Appendecular actinomycosis: A case series of 14 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the clinical, radiological, and histological characteristics of Actinomyces infection identified in appendectomy specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and November 2023, 5834 patients underwent appendectomy in our clinic, and their pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Actinomyces appendicites were reported in 14 specimens (0.23%). It was determined that appendectomy was performed in only 10 patients (71.4%), ileocecal resection was performed in two patients (14.2%) and right hemicolectomy in two patients (14.2%). The operations on five patients were performed by laparoscopy, and the operations on the other nine patients were performed by open surgery. Laparoscopy was started in three patients and converted to open surgery due to suspicion of an ileocecal mass and cecal perforation. It was found that the white blood cell count of three patients was within the normal range of reference (8-9.77mg/dL); leukocytosis was detected in other patients (10.2-18.7mg/dL). C-reactive protein was normal in one patient and high in the rest of the patients. While the first-hour erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal in five patients, it was found to be high in the other patients. Findings on radiological imaging were reported as acute appendicitis, appendicular plastron, and ileocecal mass. As a result of the pathology findings, the patients were given oral penicillin or semi-synthetic penicillin derivatives during one month. CONCLUSION: Ileocecal and appendecular actinomycosis are rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. A definitive diagnosis is usually made after a histopathological examination. After surgery, long-term antimicrobial treatment of the patient is possible with penicillin.

Amino acids and fatty acids in patients with beta thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage and increasing of lipid peroxidation are caused by chronic iron overload in patients with beta thalassemia major. Fatty acids are important structural elements for palmitoylation of membrane proteins which constitute a great part of natural membranes. Oxidative damages caused by reactive oxygen derives in thalassemic erythrocytes can be determined with lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and antioxidant system elements. The aim of study was to evaluate the relationship between amino acid and fatty acid levels with iron overload and antioxidant enzymes in beta thalassemia major. METHODS: A total 40 patients with beta thalassemia major with regular blood transfusion and chelating agents were included in the study. The levels of serum amino acid, fatty acid, ferritin, antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde were measured. RESULTS: Only C16- palmitoyl level was found significantly low in patients, other fatty acids and amino acids were in normal range. There were lower malondialdehyde and ferritin levels in patients with low C-16 palmitoyl level (p<0.05).  Conclusions: The high levels of ferritin and malondialdehyde in the patients with low C16-palmitoyl levels might be caused by this fatty acid's preventative effect on oxidative stress.

Corrigendum to "To Investigate the Effect of Colchicine in Prevention of Adhesions Caused by Serosal Damage in Rats".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/315325.].

The role of co-administration of damage control surgery and vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of perineal wounds.

Perineal wounds caused by high-kinetic-energy shotgun blasts have a high mortality risk because they are often accompanied by injuries of the anus, rectum, genitourinary system, and extremities. Mortality often results from hemorrhage in the early stage and from multiple organ failure caused by sepsis in the late stage. The primary step in the treatment of patients presenting with perineal wound and hemodynamic instability caused by severe hemorrhage is to control hemorrhage and contamination using damage control surgery. After achieving hemodynamic stability, vacuum-assisted closure can be used to reduce the risks of infection and sepsis. In this report, we present a case who had a perineal wound caused by a mine blast and was successfully treated by damage control surgery and vacuum-assisted closure.

The V-Y flap technique in complicated and recurrent pilonidal sinus disease.

OBJECT VES: This study presents early and long term (5 years) outcome of 61 complicated pilonidal sinus disease cases undergoing V-Y advancement flap method together with the literature data. METHOD: Data of 336 patients undergoing surgery for pilonidal sinus disease between 2008 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with defect size ≥ 10 cm, and more than one subcutaneous sinus tunnels were assumed to have complicated pilonidal sinus disease. A total of 61 patients were included in the study. Age, gender, type of surgery, duration of hospitalization, time of drain removal, pre-operative complications, and relapse rates at post-operative 5th year were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients, 51 underwent unilateral V-Y advancement and 10 patients had bilateral V-Y plasty. Mean duration of operations was 66.87±18.37 minutes for total, 61.02±12.30 minutes for unilateral V-Y plasty, and 96.70±15.04 minutes for bilateral V-Y plasty. Hemovac drains were removed at 5.59±1.91 days averagely, 5.16±1.37 in unilateral group, and 7.80±2.74 in bilateral V-Y plasty group. Of the 4 patients who developed wound site infection, 2 had unilateral and 2 had bilateral V-Y flap advancement. Postoperative hematomas developed in 2 patients with unilateral flap and one patient with bilateral flapss. Seroma occurred in 2 patients with unilateral flap and one patient with bilateral flaps. Dehiscence developed two patients, one patient from each group. The mean duration of hosptalization was 5.98±2.21 days; 5.49±1.52 in unilateral group, and 8.50±3.34 in bilateral group. Early or late relapse was not seen in any groups. CONCLUS ON: V-Y advancement flap technique can be applied as an efficient method in the treatment of complicated pilonidal sinus disease due to low relapse and complication rates. KEY WORDS: Advancement flap, Complicated pilonidal sinus, Pilonidal sinus, V-Y flap.

An Extremely Rare Bile Leakage: Aberrant Bile Duct in Left Triangular Ligament (Appendix Fibrosa Hepatis).

BACKGROUND: The anatomical variability of bile ducts can leave surgeons in very difficult conditions.Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRCP) and endoscopic imaging methods are used in diagnosis. In addition to conservative approaches, endoscopic procedures and laparoscopic or open surgical interventions may be necessary for treatment. In this article, we present a case of aberrant bile duct in left triangular ligament (appendix fibrosa hepatis), which is rarely seen. CASE: We report the case of a 67-year-old female patient who was operated on due to dumping syndrome symptoms and hiatal hernia. There was a drainage of bile from the left side of the liver which was placed under the cardioesophageal junction. MRCP found bile esophageal in the left triangular ligament of the liver. Aberrant bile ducts were found in the left triangular ligament and ligated. The patient was discharged on the 7th day after operation. CONCLUSION: The anatomical variability of bile ducts can leave surgeons in very difficult conditions. We recommend that the dissected left triangular ligament should be ligated for the aberrant bile duct, especially in female patient.

Comparison of Unilateral Fasciocutaneous V-Y Flap Technique with Cleft Lift Procedure in the Treatment of Recurrent Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of the cleft lift procedure and V-Y flap technique in the treatment of recurrent pilonidal sinus disease (PSD). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 51 patients who underwent cleft lift procedure and 43 patients who underwent fasciocutaneous V-Y flap technique were evaluated. The demographic characteristics, previous operations, duration of symptoms, perioperative complications, duration of operation and hospital stay, duration of draining of all patients, and recurrence of PSD were recorded. RESULTS The mean operation time was 35.61±5.254 min in the cleft lift group (CLG) and 57.42±7.327 min in the V-Y flap group (VYFG) (p=0.001). No wound dehiscence was found in the VYFG and 5 patients (9.8%) had wound dehiscence in the CLG (p=0.035). Draining time was 1.39±0.603 days in the CLG and 2.79±0.638 days in VYFG (p=0.001). The mean hospital stay was 1.75±0.523 days in the CLG and 3.77±1.02 days in the VYFG (p=0.001). Two patients (3.9%) in the CLG had recurrence and no recurrence was reported in the VYFG (p=0.189) in the given time interval. CONCLUSIONS Both methods in treatment of recurrent PSD can be preferred because of low complication and recurrence rates. Because no recurrence was found after the V-Y flap technique, it appears to be a preferable method despite some disadvantages.

Treatment of colorectal injuries in the civil war and the factors affecting mortality.

AIM: Colorectal injuries are one of the most common causes of mortality in war. Mainstay treatment of these injuries include primary repair or stoma creation. METHODS: Clinical data of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Time from injury to hospital admission, method of treatment, the colorectal area affected, injury severity score ISS, hemodynamic instability, and mortality rate were determined. RESULTS: Of the 61 patients included in the study. Mean time from injury to hospital admission was 160±19 minutes. The injury was in the right colon in 24 patients 39.3%, in the left colon in 18 29.5%, and in the rectum in 19 31.2% patients. Median ISS value of 61 patients was 16, IQR 5. Mortality and complication rates were higher in patients with hemodynamic instability and stoma requirement was also higher in this group p<0.05. Total mortality occurred in 15 24.5% patients. Of these, 10 66.6% patients had hemodynamic instability. DISCUSSION: Hemodynamic instability is the most important factor affecting the mortality and the treatment method in wartime colorectal injuries. CONCLUSION: We believe that in victims of war with colorectal injuries, surgical intervention before the development of hemodynamic instability may reduce the rate of mortality and stoma requirement. KEY WORDS: Colorectal injury, Firearm injury, Hemodynamic instability, Stoma.

What Kind of Incision Should Be Made to Reduce the Risk of Incisional Hernia in Kidney Transplantation?

BACKGROUND The incidence of incisional hernia following renal transplantation is 1.1% to 3.8%. The risk factors are immunosuppressive medications, impaired tissue quality, neuromuscular trauma due to the operation, and denervation. The incidence has been decreasing based on the shift from hockey-stick incision method to inguinal oblique incision method. The aim of this study was to minimize the development of incisional hernias due to renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four patients who underwent renal transplantation in 2015-2017 were retrospectively examined. All transplantations were performed with oblique incisions of 10-15 cm in the right or left inguinal region using polydioxanone (No. 2) loop sutures and continuous technique. RESULTS The mean age of study patients was 43 years (range 24-67 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 29 kg/m² (range 25-38 kg/m²). Of these patients, one had diabetes mellitus, two had chronic pulmonary disease, six were obese, one had poliomyelitis sequelae, and seven had hypoalbuminemia. None of the patients had ascites; five patients had a history of surgery for peritoneal dialysis. At the end of the one-year follow-up period, none of the patients had developed an incisional hernia. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that using the smallest possible semilunar line incision in the inguinal region would aid in preventing post-transplantation incisional hernias.

Emergency Endoscopy and the Importance of Endoscopy Training in General Surgery Residency: A Survey-Based Study.

BACKGROUND Emergency endoscopy is a life-saving technique of great significance. The aim of our study was to draw attention to endoscopy training activities of general surgeons and their opinions on this issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS We asked general surgery specialists where they received their general surgery training, the institution where they currently worked, how many years they had been practicing, if they had endoscopy training during or after residency, if a gastroenterologist was available in their hospital, and whether they used endoscopy. We also asked some questions, including 'Should general surgeons perform emergency or elective endoscopy?', 'Is endoscopy training required in general surgery', and 'What is your opinion regarding this issue?', and we assessed the answers. RESULTS Of the 138 general surgeons undertaking surveys, 63% of participants received their general surgery training in university hospitals and 37% in training and research hospitals. The duration of practicing as a general surgeon was 5 years for 23.9%, 5-15 years for 38.4%, 15-20 years for 20.3%, and over 20 years for 17.4% of participants. The rate of receiving endoscopy training at residency was 51.4%, 25.4% did not have endoscopy training, and 23.2% had postgraduate training. All participants replied affirmatively to the question 'Should general surgeons perform emergency or elective endoscopy?'. CONCLUSIONS Although endoscopy has been widely used recently, gastroenterologists are not available in every hospital. Consequently, it is evident that endoscopy should be part of general surgery training.

A new approach to umbilical hernia repair: the circular suture technique for defects less than 2 cm.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia, unlike other abdominal wall hernias, occurs when the umbilical ring opens and expands. Its' symptoms and complications show similarities with other hernias. Although there are various repair techniques, there is not a standard technique yet. This paper investigated the outcomes of double layer circular suture technique as a new approach in the repair of umbilical hernia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total number of 282 patients comprised of 102 males and 180 females with an age range of 18-89 whose umbilical hernias were repaired between 2002 and 2013, retrospectively studied in two groups group 1 (circular suture technique) and group 2 (open primary suture). The subjects were investigated with regards to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), accompanying disease, anesthesia method, surgical complications, hospital stay, total costs, mortality and recurrence. RESULTS: The study participants were 282 patients with an age average of 49, 09 ± 16, 62 including 182 patients in group 1 (male/female ratio 76/106) and 100 patients in group 2 (26/74). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of time and recurrence. During the follow-up period, 9 patients in group 1 (4.94%) and 16 patients in group 2 (16%) had a recurrence. This result was statistically significant (p=0.014) CONCLUSION: We believe that the double layer circular suture technique is practical, inexpensive and effective in the repair of umbilical hernia defects, which are smaller than 2 cm diameter. Key words: Hernia, Repair, Umbilical hernia.

Urgent Organ Retrieval from Non-Heart-Beating Donor with Declared Brain Death: Harvest at Arrest.

OBJECTIVE: Due to insufficient donor number to meet the needs of organ transplantation, new researches are ongoing. In this context, the cases with cardiac arrest and brain dead are assessed as probable donors in recent years. The aim of this study is to discuss the healthfully techniques of organs retrieval with minimum damage and maximum rapidity in conditions of our center and to present our own experiences. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total 4 of 13 patients brain dead declared and developed cardiac arrest while awaiting for laboratory test results in our center between 2015 and 2016, were urgently taken into operation under external heart massage and urgent organ retrieval were performed. The clinical data of this specific group were analyzed. Results: Thirteen donors with brain dead organ procurement were performed in our center between 2015 and 2016. Of the 13 cases, 9 had undergone urgent laparotomy and cannulation, and the organs were retrieved after in-situ cold perfusion and no problems occurred in these cases. However, in 4 cases who developed cardiac arrest ex-vivo cold perfusion was performed due to lack of facilities in operation room,vascular and paranchimal damage occurred in 2 livers and the 2 kidneys. With this technique, four liver and eight kidneys were removed and transplanted. CONCLUSION: Urgent laparotomy, cannulation, and in-situ cold perfusion is ideal approach for shorter warm ischemia time and less organ damage in cadavers in difficult conditions such as sudden cardiac arrest in hospital, however ex-vivo cold perfusion technique should be kept in mind to meet the increasing of more and more organ needs.

The Diagnostic Roles of Cytokines in Hepatobiliary Cancers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of several cytokines including IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in the diagnosis of HPB cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study was performed between October 2007 and September 2014. The study included 226 patients who were divided into 5 groups depending on their postoperative and histopathologic diagnosis: Control group included 30 healthy volunteers. Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) group included 24 patients diagnosed with HCC. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) group included 36 patients diagnosed with GBC. Cholangiocellular carcinoma group included 64 patients diagnosed with cholangiocellular carcinoma. Pancreatic cancer group included 72 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in accordance with the guidelines of the producer. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α concentration was significantly higher in the cholangiocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer groups compared to other groups. IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly increased in both the HCC and GBC groups, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the cholangiocellular carcinoma group, and IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in the pancreatic cancer group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that cytokines can be used as useful markers in the diagnosis of HPB cancers.

The Cause of Unexpected Acute Abdomen and Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage in 24-Week Pregnant Woman: Bochdalek Hernia.

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is the most common type of congenital diaphragm hernia and is rarely seen in adults. In adult patients, BH often remains asymptomatic or presents with nondiagnostic symptoms and may lead to complications, though rarely. The necrosis and perforations occurring in the hernia may lead to mortality. In this report, we present a 34-year-old pregnant woman at 24 gestational weeks who presented with Bochdalek hernia causing gastric volvulus associated with perforation and intra-abdominal hemorrhage associated with splenic rupture.

Where should the damage control surgery be performed, at the nearest health center or at a fully equipped hospital?

BACKGROUND: Transport of casualties from a combat area to a fully equipped hospital where all techniques of damage control surgery (DCS) can be performed requires a great deal of time. Therefore, prior to transport, prompt control of hemorrhage and contamination should be achieved, and resuscitative procedures should be performed at the nearest health center. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the location at which DCS was performed on rates of mortality. METHODS: The present retrospective study included 51 combat casualties who underwent DCS at the present clinic or at hospitals nearest the combat area due to high kinetic energy gunshot injuries to the abdomen between 2010 and 2015. Patients were evaluated in terms of acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy, and mortality. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the location where the first step of DCS was performed: (1) at the present hospital or (2) at other hospitals. Group 1 comprised 26 patients (51%), and Group 2 comprised 25 (49%). Total mortality occurred in 23 (45.1%) patients, including 15 (57.7%) patients in Group 1 and 8 (32%) in Group 2. In Group 1, mean time from injury to hospital admission was longer, and deep acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy were more marked. CONCLUSION: Initial surgical control of hemorrhage and contamination in patients injured by high kinetic gunshots should be promptly achieved at the nearest health center. In this way, acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy can be prevented, and the risk of mortality can be reduced.

A swallowed metal nail entrapped in the right psoas muscle.

Foreign body ingestion can be caused by many factors, including hallucination in patients with mental retardation. Most ingested foreign bodies are naturally discharged, though surgical intervention is necessary in some cases. Endoscopic intervention often leads to successful outcome, though open surgery may be required in certain instances. A 29-year-old mentally retarded woman presented to emergency services with a 2-day history of right lumbar pain that increased with movement. Physical examination revealed no specific sign beyond palpable tenderness in the right lumbar region. Radiological examination revealed a metal nail in the upper right quadrant, stretching obliquely toward the retroperitoneum. Endoscopy failed, and the nail was extracted via laparotomy. Foreign body ingestion may occur in patients of any age, but is more common in the pediatric population and in patients with mental retardation. Commonly ingested foreign bodies include daily objects, toys, and dentures, though they may differ in patients with mental retardation. The treatment of such cases requires a diversity of methods and experience. Foreign body ingestion should be kept in mind when a patient presents with pain in the right lumbar region, particularly in patients with mental retardation.

Effects of saline lavage temperature on peritoneal fibrinolysis and adhesion formation.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal lavage with saline at room temperature causes peritoneal hypothermia, vasoconstriction, hypoxia, and acidosis, which are effects that are known to reduce fibrinolysis. Decreased fibrinolysis causes permanent adhesions. Normothermic lavage may prevent this deleterious process and reduce peritoneal adhesions. METHODS: A rat model of cecal abrasion was used. Control animals received no medication while hypothermic or normothermic saline lavage were administered intraperitoneally to the experimental groups (n=24 for each group). Cardinal parameters of peritoneal fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA] and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 [PAI-1]) were determined in peritoneal tissue samples on postoperative day 1, 3, and 10. On postoperative day 10, adhesions were graded. In the sham group (n=8), following laparotomy, peritoneal samples were taken to determine basal values of tPA and PAI-1 in healthy peritoneum. RESULTS: Cecal abrasion increased PAI-1 levels about tenfold on postoperative day 1 and caused adhesions. Normothermic saline lavage prevented this traumatic PAI-1 increase and stabilized it to baseline values throughout the experiment and reduced peritoneal adhesion formation. Hypothermic lavage also caused an inhibition of PAI-1 rise but adhesion, prevention was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that normothermic saline lavage reduces adhesions by improving peritoneal fibrinolysis.

Amyloid Goiter Secondary to Ulcerative Colitis.

Diffuse amyloid goiter (AG) is an entity characterized by the deposition of amyloid in the thyroid gland. AG may be associated with either primary or secondary amyloidosis. Secondary amyloidosis is rarely caused by inflammatory bowel diseases. Secondary amyloidosis is relatively more common in the patients with Crohn's disease, whereas it is highly rare in patients with ulcerative colitis. Diffuse amyloid goiter caused by ulcerative colitis is also a rare condition. In the presence of amyloid in the thyroid gland, medullary thyroid cancer should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis. Imaging techniques and biochemical tests are not very helpful in the diagnosis of secondary amyloid goiter and the definitive diagnosis is established based on the histopathologic analysis and histochemical staining techniques. In this report, we present a 35-year-old male patient with diffuse amyloid goiter caused by secondary amyloidosis associated with ulcerative colitis.

Right Hydronephrosis as a Complication of Acute Appendicitis.

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen, but atypical appendicitis may lead to delayed diagnosis and related complications. In this report, we present a very rare case of acute appendicitis causing right hydronephrosis. Case Report. A 54-year-old male patient who had been receiving antibiotic therapy due to the diagnosis of urinary tract infection for the last one week but had no clinical improvement was admitted to the emergency service. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed right hydronephrosis and a pelvic abscess. After appendectomy and abscess drainage had been performed, hydronephrosis was completely recovered. Discussion. The use of appendicitis scoring systems, abdominal ultrasonography (USG), abdominal CT, and diagnostic laparoscopy can be useful for the diagnostic process in patients presenting with acute abdomen. In our patient, we considered that the surgical treatment was delayed since the symptoms of acute appendicitis were suppressed by the antibiotic therapy that was being administered due to the complaints including symptoms of urinary tract infections. Conclusion. Atypical appendicitis may cause a delay in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and thus may lead to serious complications such as right hydronephrosis, prolonged hospital stay, increased morbidity and mortality, and increased antibiotic resistance.