The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Quality of Life in Patients with Obesity.

Obesity has become a widespread health problem influencing people's health, general well-being, and healthcare costs. It also represents an important risk factor for multiple comorbidities and malignancies. OBJECTIVES: the primary objective of this study was to provide notable insights to healthcare professionals regarding the management of patients with obesity, to highlight the effectiveness of bariatric surgical methods in losing excess weight, and to establish the relationship between weight loss and changes in quality of life (QoL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: our study evaluated the QoL of 76 patients following bariatric surgery at different postoperative stages using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. RESULTS: regarding the type of bariatric procedure performed, out of the 76 respondents, 39.47% underwent gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), 56.57% underwent sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and only 3.94% underwent single anastomosis duodeno-ileal switch (SADI-S). Pertaining to the SF-36 questionnaire, the lowest average scores were found in the energy/fatigue subscales and in the limitations due to mental health, which remained consistent across surgery types with a significant decrease in the SADI-S group. Concerning the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, the lowest mean scores were found in the environment (15.03 ± 2.37) and social relations (16.08 ± 2.22) subscales, whilst the highest average scores were in physical health (16.30 ± 2.03) and mental health (16.57 ± 2.16). CONCLUSIONS: the findings revealed that whilst bariatric surgery significantly improved physical health, it resulted in a decrease in mental health scores. Consequently, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach to managing obesity that considers improving both physical and mental health outcomes.

Uncommon Association of Mckittrick-Wheelock Syndrome and Clostridioides difficile Infection in Acute Renal Failure.

We present the case of a 71-year-old male who suffered an episode of acute renal failure caused by the uncommon association of two different diseases (Clostridioides difficile infection and McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome). He presented with hypovolemic shock, severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis and acute renal failure; consequences of secretory diarrhea caused by a giant rectal tumor revealed from colonoscopy. The biopsy results revealed tubulo-villous adenoma with low/high grade dysplasia. After correction of electrolyte imbalances and azotemia, the patient underwent surgical resection with full subsequent recovery. In the literature review, including papers published from which January 1945 to April 2021, we found only one case-report of acute renal failure associated with Clostridioides difficile infection and McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome.

Thymus pathology in myasthenia gravis with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A four-case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the morphological features of thymus in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which were recruited from a single surgical unit of a tertiary referral hospital located in the North-Eastern region of Romania, over a period of 11 years. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical, imaging, laboratory, thymic pathology, and outcome data that were obtained from medical records of patients with MG and concomitant HT, to whom a thymectomy was performed for a suspected thymic lesion. All the surgical interventions were done in the Third Clinic of Surgery, St. Spiridon Emergency County Hospital, Iasi, Romania, for an 11 years' period, i.e., from January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2010. RESULTS: Four patients (three females and one male) were included. The mean age of the patients at the time of their thymectomy was 40.25 years. Of all patients, 75% had moderate or severe MG, 100% had anti-AChR antibodies, and an electromyographic decrement greater than 25%. All patients have been diagnosed with HT in their past medical history by a full thyroid panel [high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values, low free thyroxine (fT4) values, and the presence of the anti-thyroid antibodies] and all of them have been treated with Euthyrox. Our four patients expressed different MG subtypes, each of them being associated with different thymus pathology. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed heterogeneous mediastinal masses and established the correct diagnosis only in 25% of cases. The pathological exams also revealed a heterogeneous pattern of thymic lesions. In contrast with other studies, our patients with MG with anti-AChR antibodies and concomitant HT presented atrophic thymus more frequently (50%), but with particular morphological changes of Hassall's corpuscles. Also, 25% of cases were diagnosed with thymic lympho-follicular hyperplasia (TLFH) associated with thymic epithelial hyperplasia. In B2 thymoma, neoplastic epithelial cells expressed cytokeratin 19 (CK19) immunoreactivity, high Ki67 labeling index and strong p63 immunopositivity. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, MG and HT occurred simultaneously, or one of them was diagnosed before the other, raising some new questions regarding the immune mechanism of these two autoimmune diseases. Due to the heterogeneous morphological changes of the thymus that we found in this study, we can hypothesize that thymus is involved in the pathogenic mechanism of MG with anti-AChR-antibodies and concomitant HT development.

The rarity of nongravid uterus torsion - difficult diagnosis even in modern medicine.

Uterine torsion is a rare surgical emergency that can evolve with ischemic lesions of the genital organs. We present a case of a 59 year-old woman who was hospitalized with important abdominal pain and modified general status. On clinical examination, a giant abdominal mass was found, and bimanual genital palpation could not find the cervix but revealed tension in the vaginal walls. CT examination described the palpable tumor mass as a giant uterine leiomyoma, with no information regarding the adnexes. As her general status become critical within 24 hours, the surgical intervention was performed, although the patient refused it. The abdominal exploration discovered a giant engorged uterus with 720-degree dextro-isthmic rotation around its axis; both fallopian tubes, broad ligaments, round ligaments and ovaries were also rotated and ischemic. She underwent subtotal hysterectomy with favorable postoperative outcome. The pathological report showed that the uterus and the annexes had ischemic to necrotic lesions. This case shows that the diagnosis of uterine torsion can be a pitfall due to its rarity. The disease has fatal evolution if the correct treatment is not applied on time.

ADENOCARCINOMA AND TUBERCULOSIS OF THE SIGMOID COLON AND FALLOPIAN TUBE--A RARE ASSOCIATION. A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

Association of adenocarcinoma and tuberculosis (TB) of the sigmoid colon is a rare clinical condition even in an endemic country as Romania, with challenging diagnosis and treatment. Case report. We present the case of a 57-year-old female patient who was admitted on emergency basis for a diagnosis of obstructive sigmoid adenocarcinoma. The patient was operated on and it an obstructive sigmoid tumor with serosal invasion, adherent (invading) to the body of uterus and left adnexa and urinary bladder serosa, no liver or peritoneal metastases. A sigmoidectomy was performed "en bloc" with subtotal hysterectomy, left adnexectomy and extramucosal cistectomy. The histopathological exam showed a moderately differentiated, ulcerated adenocarcinoma, widely infiltrating the colon wall invading the myometrium. Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) stain identified the presence of metachromatic bacillary structures in the colonic wall, lymph nodes and adnexal areas. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged 10 days postoperatively in good clinical condition. After one year when the patient completed the full course of anti-tubercular drugs, a thorough work-up was performed. Colonoscopy, CT of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis showed no signs of recurrence while tumoral marker CEA (1.62 ng/ml - n<3.4) and QFT (Quantiferon-TB Gold) test were within normal range. Discussion and conclusion. Although digestive tuberculosis is included in differential diagnosis for those patients presenting abdominal pain or obstructive digestive symptoms in endemic regions, in this case the absence of TB infection criteria and positive endoscopic biopsy for colonic adenocarcinoma did not allow a complete pre- or perioperative diagnosis.

NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND ITS COMPLICATIONS--ASSESSING THE POPULATION AT RISK. A SMALL SERIES REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to highlight correlations between serum biochemical markers and different degrees of liver inflammation or fibrosis revealed by liver biopsy in morbidly obese patients. We also wanted to emphasize that the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical retrospective study was carried out on a series of 13 patients operated for morbid obesity in our surgical unit. Included in this study were only the obese patients referred for bariatric surgery without other risk factors for liver disease and in whom a liver biopsy was taken during metabolic surgery. RESULTS: The pathology report revealed different stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in all 13 patients: pathological features of steatohepatitis (7 patients), hepatic steatosis (5 patients) and lesions specific for evolving cirrhosis (1 patient). Regardless of the pathological changes of the liver, except the patient with evolving cirrhosis, none of these patients showed changes in classical liver function blood tests. DISCUSSIONS: Hepatic alteration in obese patients, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis or even cirrhosis, is not always correlated with the values of classical biological liver function tests. Literature data suggest the involvement of adipokines in the development and progression of steatosis as the hepatic expression of metabolic and chronic inflammation syndrome occurring in obese patients. Furthermore, these proteins secreted by adipose tissue seem to be related to the HCC occurrence. However, none of these studies show the exact pathway followed by the hepatic cell from simple fatty liver to hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: finding and selecting the population at risk for fatty liver disease progression and for HCC development among obese patients is mandatory.

MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC LIVER LESIONS.

AIM: To determine the correct therapeutic approach to the different grades of liver trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes in 56 patients with abdominal trauma admitted over a 9-year period to in the IIIrd Surgical Clinic of the Iasi "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital. It is focused on operative or non-operative management of liver trauma, surgical technique used, morbidity and postoperative mortality. Data were collected from electronic medical records and observation sheets and processed and interpreted using Microsoft Excel statistical functions. RESULTS: In the interval May 26, 2005-April 19, 2013 56 cases of abdominal trauma were recorded, 31 (55.35%) residing in urban areas, and 25 (44.64%) in rural areas. The mean age was 39 years, range 18-83 years old. The male/female ratio was 2.5/1 and the group consisted of 40 (71.42%) male patients and 16 (28.57%) female patients. The causes of abdominal trauma were: car accident in 29 (51%) cases, fall from different heights in 6 (10%) patients, workplace-related accidents in 8 patients (14%) and direct hit injury in 12 patients (12%). In our cohort, 51 (91%) patients with abdominal trauma have been emergency admitted, 3 patients (5%) were transferred from different medical units, and 2 patients (4%) were referred by a specialist doctor. Two or more simultaneous lesions were diagnosed in 53 (96%) cases. Of the 45 patients with traumatic liver injuries diagnosed on admission, 32 (71%) required surgical intervention. In the remaining 13 (29%) patients, the therapeutic management was conservative. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic traumas are often severe, and frequently associated with multiple injuries. The non-operative management is indicated in liver lesions grade I, II and III according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), if abdominal cavity organs are not injured. Higher grade liver lesions (over IV) in which the hemorrhagic risk persists or reappears require surgical intervention as soon as possible, and according to the type of lesion, the right procedure should be chosen.

Split-thickness skin grafting in oncologic surgery of the limb--a case report.

Large excision of tumor soft tissues is often complicated by infections, seriously undermined blood supply and venous drainage, tendon exposure, functional impairment. We report the case of a 67 years old woman admitted for a sarcoma of the right forearm occurring 14 years after a modified radical mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for carcinoma of the right breast. A wide excision of the lesion and split-thickness skin graft was performed with uneventful recovery and satisfactory healing of the graft tissue and functional aspect of the arm. In the last few decades, there has been a search for solutions in tissue repair without need for auto grafts, such as biological substitutes that could repair or improve the function of tissue. In case none of these products are available, auto graft is a good choice and it may be commonly used in the surgical treatment of postoperative soft tissues defects after oncologic surgery.

Metabolic disorders in patients operated for pancreatic cancer.

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas presents a major threat with a 5-years survival rate of 5%. Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the standard procedure for cephalo-pancreatic neoplasm. After an extended resection and reconstruction of superior gastrointestinal tract the digestive physiology might be heavily disrupted. A literature review of metabolic alterations of patients who suffered a major pancreatic resection is performed, regarding micronutrients, lipid absorption and pancreatogenic diabetes. Long-term survivors following PD generally have a satisfactory nutritional status although with subclinical iron, vitamin D and selenium deficiency. These patients should be followed-up also regarding these micronutrients and properly dietary supplemented when necessary, also considering the increased life expectancy. Approximately 17-25% of patients will develop insulin-dependent diabetes but pancreatogenic diabetics have elevated levels of serum insulin and minimal or absent response to food intake, as opposed to a type I diabetics, where insulin serum is normal or elevated and there is an exaggerated response to ingestion of sugar.

The risk of lymphedema after breast cancer surgical treatment.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of knowing the predisposing factors of the occurrence of homolateral upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 1104 patients with breast cancer, who were hospitalized in the IIIrd Surgical Clinic, lasi, between 2000 and 2010, for surgical treatment followed by oncological adjuvant therapy. The surgical intervention was conservative in 228 cases and modified radical mastectomy - Madden type - in 876 patients. Periodic clinical follow-ups were done every 3 months during the first postoperative year, every 6 months during the second year and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Early lymphedema occurring in the first 14 postoperative days or between day 14 and day 21 was found in 8 patients. Late lymphedema, occurring up to 12 months or more after surgery, was diagnosed in 41 patients. Medium and severe lymphedema occurred at 42 patients. We evaluated the preexisting risk factors, the risk factors related to the type of surgery and those related to the cancer staging. CONCLUSIONS: It's ideal to identify predisposing factors of developing lymphedema related to breast cancer surgery before applying any type of treatment, There are therapeutic methods (general, drug therapy, physiotherapy) and methods related to the surgical act that influences the prophylaxis of lymphedema or have an amazing effect on already occurred lymphedema.

[Rare clinical situatons of the diverticuli of the colon]. / Situatii clinice rare ale diverticulilor colonului.

UNLABELLED: It is well known that the diverticuli of the colon gets inflamed in 10-15% of cases, thus becoming clinical symptomatic as a diverticulitis, while in other 15% they will bleed, with the clinical aspect of an inferior digestive bleeding. Our study presents some clinical observations with diverticuli of the colon, that raised diagnostic and therapeutic problems. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 2001-2010, 17 patients were admitted in the 3rd Surgery Clinic, University Hospital "St.Spiridon", Iasi, with asymptomatic diverticuli of the colon, that were put in evidence imagistically, intraoperative or on specimens after removal of the colon for other conditions;meanwhile, there were 15 patients admitted with complications of the diverticuli:5 patients had perforated diverticulitis (4-pericolic abscesses and one with peritonitis in the lower abdomen), 4 had rectal bleeding and the other 6 raised particular problems of diagnostic and treatment, being included in the present study. RESULTS: Five out of six underwent operation. One patient refused the surgical treatment. Postoperative evolution was favorable in 4 out of the 5 operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The complications of colonic diverticuli present on admission under clinical aspects that usually mimic a colonic cancer. In these situations the imagistic examinations do not offer enough details to elucidate the diagnosis. Our six particular observations strengthen the dictum of avoiding the "mirage" of the first lesion. The extent of the surgical procedure in the case of patients with colonic diverticuli admitted under the clinical aspect of a complication is sometimes disproportionate and encumbered of increased mortality and complication rate.

Early recurrence in favorable stage II breast cancer--which approach is the best?

AIM: Changing the sequence of therapeutic options in stage II breast cancer: first, a core biopsy, followed by the evaluation of the tumoral markers, adaptation of the chemotherapy scheme and finally, surgical approach. Thus would be possible to improve the hope of life in some stage II breast cancer patients, in whom survival is poorer than in some stage III patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 144 patients in stage II breast cancer were included in this study, over a period of 5 years (2000-2004). In all these patients the first therapeutic option was surgery (radically modified mastectomy type Madden), followed by systemic chemotherapy-FAC or FEC, 6 cycles, and finally Tamoxifen. RESULTS: 34 out of them developed metastases in a period between 6 and 72 months, most of them in the first 26 months; 25 out of these 34 didn't have metastases in the axillary lymph nodes, and in 18 patients estrogen--and progesterone--receptors were highly positive. HER 2 neu was negative or low expressed in patients with metastases. CD 34 wasn't evaluate in the whole group. CONCLUSIONS: Early onset of metastases in the studied patients, in whom tumoral aggressiveness markers were not obvious, impose the evaluation of the angiogenesis markers and, when positive, chemotherapy as the first therapeutic option.