, and similarly, 78 and 75% on skin, 92 and 75% in-vivo and 83 and 100% ex-vivo GP counts, respectively. For distinction ability of GP counts between three groups of lesions, there was a statistically significant difference among the three groups for ex-vivo GP counts but not between groups of adenomas and hyperplasic lesions for in-vivo GP counts. CONCLUSION: Early and delayed pSPECT scans play a complementary role on the planar scans. Delayed pSPECT scans and in-vivo GP counts are equally valuable to localize both single and multiple hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. Ex-vivo GP counts seem to be better for making a distinction among types of lesions.

Suprarenal symplastic leiomyoma of the inferior vena cava.

We report on a case of a leiomyoma in the inferior vena cava that appeared in the image to be located in the adrenal gland. En bloc excision of the tumor with the right adrenal gland and the involved segment of the vena cava was carried out. Histopathological work-up of the tumor revealed smooth muscle fibers and marked nuclear pleomorphism consistent with symplastic leiomyoma. This case report presents a distinct histological variant of the rarely seen primary smooth muscle tumor of the inferior vena cava.

Intraoperative gamma probe guidance with 99mTc-pertechnetate in the completion thyroidectomy.

AIM: Intraoperative gamma probe (GP) guidance with (99m)Tc-pertechnetate in the completion total thyroidectomy after a first thyroidectomy was investigated in this prospective study. METHODS: The study group comprises of fourteen consecutive patients (14 females, age mean 50.2 +/- 12.0 years, age range 29-73 years). All patients underwent a second thyroidectomy due to inadequate (5/14 patients) and complementary (9/14 patients) interventions. Serum-free three iodothyronine, free thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone measurements, a neck ultrasonography (USG) and thyroid scintigraphy (TS) were performed in the preoperative and postoperative period. After a 185 MBq (5 mCi) injection of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate, background (BG), left thyroid lobe (LTL), right thyroid lobe (RTL) and pyramidal tyroid lobe (PTL) regions were counted in time before and after resection of thyroid remnants by intraoperative GP. All resection materials were evaluated by histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Preoperative TSH was less than 30 mIU/mL (mean 21 +/- 7) in all patients. Functioning thyroid remnants were shown in 13/14 patients on the preoperative TS and USG, which were diagnosed by USG in one but by TS in other one. We calculated that percentage median (minimum-maximum) values were 220.90% (56.00-411.11%) in LTL, 80.43% (11.54-471.05%) in RTL and 66.60% (-3.33 to 158.33%) in PTL for counts before resection, on the other hand, 15.96% (-20.55 to 47.62%) in LTL, 17.59% (-15.07 to 38.46%) in RTL and 17.59% (-1.96 to 57.14%) in PTL regions for counts after resection. There were statistically significant differences between these values belonging to before and after resection for LTL (p = 0.001), RTL (p = 0.001) and PTL (p = 0.008). Bilateral small foci in a patient and unilateral focus in other patient were observed in postoperative TS. Unilateral focus was detected on the RTL by GP, but not bilateral foci. Postoperative TSH levels increased to 30 mIU/mL (mean 69 +/- 26) at least. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative TSH values (p < 0.001). Histopathologic confirmation revealed that all removed materials were the thyroid tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma probe guidance with (99m)Tc-pertechnetate seemed to be a good option and easy available method in patients undergoing the completion total thyroidectomy.

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.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and phenytoin on healing of abdominal wall fascia and colonic anastomoses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and phenytoin on wound healing in rats compromised by methylprednisone. This study was conducted in four groups consisting of 20 male Wistar rats. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 had a daily injection of methylprednisolone 5 mg/kg/day for 15 days. Laparotomy and sigmoid transsection were performed on day 15. In the postoperative period, rats in group 1 received no medication, group 2 received methylprednisolone 5 mg/kg/day intramuscularly, group 3 received bFGF 5 microg/kg on days 1-3 subcutaneously, and group 4 received phenytoin 40 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally. bFGF and phenytoin had a positive effect on tensile strength, hydroxyproline content, and wound healing parameters in abdominal wall fascia. In colonic anastomosis, phenytoin corrected all parameters, but bFGF had no effect.

Effects of probiotics on radiation-induced intestinal injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy is an important aspect of multimodal cancer therapy, but radiation-induced acute intestinal injury is a common and serious problem. Disruption of morphologic mucosal integrity and normal bacterial microflora after abdominal radiation leads to malabsorption and bacterial translocation. METHODS: Lactobacillus bulgaricus strain isolated from yogurt was given as a probiotic to rats subjected to radiotherapy. On postradiation day 8 rats were killed. Mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen were excised for microbiologic examinations. Segments of jejunum, ileum, and colon were evaluated for the presence of inflammation, vascularity, and mucus cells. RESULTS: The results of this study suggest that probiotics may have a protective effect on intestinal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Probiotics added as substrates can be given by an oral or enteral route to patients who undergo radiotherapy to prevent radiation-induced enteritis and related malnutrition.