Technical considerations depending on the level of vascular ligation in laparoscopic rectal resection.

AIM: In addition to ischemia there is also anastomotic ends tension proven to be a risk factor for anastomotic leak. HT vascular ligation is accepted as a rule, in attempt to achieve tension-free anastomosis. LT is a preferred option, based on the more accurate preservation of proximal intestinal segment microperfusion and lower risk of damage to the hypogastric plexus. The aim of this study is evaluation of comparative indicators in high tie (HT) and low tie (LT) laparoscopic rectal resections. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized comparative cohort study of patients in our department with cancer of the rectum in clinical stage I-III, operated on in laparoscopic approach over a 6-years period. RESULTS: For the period 2015-2020, a number of 208 laparoscopic surgeries have been done for rectal cancer. Patients were divided into three groups-group A with HT vascular ligation 116 pts. (69%), group B-53 pts. (25%), underwent low ligation-LT and group C-39pts. (19%) low tie plus lymph node dissection of the apical LN group (LT-appic LND). The distribution was made without randomization, based on the operators' expertise. Anastomotic leaks were 3.8% in group A, 3.0% in group B and 2.9% in group C (p > 0.05) with no significance difference. There is no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes obtained in group A and group B, while in group C the number of the harvested lymph nodes was higher (p < 0.05). The indicators for intestinal / defecation dysfunction, as well as for urinary/sexual dysfunction, according to our data, are significantly more favorable in patients with LT, in contrast to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: HT vascular ligation attempts to achieve tension-free anastomosis and more harvested lymph nodes. However, LT could be a preferred option, based on the lack of significant evidence for a difference in specific oncological survival and due to more accurate preservation of proximal intestinal segment microperfusion to prevent anastomosis dehiscence, also for its lower risk of damage to the hypogastric plexus. Splenic flexure mobilization provides elongation of the proximal intestinal segment, but has no proven effect on anastomotic leakage incidence. It increases surgical duration and is in fact necessary in up to 30% of the cases. At the present moment there is no precise data whether LT has an advantage in terms of prevention of autonomic nervous and urogenital dysfunction. New prospective randomized and highly probative studies are needed to standardize the procedures in specific clinical situations.

[Inguinal endometriosis: two case reports and literature review].

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. Ectopic endometrial tissue can be localized in all organs of the human body, but it affects most often organs in the pelvis. The localization in the inguinal canal is extremely rare - 0.3% -0.6% of all cases of endometriosis. We report two cases of inguinal endometriosis in patients with a history of previous surgery in the pelvis. Both patients is formation in the inguinal region of increasing volume, accompanied by severe pain especially in the premenstrual period. The diagnosis was based on an exact medical history and histological examination. The main methods of treatment of inguinal endometriosis is radical surgical excision of the lesion. We recommend hormone therapy as an adjunct to treatment.

PRIMARY RETROPERITONEAL EXTRA-ORGAN TUMORS (PRET) - SURGICAL TACTICS.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal tumors, in general, are rare tumors which histopathological characteristics and biological behavior can be considered as benign or malignant. They originate from various tissue elements located in the retroperitoneal space. They often cover Anatomical structures of varying importance - mainly retroperitoneal vessels and organs, which determines the type of surgery - radical or palliative. They are composed of adipose tissue, vascular elements, smooth and striated muscle, neural elements germline structures. There are three main types of retroperitoneal tumors: mesodermal, neurogenic and teratosarcomas. As mentioned above each can be either benign and malignant. In most cases there are no specific symptoms except general weakness, heaviness in the abdomen, loss of appetite, progressive weight loss, headache and fever. The pain is most often located in the lumbosacral area. The tumor can also cause disturbances in urination. In patients with advanced stage can be observed significantly symmetrical or asymmetrical tumor growth in the abdominal area. The most commonly used techniques for the diagnosis of the disease are X-ray, CT-scan and MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study involving 112 cases operated in the clinic for 14-years period (2000-2014) - 101 patients, 11 of them were operated on twice in a different time interval on the occasion of relapsed malignant process. RESULTS: Out of all operated cases, 42% are males (47 cases) and 58% - women (65 cases). In most cases (72% - 81 cases) tumors are malignant. All patients were treated surgically. There were followed up a total of 89 patients over a period of 3 months to 8 years (96 months) as of the studied malignant cases 3 year survival was observed in 21 patients, and one patient has survived 96 months after total extirpation of fibrosarcoma. Early postoperative mortality (till 20th postoperative day) was registered in 3 patients - 2.67% of all operated cases. DISCUSSION: About 80% of primary retroperitoneal extra-organ tumors are generally malignant. People of all ages are affected equally and no statistically significant difference in the number of men and women is detected. There are many theories about the emergence of retroperitoneal tumors, but currently none of them has not been fully proven. Treatment depends on the type of the lesion. Surgery is the main approach and it should be applied to both benign and malignant lesions. In the case of malignancy other methods than surgical are chemo- and radiotherapy but they are less effective.

Clinical and prognostic significance of pathological and inflammatory markers in the surgical treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) may vary in its clinical and pathological appearance. It is now accepted that progression of disease in patients with locally advanced CRC is determined not only by local tumor characteristics but also by the immune system and inflammatory response in the body. METHODS: We investigated patients with confirmed CRC who were treated in the surgical clinic at the University Hospital Alexandrovska over a 10-year period and retrospectively evaluated the histological features of the preoperative biopsies and operative specimens removed during radical multivisceral resections. We also collected prospective data for serum C-reactive protein levels and Jass-Klintrup score, Petersen Index score, and Glasgow Prognostic Score in patients with locally advanced CRC. RESULTS: Of 1,105 patients with CRC, 327 (29.6%) were diagnosed with locally advanced disease. In total, 108 combined multivisceral resections (79 for primary tumors and 29 for recurrent tumors) were performed. Overall survival was 34 months for pR0 cases and 12 months for pR1 cases (P<0.05). Our data confirmed that C-reactive protein is a prognostic marker of overall survival. Data for 48 patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced tumors showed significantly increased survival with a higher Jass-Klintrup score (P=0.037). In patients with node-negative disease, 5-year survival was 49%. However, where there were high-risk pathological characteristics according to the Petersen Index, survival was similar to that for node-positive disease (P=0.702). Our data also showed a significant difference in survival between groups divided according to whether they had a modified Glasgow Prognostic Score of 1 or 2 (P=0.031). CONCLUSION: In order to maintain a reasonable balance between an aggressive approach and so-called meaningless "surgical exorbitance", we should focus on certain histopathological and inflammatory markers that can be identified as additional factors for planning the type and volume of surgical treatment.

SINGLE-ACCESS TRANSUMBILICAL LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY USING CURVED REUSABLE INSTRUMENTS: AN INITIAL REPORT OF THREE CASES.

INTRODUCTION: The continuous evolution of laparoscopic surgery and the ambition of better cosmetic results raise the need for less invasive procedures. The umbilicus represents a natural scar and constitutes a well-healing site of access to the peritoneal cavity. Single-access Transumbilical Laparoscopy (SATL) is gaining popularity and can be an alternative surgical treatment for acute appendicitis. We report three cases of SATL appendectomy using curved reusable instruments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three female patients, wanting minimal scarring (mean age - 30 years) were admitted to our hospital in April 2015 with acute abdominal pain in the right iliac area. A SATL appendectomy was performed using a standard 11-mm reusable trocar for a 10-mm, 30 degrees- angled, rigid scope and curved reusable instruments according to DAPRI (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany) placed transumbilically. RESULTS: Neither a conversion to open surgery nor an insertion of extraumbilical trocars was necessary. The mean operative time was 101.6 ± 24.66 minutes and the mean blood loss 6.66 ± 11.54 mL. The mean scar length was 16.66 ± 0.57 mm. No intraoperative complications were registered and the use of minimal pain killers allowed the discharge after 2 or maximum 4 days. After three months of follow-up no late complications occurred and the umbilical scar was not visible. CONCLUSION: In young and scarless-demanding females with acute appendicitis SATL appendectomy can be performed safely and offers the possibility of surgical treatment without a visible scar.

Optimization of surgical approach and lymph node dissection in patients with gastric cancer.

In 2012 there were nearly 1 million new gastric cancer cases (952,000 cases or 6.8% of all cancer cases). That has put the gastric cancer on 5th place in frequency, and on 3th placeas leading cause of death in both sexes in the world--723,000 fatalities or 8.8% of all. According to the data of the World Health Organization, in 2005 Bulgaria was on 23rd place in absolute number of gastric cancer deaths among the men and on 25th place among the women. In 2011, we were on 11th place in absolute number of gastric cancer deaths among the men and on 12th place among the women. According to NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) there are 2 basic types of surgical interventions that are used for radical gastric cancer treatment- total and subtotal gastrectomy. The scientific society however is still divided on the matter of the volume of lymph dissection. The gastrectomy with D2 lymph dissection is the standard treatment for resectable gastric carcinoma in Asia. In the Western countries, the D2 lymph dissection is considered an advisable, but not mandatory procedure. Despite that, there is a rule that the removal of more than 15 lymph nodes is in favor of the NCCN. Nowadays in Japan the comparative studies between D1 and D2 gastrectomy are considered unethical.

Postoperative complications after Nissen fundoplication.

Anti-reflux laparoscopic operations replaced conventional surgery and are now widely available, because of the advantages of this type of surgery. One of the main reasons for the high complications rate in this type of operations is the lack of experience of the surgeons, although recently in the reports of most leading authors complications and increased mortality rate is due to the older patients undergoing this type of surgery. The main causes of death were gastrointestinal hemorrhage, necrosis with perforation of the esophagus or stomach, cardiac arrest, respiratory and inflammatory complications, and pulmonary thromboembolism.

[Surgical treatment of the perianal and rectovaginal fistulas by means of Surgisis AFP anal fistula plug].

Symptoms of painful and uncomfortably occurred in patients with anal and rectovaginal fistulas witch worsened their quality of life. The introduce of Biodesign Fistula Plug is called "dramatic jump in surgery of the fistulas". We can avoid from the traditionally and technicaly difficult treatment of perianal and rectovaginal fistulas through this advice. Therefore like this surgeons can avert frequently complications of the anal sphyncteric apparatus like incontinence or stenosis. We have only two cases like attempt for now but with excellent result followed up about 31 and 33 months.

[Malignant melanoma of the anus and rectum].

There is approximately 300 cases of malignant melanoma written in the world literature. We write up 13 operated from us for 15 years cases of melanoma of the anus and rectum. The neoplastic localization is usually at linea dentate area. The patients complains are foreign-body filling and rectohaemorrhagy. This formation considers like haemorrhoid frequently. The pain is not common symptom but ulceration occurs in many percent. The metastasing is in the inguinal lymph nodes. The tumor colour is between light-brown to red-purple in 50% of the cases. The colouring matter is absent in the other half of the cases and these tumors consider like nonpigmentous melanoes. Despite the complex treatment--surgical, chemotherapy etc. the prognosis is at large poor.

[Retrorectal tumors--15 years experience and literary review].

PURPOSE: Tumors occurring in the retrorectal space are heterogeneous and uncommon. The utility of newer imaging techniques has not been extensively described, and operative approach is variable. This study examined the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome ofretrorectal tumors at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Patients with primary, extramucosal neoplasms occurring in the retrorectal space were identified using a retropectively maintained, procedural database of all adult colorectal surgical patients (1995-2009). Exclusion criteria included inflammatory processes, locally advanced colorectal cancer, and metastatic malignancy. Medical records, radiology, and pathology reports were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with retrorectal tumors were treated. Malignant tumors comprised 21 percent. Older age, male gender, and pain were predictive of malignancy (P < 0.05). All benign tumors were resected with normal histologic margins and none recurred. Nine patients with malignancy had recurrence/recrudescence of their disease. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal tumors remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Pain, male gender, and advanced age increase the likelihood of malignancy. Various imaging modalities are useful for planning resection but cannot establish a definitive diagnosis. Whereas benign retrorectal tumors can be completely resected, curative resection of malignant retrorectal tumors remains difficult.

[10 years experience in treatment of rectovaginal fistulas].

We presented our experience in treating 109 patients with acquired rectovaginal fistula operating in the Clinic of Surgery ?? 2001-2009. In 56 patients the modified method used by Gabriel, at 20 a modified method by Gabriel with sphincterolevatorplasty, in 3 abdomino-anal resection with the fall of the sigma in demucosal anal canal, in 13 definitive anus preter and in 17 out temporary anus preter subsequent expression in Gabriel. To allow a conclusion that despite the small number of cases, our results of treatment of rectovaginal fistula are encouraging with good technical and operational performance is a reliable treatment.

[Surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia--20 years experience].

Achalasia comes from a Greek word that means "failure to relax." Cardiospasm and achalasia refer to the same condition. This report addresses esophageal achalasia--its history, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment options. We report our experience in treating this disorder surgically using modified Heller myotomy combined or not with partial gastric fundoplication. 47 patients with achalasia surgically operated in 20-years period are reported by authors. These features make it reasonable to reasses the relative indications for surgery and nonsurgical therapy in achalasia of the esophagus.

[Obstructive syndrome caused by primary colon-rectal cancer].

This is a report on 311 patients presenting colorectal carcinoma with complication assuming the form of occlusive ileus, observed over the period 2005 through 2009. Obturation is the commonest complication of colonic carcinoma (48.9%) with the left colon being more often involved (58.3%). During the same period of time, occlusive ileus against the background of carcinoma of the rectum is diagnosed in 61 cases, representing 37 per cent of complicated forms of this malignant neoplasm. The scope of operative management and the procedure used are largely determined by the location of primary malignancy. The timing of undertaking one or another operative intervention depends on the efficacy of preoperative preparation, degree of occlusive ileus progress, patientr's age, concomitant diseases and the like. Failing to comply with or overlooking some of the aforementioned factors invariably exerts an unfavourable effect on the final outcome of treatment. In each patient presenting colorectal-carcinoma-induced occlusive ileus it is mandatory to precisely specify the scope of surgery, consistent with the patient's general condition, and eliminate the underlying cause jeopardizing his life.

[Diverticulosis of the colon end its complications under the mask of emergency surgical abdomen--10 years experience].

OBJECTIVES: estimating the prevalence of colonic diverticulosis and its complications studied at the clinic for 10-years period as well as the approaches for its operative treatment and analysis of the subsequent results. CASES AND APPROACHES: During the period 1998-2008 56 patients were hospitalized (31 women and 25 men) at the Surgical department of the University hospital "Alexandrovska". They had different forms of colonic diverticulosis. The average age of the patients was 66.7. The retrospective analysis divides the patients into three clinical groups: 1st group--peritonitis and pericolic abscess caused by diverticulosis--present in 49 patients. 2nd group--chronic non-specific inflammatory infiltrate and fistula--present in 5 patients. 3rd group--severe haemorrhage and anaemic syndrome--present in 2 patients RESULTS: Mortality-rate is 12.5% (7 patients). 10 patients with complications were registered--5 with suppuration of the surgical wound and 5 with pneumonia and pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Colonic diverticulosis is a disease of great surgical interest because of its complicated forms requiring conventional or surgical treatment. Various forms of peritonitis which are part of the emergency surgical abdomen domain are relatively frequent complication of the gastrointestinal (in particular of the colon) diverticulosis. They are difficult to diagnose in the pre-operative period and its not easy to take a decision about the particular operative approach. All that is related with the relatively high morbidity and mortality.

[Gastric cancer--Japanese Classification, sentinel lymph nodes and lymph dissection].

The aim of Japanese Classification is to provide a common language for the clinical and pathological description of gastric cancer and thereby contribute to continued research and improvements in treatment and diagnosis. Lymph-node dissection has been regarded as an effective surgical treatment for gastric cancer in Japan. It reduces local recurrences and improves survival rate. Japanese-style systematic D2 lymphadenectomy is now being introduced in western countries for treatment of gastric cancer. This surgical procedure, however, is not simple and shoul be performed by experienced surgeons. And it is too early to apply sentinel node biopsy for reducing extent of lymphadenectomy because of so complicated lymphatic streams from the stomach and frequent skip- and micrometastases.

[Tactics and approach to the treatment of choledocholithiasis--7-year follow up study].

Laparoscopic surgery approved itself as "golden standard" in treatment of cholelithiasis. However, in cases with common bile duct stones (CBDS), still there are several methods of management: 1.) Preoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-pancreato graphy (ERCP), endoscopic papiloshpyncterothomy (EPS) and stone extraction, followed by Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). 2.) LH with intraoperative common bile duct exploration and stone extraction. 3.) LH, followed by EPS and CBDS extraction. CBDS are present in about 10-15 % of patients, treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In most cases choledocholithiasis is suspected. In small percentage it is unsuspected and it's found during the operation. In present days still there is no clear conclusion about treatment of CBDS. In our clinic we use a multidiscipline method - ES with stone extraction on first stage and LC on second stage. In small percentage of patients we use LC with intraoperative common bile duct exploration and stone extraction, and LH, followed by ES and CBDS extraction. Our aim is to represent a prospective study of our results.

[Genetic counseling, surgical prophylaxis and treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer].

FAP is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the appearance of thousands of adenomatous polyps. FAP is associated with a deletion of chromosome 5q21 (known as the APC gene). Surgical prophylaxis in FAP consists of resection of the entire large bowel, to prevent malignant transformation. Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer(HNPCC), like FAP, is an autosomal dominant disorder. In contrast to FAP, HNPCC is associated with an unusually high frequency of cancers in the proximal large bowel. If an adenoma or adenocarcinoma of the colon is identified, total abdominal colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis is recommended.

[Multiple primary carcinomas of the colon and associated extracolonic primary malignant tumors].

Adenocarcinoma of the colon is the most common visceral cancer. The incidence of multiple primary colorectal carcinoma varies from 0.6% to 7.6%. A review of 837 cases of colorectal carcinoma showed 32 cases (3.8%) of colorectal multiple primary malignant tumors and 11 cases (1.3%) of colorectal primary malignant tumor associated with extracolonic primary malignant tumor. A total of 78 tumors were involved: 24 in the sigmoid, 12 transverse colon; four in the cecum; 30 in the rectum; 3 in the ascending and 5 in descending colon; 2 each in the bladder, prostate; two each in the breast, cervix, and one each in the skin, nasopharynx, lungs. If synchronous carcinomas are located in the same anatomic region, a conventional resection should be performed. When the carcinomas are widely separated, a subtotal colectomy is the operation of choice. Survival of patients with synchronous carcinomas is not significantly different from survival of patients with same-stage solitary carcinomas.

[Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) - clinical experience and current therapeutical aspects].

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are specific, generally Kit (CD117) - positive, mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract encompassing a majority of tumors previously considered gastrointestinal smooth muscle tumors. They are believed to originate from interstitial cells of Cajal or related stem cells. Diagnosis is based on histological and immunohistochemical examination, and these rare tumors are characterized by c-kit (CD117) staining. We present an analysis of clinical presentation and course, surgical management and pathological features of 11 patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated in our institution from 2002 to 2007. 2 patients with malignant retroperitoneal GIST had disease progression/recurrence and died. They received adjuvant imatinib therapy. 9 patients are disease free on the 3-d year of the follow-up. Our results confirm that in stromal tumors complete surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment in localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Complete removal of the tumor is often curative in localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors and is always recommended. Clinically, their behavior is difficult to predict, and mitotic count and tumor size seem to be the most effective prognostic factors. It is conceivable that treatment and prognosis of metastatic and non - resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as well as the adjuvant treatment of high-risk, radically excised gastrointestinal stromal tumors will be strongly impacted by the c-kit target therapy.

[A 10-years experience in the treatment of the acute peritonitis].

The contemporary classification of the acute peritonitis, the etiology, the special features of the pathogenesis, the difficulties of the diagnostics with some of the kinds and the contemporary aspects of the healing tactics related to the clinical experience of the treatment of that severely and life-threatening disease are included in the present report for 10 years period. 341 laparotomies because of various kinds of peritonitis with patients aged 11-89 years old were performed at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital "Aleksandrovska" -Sofia for the period of 1996-2006. A diffusous fibrino-purulented peritonitis was founded out in most of the cases (41.6%) and the perforations constituted the most common etiologic cause. Total mortality is 25.8% (88 cases). The cause of death was not directly connected to the surgical suffering in 2.34% (8 cases). The death rate is high as expected with the groups of pregressed widespread peritonitis, the 3rd group by Mannheim peritonitis Index (MPI), the postoperative peritonitis, accompanied usually by atypical clinical features, for the elderly patients and patients with worsening the prognosis with premorbid pathology. A complex approach was applied not only for the peritonitis but also for the pathologic processes caused life-threatening complications. The applied treatment depends on the contemporary methods. The results are in accordance with those of the international experience.