Association of polycystic ovary syndrome with mammographic density in Turkish women: a population-based case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the breast densities and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System scores of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and normoovulatory women and to determine whether these patients constitute a high-risk population for breast cancer. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study was conducted at our institution between January 2022 and December 2022, involving patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. Menstrual periods, hyperandrogenemic findings, and ultrasound reports of the patients were retrieved from our hospital's database. Patients who met at least two of the Rotterdam criteria were included in the polycystic ovary syndrome group. A total of 70 premenopausal patients over the age of 40 years, diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, and 70 normoovulatory women, matched for age and body mass index, were included in the study. The two groups were compared regarding age at menarche, menstrual pattern, gravida, parity, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol, endometrial thickness, breast density category, and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System classifications. RESULTS: Patients in the polycystic ovary syndrome group had a higher age at menarche (12.7 vs. 12.3, p=0.006). There was no difference between the gonadotropin levels in both groups. However, the estradiol level was higher in the polycystic ovary syndrome group (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast density and Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System scores (p=0.319 and p=0.650, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although we can conclude that the risk of breast malignancy is not increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the impact of the complex hormonal status of polycystic ovary syndrome on breast cancer remains unclear in the literature.

Cause-effect relationships shaping the popularity of cosmetic surgery: Analysis of influencing factors.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, cosmetic surgery procedures have become quite popular. In this study, cosmetic surgery preferences and cause-effect relationships will be examined. METHODS: In our study, a sociodemographic data questionnaire prepared by the researcher, Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), and Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) were used. The surveys were conducted on random people over the age of 18, and approximately 511 people were reached. RESULTS: The mean age of those included in the study was 39.18 ± 8.9 years, and 75.05% were female and 24.95% were male. It was concluded that there was a statistically significant, linear, same-sided, and weak relationship between BIQLI scores and daily life sub-dimension, although not between the age of the individuals and their ACSS scores. Female individuals' ACSS scores, interpersonal, social, and thoughts mean scores were significantly higher than male individuals. As the total scores of ACSS increase, the scores of interaction with partner also increase. It was observed that people mostly believed that cosmetic surgery would make them feel good and that they should definitely try it if it made them happy. The rate of not choosing was high because of the fear of side effects and financial concerns. CONCLUSION: Although the individuals participating in our study gave themselves high satisfaction scores on subjects such as the joy of life, self-confidence, social relations, and the need to appear attractive to partner, they had a positive view of cosmetic surgery procedures. It was seen that the feeling of dissatisfaction came to the fore among the reasons.

Impact of Subclinical Rejection on Kidney Graft Function.

BACKGROUND: In kidney transplant recipients with borderline infiltration, protocol biopsy results demonstrated the relationship with chronic injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical rejection (SCR) on 6-month protocol biopsy results in long-term renal function in renal transplant recipients with stable graft function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transplant protocol biopsies performed in 45 patients with stable renal function were included in this study at 6 months. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for SCR. Study groups were divided into patients with and without SCR. Renal functions were compared with pathologic evaluation. The effect of immunosuppressive regimens on renal function were evaluated in patients with SCR RESULT: The median age of patients was 32 years (range, 18-64 years). The median follow-up was 56 months (range, 24-84 months). According to the 6-month protocol biopsy results, 20 of 45 patients (44.4%) met SCR criteria based on Banff 07 parameters. There was not a statistically significant difference in renal function with SCR. CONCLUSION: The presence of SCR on the 6-month protocol biopsy results in renal transplant recipients with a stable graft function does not cause deterioration in the long-term graft function.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Discharge Prescriptions in the General Surgery Department.

Introduction Although there are international guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP), the use of inappropriate SP is still a common problem. Most studies investigated SP applications in clean and clean-contaminated cases. However, antibiotics in the discharge prescriptions of these cases have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine the antibiotics in SP applications and discharged prescriptions together and to find out the causes of inappropriate use. Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients admitted to our general surgery wards between 2014 and 2015. Patients with clean or clean-contaminated wound category operations were included. The patients were evaluated in terms of convenience of SP (choice of antibiotics, compliance with an indication for SP, timing of the first dose, SP>24 hours, and discharge prescription). In addition, to interpret the results, a questionnaire has been performed for the surgeons in the same clinics. Results A total of 1205 patients with clean and clean-contaminated wound class operation were enrolled in this study. The total accuracy rate of SP was 7.1%. SP application with the correct indication and timing of the first dose was compatible with guidelines: 55.6% and 81.9%, respectively. SP was applied >24 hours at 60.2% and antibiotic prescribing carried out after discharge at 80.6% of patients. According to questionnaire results, the use of SP over 24 hours and the prescription of antibiotics during discharge were: drain usage, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, surgeons feeling of comfort, avoidance of patients, and their relatives' reactions. Conclusion The total accuracy rate of SP rate was low in the present study and in surgeons prescribing the SP after discharge. In light of the present study, we suggest that discharge prescriptions should also be reviewed in clinics who have a high inappropriate surgical antibiotic prophylaxis rate.

Correction: Evaluation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Discharge Prescriptions in the General Surgery Department.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4793.].

Primary paraspinal lumbar hydatid disease: A known diagnosis in an unusual localization.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Although the liver and lung are the most common sites of hydatid disease, it can also be seen in other organs due to migration via systemic circulation. Paraspinal lumbar hydatid disease without the involvement of other organs is extremely rare. We aimed to present the imaging and histopathological findings of a case with painful lumbar swelling that was later diagnosed as primary lumbar paraspinal hydatid disease. Hydatid disease should be considered as the differential diagnosis in patients with a lumbar paraspinal mass, particularly that containing multiple well-defined, round, small cysts, and in patients living in or traveling to endemic regions.

Outcomes of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer with intestinal metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of advanced stage (stage IIIB-IVB) ovarian cancer (OC) patients with intestinal metastasis, and to investigate the factors that affect survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CS) for FIGO stage IIIB-IVB OC with metastasis in the intestinal system, at Tepecik Research and Treatment Hospital between 2008-2014, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with borderline ovarian tumor; those who had previously undergone radiation therapy and/or hysterectomy and patients having secondary or tertiary cytoreduction were excluded and 49 patients were included and analyzed in this study. Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling, resection of bulky lymph nodes and omentectomy were performed. Optimal cytoreduction was accepted as that which left residual tumor ≤ one cm maximum size. RESULTS: The risk factors affecting OS interval were investigated according to Cox' regression analysis. Optimality of the primary CS (P = 0.008 and HR = 5.202) and cancer stage (P = 0.016 and HR = 6.083) were found to be statistically significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal CS is the most important aim for the general surgeon carrying out an intestinal resection procedure. Although resection procedures are superior in providing the desired optimal results when compared to excision surgery, their higher complication rates and subsequent lower quality of life must be taken into consideration when choosing either resection or excision methods; surgical intervention should always be kept to the minimum possible.

Pediatric small bowel transplantation: A single-center experience from Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small bowel transplantation (SBTx) is a treatment option for patients with serious parenteral nutrition-related problems in intestinal failure. Izmir Tepecik Training Research Hospital Organ Transplantation Center is still the only pediatric intestinal transplant center in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Patients' data were analyzed from the medical charts and the hospital digital database. Seven isolated SBTxs were performed in six children between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: One jejunal segment and six partial jejuno-ileal segments were used for seven transplants. All grafts were retrieved from deceased donors (one child and six adult donors). The six recipients had a mean age of 8.8±6.9 years (9 months to 17 years; M: 4, F: 2). The mean follow-up period of patients was 727±848 (34 to 1950) days. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) rates were 57% (n: 4) in the first 2 months. Graft loss due to severe ACR was seen in one patient. Central line-associated fungal (n: 3, 42%) and bacterial infections (n: 3, 42%) were seen in the first 2 months. Two Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections were recorded between 3 and 8 months in two patients. Our 1-year patient and graft survival rates were 71% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: SBTx has become a treatment modality for patients with intestinal failures. Management of ACR and infections are still challenging problems in SBTx. Appropriate-sized cadaveric donors are very limited in Turkey for pediatric intestinal transplantation candidates. Although the number of SBTxs performed was small, this study shows promising results.

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma presenting with pancytopenia: A rare case with rare manifestation.

INTRODUCTION: Paragangliomas are tumors that arise from extraadrenal chromaffin cells and most of them are asymptomatic presenting with painless mass. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are mostly benign with good prognosis; however, they can present with abdominal pain, palpable mass, or hypertensive episodes. Surgical resection is still the main treatment and necessary for histological assessment. CASE REPORT: A 41 year old female patient presented with 6 months of loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness and breathlessness on exertion.. The patient's initial blood examination showed marked anemia, reduced leukocyte count with neutropenia and lymphopenia and a marked reduction in the platelet count. The patient was admitted for evaluation of her pancytopenia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 8×7×8cm sized mass closed to the pancreatic tail invading splenic hilum. A large mass was identified retroperitoneally, closed to the tail of pancreas with a splenic hilum invasion. Total mass resection and splenectomy was performed. DISCUSSION: Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for extra-adrenal paragangliomas as well as for recurrent or metastatic neoplasms. Reactive thrombocytosis is a common cause of thrombocytosis. Splenectomy was found to be one of the main causes of extreme reactive thrombocytosis. Reactive thrombocytosis is a predictable finding after splenectomy and management of the thrombocytosis and prevention of complications should be initiated.

Renal tubular acidosis in renal transplant patients: the effect of immunosuppressive drugs.

BACKGROUND: Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis and is generally mild and asymptomatic in kidney recipients. Calcineurine inhibitors (CNIs) increase the frequency of RTA but the frequency of RTA development in kidney transplant recipients receiving mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) treatment remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of RTA in kidney transplant recipients on mTORi and CNI treatment and to compare both groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 137 adult renal transplant patients - 82 patients on mTORi and 55 patients on CNI who had similar age, sex, posttransplant follow-up period, and graft functions. We recorded the parameters of venous blood gas analysis, including serum pH value, serum bicarbonate (HCO3) concentration, presence of metabolic acidosis defined as low HCO3 (<22 mEq/L), and serum pH value (<7.35), as well as base excess and urine pH at last follow-up. RTA was defined to be metabolic acidosis with normal serum anion gap and positive urine anion gap. RESULTS: The mean age of our study population was 41.2±11.3 years. RTA frequency was 35% in the mTORi group and 41% in the CNI group. mTORi and CNI groups did not differ significantly in terms of the development of metabolic and renal tubular acidosis. Type I RTA was common in both groups. RTA was affected by duration of time since transplantation and graft functions in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of RTA development in patients on long-term CNI and mTORi treatment were similar.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in patients with small bowel transplantation: single center experience.

AIM: To study the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on the prevention of acute rejection and graft vs host disease following small bowel transplantation. METHODS: In our transplantation center, 6 isolated intestinal transplants have been performed with MSC therapy since 2009. The primary reasons for transplants were short gut syndrome caused by surgical intestine resection for superior mesenteric artery thrombosis (n = 4), Crohn's disease (n = 1) and intestinal aganglionosis (n = 1). Two of the patients were children. At the time of reperfusion, the first dose of MSCs cultured from the patient's bone marrow was passed into the transplanted intestinal artery at a dose of 1000000 cells/kg. The second and third doses of MSCs were given directly into the mesenteric artery through the arterial anastomosis using an angiography catheter on day 15 and 30 post-transplant. RESULTS: The median follow-up for these patients was 10.6 mo (min: 2 mo-max: 30 mo). Three of the patients developed severe acute rejection. One of these patients did not respond to bolus steroid therapy. Although the other two patients did respond to anti-rejection treatment, they developed severe fungal and bacterial infections. All of these patients died in the 2(nd) and 3(rd) months post-transplant due to sepsis. The remaining patients who did not have acute rejection had good quality of life with no complications observed during the follow-up period. In addition, their intestinal grafts were functioning properly in the 13(th), 25(th) and 30(th) month post-transplant. The patients who survived did not encounter any problems related to MSC transplantation. CONCLUSION: Although this is a small case series and not a randomized study, it is our opinion that small bowel transplantation is an effective treatment for intestinal failure, and MSC therapy may help to prevent acute rejection and graft vs host disease following intestinal transplantation.

S-shaped wide excision with primary closure for extensive chronic pilonidal sinus disease.

Background. The management of complex pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) with multiple pits on and beside the natal cleft is variable, contentious, and problematic. Wide excision of the sinus and reconstruction of the defect using different flap techniques have become more popular in recent years. Case Report. We report a case with a complex chronic PSD to which we applied primary closure after S-shaped wide excision. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and at the end of one-year followup he is now disease-free and comes for routine checkups. Conclusion. The simplicity of the technique and the promising results support the applicability of the S-shaped wide excision in chronic bilaterally extended large PSDs. Further studies entailing large patient populations are needed to reach a definite conclusion.

Isolated retroperitoneal hydatid cyst invading splenic hilum.

Introduction. Hydatid disease (HD) is an infestation that is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The liver is affected in approximately two-thirds of patients, the lungs in 25%, and other organs in a small proportion. Primary retroperitoneal hydatid cyst is extremely rare. The most common complaint is abdominal pain; however, the clinical features of HD may be generally dependent on the location of the cyst. Case Presentation. A 43-year-old female was admitted with the complaint of abdominal pain. Her physical examination was normal. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 17 × 11 cm cystic lesion, with a thick and smooth wall that is located among the left liver lobe, diaphragm, spleen, tail of the pancreas, and transverse colon and invading the splenic hilum. Total cystectomy and splenectomy were performed. Pathological examination was reported as cyst hydatid. Discussion. Cysts in the peritoneal cavity are mainly the result of the spontaneous or traumatic rupture of concomitant hepatic cysts or surgical inoculation of a hepatic cyst. Serological tests contribute to diagnosis. In symptomatic and large hydatid peritoneal cysts, surgical resection is the only curative treatment. Total cystectomy is the gold standard. Albendazole or praziquantel is indicated for inoperable and disseminated cases. Percutaneous aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) technique is another nonsurgical option.

Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Pain: Effects of Preincisional Infiltration and Intraperitoneal Levobupivacaine 0.25% on Pain Control-a Randomized Prospective Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of preincisional and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine or normal saline in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients who participated in the study were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 received intraperitoneal levobupivacaine (0.25% 40 mL) immediately after the pneumoperitoneum. Group 2 received periportal levobupivacaine (0.25% 5 mL in each trochar incision area) before incision and intraperitoneal levobupivacaine (0.25% 40 mL) immediately after the pneumoperitoneum. Group 3 received for periportal and intraperitoneal instillation of normal saline. The visual analog scale (VAS) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours for both shoulder and abdominal pain were recorded. Analgesia requirements and incidence of nausea and vomiting were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no difference between the groups for demographic data. The pain scores were lower in Groups 1 and 2 than Group 3 (control) during rest, cough and movement (p<0.05). Rescue analgesic treatment was significantly lower in patients of Group 2 (15%) as compared with that of Groups 1 (35%) and 3 (90%) (p<0.05). The incidence of shoulder pain was significantly lower in Group 2 (25%) and Group 1 (20%) than in any of the control group patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that 0.25% levobupivacaine was effective in preventing pain and the need for postoperative analgesic when intraperitoneal instillation or preincisional local infiltration in combination with intraperitoneal instillation. However, levobupivacaine for preincisional local infiltration in combination with intraperitoneal instillation is the better choice because of its higher efficacy.

Effective weight control and normalization of metabolic parameters after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Obesity is one of the most serious public health problems. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a type of bariatric surgery, is emerging as the new promising therapy for the treatment of morbid obesity. METHODOLOGY: In the present study we aimed to assess the effects of LSG on body weight and other obesity related pathological conditions. RESULTS: A total of 19 obese subjects underwent LSG surgery. All patients underwent complete evaluation including anthropometric/clinical parameters and laboratory tests. Hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), and hyperlipidemia were significantly reduced after LSG. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study demonstrate that LSG induces stable weight loss and resolution of obesity-associated comorbidities.

En-bloc pediatric kidney transplantation together with a partial bladder segment: a case report.

There is a continuing debate about the techniques of kidney transplantation from small donors because of the high vascular thromboses and ureteric leak rates. Transplantation of en-bloc pediatric kidneys with a partial bladder segment has potential benefits over established techniques. We transplanted cadaveric en-bloc kidneys together with a partial bladder segment from a 1.5-year-old donor to a 12-year-old boy with end-stage renal disease due to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) of a solitary kidney. En-bloc kidneys were transplanted together with both ureters and a partial bladder segment. Using donor bladder segment augmented the recipient bladder. Thereby, potential complications of bilateral ureteroneocystostomies of small ureters were avoided. During the following 12 months, the clinical course was normal and there was no evidence of VUR. In conclusion, the technique of using en-bloc pediatric kidneys together with a partial bladder segment is feasible and safe as well as an efficient procedure to preserve the natural anti-reflux mechanism in childhood.

The preemptive analgesic effect of lornoxicam in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a randomised controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of lornoxicam used in preemptive analgesia on the intensity of pain and requirement for analgesics in the perioperative period for major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to three groups after ethics committee approval. Patients in Group PRE (n=20) received lornoxicam i.v. 8 mg 20 min before incision and saline i.v. after skin closure; patients in Group POST (n=20) received saline i.v. 20 mins before incision and lornoxicam i.v. 8 mg after skin closure; patients in Group C (n=20) received saline i.v. 5 min before incision and after skin closure. A standardized general anesthetic was used. All patients were started on i.v. tramadol patient-controlled analgesia during the postoperative period. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and tramadol consumption. In addition, the incidences of side effects were recorded at the end of the study period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three groups of the demographic data. Groups PRE and POST demonstrated significantly reduced pain scores compared to Group C at various points in time. Group PRE also demonstrated a weakly significant reduction in analgesic consumption of tramadol postoperatively compared to Groups POST and C. CONCLUSION: Lornoxicam administered preemptively appears to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia and leads to reduced consumption of tramadol postoperatively in patients undergoing major abdominal operations.