[An Important Problem in AdV-36 Seropositive Obesity Patients: Leptin Resistance]. / AdV-36 Seropozitif Olan Obez Hastalarda Önemli Bir Sorun: Leptin Direnci.

Adenoviruses are naked viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid containing a 36 kb linear double-stranded DNA genome that encodes 30-40 proteins. The word "obesity" in Latin means "because of feeding". Obesity is an energy metabolism pathology that paves the way for physical and psychological problems with excessive fat accumulation that can impair health. Body mass index (BMI), unaffected by gender and age, is the most useful indicator of overweight and obesity at the population level. The concept of infectobesity was first introduced in 1978 after the data showed that viruses might also play a role in obesity cases. In the same year, adenovirus 36 (AdV-36) was isolated from the stool of a six-year-old girl with diabetes who was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of enteritis. One of the adipokines important for obesity is leptin. Leptin regulates food intake and energy metabolism by having a "negative feedback" effect on the hypothalamus. Leptin acts as a sensor that acutely regulates energy metabolism by creating hunger and satiety signals and it also regulates the amount of body fat and the required weight of the person by adjusting its concentration in the plasma according to the nutritional status. Changes in body weight and metabolic status are often associated with acute or chronic inflammatory processes. Human cells infected by AdV-36 showed greater differentiation and higher lipid accumulation than uninfected control cells, which increases the prevalence of obesity. There are two fractions of serum leptin, protein-bound and free form. The balance between these two fractions depends on serum leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sLR) plasma concentration, which is adversely affected by BMI. AdV-36 infection reduces norepinephrine and leptin levels. These two effects contribute to obesity by increasing appetite and food intake. In this study, it was aimed to determine the presence of immunoglobulin G against AdV-36 in the blood serum of obesity patients (BMI≥ 30) and healthy weight individuals (18.5≤ BMI≤ 25), and also aimed to determine and compare the leptin and soluble leptin receptor levels of these individuals. In this study, 10 ml of blood was collected on an empty stomach from obese individuals (n= 101; BMI≥ 30) and healthy individuals (n= 96; 18.5≤ BMI≤ 25) between the ages of 18-55. All participants consisted of who were not taking any medication and were not immunosuppressed. Blood samples separated into their serum were analyzed for AdV-36 IgG, leptin, and soluble leptin receptor levels. Mean, standard deviation, and percentage values were calculated by descriptive statistical analysis. The data with normal distribution were evaluated with the paired and independent sample t-test and data with abnormal distribution were evaluated with the paired and independent sample Mann-Whitney U test. Findings with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In conclusion, leptin levels in obese individuals who were not infected with Adv-36 were found to be low, in line with the principle that "insufficient leptin synthesis has a role in the pathophysiology of obesity". When AdV-36 infection is added to the obesity picture, it may be due to the fact that it increases leptin synthesis in patients and the level of soluble leptin receptors increases in response to the increased leptin level, that AdV-36 suppresses the binding of the leptin molecule to its receptor, which leads to leptin resistance.

Exploring the Gender-Specific Impact of Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine on Early Postoperative Pain in Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Background: Early postoperative pain is a significant problem in bariatric and metabolic surgery. Our study aimed to investigate the potential role of intraperitoneal bupivacaine hydrochloride in pain management in the early postoperative period after bariatric and metabolic surgery. Methods: This double-blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study included 68 individuals who underwent bariatric and metabolic surgery at the Department of Surgery, Istanbul Aydin University Hospital. The study group received 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride intraperitoneally at the operative site, and the control group received 20 mL of normal saline. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores of each patient were recorded at 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours postoperatively. Results: Our study found significant differences in VAS scores of patients between study group and control group at 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours postoperatively. Significant differences were found between male and female patients in the control group at 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours postoperatively. Interestingly, no significant difference was found between female patients in the study group and control group at 2nd, 4th, and 6th hours postoperatively. Conclusions: Our study suggests that intraperitoneal administration of bupivacaine hydrochloride is effective in reducing early postoperative pain in male patients. However, no significant difference was found between the study group and the control group in female patients. Our results indicate that there may be a gender-related difference in the response to bupivacaine administration. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosing and administration of local anesthetics for postoperative pain management.

Comparison of DaVinci Si and Xi robotic platforms for adrenal surgery. Effects on short term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate our experience and short term surgical outcomes between two robotic systems. METHODS: The present study retrospectively analyzed 38 cases, who underwent robotic adrenalectomy between 2012-2019 at our center. The patients were divided into Group Si (n=11) and Group Xi (n=27), and the results of these two groups were compared. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics of both groups were similar between two groups. While, 42% of the patients had Cushing syndrome, 22% had Pheochromocytoma and 22% had Conn syndrome in the Xi group, 72% of the patients were non-secreting adrenocortical adenoma in Si group (p=0.005). The mean docking time in Group Xi was shorter than Si group (p=0.027). Console and total operation times were similar in both groups (p=0.312 and p=0.424; respectively). The intraoperative complication rate (p=0.500) and hospital stay (3.2±1.0 vs. 2.52±1.42 days, respectively, p = 0.077) were similar in both groups. Postoperative 4th and 12th hour Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were similar (p=0.213 and p=0.857; respectively). The average cost of robotic consumables was $210 higher in Xi group (p=0.495). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that; the Xi robotic system is as safe as the Si system for adrenalectomy operations. KEY WORDS: Adrenal gland surgery, Minimally invasive adrenalectomy, Robotic surgery.

Risk factors affecting benign anastomotic stricture in anterior and low anterior resections for colorectal cancer: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Although not as life-threatening as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture reduces the quality of life. The risk factors for such an important life complication have not been revealed. This article examines the risk factors affecting anastomotic strictures due to colorectal cancers. METHODS: Patients who underwent anterior and low anterior resection for colorectal cancer under elective conditions between 2015 and 2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, those who developed anastomotic stricture and those who did not. The parameters determined between the two groups were compared, and multivariate analysis of statistically significant parameters was performed. RESULTS: A total of 375 patients were included in the study. The anastomotic stricture was detected in 36 (9.6%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, non-mobilization of the splenic flexure and a proximal clean surgical margin of < 10 cm and a distal surgical margin of < 2 cm were identified as risk factors affecting anastomotic stricture. The risk factor with the highest odds ratio in the development of anastomotic stricture is the non-mobilization of the splenic flexure (p = 0.001, OR 11.375). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the mobilization of the splenic flexure to reduce the development of strictures. In addition, a clean surgical margin of 10 cm proximally and 2 cm distally and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery may reduce the development of stricture.

The importance of inflammatory markers in detection of complications in patients with gastric cancer undergoing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Early diagnosis reduces mortality and morbidity rates in gastrointestinal system (GIS) anastomoses. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of some substances that were used to detect major complications early in patients who were treated in line with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for gastric cancer. Factors included in the study were interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and white blood cell (WBC). Material and methods: A hundred and twenty patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer in accordance with the ERAS protocol between January 2018 and December 2019 were included in this prospective study. Blood values of IL-1ß, TNF-α, CRP, PCT, and WBC on the third and fifth post-operative days (POD) were measured for diagnosing major complications. Results: Major complications occurred in 12 (10%) patients. Third POD and fifth POD measurements of IL-1ß, TNF-α, CRP, PCT were statistically significantly higher than those in the non-complicated group, whereas WBC was not. In addition, in the group with complications, statistically significant changes of the blood levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, CRP, and PCT between the 3rd and 5th days were detected (p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: IL-1ß, TNF-α, CRP, and PCT can be used in the early detection of major complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing the ERAS protocol. Imaging methods should be used in patients with high levels of these inflammatory substances on the third and fifth POD.

Is Helicobacter pylori eradication required after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is the most common bacterial infection in humans. H. pylori is now known to be responsible for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, B-cell gastric lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is increasingly preferred among surgical treatment methods in obese patients. Aim: To discuss the detection and treatment of H. pylori in patients undergoing LSG surgery. Material and methods: Patients who underwent biopsy with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the preoperative and postoperative period of LSG between 2014 and 2019 were included in the study, resulting in a sample of 162 patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative endoscopy. Endoscopic biopsies of these patients were collected in accordance with the preoperative Sydney protocol. The patients did not receive H. pylori-related eradication treatment. Endoscopy was performed to investigate dyspeptic complaints in the postoperative period. The biopsy results obtained in the endoscopy in the postoperative period were compared to those obtained in the preoperative period. Results: Of the 162 patients in our study, 39 were male and 123 were female. All patients were assigned to one of two groups in the preoperative period: H. pylori (+) and H. pylori (-). H. pylori was found to be positive in 99 patients in the preoperative period. H. pylori was negative in 62 patients in the biopsy results of these patients after the LSG. H. pylori was found to be negative in 63 patients in the preoperative period, and 51 patients were H. pylori-negative in the biopsy results of these patients following LSG. These changes were found to be statistically significant when the preoperative and postoperative pathology results were evaluated (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that LSG reduced the presence of H. pylori.

Treatment of Anastomotic Leaks With EndoVac After Low Anterior Resection in Colorectal Cancers.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic drainage should preferably be tried unless the abscess caused by the anastomotic leak is generalized and disseminated into the abdominal cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of patients treated with EndoVac. PATIENT AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent low anterior resection and were treated using the EndoVac therapy system due to the detection of an anastomotic leak were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-three of the patients with detection of anastomotic leaks were treated using EndoVac therapy system. The mean number of application of the EndoVac therapy system was 5.8 (1 to 12) for each patient. Mean duration of hospitalization of the patients was 24.5 (9 to 92) days. Five patients underwent a second operation during the follow-up period after application of the EndoVac therapy system. In our study, the number of patients recovering without the need for additional treatment is 30 (30/33). Our success rate was 90.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The EndoVac therapy system is an alternative and helpful system in the treatment of colorectal anastomotic leaks without reoperation needed. It can also prevent permanent stoma.

Risk factors affecting failure of colonoscopic detorsion for sigmoid colon volvulus: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopic detorsion (CD) is the first treatment option for uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus (SV). We aim to examine the factors affecting the failure of CD. METHODS: The files of patients, treated after diagnosis of SV between January 2015 and September 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, endoscopy reports, and surgical and other treatments were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups, as the successful CD group and unsuccessful CD group. The data were compared between the groups, and multivariate analysis of statistically significant variables was performed. RESULTS: There were 21 patients in the unsuccessful CD group and 52 patients in the successful CD group. The unsuccessful CD rate was found to be 28.76%; this is likely a function of more neuropsychiatric disease, more accompanying sigmoid diverticulum, previous abdominal surgery, abdominal tenderness, onset of symptoms for more than 48 h, higher mean intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), IAP over 15 mmHg, larger mean diameter of the cecum, the cecum diameter over 10 cm, and higher mean C-reactive protein (CRP) values as statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis, previous abdominal surgery and cecum diameter over 10 cm were seen as predictive factors for failure of CD (p=0.049, OR=0.103, and p = 0.028, OR=10.540, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CD failure rate was significantly associated with previous abdominal surgery and a cecum diameter over 10 cm. We found that patients with these factors will tend to need more emergency surgery.

The role of selective venous sampling in patients with non-localized primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this observational clinical study was to evaluate the success of angiographic selective venous sampling (ASVS) in locating parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), in whom the other imaging modalities have failed, and and to evaluate its possible contribution to the applicability of minimal invasive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients who were admitted to our hospital's General Surgery department between January 2012 and January 2015 for PHPT in whom ultrasound and sestamibi scintigraphy have failed to localize the diseased gland were included to the study. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent ASVS and those who did not. The outcomes of patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 55 patients, 20 underwent ASVS. ASVS successfully lateralized the diseased gland in 17 (85%) patients, and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy could be performed in 14 (70%) patients. The cut-off value of parathormon gradient was considered 10% for lateralization and the accuracy of ASVS in lateralization was 94.1%. In 11 (59%) patients, the superior-inferior discrimination could be achieved in addition to lateralization. CONCLUSION: ASVS has a high sensitivity in locating the diseased gland in patients with PHPT in whom ultrasound and sestamibi scan have failed, and thereby, rendering the performance of minimally invasive surgery possible. Further studies may reveal the role of ASVS in providing useful information about not only lateralization but also the superior-inferior discrimination.

Robotic transperitoneal adrenalectomy from inception to ingenuity: the perspective on two high volume endocrine surgery centers.

BACKGROUND: With increased utilization of robotic technology, robotic adrenalectomy (RA) became popular in certain high-volume centers as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and surgical outcomes of RA in two high-volume centers in Turkey. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2019, consecutive patients who underwent robotic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in two referral centers for surgical endocrine diseases in Turkey were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were analyzed. Mean diameter of the tumor in preoperative imaging was 38.6±2.0 mm. Total operation time was 135.4±47.9 min. The analysis of the learning curve period and the post-learning curve period in both centers demonstrated that the total surgery time decreased from 152.68±48.6 to 118.8±37.1 min, and the console time decreased from 113.2±38.9 to 81.6±35.1 min (P<0.0001). In 8 patients, complications arose during the surgery and postoperative complications were observed in 10 patients. Intraoperative complication rate was 28% in patients with a tumor diameter of greater than 50 mm (P<0.0001). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that RA is a safe and effective procedure with low-morbidity and without mortality in high number of cases.

Five-year outcomes for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy from a single center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: There are no long-term results for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) from Turkey. OBJECTIVES: Assess the outcomes of LSG at 5 years. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Training and research hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included patients with LSG performed from August 2012 to December 2013. The data was prospectively collected with the aim of providing 5-year outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in percentage excessive weight loss (%EWI) and BMI. Changes in the pharmacological treatment status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS: 120 patients (89 female) completed follow up; mean age 37 years (range, 19-63 years), mean preoperative BMI 48.3 kg/m2 (range 40-80.4 kg/m2). RESULTS: After a mean 5.6-year follow-up, the mean (SD) postoperative weight loss was 43.5 (11.8) kg and the mean (SD) BMI loss was 16.1 (4.4). The mean %EWL value was 62.9% (range, 30-101%). Most patients (87.5%, n=105) achieved satisfactory %EWL values. The major complication rate was 6.6%. After surgery, 74.2% of patients taking medication for hypertension were able to stop treatment, while 12.9% reduced the dose, of patients that took medication for diabetes, all had a dosage reduction. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that LSG is an acceptable bariatric procedure, but in the long-term there may be weight gain and frequent reflux symptoms. We think renewed weight gain can be partially prevented by close clinical follow-up. There is a need for long-term randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up to clearly define the indications for LSG. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective, incomplete clinical visits, GERD symptoms not objectively assessed. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in large adrenal masses.

INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the gold standard since the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was first reported. AIM: To evaluate the applicability, safety and short-term results of laparoscopic surgery in adrenal masses over 6 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Demographic data, hormonal activities, imaging modalities, operative findings, operation time, conversion rates, complications, duration of hospital stay and histopathologic results of 128 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy were evaluated retrospectively. Patients included in the learning curve (n = 23), robotic surgery cases (n = 15) and patients with suspected metastasis (n = 4) were excluded from the study. Six cm mass size was taken as a reference and two groups were formed (group 1: < 6 cm, group 2: ≥ 6 cm). The results of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 64 cases in group 1 and 22 cases in group 2. Functional mass ratio and mass sides were similar between the groups (p = 0.30 and p = 0.17, respectively). The mean mass size in group 1 was 36.4 ±11.2 mm and in group 2 82.4 ±15.5 mm. The conversion rate was similar between the two groups (p = 0.18). The duration of surgery was 135.5 ±8.29 min in group 1, 177.0 ±14.9 min in group 2 (p = 0.014). Morbidity and lengths of hospital stay were similar (p = 0.76, p = 0.34 respectively). Adrenocortical carcinoma was detected in three cases in group 1, which were completed laparoscopically, and in two cases in group 2, which were converted to open surgery (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Although open surgery is still recommended in the guidelines, studies are now being carried out to ensure that laparoscopy can be safely performed on masses over 6 cm. There was no difference between short-term follow-up and histopathologic results in our study.

Outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy by means of esophageal manometry and pH-metry, before and after surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux is a major problem after sleeve gastrectomy. There is still insufficient understanding of how it occurs and whether it is due to the sphincter length, relaxation, or pressure differences. AIM: This study evaluates the effect on the lower esophageal sphincter of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) technique applied in surgery in cases of morbid obesity using ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring (APM) and esophageal manometry (EM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective examination was carried out on the APM and EM tests performed preoperatively and postoperatively in cases of LSG. The parameters examined were the body mass index (BMI), amplitude pressure of the esophagus (AP), total length of the lower esophageal segment (LESL), resting pressure of the LES (LESP), residual pressure of the LES (LESR), relaxation time of the LES, intragastric pressure, and the DeMeester score. RESULTS: A total of 62 cases with available data were evaluated. A statistically significant difference was determined between the preoperative values and the 3-month postoperative values of BMI, LESP, and relaxation time of the LES. A statistically significant increase was determined in the DeMeester score, and the increase in the total number of reflux episodes longer than 5 min was found to be the most responsible for this increase. No significant difference was determined in the other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The LSG was found to cause a reduction in LESP, and an increase in acid reflux causing an extended relaxation time of the LES. This was confirmed by the increase seen in the DeMeester score.

Analyzing the Role of Anal Sphincter Pressure in Rectocele Formation.

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common entity in society with various factors in the etiology. In this study, we evaluated the role of anal sphincter pressure of patients who refer to surgery clinic with complaint of constipation. METHODS: Sixty patients who refer to surgery clinic with complaint of constipation and were diagnosed with constipation due to Rome III criteria between July 2010 and September 2014. These patients were evaluated with defecography and were divided into 2 groups based on presence of rectocele. Both groups' anal sphincter pressures were evaluated using anal manometry and findings were compared. RESULTS: The patients with rectocele and without rectocele using defecography were inspected with anal manometry regarding resting tone pressure, squeeze pressure, maximum squeeze pressure and simulated defecation response pressure, first sensation volume, urge sensation volume, and maximum tolerable volume. Results were compared and no significant difference was found regarding groups with rectocele and without rectocele (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We have proved the hypothesis arguing that increased sphincter pressures do not play a role in the formation of rectocele by inducing an obstruction and the formation of dilation in proximal bowel, and demonstrated that the presence of rectocele is not dependent on an increase in sphincter pressures.

Colonic Stent Use in Patients With Malignant Flexure Tumors Presenting With Obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Colonic stenting in left-sided tumor is being commonly used. However, placing a stent in the flexure tumors is rare because it is technically more difficult. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively screen patients with flexure tumors admitted to our clinic who were treated using a colonic stent and discuss our findings. METHODS: Patients admitted to the emergency department for obstructive colonic tumors between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated, and 21 patients treated using stents were included in the study. The expandable metal stent (Wallflex®, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) was placed at the obstruction through the lead wire. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62 years, and the ratio of females to males was 3:18. Splenic flexure tumors were detected in 18 patients and hepatic flexure tumors in 3 patients. Seven of the patients were stented for palliative purposes. Fourteen of the cases underwent surgery. Three of them underwent laparoscopic surgery and eleven underwent open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative stenting in colonic flexura tumors is associated with faster healing, less postoperative complications, lower rates of colostomy, and higher rates of minimally invasive surgery, and can be safely used at experienced centers.

Feasibility of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Classification in Predicting Thyroid Malignancy.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) in the estimation of malignancy and assess the concordance between TIRADS and the histopathology results of the postoperative specimens. Consecutive ultrasound imaging records of patients with multinodular goiter from January 2010 to December 2017 who underwent surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The risk of malignancy of each TIRADS category was determined, and correlation with pathology was assessed. The patients with malignant cytology findings (Bethesda 6) who were categorized TIRADS 6 were excluded from the study. The positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the TIRADS classification were calculated on a 2 × 2 table with their own formulas. A total of 1457 patients were evaluated, and 1122 of these were included in the study. The risk of malignancy for nodules evaluated as TIRADS 2 was 0.6 per cent, TIRADS 3 was 13.1 per cent, TIRADS 4a was 20 per cent, TIRADS 4b was 61.1 per cent, TIRADS 4c was 85.7 per cent, and TIRADS 5 was 93.3 per cent. The positive predictive value of TIRADS classification was found to be 43.4 per cent, negative predictive value was found to be 90.7 per cent, sensitivity was found to be 78 per cent, specificity was found to be 68.4 per cent, and accuracy was found to be 70.7 per cent for our institution. The TIRADS classification based on suspicious ultrasound findings is reliable in predicting thyroid malignancy and can be routinely used in daily practice.

The importance of presepsin value in detection of gastrointestinal anastomotic leak: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage is the most important factor in reducing its morbidity and mortality. Anastomotic integrity monitoring of the leukocyte count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are commonly used laboratory parameters. The availability of follow-up presepsin anastomotic integrity was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included patients who had gastrointestinal anastomosis due to major abdominal surgery between January 2016 and February 2017. Blood samples were collected to determine the WBC, CRP, NLR, and presepsin values before the anastomosis was performed and then taken on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. RESULTS: This is a prospective nonrandomized study with 100 consecutive patients enrolled in the anastomosis group (male/female, 42:58). WBC, CRP, NLR, and presepsin values are based on certain days in the complication group, and the complication group increased with statistical significance. Presepsin had a specificity of 98.63% in determining anastomotic leak. CONCLUSIONS: Presepsin can be used as a supplemental marker with CRP and NLR for anastomotic integrity.

Endoscopic repair of rectal perforation due to colonoscopy with a clamp method.

Colon perforation during colonoscopy is a rare complication that usually requires surgical intervention. Traditionally, primary repair by laparoscopy, laparotomy, resection, and anastomosis is performed for such perforations. More recently developed minimally invasive endoscopic instruments have also been used in the repair of these perforations; this is becoming increasingly common. An endoscopic over-the-scope clip clamp was used in a 59-year-old male patient who suffered a rectum perforation in connection with a diagnostic colonoscopy. He was referred to our clinic. A colonoscopy was performed in our clinic to assess the rectal perforation caused by a diagnostic colonoscopy 2 h after the initial colonoscopy, with the concurrent therapeutic purpose of repairing the perforation using an endoscopic clamping method. Oral feeding was started 24 h after the procedure. After three days, the patient was discharged. An endoscopic clamping method in appropriate cases can be a safe and appropriate alternative therapy in the management of colonoscopic perforations.

Evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor serum levels and their association with clinicopathological characteristics in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the serum epidermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR) levels in healthy volunteers and patients with CRC, to determine the association between tumor marker levels and clinicopathological findings, and investigate its prognostic value. A total of 140 patients with CRC were enrolled in the present study. Pre-treatment sEGFR levels were determined using ELISA. A total of 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. The median age of patients was 60 years (range, 24-84 years); the majority of the tumor localization was to the colon (n=81, 58%). The median follow-up time was 14 months, while 43 (31%) patients experienced disease progression and 31 (22%) succumbed to the disease. A total of 81 patients (58%) were in the early stages of disease (stage II and III), and 42% of the patients had stage IV disease. The estimated 2-year overall and 1-year progression-free survival rates for the whole patient group were 70% [95% confidence interval (CI): 58.8-81.2] and 26.2% (95% CI: 12.9-39.5), respectively. The number of patients who received neoadjuvant treatment was 37. Of the patients who were administered palliative treatment, 24 received oxaliplatin, whereas 22 received irinotecan and 9 received fluorouracil/capecitabine. A total of 36 and 15 of the patients who received targeted therapy were administered bevacizumab and cetuximab, respectively. Of the 55 patients with metastatic disease who received palliative chemotherapy (CTx), 31% were CTx-responsive. The baseline median sEGFR levels were significantly higher in patients with CRC compared with the healthy control group (P=0.002). In addition, established clinical variables, including no surgical resection, metastatic stage, higher pathological tumor stage, poorer regression score (3-4) and higher lactate dehydrogenase levels, were found to be associated with higher sEGFR levels (P=0.03, P=0.009, P=0.05, P=0.05 and P=0.05, respectively). The results of the present study did not reveal statistically significant associations between sEGFR concentrations and overall and progression-free survival rates. In conclusion, sEGFR concentrations may be diagnostic markers in patients with CRC; however, their predictive and prognostic values were not determined.

FICE in Predicting Colorectal Flat Lesion Histology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detection of polyps and is preventive against colorectal cancers. Flat adenomas are small, superficial lesions and have a high rate of going undetected during conventional white-light endoscopy. This article adds to the scant body of literature in English regarding in vivo detection and diagnosis of flat adenomas using Fujinon intelligent color enhancement (FICE) system. In this study, we investigated the diagnosis of flat lesions via the FICE endoscopy system and in vivo histologic diagnostic estimations of flat lesions. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in patients who underwent colonoscopy that found flat adenomas. Lesions were classified morphologically with regard to the Paris Classification and sent for histopathologic examination after in vivo histologic diagnostic estimations were made according to Kudo's pit pattern classification. The positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of in vivo endoscopic diagnostic estimations of flat lesions with the FICE system were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 217 flat lesions were identified in 137 patients. Of the lesions, 85.7% were Paris type 0-IIa, and 59.4% were Kudo pit pattern type III. When the FICE diagnostic estimations of flat lesions and final pathology results were considered, PPV was 68.5%, NPV value was 89.6%, sensitivity was 94.7%, specificity was 50.9%, and accuracy was 74.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic importance of flat lesions is obscure, as they are usually missed during colonoscopy. The use of novel endoscopic techniques may improve their detection and diagnosis rates.