Ethyl Pyruvate; from Liver Preservation Solutions University of Wisconsin (UW) Increases the Effectiveness of the Solution.

BACKGROUND: The most important factor affecting the success rate of liver transplants is the preservation of the normal histologic and biochemical properties of the cells in the tissue taken. The study aimed to identify the possible increase in efficacy of ethyl pyruvate, which has a hepatoprotective effect, on the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. METHODS: Rats were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups. After a laparotomy, the small intestines were removed from the abdomen and the portal pedicle was identified. Arterial and venous circulation of the liver was interrupted. After the portal vein was cannulated (and the distal of the portal pedicle was ligated, the liver was perfused with a solution. Perfusion solution was selected as Ringer Lactate in Group 1. In group 2, UW solution was chosen as the perfusion solution. In Group 3, the perfusion solution was chosen as the UW solution, but ethyl pyruvate at a dose of 40 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to the experimental animals 30 minutes before hepatectomy. In Group 4, as a perfusion solution, a UW solution with 40 mg/kg dose of ethyl pyruvate added to it was used. RESULTS: With TUNEL and Caspase-3 staining, a significant decrease was found in the apoptosis rates of Groups 2, 3, and 4 at the 12th hour post hepatectomy when compared with Group 1. When the morphometric liver sinusoid/parenchyma ratios and vena centralis diameters of the groups were examined, it was found that all preservation solutions containing the UW solution were more protective than the RL solution. CONCLUSIONS: Ethyl pyruvate is regarded as a promising agent that can increase the effect of the UW solution on organ preservation solutions. Because this study is the first in literature to apply ethyl pyruvate in preservation solutions, additional studies with larger series and different doses are needed.

A Single-Center's Early Surgical Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an increasingly common surgical option because the number of cadaveric donors is insufficient to fulfill the organ needs of patients facing end-stage cirrhosis. Many centers are investigating different surgical techniques to achieve lower complication rates. We aimed to examine our complication rates in light of demographic data, graft data, and perioperative findings as a single-center experience. METHODS: The study included one hundred and three patients who underwent LDLT for end-stage liver cirrhosis. Demographic data; sex; age; blood group; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score; Child score; etiology; liver side; graft-to-recipient weight ratio; hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile anastomosis type rates; anhepatic phase; cold ischemia time; operation time; and blood product transfusion rates were analyzed. Biliary complications in patients with single or multiple biliary anastomoses, right or left liver transplants, and with or without hepatic artery thrombosis were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in biliary complications between patients who underwent single or multiple bile anastomosis (P = .231) or patients receiving right lobe and left lobe transplants (P = .315). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of portal vein thrombosis between the regular and reconstructed portal vein anastomosis groups (P = .693), the postoperative portal vein thrombosis rate was statistically higher in patients with left lobe transplants (P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular and biliary complication rates can be reduced with increasing experience.

Mortality after kidney transplantation: 10-year outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: In the past decade, advances in immunological therapy have increased the survival of kidney recipients and their grafts. However, it has not achieved the desired level of improvement. This study aims to reveal the mortality among kidney recipients. METHODS: Medical data of the patients, who had undergone kidney transplantation (KT) between November 2010 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult kidney recipients, who had died. Exclusion criteria were pediatric recipients, recipients of en bloc and dual KT, recipients with missing data, and recipients with a primary non-functioning graft. The recipients were grouped according to their donor type; Group 1 (from a living donor) and Group 2 (from a deceased donor). Subgroup analyses were done for mortality by time-period post-transplant and for infectious causes of mortality. RESULTS: Of 314 recipients, 35 (11.14%) died. Twenty-nine recipients were included in the study (Group 1: 17 and Group 2: 12). The most common cause of mortality was infection (58.6%), and the second was cardiovascular disease (CVD) (24.1%). Sepsis developed in 29.4% of infection-related deaths, while COVID-19 constituted 23.5% of infection-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of infectious and CVD are important to improve survival in kidney recipients.

OBJETIVOS: En la última década, los avances en la terapia inmunológica han aumentado la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón y sus injertos. Sin embargo, no se pudo lograr el nivel de mejora deseado. Este estudio tiene como objetivo revelar la mortalidad entre los receptores de riñón. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los datos médicos de los pacientes, que se habían sometido a un trasplante de riñón entre Noviembre de 2010 y Diciembre de 2020. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los receptores de riñón adultos, que habían fallecido. Los criterios de exclusión fueron los receptores pediátricos, los receptores de trasplantes de riñón dual y en bloque, los receptores con datos faltantes y los receptores con un injerto primario no funcionante. Los receptores se agruparon según su tipo de donante; Grupo 1 (de un donante vivo) y Grupo 2 (de un donante fallecido). Se realizaron análisis de subgrupos para la mortalidad por período de tiempo posterior al trasplante y para las causas infecciosas de mortalidad. RESULTADOS: De 314 beneficiarios, 35 (11,14%) fallecieron. Se incluyeron 29 receptores en el estudio (Grupo 1:17; Grupo 2:12). La causa más común de mortalidad fue la infección (58,6%) y la segunda fue la enfermedad cardiovascular (24,1%). La sepsis se desarrolló en el 29,4% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección, mientras que el COVID-19 constituyó el 23,5% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección. CONCLUSIÓN: El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de enfermedades infecciosas y cardiovasculares es importante para mejorar la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón.

Use of the Right Lobe Graft With Double Hepatic Arteries in Living-Donor Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine management of double hepatic artery reconstruction in patients under going living-donor liver transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and June 2014, one thousand thirty-six living-donor liver transplants were performed at the Liver Transplant Institute of Malatya Inonu University. Living liver grafts with a single hepatic artery were used in 983 living-donor liver transplants, while grafts with double hepatic artery branches were used in 53 living-donor liver transplants. All of the liver grafts with double hepatic artery branches were right lobe grafts. Hepatic artery anastomosis technique and the other medical data of recipients who used grafts with double hepatic arteries were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A double hepatic artery anastomosis was created in 43 recipients, while a single anastomosis was created in the remaining 10 because of ligation of the nondominant hepatic artery branch. In 40 recipients, double hepatic artery branches in the graft were anastomosed with the recipient's right and left hepatic artery. In the remaining 3 recipients, double hepatic artery branches in the graft were anastomosed with the recipient's right hepatic artery and large segment 4 hepatic arteries. Postoperative complications related with hepatic artery anas-tomoses developed in 3 recipients: hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 1), hepatic artery aneurysm (n = 1), and hepatic artery stenosis (n = 1). A recipient with hepatic artery aneurysm immediately underwent a retransplant. A recipient with a hepatic artery thrombosis relapsed and required retransplant, which was treated with thrombectomy on postoperative day 10. A recipient with hepatic artery stenosis was followed conservatively. In our series, the incidence of complications related with double hepatic artery anastomosis was found to be 6.9%. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experiences, a double hepatic artery anastomosis does not increase the risk of hepatic artery thrombosis and can be performed safely by surgeons who are experienced with hepatic vascular reconstructions in a living-donor liver transplant recipient.

Association of biochemical and clinical parameters with parathyroid adenoma weight. Turkish-Bulgarian endocrine and breast surgery study group, hyperparathyroidism registry study.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) caused by a single benign parathyroid adenoma is a common endocrine disorder that is affected by regional differences. Living in different geographical regions reveals differences in the laboratory results and pathological findings, but studies on this subject are not sufficient. The article focuses on biochemical and pathological effects of geographical differences in parathyroid adenoma. In addition, the present study seeks to elaborate on treatment methods and effectiveness of screening in geographical area of Bulgaria and Turkey. METHOD: In this prospective study, 159 patients were included from 16 centres. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, biochemical markers and pathologic characteristics were analysed and compared between 8 different regions. RESULTS: Patients from Turkish Black Sea had the highest median serum calcium (Ca) level, whereas patients from Eastern Turkey had the lowest median serum phosphorus (P) level. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between Ca, parathormone (PTH) and P levels according to regions. Patients from Eastern Turkey had the highest adenoma weight, while patients from Bulgaria had the lowest adenoma weight. The weight of adenoma showed statistically significant differences between regions (p < 0.001). There was a correlation between adenoma weight and serum PTH level (p = 0.05) and Ca level (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: This study has provided a deeper insight into the effect of the regional differences upon clinicopathological changing and biochemical values of pHTP patients with adenoma. Awareness of regional differences will assist in biochemical screening and treatment of this patient group.

Why potential donors and recipients not proceed to live kidney transplantation, malatya algorithm / Por qué los donantes y receptores potenciales no proceden al trasplante de riñón vivo, algoritmo de malatya

ABSTRACT Introduction: In some countries, organ donation is not widespread enough due to medical, cultural, ethical and socioeconomic factors. Living-donor kidney transplant constitutes the main source of kidney donation. Aim: To evaluate the causes of cancellation of living-donor kidney transplant and improve the effectiveness of transplant programs. Methods: Medical records of possible donors and recipients who were evaluated for living-donor kidney transplant at a tertiary medical center between November 2010 and September 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Evaluations were performed on 364 potential donors and 338 living-donor kidney transplant recipients; 207 of the latter (61.24%) underwent living-donor kidney transplant. Immune disorders represented the majority of cancellations (38.84%). Fifty-six donors (15.38%) were rejected mainly due to renal disorders (39%). Conclusion: Timely referral of patients to transplant centers must be guaranteed in order to overcome immune problems. Transplant centers should invest in programs adequate both for their resources and for their patients: paired kidney exchange, desensitization protocols, future research, etc.

RESUMEN Introducción: En algunos países la donación de órganos no es suficiente debido a factores médicos, culturales, éticos y socioeconómicos. El donante vivo de riñón constituye la principal fuente de donación de riñones. Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de cancelación de los donantes vivos de riñón y mejorar la eficacia de los programas de trasplante. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los registros médicos de posibles donantes y receptores para trasplante de riñón con donante vivo en un centro terciario, entre noviembre de 2010 y septiembre de 2019​​. Resultados: Se evaluaron 364 donantes potenciales y 338 receptores de trasplante de riñón con donante vivo; 207 receptores (61,24%) se sometieron a trasplante de riñón con donante vivo. Los problemas inmunológicos ocasionaron la mayoría de las cancelaciones (38,84%). A cincuenta y seis donantes (15,38%) se les negó la donación, principalmente debido a problemas renales (39%). Conclusión: La derivación oportuna de los pacientes a los centros de trasplante debe garantizarse para superar las barreras inmunológicas. Los centros de trasplante deberían invertir en programas adecuados, tanto por sus recursos como por los pacientes: protocolos de desensibilización, trasplante renal cruzado, investigación futura, etc.

Is peritoneal dialysis prior to kidney transplantation a risk factor for ureteral stenosis after adult to adult live kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Major urinary complications such as urinary leaks, stenosis or urinary tract infections after kidney transplantation can lead to graft or patient loss. The effect of peritoneal dialysis on post-kidney transplantation complications have been discussed but its effect on ureteral stenosis is unknown. In this study, it was aimed to analyze factors effecting major ureteral complications after living donor kidney transplantation and impact of peritoneal dialysis and double J-stents (JJ stents). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 116 adult to adult living donor kidney transplant patients. Factors effecting major urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation were analyzed. The donors were primary relatives of the recipients. RESULTS: Major urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation was 8/116 (6.9%). Urinary leak was present in 2 (1.7%) patients. Ureteral stenosis was encountered in 6 (5.2%) patients. Double J stents were used in 84 (72.4%) of the cases. The effect of JJ ureteral stent was not statistically significant for urinary leak, ureteral stenosis (p= 0.074, p= 0.470, respectively). A total of 29 (25%) patients had peritoneal dialysis before kidney transplantation. Preoperative peritoneal dialyses and bacteriuria after kidney transplantation were independent risk factors for ureteral stenosis in multivariate analysis (p= 0.013, and p= 0.010 respectively). CONCLUSION: In the guidance of the results of the present study, peritoneal dialysis prior to kidney transplantation and bacteriuria are independent risk factors for ureteral stenosis after living donor kidney transplantation. JJ stents have no effect on urologic complications after living donor kidney transplantation.

Randomized Trial Comparing Resection of Primary Tumor with No Surgery in Stage IV Breast Cancer at Presentation: Protocol MF07-01.

BACKGROUND: The MF07-01 trial is a multicenter, phase III, randomized, controlled study comparing locoregional treatment (LRT) followed by systemic therapy (ST) with ST alone for treatment-naïve stage IV breast cancer (BC) patients. METHODS: At initial diagnosis, patients were randomized 1:1 to either the LRT or ST group. All the patients were given ST either immediately after randomization or after surgical resection of the intact primary tumor. RESULTS: The trial enrolled 274 patients: 138 in the LRT group and 136 in the ST group. Hazard of death was 34% lower in the LRT group than in the ST group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.88; p = 0.005). Unplanned subgroup analyses showed that the risk of death was statistically lower in the LRT group than in the ST group with respect to estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)(+) (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46-0.91; p = 0.01), human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)/neu(-) (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45-0.91; p = 0.01), patients younger than 55 years (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38-0.86; p = 0.007), and patients with solitary bone-only metastases (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23-0.98; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In the current trial, improvement in 36-month survival was not observed with upfront surgery for stage IV breast cancer patients. However, a longer follow-up study (median, 40 months) showed statistically significant improvement in median survival. When locoregional treatment in de novo stage IV BC is discussed with the patient as an option, practitioners must consider age, performance status, comorbidities, tumor type, and metastatic disease burden.

Considering the Relationship between Quantitative Parameters and Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer: Can Mean Standardized Uptake Value be an Alternative to Maximum Standardized Uptake Value?

It was aimed to investigate the correlation between maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), and retention index (RI), which represents the quantitative evaluation of the uptake of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) used in positron emission tomography (PET) and clinicopathologic as well as biologic prognostic factors. Forty-one women with breast cancer who were histopathologically diagnosed were included in this study. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was applied to all patients before PET/computed tomography (CT). After FDG injection, PET/CT screening was applied within the 1st h (PET-1) and in the 2nd h (PET-2). SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVmax RI, and SUVmean RI of every image were calculated qualitatively and semiquantitatively. The correlation between quantitative and semiquantitative PET parameters and biologic as well as clinicopathologic prognosis factors was evaluated. Statistically, significant positive correlation was found between lymph nodes (LNs), which were evaluated by clinical picture, clinical stage as well as histopathologically and quantitative PET parameters (SUVmax1, SUVmax2,, RImax, SUVmean1, SUVmean2, RImean) (P < 0.05). While statistically significant correlation with RImax was detected only by LN (histopathological), correlations with RImean were detected by clinical picture, clinical stage, metabolic stage, and LN (histopathological). Statistically, significant correlation was found between RImax and estrogen receptor in patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 34) (P < 0.05). We detected correlations between biologic and clinicopathologic prognostic factors and SUVmax as well as SUVmean values in breast carcinoma. SUVmean values may provide important knowledge when the correlation between prognostic factors and PET parameters is investigated even if they are not used routinely.

Regional Clinical and Biochemical Differences among Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Environmental habitat may play a role in clinical disparities of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) patients. AIMS: To compare preoperative clinical symptoms and associated conditions and surgical findings in patients with pHPT, living in different geographical regions from the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Anatolia regions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical-based multi-centric study of 694 patients with pHPT. METHODS: Patients from 23 centers and 8 different geographical regions were included. Data related to baseline demographics, clinical, pathologic and treatment characteristics of 8 regions were collected and included age, gender, residential data, symptoms, history of fracture, existence of brown tumor, serum total Ca and p levels, serum parathormone (PTH) levels, serum 25-OH vitamin D levels, bone mineral density, size of the resected abnormal parathyroid gland(s), histology, as well as the presence of ectopia, presence of dual adenoma, and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)- or familial-related disease. RESULTS: The median age was 54. Asymptomatic patient rate was 25%. The median PTH level was 232 pg/mL and serum total Ca was 11.4 mg/dL. Eighty-seven percent of patients had an adenoma and 90% of these had a single adenoma. Hyperplasia was detected in 79 patients and cancer in 9 patients. The median adenoma size was 16 mm. Significant parameters differing between regions were preoperative symptoms, serum Ca and p levels, and adenoma size. All patients from South-East Anatolia were symptomatic, while the lowest p values were reported from East Anatolia and the largest adenoma size, as well as highest Ca levels, were from Bulgaria. CONCLUSION: Habitat conditions vary between geographical regions. This affects the clinicopathological features of patients with pHPT.

Reconstruction of Anomalous Portal Venous Branching in Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Malatya Approach.

Reconstruction of anomalous portal vein branching (APVB) during right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be challenging. The goal of this article is to describe our surgical technique, named the Malatya Approach, in case of APVB during right lobe LDLT. The technique unifies the APVB and obtains a funnel-shaped common extension with a circumferential fence by a saphenous vein conduit. In total, 126 (10.6%) of 1192 right lobe grafts had APVB that were divided into 2 groups according to the adopted surgical techniques: the Malatya Approach group (n = 91) and the previously defined other techniques group (n = 35). Both groups were compared regarding portal vein thrombosis (PVT), postoperative 90-day mortality and survival. PVT developed in 3 patients (3.3%) in the Malatya Approach group and developed in 10 (28.6%) patients for the other group (P < 0.001). There were 8 (8.8%) 90-day mortalities in the Malatya Approach group (1 PVT related) and 15 patients (9 PVT related) died in the other techniques group (P < 0.001). Mean follow-up time for both groups was similar (999.1 days for the Malatya Approach group versus 1024.7 days for the other group; P = 0.47), but longterm survival in the Malatya Approach group was better than in the other group (84.6% versus 40%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the Malatya Approach group showed less PVT development and longer survival (P < 0.001). This technique is promising to avoid PVT and mortalities in cases of APVB during right lobe LDLT. Liver Transplantation 23 751-761 2017 AASLD.

Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of The Breast Presenting As A Giant Breast Tumor: A Case Report.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast is a benign proliferative lesion of mammary stroma. It is identified as stromal cleavage surrounded by spindle-shaped stromal cells histomorphologicaly. Generally, it is determined in premenopausal women incidentally during breast biopsy. Clinically, it is rarely emerges as a palpable mass. PASH may be confused with low-grade angiosarcoma, hamartomas and phyllodes tumors in histopathological examination. Here, we report a giant left breast lesion that caused breast asymmetry and pain, and treated by total excision of the mass. The patient was a 39 years old women. Histopathologic examination of the specimen was evaluated as PASH. No additional medical treatment and clinical follow-up was recommended to patient. Within four months of the patient fallow-up, no problem occured.

Is cetrimide-chlorhexidine risky for secondary sclerosing cholangitis?

BACKGROUND: The liver is the most frequent organ for placement of hydatid cyst disease. All known protoscolicidals that are used for echinococcus degeneration have a risk of caustic secondary sclerosing cholangitis. The cetrimide-chlorhexidine combination is an effective protoscolicidal agent for treatment of hydatid liver cysts. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental study was to examine this combination for potential risks of caustic secondary sclerosing cholangitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty rats were enrolled and divided into two groups. In the study group, 0.15 mL of a cetrimide (0.5%) and chlorhexidine (0.05%) combination was injected into the bile ducts for five minutes. The control group included the same amount of normal saline and waiting period. The rats were followed for 120 days and the living rats were examined for biliary injury by biochemical analysis and histopathology. RESULTS: No specific histopathological findings for caustic sclerosing cholangitis such as bile duct stricture or periductal fibrosis were present in any groups. Other pathological criteria demonstrating inflammation including portal inflammation, bile duct proliferation and necrosis were similar in both groups. Biochemical analysis including a liver function test (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) appeared similar to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A cetrimide 0.5% and chlorhexidine 0.05% combination has similar liver function results and histopathological effects to normal saline on bile ducts and it appears to be safe for bile ducts.

Living donor liver transplantation with replacement of vena cava for Echinococcus alveolaris: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: There is no medical treatment for alveolar echinococceal disease (AED) of liver till now. Curative surgical resection is optimal treatment but in most advanced cases curative resection can't be done. Liver transplantation is accepted treatment option for advanced AED. AED in some case invade surrounding tissue especially inferior vena cava (IVC). Advanced AED with invasion to IVC can be treated with deceased liver transplantation. Although living donor liver transplantation is very difficult to perform in patients with advanced AED with resected IVC, it come into consideration, since there is very few cadaveric liver. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present a case with advanced stage of AED of liver which cause portal hypertension and cholestasis. AED invaded surrounding tissue, right diaphragm, both lobes of liver and retrohepatic part of IVC. Invasion of IVC forced us to make resection of IVC and reconstruction with cryopreserved venous graft to reestablish blood flow. After that a living donor liver transplantation was done. DISCUSSION: Curative surgery is the first-choice option in all operable patients with AED of liver. Advanced stage of AED like chronic jaundice, liver abscess, sepsis, repeated attacks of cholangitis, portal hypertension, and Budd-Chiari syndrome may be an indication for liver transplantation. In some advanced stage AED during transplantation replacement of retrohepatic part of IVC could be done with artificial vascular graft, cadaveric aortic and caval vein graft. CONCLUSION: Although living donor liver transplantation with replacement of IVC is a very difficult operation, it should be considered in the management of advanced AED of liver with IVC invasion because of the rarity of deceased liver.

Controlling massive hemorrhage from the retropancreatic portal vein as a complication of thromboendovenectomy during liver transplantation with balloon catheter tamponade: how to do it.

We herein describe two cases of liver transplantation with portal vein thrombosis. In both cases, a tear advancing to the retropancreatic area occurred during portal vein thrombectomy. Hemorrhage from the limited visibility retropancreatic area made it impossible to stop the bleeding by clamping or direct suturing, and the clamping and suturing efforts actually increased the hemorrhage, possibly due to the damaged and thin portal vein wall. First, finger compression over the retropancreatic area was employed to stop the bleeding, then a Foley urinary catheter was introduced into the portal vein under the finger. The balloon of the catheter was inflated with 8 cc of normal saline, and the finger was released. The bleeding was stopped temporarily, and two different venous conduits were sutured to the trimmed portal vein stump in a bloodless surgical area. The venous conduits were easily controlled with vascular clamps after deflating the balloon catheters, and implantation of the liver was then done in a standard manner. Balloon tamponade can be a lifesaving technique that can temporarily stop a hemorrhage to allow for definitive repair in cases of retropancreatic portal vein hemorrhage.

Thyroid pathologies accompanying primary hyperparathyroidism: a high rate of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid pathologies and non-medullary thyroid cancer often accompany primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between thyroid diseases, especially micropapillary thyroid cancer, with PHPT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data regarding 46 patients who were operated on with a diagnosis of PHPT at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, General Surgery Clinic between June 2009 and March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gender, levels of preoperative calcium, parathyroid hormone and phosphorus, and the histopathological results of the removed parathyroid and thyroid tissues were evaluated. All of the patients had a preoperative diagnosis of PHPT and there was no history of radiation to the head and neck region in any of the patients. RESULTS: Out of the 46 patients who were operated on for PHPT, 39 were female and 7 were male. The mean age was 52.8 years (25-76). Simultaneous thyroidectomy was performed in 35 patients (76.1%) due to an accompanying thyroid disorder. Papillary microcarcinoma was detected in 5 of these 35 (10.9%) patients who underwent thyroidectomy, two of which (40%) were multifocal tumors. The benign thyroid pathologies detected in the remaining 30 (65.2%) cases included lymphocytic thyroiditis in 3, Hashimoto thyroiditis in 1, follicular adenoma in 3 (two of which was Hurtle cell), and nodular colloidal goiter in 23 patients. The preoperative serum phosphate level was significantly higher in the group with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: In regions where goiter is endemic, thyroid diseases and thyroid papillary microcarcinoma occur in association with PHPT at a higher rate compared to the normal population. Therefore, we believe that patients who are planned for surgery due to PHPT should be thoroughly investigated for the presence of any concomitant malignant thyroid pathologies in the preoperative period. It should also be kept in mind that patients with high blood serum phosphate values may have an increased risk of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Emergency liver resection with staplers for spontaneous liver haemorrhage in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Introduction. Emergency liver resection during active bleeding in a patient who takes anticoagulant therapy is a complicated and high-risk surgery. Aim. We described a technique that is combination of staplers, total hepatic vascular occlusion, and hemostatic agent (TachoSil) application for safe and quick hepatectomy. Patient and Method. A 72-year-old woman who uses warfarin regularly due to valvuloplasty admitted emergency unit with abdominal pain and shock. At admission, her hemoglobin, hematocrit, and INR values were 5.2 g/dL, 14.9%, and 6.7, respectively. Radiologic evaluation revealed abdominal free fluid and a liver lesion on segments V, VI, and VII. Emergency laparotomy was required. There was an active bleeding from a liver hematoma that could not be controlled by packing, and an urgent hepatic resection was required. Under total hepatic vascular occlusion, segments V, VI, and VII were resected with endoscopic nonvascular staplers. Cut surface of the liver was coagulated with bipolar cautery and covered with a hemostatic material. Results. Hepatectomy took six minutes, and the duration of surgery was 80 minutes. There was no complication and no transfusion required after surgery, and the patient was discharged on 8th day, uneventfully. Conclusion. Emergency hepatectomy with staplers, under vascular control with hemostatic agents, provided a rapid and safe surgery.

Single-center analysis of the first 304 living-donor liver transplantations in 3 years.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Living donor liver transplantations (LDLT) is a definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), especially in the countries with donation problem. Between April 2007 and April 2010, we performed LDLT in 289 patients. Fifteen of the cases required re-transplantations. This study evaluates these 304 consecutive LDLTs donor and recipient outcomes. METHODOLOGY: Complication rates and survival data of the recipients and donors of 304 LDLT cases were analyzed. RESULTS: All donors are alive and well. Overall complication rate was 27%. Early postoperative recipient complication rate was 51%. Most frequent complication was infection. In the long-term there were 57 biliary stricture and 5 chronic bile fistula cases. Chronic and acute rejection attacks developed in 7 and 103 patients, respectively. Hepatic artery thrombosis rate was 8%. One, two and three year survival rates were 82%, 79% and 75%, respectively. Recipient mortality was 25%, mostly due to vascular complications, septic complications, liver dysfunction and chronic rejection. CONCLUSIONS: More than 150 liver tranplantations per year in a single center is a challenge in Turkey, where there is a shortage of deceased donor grafts. LDLT is a safe procedure for donors and effective for ESLD. Improvement in surgical technique would provide better outcomes.

Effects of infliximab on bacterial translocation in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Translocation of bacteria from the gut is an important factor in the development of septic complications and mortality in acute pancreatitis (AP). The present study was designed to assess the effects of infliximab treatment on bacterial translocation (BT) in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=45) were allocated into three groups. AP was induced in group II (positive control, n=15) and group III (Infliximab; n=15) by retrograde injection of taurocholate into the common biliopancreatic duct. Group I rats (Sham; n=15) received normal saline infusion into the common biliopancreatic duct as placebo. Groups I and II were treated by normal saline and group III was treated with infliximab intraperitoneally on 6, 30 and 54 h after induction of pancreatitis. All surviving animals were killed 60 h after the induction of pancreatitis, and specimens were collected for amylase measurement as well as histopathologic and microbiologic examinations. RESULTS: Oedema, acinar cell necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, haemorrhage, fat necrosis and perivascular inflammation in group III rats were decreased with infliximab treatment when compared with group II (P<0.001). BT to mesentery lymph node in groups I, II and III were 20, 100 and 46 per cent, respectively. BT to peritoneum and pancreas in group III was lower than group II (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab administration resulted in beneficial effects on BT and histopathologic changes in the experimental necrotizing pancreatitis. Whether anti-TNF therapy has a role in prevention of complications of ANP needs to be established.