Long-term impact of sleeve gastrectomy on serum uric acid levels.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for hyperuricemia. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment method for metabolic control. The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between the preoperative and postoperative serum uric acid levels with body mass index, body weight, and excess weight loss in patients that underwent sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: A total of 164 patients that underwent laparoscopic and open sleeve gastrectomy were evaluated in terms of the demographic characteristics, preoperative body weight, body mass index and serum uric acid levels, and postoperative body weight, body mass index, excess weight loss and serum uric acid levels at the first, third, sixth, 12th, 18th and 24th-36th months. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in serum uric acid levels in the first postoperative month (p = 0.000). The patients with a high preoperative body mass index were found to have a lower excess weight loss in the first postoperative month, which was statistically significant (p = 0.000, R = -0.474). Serum uric acid levels were also positively correlated with body weight at the third and sixth postoperative months. DISCUSSION: The weight loss associated with sleeve gastrectomy is the main reason for the reduced postoperative serum uric acid levels.

Effects of different intraabdominal pressures on internal jugular vein, liver and kidney functions in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed with either 10 mmHg or 13 mmHg intraabdominal pressures. Effects of these pressures on the internal jugular vein (IJV) diameter and flow along with the liver and kidney function tests were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups with respect to the intraabdominal pressure performed during LSG (either 10 or 13 mmHg). The patients' age, comorbidities, surgical history, height, weight, body mass index, family history, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, serum liver and kidney function tests (Urea, creatinine, Aspartate transaminase, Alanine transaminase, Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) and the right IJV diameter and flow measured by Duplex ultrasound before intubation (t1), 10 min after insufflation (t2), and at the end of insufflation (t3) were recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative kidney and liver function values of the patients in both groups were within the reference range. In both groups, there was a significant decrease in the IJV diameter and flow measurement values at t2 compared to t1, and a significant increase was observed at t3 compared to t2 (p < 0.05). The mean IJV diameter and flow were significantly higher in the 10 mmHg pressure group compared to the 13 mmHg group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Neither of the peak pressures performed intraabdominal during LSG caused an adverse effect on liver or kidney functions. Our study emphasizes that low insufflation pressure does not have an advantage in terms of liver and kidney functions. But laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with low intra-abdominal pressure may be beneficial especially in patients who require central vein catheterization during the operation. We consider that LSG performed with CO2 pneumoperitoneum at 10 mmHg is a safe, effective and feasible method that can facilitate the insertion of the intraoperative central venous catheter due to lesser charges in the IJV diameter and flow compared to the standard technique.

Acoustic parameter changes after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acoustic parameter changes after weight loss in bariatric surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 15 patients with planned bariatric surgery, who were evaluated pre-operatively and at 6 months post-operatively. Fundamental frequency (F0), Formant frequency (F1, F2, F3, and F4), Frequency perturbation (Jitter), Amplitude perturbation (Shimmer) and Noise-to-Harmonics Ratio (NHR) parameters were evaluated for /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/ vowels. Changes in the acoustic analysis parameters for each vowel were compared. The study group was separated into two groups according to whether the Mallampati score had not changed (Group 1) or had decreased (Group 2) and changes in the formant frequencies were compared between these groups. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with a median age of 40 ± 11 years completed the study. The median weight of the patients was 122 ± 14 kg pre-operatively and 80 ± 15 kg, post-operatively. BMI declined from 46 ± 4 to 31 ± 5 kg/m2. The Mallampati score decreased by one point in six patients and remained stable in nine. Of the acoustic voice analysis parameters of vowels, in general, fundamental frequency tended to decrease, and shimmer and jitter values tended to increase. Some of the formant frequencies were specifically affected by the weight loss and this showed statistical significance between Group 1 and Group 2. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that some specific voice characteristics might be affected by successful weight loss after bariatric surgery.HighlightsObesity reduces the size of the pharyngeal lumen at different levels.The supralaryngeal vocal tract size and configuration is a determinative factor in the features of the voice.Changes in the length and shape of the vocal tract, or height and position of the tongue can result in changes especially in formant frequencies in acoustic analysis.

Analysis of the Effect of Weight Loss on Eustachian Tube Function by Transnasal Videoendoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery on eustachian tube (ET) function with video endoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted as a prospective cohort and was completed with 19 patients. Three-step tympanometry (basal, Toynbee, Valsalva), dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy, and the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDA-7) were applied to the patients preoperatively before bariatric surgery and in the postoperative 6th month. Dynamic slow-motion video endoscopy was graded between 0 and 3, or classified as patulous, as indicated in the literature. RESULTS: The mean body mass index of 6 male and 13 female patients decreased from 47.3 ±â€Š4.6 to 31.2 ±â€Š5.4. Grade decline (median 2 ±â€Š1) was experienced in all patients in DSVE, and 1 patient resulted as patulous ET. The ETDA-7 scores decreased in11 patients, remained stable in 7 patients, and increased in 1 patient with patulous ET. The statistical analysis of the preoperative and postoperative DSVE grading and ETDA-7 scores, excluding the patulous ET patient, was found to be significant (P  = 0.001 and P  = 0.003, respectively). There was no significant change in any of the tympanometry parameters (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid weight loss with bariatric surgery results in an improvement in both the DSVE images and in the complaints of ET dysfunction in the majority of patients, but in some patients it may result in patulous ET. Therefore, preoperative evaluation of the ET with DSVE and questioning the patient's complaints are important in predicting patients who may develop patulous ET.

A novel simplified scoring system for predicting mortality in emergency colorectal surgery: prediction model development.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical approaches, emergency colorectal surgery has high mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to create a simple and distinctive scoring system, for predicting mortality among patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prediction model development study based on retrospective data-gathering. METHODS: Patients who underwent emergency colorectal surgery between March 2014 and December 2016 at a single tertiary-level referral center were included in our study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, etiology and laboratory and radiological findings were collected retrospectively and analyzed. A new clinical score (named the Numune emergency colorectal resection score) was constructed from the last logistic regression model, in which one point was assigned for the presence of each predictive factor. RESULTS: 138 patients underwent emergency colorectal surgery. These comprised 64 males (46.4%) and 74 females (53.6%), with a mean age of 64 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood urea nitrogen level > 65 mg/dl (odds ratio, OR: 8.03; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.16-15.77), albumin level < 0.7 -mg/-dl (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.96-14.39) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3 (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 0.81-9.18) were associated with postoperative complications. The Numune score was graded from I to III. The risk of mortality was found to be 63.2% in the group with grade III, which accounted for 35.2% of the subjects. There were 37 postoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons need scoring systems, especially to predict postoperative mortality. We propose the Numune emergency colorectal resection score for emergency surgical procedures as a practical, usable and effective system for predicting postoperative morbidity.

A novel simplified scoring system for predicting mortality in emergency colorectal surgery: prediction model development

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical approaches, emergency colorectal surgery has high mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to create a simple and distinctive scoring system, for predicting mortality among patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prediction model development study based on retrospective data-gathering. METHODS: Patients who underwent emergency colorectal surgery between March 2014 and December 2016 at a single tertiary-level referral center were included in our study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, etiology and laboratory and radiological findings were collected retrospectively and analyzed. A new clinical score (named the Numune emergency colorectal resection score) was constructed from the last logistic regression model, in which one point was assigned for the presence of each predictive factor. RESULTS: 138 patients underwent emergency colorectal surgery. These comprised 64 males (46.4%) and 74 females (53.6%), with a mean age of 64 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood urea nitrogen level > 65 mg/dl (odds ratio, OR: 8.03; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.16-15.77), albumin level < 0.7 ­mg/­dl (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.96-14.39) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3 (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 0.81-9.18) were associated with postoperative complications. The Numune score was graded from I to III. The risk of mortality was found to be 63.2% in the group with grade III, which accounted for 35.2% of the subjects. There were 37 postoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons need scoring systems, especially to predict postoperative mortality. We propose the Numune emergency colorectal resection score for emergency surgical procedures as a practical, usable and effective system for predicting postoperative morbidity.

External validation of anastomotic leakage risk analysis system in patients who underwent colorectal resection

Background/aim: One of the most feared complications after colon resection for carcinoma is anastomotic leakage. Prediction of anastomotic leakage can alter pre- and perioperative management of patients. This study validates an anastomotic leakage prediction system. Materials and methods: Ninety-five patients who underwent colonic resection between 1 January 2016 and 30 January 2017 were included in the study. Patient records and electronic charting system data were used to calculate anastomotic leakage risk on the http://www.anastomoticleak.com/ website. Results: Fifty-six (58.9%) patients were male and thirty-nine (41.1%) were female. The mean age was 61.7 (min: 33, max: 90). Six (6.3%) patients had anastomotic leakage. According to the ROC analysis, the area under curve for the prediction system was 0.767. Conclusion: The prediction system for anastomotic leakage produced significant results for our patient population. It can be effectively utilized in preoperative and perioperative measures to prevent anastomotic leakage.

Simplified scoring system for prediction of mortality in acute suppurative cholangitis.

Our objective in this study was to identify the factors contributing to mortality in acute suppurative cholangitis which could be tested easily in every emergency clinic. This is a retrospective study enrolling 104 patients with acute suppurative cholangitis. Demographic and laboratory data were collected for analysis. In univariant analysis red cell distribution width, total bilirubin level, intensive care unit admission was identified as statistically significant (p < 0.05) to predict mortality. Three variables were statistically significant in multivariate analysis: total bilirubin level equal to or more than 6.9 mg/dl, red cell distribution width equal to or more than 14.45%, and admission to intensive care unit. We found a new scoring system for prediction of mortality in acute suppurative cholangitis utilizing only three variables. This would serve as a simplified, rapid way to direct patients for advanced interventions instead of wasting time with more complicated and time consuming multi-variable scoring systems.

Predictors of central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignancy of the thyroid gland and although PTC has excellent prognosis, central lymph node (CLN) metastases are not uncommon. Studies have shown that CLN metastases are associated with an increased recurrence rate. The necessity for prophylactic CLN dissection (pCCND) in clinical lymph node negative (cN0) patients remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of CLN metastases in cN0 PTC patients who underwent prophylactic CLN dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical charts of 97 patients with cN0 PTC who had undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) and pCCND were evaluated retrospectively. The relationship between CLN metastases and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: CLN metastases were found in 32 (32.9%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that CLN metastases were significantly associated with male sex and tumor size. In multivariate analysis, tumor size greater than 0.7 cm and male sex were independent predictors for CLN metastases. DISCUSSION: Although oncological benefits of the pCCND in cN0 PTC patients remain controversial, tumor size greater than 0.7cm and male gender may be possible indicators of central lymph node metastasis. KEY WORDS: Central lymph node metastasis, Central lymph node dissection, Papillary Thyroid Cancer, Total thyroidectomy.

Correlation between Ranson score and red cell distribution width in acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Ranson's criteria are widely used to evaluate severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been demonstrated to be useful marker to predict mortality in these patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate correlation between Ranson score and RDW in patients with AP. METHODS: Total of 202 patients with AP were included in the study. Patients were classified as mild or severe AP, based on presence of organ failure for more than 48 hours and/or local complications. RESULTS: Forty patients (19.8%) were diagnosed as severe AP. High sensitivity and specificity values were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curve for initial RDW and Ranson score in predicting severe AP. Ranson ≥4 was selected cut-off value for Ranson score and 14% was limit for RDW. RDW at time of admission was correlated with 48-hour Ranson score (r=0.22; p<0.002). However, at day 0, there was no correlation between RDW and 0-hour Ranson score (r=0.07; p=0.600). CONCLUSION: Although there is no single, ideal method to assess severity of AP, RDW level at admission can be helpful in earlier prediction of AP severity, especially in first-line centers, taking into consideration disadvantages of multifactorial scoring systems.

Rapid Remission of Psoriasis After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Psoriasis is a multifactorial, inflammatory chronic skin condition affecting 1-3 % of the population worldwide. Obesity is more common in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis and obesity are linked via a mechanism of chronic inflammation. There are reports on improvement of psoriasis after obesity surgery. Role of sleeve gastrectomy in psoriasis improvement is not fully elucidated yet. In this article, we describe two obese patients with psoriasis who had improvement of their skin lesions 1 month after sleeve gastrectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of psoriasis remission after sleeve gastrectomy in current medical literature.

Fournier's Gangrene as a Postoperative Complication of Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Fournier's gangrene is the necrotizing fasciitis of perianal, genitourinary, and perineal regions. Herein, we present a case of scrotal Fournier's gangrene as a postoperative complication of inguinal hernia repair. A 51-year-old male with giant indirect hernia is presented. Patient underwent inguinal hernia repair, and after an unproblematic recovery period, he was discharged. He applied to our outpatient clinic on the fifth day with swollen and painful scrotum and it turned out to be Fournier's gangrene. Polypropylene mesh was not infected. Patient recovered and was discharged after repeated debridements. Basic principles in treatment of Fournier's gangrene are comprised of initial resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy, and early aggressive debridement. In the management of presented case, aggressive debridement was made right after diagnosis and broad-spectrum antibiotics were given to the hemodynamically stable patient. In these circumstances, the important question is whether we could prevent occurrence of Fournier's gangrene.

Prognostic value of preoperative inflammation-based prognostic scores on hospital mortality after gastric cancer surgery.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignancy worldwide. Poor prognosis in gastric cancer is linked with hypoalbuminemia. Previous studies demonstrated relationships between gastric cancer and chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of preoperative inflammation-based prognostic scores regarding hospital mortality after gastrectomy. Unlike other recent articles on the same topic; we could only verify prognostic value of prognostic nutritional index for in hospital mortality after surgery.

Is the adjuvant albendazole treatment really needed with PAIR in the management of liver hydatid cysts? A prospective, randomized trial with short-term follow-up results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of adjuvant albendazole medication in percutaneous liver hydatid cyst treatment with puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) method. METHODS: Between November 2007 and May 2011, total of 39 patients with newly diagnosed liver hydatid cyst (total of 77 cysts) were prospectively randomized and enrolled in 3 groups. In the first group, cysts (n = 14) were treated with PAIR without albendazole. In the second (n = 16) and third groups (n = 47), cysts were treated with PAIR with albendazole 1 week before and 1 month after the procedure, with albendazole 1 week before and 3 months after the procedure respectively. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success rates were 100 and 96.1% respectively. In 3 of 77 cysts (3.9%), findings of recurrence were detected on US imaging. All recurrent cysts were in group 1 and recurrence rates in this group were statistically different from cysts of second and third groups (p = 0.005). Side effects of albendazole were detected in 7 of 29 patients (24.1%), and no statistically significant difference was observed between the second (15.3%) and third (38.4%) groups (p = 0.378). CONCLUSIONS: Use of albendazole medication as an adjuvant to percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cyst decreases the recurrence rate. Although there is no statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 3 in terms of efficacy and recurrence rate, patients in group 3 had a higher rate of side effect. Therefore, we conclude that albendazole treatment 1 week before and 1 month after PAIR treatment is sufficient to reduce/prevent recurrences.

Experimental study on the effects of massive bowel resection on liver function and hepatocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effects of short-bowel syndrome on liver function and liver morphology independent of parenteral nutrition have not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to investigate the effects of massive bowel resection on hepatocyte apoptosis and liver function in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Control (no procedure); Sham 1 [laparotomy (LT)/enterotomy (ET); evaluated on postoperative day (POD) 1]; Sham 2 (LT/ET; evaluated on POD7; Group 1 (80% bowel resection after LT/ET; POD1); and Group 2 (80% bowel resection; POD7). Blood samples were obtained for measuring aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. For assessing hepatocyte apoptosis, liver tissue samples from the median lobe were obtained and used for a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels showed statistically significant differences among the five groups. Apoptotic hepatocyte counts there were statistically significant differences among groups for counts made in 20 consecutive high-power fields. However, liver sinusoidal cell apoptosis rates among groups showed statistically significant differences for counts made in 20 consecutive high-power fields, particularly on POD7 in rats undergoing massive bowel resection. CONCLUSION: Parenteral nutrition is not the only factor involved in liver dysfunction after massive bowel resection. Massive bowel resection alone can cause liver abnormalities. Rats undergoing massive small intestinal resection show significant temporal increases in liver sinusoidal cell apoptosis rates.

Effects of dextran-40 on flap viability after modified radical mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative management of patients after modified radical mastectomy has evolved over the past decades. In the early postoperative period, wound complication rates were reported to be as high as 60%. Flap necrosis after modified radical mastectomy is a common problem encountered by surgeons. Various treatment strategies have been proposed in the literature but none have addressed the use of dextran-40. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dextran-40 infusion improves skin flap viability after modified radical mastectomy. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy were randomly assigned to receive dextran-40 or no dextran-40 intraoperatively after flap dissection. Patients were followed prospectively over a five-year period in a community hospital. The incidence of postmastectomy skin flap necrosis and prognosis of the necrotic area after dextran-40 infusion was observed. RESULTS: Flap necrosis was observed in five (17.8%) patients. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found to be risk factors for the development of flap necrosis (P<0.05). Flap thickness and tension on the flaps were found to be related to flap necrosis. Six of seven patients with flap perfusion problems (ecchymosis or necrosis) underwent dextran-40 treatment and healed without graft replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Dextran-40 treatment did not affect development of flap necrosis. However, if necrosis had already developed, the necrotic area of the skin flaps improved with dextran-40 treatment.

HISTORIQUE: La prise en charge postopératoire des patientes qui ont subi une mastectomie radicale modifiée a évolué depuis quelques décennies. Au début de la période postopératoire, le taux de complication des plaies peut atteindre les 60 %. La nécrose des lambeaux après une mastectomie radicale modifiée est un problème courant pour les chirurgiens. Diverses stratégies thérapeutiques sont proposées dans les publications, mais aucune n'a porté sur l'utilisation de dextran 40. OBJECTIF: Déterminer si l'injection de dextran 40 améliore la viabilité des lambeaux cutanés après une mastectomie radicale modifiée. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Vingt-huit patientes ayant subi une mastectomie radicale modifiée ont été réparties au hasard pour recevoir ou non du dextran 40 pendant l'opération, après la dissection des lambeaux. Elles ont subi un suivi prospectif de cinq ans dans un hôpital général. Les chercheurs ont évalué l'incidence de nécrose des lambeaux cutanés après une mastectomie et le pronostic de zone nécrosée après l'injection de dextran 40. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs ont observé une nécrose des lambeaux chez cinq patientes (17,8 %). L'hypertension et le diabète étaient des facteurs de risque (P<0,05). L'épaisseur et la tension des lambeaux y étaient liées. Six des sept patientes présentant des problèmes de perfusion des lambeaux (ecchymose ou nécrose) ont subi un traitement au dextran 40 et ont guéri sans qu'il soit nécessaire de remplacer la greffe. CONCLUSIONS: Le traitement au dextran 40 n'influait pas sur l'apparition d'une nécrose des lambeaux, mais en présence d'une nécrose, l'état de la zone nécrosée des lambeaux cutanés s'améliorait grâce au traitement au dextran 40.

Comparison of meperidine versus hyoscine during colonoscopy in the elderly: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is the gold standard in diagnosis of diseases of the colon. Sedation and antispasmodic agents are recommended during colonoscopy. Age is a limiting factor when the surgeon is deciding whether to use these medications or not. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty patients older than 65 years of age were randomized into two groups. The first group (n=60) received 2 mg of midazolam and 25 mg of meperidine intravenously. The second group (n=60) received 2 mg of midazolam and 20 mg of hyoscine N-butylbromide intravenously. The data collected were colonoscopy procedure time, time to cecum, visual analog pain scale, systolic blood pressure before and after the procedure, pulse, partial oxygen pressure, comfort of the endoscopist, the modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale, and morbidity. RESULTS: Total colonoscopy and cecal reach times were shorter in Group 2 (19.58±4.82 minutes and 10.57±2.54 minutes, respectively) than in Group 1 (25.05±5.93 minutes and 13.78±3.37 minutes, respectively) (P<.001). The sedation score of Group 2 (4.52±0.50) was better than that of Group 1 (3.45±0.75) (P<.001). Nine patients (15%) in Group 1 experienced diaphoresis, temporary memory loss, or lip smacking. Three patients in Group 1 and 1 patient in Group 2 had hypoxia. Three patients in Group 1 had hypotension; this was seen in 1 patient in Group 2. One patient had perforation in Group 1. The visual analog scale score was 4.37±1.38, and the endoscopist satisfaction was 6.72±0.99 in Group 1, while these values were 3.95±0.81 and 7.75±0.89, respectively, in Group 2 (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of midazolam and hyoscine N-butylbromide during colonoscopy is safe in the elderly and significantly reduces procedure time while increasing comfort for the endoscopist.

Where are we at with short bowel syndrome and small bowel transplant.

Intestinal failure can be defined as the critical reduction of functional gut mass below the minimal amount necessary for adequate digestion and absorption to satisfy body nutrient and fluid requirements in adults or children. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is characterized by a state of malabsorption following extensive resection of the small bowel. SBS may occur after resection of more than 50% and is certain after resection of more than 70% of the small intestine, or if less than 100 cm of small bowel is left. Several treatment modalities other than total parenteral nutrition, including hormones (recombinant human growth hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2) and tailoring surgeries (Bianchi procedure, serial transverse enteroplasty), had been proposed, however these were either experimental or inefficient. Small bowel transplant is a rather new approach for SBS. The once feared field of solid organ transplantation is nowadays becoming more and more popular, even in developing countries. This is partially secondary to the developments in immunosuppressive strategy. In this regard, alemtuzumab deserves special attention. There are more complex surgeries, such as multivisceral transplantation, for multi-organ involvement including small bowel. This latter technique is relatively new when compared to small bowel transplant, and is performed in certain centers worldwide. In this review, an attempt is made to give an insight into small bowel syndrome, small bowel transplantation, and related issues.

Does N ratio affect survival in D1 and D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer?

AIM: To identify whether there could have been changes in survival if lymph node ratio (N ratio) had been used. METHODS: We assessed 334 gastric adenocarcinoma cases retrospectively between 2001 and 2009. Two hundred and sixteen patients out of 334 were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to disection1 (D1) or dissection 2 (D2) dissection. We compared the estimated survival and actual survival determined by Pathologic nodes (pN) class and N ratio, and SPSS 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-six (44.4%) patients underwent D1 dissection and 120 (55.6%) had D2 dissection. When groups were evaluated, 23 (24.0%) patients in D1 and 21 (17.5%) in D2 had stage migration (P = 0.001). When both D1 and D2 groups were evaluated for number of pathological lymph nodes, despite the fact that there was no difference in N ratio between D1 and D2 groups, a statistically significant difference was found between them with regard to pN1 and pN2 groups (P = 0.047, P = 0.044 respectively). In D1, pN0 had the longest survival while pN3 had the shortest. In D2, pN0 had the longest survival whereas pN3 had the shortest survival. CONCLUSION: N ratio is an accurate staging system for defining prognosis and treatment plan, thus decreasing methodological errors in gastric cancer staging.

Is gastro-gastric fixation suture necessary in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding? A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The reason for gastro-gastric suture (GGS) in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is to prevent migration, slippage, and pouch dilatation. Despite various suturing techniques, these complications are still quite common. In our study, we prospectively randomized patients for GGS and analyzed outcome. METHODS: Between September 2006 and February 2008, eighty patients were randomized before LAGB procedure with pars flaccida technique. Forty patients had GGS for band fixation (Group 1), and 40 patients did not (Group 2). Groups were compared for length of surgery (LOS), length of hospital stay (LOHS), early and late complications, and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL). Mann-Whitney U test was used to define statistical differences between groups. P<.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Mean body mass index (BMI) of groups 1 and 2 were 43.3±4.9 and 42.2±4.3 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean LOHS was 29.2±9.3 and 25.2±10.5 hours in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in comparison of %EWL (P=.344 and P=.132, respectively). There was a significant difference in LOS between groups, and it was shorter in group 2 (P<.05). In terms of complications, slippage rate was higher, migration and port complications were lower in group 2 although not statistically significant (P>.05). Pouch dilatation rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: LOS is shorter without GGS. There is no difference in rates of slippage, migration, pouch dilatation complications, and %EWL between either approach. In light of our findings, we think that routine use of GGSs should be revisited.