Is the tumor-stroma ratio a prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the prognostic effect of the tumor-stroma ratio, which has been shown to have prognostic value in various cancers, in patients with gallbladder cancer who have undergone curative resection. METHODS: The records of gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic between December 2005 and March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections representing the tumors were evaluated under light microscopy to determine tumor-stroma ratio, and based on the results, <50% was defined as the stroma-rich and ≥50% as the stroma-poor groups. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients, including 20 females and 8 males, with a mean age of 64.6 years, were included in this study. Stroma-poor and stroma-rich tumors were detected in 15 and 13 patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between tumor-stroma ratio and advanced age, gender, serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen, incidental or nonincidental diagnosis, jaundice, adjacent organ or structure resection, tumor location, grades 1-2 or 3, T1/T2 or T3/T4, N0 or N1/N2, M stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. The stroma-poor and stroma-rich groups had a 5-year survival rate of 30% and 19.2% and a median overall survival of 25.7 and 15.1 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.526). CONCLUSIONS: A low tumor-stroma ratio tended to be a poor prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer, although not to a statistically significant degree. This can be considered one of the preliminary studies, as further studies involving larger groups are needed.

Is the tumor-stroma ratio a prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the prognostic effect of the tumor-stroma ratio, which has been shown to have prognostic value in various cancers, in patients with gallbladder cancer who have undergone curative resection. METHODS: The records of gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic between December 2005 and March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections representing the tumors were evaluated under light microscopy to determine tumor-stroma ratio, and based on the results, <50% was defined as the stroma-rich and ≥50% as the stroma-poor groups. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients, including 20 females and 8 males, with a mean age of 64.6 years, were included in this study. Stroma-poor and stroma-rich tumors were detected in 15 and 13 patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between tumor-stroma ratio and advanced age, gender, serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen, incidental or nonincidental diagnosis, jaundice, adjacent organ or structure resection, tumor location, grades 1-2 or 3, T1/T2 or T3/T4, N0 or N1/N2, M stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. The stroma-poor and stroma-rich groups had a 5-year survival rate of 30% and 19.2% and a median overall survival of 25.7 and 15.1 months, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.526). CONCLUSIONS: A low tumor-stroma ratio tended to be a poor prognostic factor in gallbladder cancer, although not to a statistically significant degree. This can be considered one of the preliminary studies, as further studies involving larger groups are needed.

When to remove the drainage catheter in patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy?

The treatment for patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who have high surgical risk with percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of surgery is an appropriate alternative choice. The aim of this study was to examine the promising percutaneous cholecystostomy intervention to share our experiences about the duration of catheter that has yet to be determined. A total of 163 patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy between January 2011 and July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 were used to diagnose and grade patients with acute cholecystitis. The mean age was 71.81±12.81 years. According to the Tokyo grading, 143 patients had grade 2 and 20 patients had grade 3 disease. The mean duration of catheter was 39.12±37 (1-270) days. Minimal bile leakage into the peritoneum was noted in 3 (1.8%) patients during the procedure. The rate of complications during follow-up of the patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy was 6.9% (n=11), and the most common complication was catheter dislocation. Cholecystectomy was performed in 33.1% (n=54) of the patients at follow-up. Post-cholecystectomy complication rate was 12.9%. At the follow-up, the rate of recurrent acute cholecystitis episodes was 5.5%, while the mortality rate was 1.8%. The length of follow-up was five years. The rate of recurrence was significantly higher among the patients with catheter for <21 days. We recommend that the duration of catheter should be minimum 21 days in patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy.

O tratamento para pacientes com colecistite calculosa aguda que apresentam alto risco cirúrgico com colecistostomia percutânea em vez de cirurgia é uma alternativa apropriada. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a promissora intervenção de colecistostomia percutânea para compartilhar nossas experiências sobre a duração do cateter que ainda não foi determinada. Um total de 163 pacientes diagnosticados com colecistite calculosa aguda e tratados com colecistostomia percutânea entre janeiro de 2011 e julho de 2020 foram revisados ​​retrospectivamente. As Diretrizes de Tóquio 2018 foram usadas para diagnosticar e classificar pacientes com colecistite aguda. A média de idade foi de 71,81±12,81 anos. De acordo com a classificação de Tóquio, 143 pacientes tinham grau 2 e 20 pacientes tinham doença de grau 3. A duração média do cateter foi de 39,12±37 (1-270) dias. Vazamento mínimo de bile no peritônio foi observado em 3 (1,8%) pacientes durante o procedimento. A taxa de complicações durante o seguimento dos pacientes submetidos à colecistostomia percutânea foi de 6,9% (n=11), sendo a luxação do cateter a complicação mais comum. A colecistectomia foi realizada em 33,1% (n=54) dos pacientes no seguimento. A taxa de complicação pós-colecistectomia foi de 12,9%. No seguimento, a taxa de episódios recorrentes de colecistite aguda foi de 5,5%, enquanto a taxa de mortalidade foi de 1,8%. O tempo de seguimento foi de cinco anos. A taxa de recorrência foi significativamente maior entre os pacientes com cateter <21 dias. Recomendamos que a duração do cateter seja de no mínimo 21 dias em pacientes submetidos à colecistostomia percutânea.

When to remove the drainage catheter in patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The treatment for patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who have high surgical risk with percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of surgery is an appropriate alternative choice. The aim of this study was to examine the promising percutaneous cholecystostomy intervention to share our experiences about the duration of catheter that has yet to be determined. METHODS: A total of 163 patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy between January 2011 and July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 were used to diagnose and grade patients with acute cholecystitis. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.81±12.81 years. According to the Tokyo grading, 143 patients had grade 2 and 20 patients had grade 3 disease. The mean duration of catheter was 39.12±37 (1-270) days. Minimal bile leakage into the peritoneum was noted in 3 (1.8%) patients during the procedure. The rate of complications during follow-up of the patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy was 6.9% (n=11), and the most common complication was catheter dislocation. Cholecystectomy was performed in 33.1% (n=54) of the patients at follow-up. Post-cholecystectomy complication rate was 12.9%. At the follow-up, the rate of recurrent acute cholecystitis episodes was 5.5%, while the mortality rate was 1.8%. The length of follow-up was five years. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of recurrence was significantly higher among the patients with catheter for <21 days. We recommend that the duration of catheter should be minimum 21 days in patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Long-term results and prognostic factors after surgical treatment for gallbladder cancer.

Objectives: Gallbladder cancer is relatively rare and traditionally regarded as having poor prognosis. There is controversy about the effects of clinicopathological features and different surgical techniques on prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clinicopathological characteristics of the patients with surgically treated gallbladder cancer on long-term survival. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the database of gallbladder cancer patients treated at our clinic between January 2003 and March 2021. Results: Of 101 evaluated cases, 37 were inoperable. Twelve patients were determined unresectable based on surgical findings. Resection with curative intent was performed in 52 patients. The one-, three-, five-, and 10-year survival rates were 68.9%, 51.9%, 43.6%, and 43.6%, respectively. Median survival was 36.6 months. On univariate analysis, poor prognostic factors were determined as advanced age; high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels; non-incidental diagnosis; intraoperative incidental diagnosis; jaundice; adjacent organ/structure resection; grade 3 tumors; lymphovascular invasion; and high T, N1 or N2, M1, and high AJCC stages. Sex, IVb/V segmentectomy instead of wedge resection, perineural invasion, tumor location, number of resected lymph nodes, and extended lymphadenectomy did not significantly affect overall survival. On multivariate analysis, only high AJCC stages, grade 3 tumors, high carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and advanced age were independent predictors of poor prognosis. Conclusion: Treatment planning and clinical decision-making for gallbladder cancer requires individualized prognostic assessment along with standard anatomical staging and other confirmed prognostic factors.

When to remove the drainage catheter in patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy?

OBJECTIVE: The treatment for patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who have high surgical risk with percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of surgery is an appropriate alternative choice. The aim of this study was to examine the promising percutaneous cholecystostomy intervention to share our experiences about the duration of catheter that has yet to be determined. METHODS: A total of 163 patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy between January 2011 and July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 were used to diagnose and grade patients with acute cholecystitis. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.81±12.81 years. According to the Tokyo grading, 143 patients had grade 2 and 20 patients had grade 3 disease. The mean duration of catheter was 39.12±37 (1-270) days. Minimal bile leakage into the peritoneum was noted in 3 (1.8%) patients during the procedure. The rate of complications during follow-up of the patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy was 6.9% (n=11), and the most common complication was catheter dislocation. Cholecystectomy was performed in 33.1% (n=54) of the patients at follow-up. Post-cholecystectomy complication rate was 12.9%. At the follow-up, the rate of recurrent acute cholecystitis episodes was 5.5%, while the mortality rate was 1.8%. The length of follow-up was five years. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of recurrence was significantly higher among the patients with catheter for <21 days. We recommend that the duration of catheter should be minimum 21 days in patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Impact of intestinal ultrasound with a portable system in the management of Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a valid cross-sectional imaging technique for the evaluation of Crohn's disease (CD). With advancements in technology, portable ultrasound systems are becoming widely available, and the inevitable change to their use by non-radiologist clinicians would be a valuable contribution to improving patient care. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic yield of IUS examination performed by a gastroenterologist with a portable system as an adjunct imaging modality in the routine care of CD patients. METHODS: A total of 117 CD patients were assessed by IUS imaging. Pre- and post-IUS clinical-management decisions were recorded. The primary outcome was to evaluate the change in the patients' clinical-management decision following the IUS examination. The diagnostic accuracy was compared against the reference decision reached via a multidisiplinary meeting after the evaluation of all patient-related data. The endoscopic disease activity was determined using the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD). RESULTS: The initial clinical-management decision was changed in 47 patients (40.2%) after the IUS examination (P = 0.001). The accuracy of patient-management decisions improved from 63.2% to 90.6% in comparison to reference decisions (P < 0.001). After IUS examination, a further 13 cases (11.1%) were identified for urgent surgical/interventional procedures. The accuracy of colonoscopic (SES-CD ≥3) assessment was shown to be comparable to that of IUS (94% vs 91%). The sensitivity for disease presence was 95% with colonoscopy and 94% with the IUS assessment. CONCLUSION: IUS examination with the use of a portable ultrasonography system significantly improves clinical-management decisions. With further supporting data, this practice would possibly become a requirement for CD management.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in long-term follow-up after curative gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can be a problem following gastrectomies. This study aimed to reveal the EPI prevalence and its possible causes in gastric cancer patients that underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy, with completed oncological treatments, and with long-term disease-free survival success. Additionally, we also sought to determine whether there were any relations between EPI and blood biomarkers, weight change, malnutrition parameters, and quality of life after gastrectomy. METHODS: A total of 69 gastric cancer patients whose oncological treatments had already been completed, with a minimum follow-up period of 16 months, were included in the study. Fecal samples were taken from all patients for the Fecal Elastase-1 Test, and patients were stratified into three groups based on the results: low (<100 µg/g), moderate (100-200 µg/g), and normal (>200 µg/g). These results were compared with patients' clinical characteristics, blood nutrition biomarkers, Maastricht indexes (MI), Bristol stool scale, and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores. RESULTS: FE-1 levels were low in 33 (47.8%) of the patients, moderate in 11 (15.9%), and normal in 25 (36.2%). The rate of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the low FE-1 group was higher than the normal FE-1 and moderate FE-1 groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The serum total protein and lipase levels were lower in the low FE-1 group than in the normal FE-1 group (P = 0.023 and P < 0.001, respectively). When compared to the normal FE-1 group, the MI score of the low FE-1 group was higher (P = 0.018). The low FE-1 group had lower GIQLI gastrointestinal symptom scores than the normal FE-1 group (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up, EPI can be seen in more than half of patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy. Radiotherapy as an adjunct to adjuvant treatment in the postoperative period is considered a serious risk factor for EPI development. EPI contributes to malnutrition development after gastrectomy and negatively affects the patients' quality of life, especially in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The relationship between positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging and histopathological features of thyroid incidentalomas detected during follow-up for primary malignancy.

AIM OF THE STUDY: While the rate of thyroid incidentaloma detected on positron emission tomography (PET) was reported as 4%, the malignancy rate was 14%-50%. We evaluated the thyroid nodules which were detected by PET-computerized tomography (CT) in cancer patients and analyzed the pathological results of those thyroid nodules diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and their correlation with the maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value and PET imaging features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FNAB were performed for 40 thyroid incidentalomas. We analyzed the relationship between the histopathological findings and radiological features by Pearson's correlations and Chi-square-Fisher's exact tests to evaluate the factors associated with SUVmax. RESULTS: The median SUVmax values were 5.4 for thyroid nodules. Totally, 14 malignancies were detected by FNAB (35%).The sensitivity and specificity of SUVmax value for diagnosis of malignancy were 87.5% and 52%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 36.8% and 92.8%. The most common malignant and benign pathologies were classic variant papillary carcinoma and benign colloidal nodule. The median SUVmax was the higher in colon cancer thyroid metastasis and oncocytic neoplasia (SUVmax 14.5 and 13.6, respectively). Histopathological type was not related with nodule size but positively associated with categorical SUVmax(r = 0.318, P = 0.04) and negatively correlated with both the density of the thyroid nodule in PET-CT (r = -0.0042, P = 0.01) and density of nodule in ultrasound (USG) (r = -0.305, P = 0.05). Margin of the thyroid nodule in USG (P = 0.007) and internal component of the nodule in PET (P = 0.03) were found to be important factors to differentiate benign or malignant lesion. CONCLUSION: If the thyroid nodule is detected with flouro-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake, to differentiate benign nodule from malignant, cytological examination is noteworthy to diagnose the more aggressive type of thyroid nodule and also thyroid metastasis from primary cancer.

Capecitabine-cisplatin versus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin in combination with radiotherapy for adjuvant therapy of lymph node positive locally advanced gastric cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Although surgery is considered to be curative treatment, recurrence rates are high in gastric cancer. Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemoradiotherapy has been shown to improve the prognosis. We compared tolerability and efficacy of the two different chemotherapy regimens; 5-FU/leucovorin (LV) versus cisplatin with capecitabine (XP) combined with radiotherapy (RT) in the adjuvant therapy of the lymph node positive locally advanced gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 104 patients who underwent curative surgery with lymph node resection were evaluated, respectively. Patients were stratified two group based on the adjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimen. Group 1 (n = 46) received XP followed capecitabine with RT (XRT) then XP. Group 2 (n = 58) received 5-FU/LV combined with RT postoperatively. Two groups were compared based on clinicopathological parameters. Factors related with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: Totally, 32 patients had recurrent disease, and there was no difference between two groups. While peritoneal metastasis was more common in XP arm, distant metastasis was commonly seen in 5-FU/LV arm. There was no significant difference between two groups in regard of Grade 3/4 toxicitis; hematologic toxicities were more in 5-FU/LV group than XP arm. In addition, dose modification because of toxicities were more frequent in 5-FU/LV arm (P = 0.003). For all groups, lymph node dissection type was related with DFS, surgical margin and recurrence were important for OS. CONCLUSION: XP-XRT regimen is well tolerated with lower toxicity compared the standard 5-FU/LV-RT. Although there is no difference with respect to outcome, patients with XP arm without the necessity of intravenous catheter admitted hospital less frequent than bolus5-FU/LV arm.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Analysis of 108 Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and the results of surgical treatment. This retrospective study concerns clinical, radiological, and surgical data as well as histopathological findings and postoperative results of 108 patients with XGC who were identified after evaluating 7916 cholecystectomy specimens between 2004 and 2014 in a single institute. One hundred eight patients with XGC were evaluated (56 males and 52 females, mean age 62.3 years). Clinical findings at referral included acute and chronic cholecystitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis. Ultrasound was performed in all patients, CT in 25, contrast-enhanced MRI in 29, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 25 patients. None of the patients were diagnosed preoperatively, but mild-moderate degrees of wall thickening were present in most. Fifty-four patients received open cholecystectomy, while 54 received laparoscopic intervention, among whom 23 were converted to open. Partial cholecystectomy was performed in 11 patients. Two patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma were treated with radical cholecystectomy. XGC has nonspecific clinical and radiological findings; thus, preoperative diagnosis is generally absent. Open cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment modality. Conversion to open is frequently necessary after laparoscopy. Complete cholecystectomy is the ultimate goal; however, partial cholecystectomy may be preferred to protect the structures of the hepatic hilum.

The clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of gastroesophageal junction tumors according to Siewert classification.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of gastroesophageal junction tumors remains controversial due to confusion on whether they should be considered as primary esophageal or as gastric tumors. The incidence of these tumors with poor prognosis has increased, thus creating scientific interest on gastroesophageal cancers. Esophagogastric cancers are classified according to their location by Siewert, and the treatment of each type varies. We evaluated the prognostic factors and differences in clinicopathologic factors of patients with gastroesophageal junction tumor, who have been treated and followed-up in our clinics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 187 patients with gastroesophageal junction tumors who have been operated and treated in the Oncology Department between 2005 and 2014. The chi-square test was used to evaluate differences in clinicopathologic factors among Siewert groups I, II and III. Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median age of our patients was 62 years, and approximately 70% was male. Nineteen patients (10.2%) had Siewert I tumors, 40 (21.4%) II, and the remaining 128 (64.4%) had Siewert III tumors. Siewert III tumors were at more advanced pathologic and T stages. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy was mostly applied to Siewert group I patients. There was no difference between the 3 groups in terms of recurrence. While the median overall survival and 2-year overall survival rate were 26.6 months and 39.6%, the median disease free survival and disease free survival rates were 16.5 months and 30.1%, respectively. The N stage, pathologic stage, vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, surgical margin, and grade were associated with both overall survival and disease free survival, while pathologic stage and presence of recurrence were significant factors for overall survival. The median disease free survival for Siewert III tumors was 20 months, 11.3 month for Siewert I tumors, and 14 months for Siewert II tumors, but the finding was not statistically significant (p=0.08). CONCLUSION: Although gastroesophageal junction tumors were grouped according to their location and they exerted different clinicopathologic properties, their prognosis was similar.

Simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is a safe procedure: Outcomes at a single center in Turkey.

The optimal surgical strategy for treating colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is subject to debate. The current study sought to evaluate the outcomes of simultaneous colorectal cancer and liver metastases resection in a single center. Prospectively collected data on all patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection with curative intent were analyzed retrospectively. Patient outcomes were compared depending on the primary tumor location and type of liver resection (major or minor). Between January 2005 and August 2016, 108 patients underwent simultaneous resection of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases. The tumor was localized to the right side of the colon in 24 patients (22%), to the left side in 40 (37%), and to the rectum in 44 (41%). Perioperative mortality occurred in 3 patients (3%). Postoperative complications were noted in 32 patients (30%), and most of these complications (75%) were grade 1 to 3 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Neither perioperative mortality nor the rate of postoperative complications after simultaneous resection differed among patients with cancer of the right side of the colon, those with cancer of the left side of the colon, and those with rectal cancer (4%, 2.5%, and 2%, respectively, p = 0.89) and (17%, 33%, and 34%, respectively; p = 0.29)]. The 5-year overall survival of the entire sample was 54% and the 3-year overall survival was 67 %. In conclusion, simultaneous resection for primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases is a safe procedure and can be performed without excess morbidity in carefully selected patients regardless of the location of the primary tumor and type of hepatectomy.

Prominent gastroduodenal artery: Endosonographic sign of celiac artery stenosis.

Celiac artery (CA) stenosis is a relatively common finding in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In the presence of CA stenosis, arterial blood supply to the celiac territory is usually sustained from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) through well-developed collaterals. In this paper, the authors report endosonographically identified prominent gastroduodenal artery as the sign of CA stenosis for the first time. Uncovering previously unidentified vascular abnormality, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has improved patient management. The patient had uneventful collateral preserving PD.

Prognostic markers for metastatic colon cancer patients undergoing multiple metastasectomies.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Following metastasis resection, 5-year survival rate has been reported as approximately 40%. There is no consensus regarding prognostic factors related to progression-free survival after repeated metastasectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who underwent repeated metastasectomies were retrospectively analyzed. The periods between the first and second metastasectomies and that between the second metastasectomy and progression were defined as metastasis-free survival 1 (MFS1) and metastasis-free survival 2 (MFS2), respectively. Univariate analysis was used to analyze factors related to MFS1 and MFS2. RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of the patients had synchronous metastasis, which were localized mostly in the liver (90%). During a 49-months follow-up, MFS1 was 15.7 (8.4-23) months and MFS2 was 26.3 (12.3-40.4) months. Systemic chemotherapy followed the first metastasectomy (p=0.01), and the recurrence site (p=0.03) was found to be related to MFS1. Furthermore, the number of metastases during the first metastasectomy (p=0.02), the type of the chemotherapy regimen administered following the first metastasectomy (p=0.04), and the number of metastases before the second metastasectomy (p=0.03) were significantly related to MFS2. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection is currently the most effective and curative form of therapy for colorectal metastasis, whenever possible. Repeated metastasectomies can be achieved safely in experienced centers; thus, the operability of the patients should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary approach during treatment.

Controversial issues in biliary pancreatitis: when should we perform MRCP and ERCP?

OBJECTIVES: The majority of bile duct stones (BDS) that cause acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) pass spontaneously into the duodenum. If not passed, they worsen the prognosis or cause recurrence. Therefore, they must be treated. The purpose of this study was to assess the number and timing of spontaneous passage of BDS using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and to determine the effect of this approach on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with ABP were evaluated prospectively. MRCP was performed between the 1st and 4th days of an acute attack in all the patients. A control MRCP was performed after 7 days in patients with MRCP-identified choledocholithiasis. Patients in whom BDS were visible on imaging or who showed no decrease in bilirubin or cholestasis enzymes underwent ERCP. RESULTS: MRCP revealed choledocholithiasis in 20 (33%) of the 60 patients. In the control MRCP imaging, choledocholithiasis was detected in 16 of 20 (80% of those who had stone initially) patients. ERCP was performed in these patients and in 2 patients who did not have BDS on the control MRCP but whose bilirubin values and cholestatic enzyme levels had not decreased. ERCP verified choledocholithiasis in 16 of the 18 patients. The positive predictive value of MRCP was 93.7% (15/16). CONCLUSIONS: MRCP performed in the second week in ABP patients with a nonworsening prognosis and a suspicion of choledocholithiasis will give more specific results. This will avoid unnecessary ERCP and the potential morbidity and mortality that can develop with this invasive procedure.

Abolition of anti-adhesiogenic effect of heparin by protamine sulfate.

OBJECTIVE: Intraabdominal adhesion is a frequently encountered condition after surgery and can end up in important complications. The objective of this study is to test whether the antiadhesiogenic effect of heparin could be antagonized by administration of protamine in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A laparotomy with caecal abrasion model was used in 40 Wistar rats. Single dose of 1 cc saline was injected subcutaneously (SC) in one group (control); 50 IU/kg heparin was injected SC in Group 2; 50 IU/kg protamine SC given to Group 3; 50 IU/kg heparin and 50 IU/kg protamine was given SC to Group 4 for 3 consecutive days. Each group consisted of 10 rats. All rats were sacrificed one week later for macroscopic and microscopic examination and they were scored for adhesion using Mazuji adhesion scale. RESULTS: There was significant difference in the heparin group with respect to Mazuji adhesion score, histopathological score (fibrosis, inflammation and vascular proliferation) and S-100 staining (P < 0.05). Additionally, the inflammation was more severe in the mucosa and submucosa compared to serosa in the heparin group (P < 0.01). With respect to fibrosis and vascular proliferation, apart from submucosal fibrosis, heparin group was statistically superior to the control group by means of each layer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It seems that heparin is effective preventing adhesion in this rat model. Abolition of heparin's antiadhesiogenic effect by protamine administration is likely exerted via its antithrombine activity. Clinical application of our findings in intraabdominal surgery warrants further investigation.

Gastric duplication cyst in an adult.

Gastric duplication cyst which is a rare anomaly can also be observed in adulthood. Abdominal pain is the most common complaint in adults and most cases are discovered incidentally by radiological examination or gastric endoscopy. Preoperative diagnosis of gastric duplication is difficult and definitive diagnosis requires findings on laparatomy together with histopathological examination of the lesion. Gastric duplication cyst is primarily managed by complete excision. Gastric duplication cyst was suspected on gastric endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen in a 52-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. She was treated by complete excision of the cyst and the diagnosis was confirmed with the operative findings and histopathological examination of the removed specimen.

The impact of Western physicians on the modernization of Turkish surgery and medicine, 1827-1936.

Efforts of modernizing the Ottoman Empire and society started during the 19th century. Initially reforms have been limited by institutions such as the armed forces, faculty of engineering and medicine. For this reason, a large number of western physicians invited to state to take prestigious positions in its few existing medical schools and other state establishments, in particular help with reforming its higher education. After the establishment of young Turkish Republic, western forms of science, medicine, art and literature penetrated the culture and continued to flourish. This article brings to light the efforts of these surgeons, and physicians and tells about their contributions to surgery and medicine in Turkey.