Comparison of transanal and transvaginal specimen extraction in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of transanal and transvaginal NOSES in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 45 patients who were scheduled for NOSES after undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection in our clinic between January 2019 and March 2020. To ensure homogeneity between the groups, the data of 22 female patients were analyzed in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the specimen extraction technique used. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative findings, as well as the pathology and sizes of the specimens were examined in both the groups. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics and preoperative and early postoperative outcomes were similar in both the groups. The size of the lesion was larger in the transvaginal group than that in the transanal group [4.58 ± 1.28 and 2.71 ± 1.55, respectively (P = 0.039)]. Two complications associated with extraction were observed (%9.09). A patient who underwent transanal extraction developed transient anal incontinence, which spontaneously resolved, and a patient who underwent transvaginal extraction developed anastomotic leakage and rectovaginal fistula associated with anastomotic leakage; a colonic stent was inserted for the management of this condition following which the patient recovered. CONCLUSION: Only the lesion size was statistically significantly different between the transanal and transvaginal routes. Further, avoiding secondary organ injury is essential; therefore, the transanal route is primarily preferred. However, if the diameter of the lesion is large and the patient is female, the transvaginal route can be a useful alternative. KEY WORDS: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery, Laparoscopic colorectal surgery, Minimally invasive surgery.

Surgical results of Hartmann procedure in emergency cases with left-sided colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to define indication of Hartmann procedure (HP) under emergency conditions, analyze, and present in which cases this procedure should be used. METHODS: The patients who underwent emergency surgery for colorectal cancer were analyzed. Rates of mortality, overall, and disease-free survival of the patients were evaluated. The colostomy closure rate, operative mortality, and surgical complications of the secondary operation performed after the HP were also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent HP were included in the study. The indications were obstruction (n = 37) or perforation (n = 20). The post-operative mortality and morbidity rates were 21.1% and 63.2%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for all patients were 54%, 49%, and 45%. CONCLUSION: HP can be a life-saving procedure in cases of high risk, emergency colorectal disease. Surgeons create a temporary stoma as a part of this procedure that is generally closed with a second operation. However, it is not possible to close the stoma in some cases, and the potential physical and emotional issues related to the stoma should be a part of the surgeon's considerations.

OBJETIVO: Definir la indicación del procedimiento de Hartmann en condiciones de emergencia y en qué casos debe utilizarse. MÉTODO: Se analizaron los pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal de emergencia. Se evaluaron las tasas de mortalidad y de supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad. También se evaluaron la tasa de cierre de la colostomía, la mortalidad operatoria y las complicaciones quirúrgicas de la operación secundaria. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos en el estudio 57 pacientes sometidos a un procedimiento de Hartmann. Las indicaciones fueron obstrucción (n = 37) o perforación (n = 20). Las tasas de mortalidad y de morbilidad posoperatorias fueron del 21,1% y el 63,2%, respectivamente. Las tasas de supervivencia a 1, 3 y 5 años para todos los pacientes fueron del 54%, el 49% y el 45%. CONCLUSIÓN: El procedimiento de Hartmann puede salvar vidas en casos de enfermedad colorrectal de emergencia de alto riesgo. Los cirujanos crean un estoma temporal como parte de este procedimiento, que generalmente se cierra con una segunda operación. Sin embargo, en algunos casos no es posible cerrar la estoma, y los posibles problemas físicos y emocionales relacionados con este deberían ser parte de las consideraciones del cirujano.

Laparoscopic and single incision laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in adults.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare multiple versus single incision laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in adults and to investigate effectiveness and feasibility of both techniques. METHODS: Between January 2011 and March 2018, a total of 15 patients (5 males, 10 females; median age: 58.6 years; range, 36 to 70 years) who underwent laparoscopic or single-incision laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, perioperative data, and treatment outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 38 (range, 11 to 84) months. Of the patients with Morgagni hernia, 12 were treated with laparoscopic and three were treated with single incision laparoscopic repair technique. Patient satisfaction was excellent for most of the patients in both groups. No recurrence was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Morgagni hernia is a very rare type of hernia in adults. Laparoscopic mesh-reinforced primary repair of Morgagni hernia should be one of the first choice in patients, particularly with large hernias that would cause tension on edges of the diaphragm when closed. Single incision laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia is also another laparoscopic option with high patient satisfaction.

The effect of obesity in laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy.

Objectives: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for the resection of adrenal tumors. However, there are some technical difficulties, which may be due to the fact that adrenalectomy is rarely encountered in general surgery practice and has a high learning curve. In addition to these, obesity is another problem in laparoscopic adrenalectomies. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate whether obesity affects perioperative and postop- erative complications after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study carried out between December 2008 and June 2018. A total of 65 patients who un- derwent laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy were divided into two groups according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). Patients' demographic data, perioperative and postoperative results were analyzed from hospital medical records. Results: There were 30 non-obese and 35 obese patients. There was no significant difference between obese and non-obese patients in terms of op- eration time, peroperative complications and length of hospital stay. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups for postoperative complications (p <0.031). There was conversion to open surgery in four obese patients and in one patient in the non-obese group. Conclusion: In obese patients, technical difficulties may be encountered during surgery due to increased adipose tissue, and postoperative complica- tion rates may increase. Nevertheless, laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy can be performed safely paying attention to the management of obesity-related complications.

Is hemithyroidectomy sufficient in unilateral benign nodular goitre?

BACKGROUND: Multinodular goiter is a common disease. If only one thyroid lobe is affected, hemithyroidectomy may be preferred to reduce complication and hormone replacement therapy. However, completion thyroidectomy may be required later. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of completion thyroidectomy in patients who develop nodules after hemithyroidectomy, and we aimed to find the ratio of patients who required hormone replacement for permanent hypothyroidism. METHODS: Patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy for benign nodular goitre between January 2012 and June 2017 were analyzed. The age of the patients, gender, number of nodules and dimension of the largest nodule, preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy results, and postoperative histopathology findings were recorded. The need for completion thyroidectomy and need for postoperative L-thyroxine treatment were based on these parameters. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were included in the study. During the follow-up period new nodule or progression in existing nodule was observed in 23% (39 patients) of the cases. Permanent hypothyroidism requiring L-thyroxine treatment was observed in 31% (53 patients) of the cases. In this study, young age, multiple nodules and toxic nodular goitre diagnosis were noted to be independent risk factors that contributed to progression diseases in cases operated for benign nodular goitre. CONCLUSIONS: Due to low reoperation risk and acceptable permanent hypothyroidism rates, hemithyroidectomy is a viable option for benign goitre cases. The patients should be on follow-up for possible complications, especially hypothyroidism, for at least a year.

Factors affecting mortality in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic injury: An analysis of 92 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the factors associated with mortality in patients with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR). METHODS: The records of patients who were operated on at a single hospital with the indication of blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries between January 2010 and June 2018 and who were perioperatively diagnosed with a diaphragmatic injury were evaluated retrospectively. The details of demographic characteristics, the type and localization of the trauma, presence and number of associated organ injuries, vital signs at admission, time from admission until surgery, type of operation, type of diaphragmatic repair, therapeutic approach, complications and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included in this study. The mortality rate throughout the postoperative period was 15.2%. A penetrating injury was detected in 77.2% of the patients. Associated organ injury was most frequently in the liver, which was significant as a factor that increased mortality (p=0.020). The mortality rate was significantly lower among patients who underwent repair of diaphragmatic rupture when compared with untreated patients (p=0.003). Atelectasis was the most common complication. An ISS ≥24 points in patients with TDR was found to be an independent risk factor associated with mortality (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Other organs are frequently involved in cases of TDR, and mortality increased significantly in cases with associated liver injury. An ISS of ≥24 was determined to be an independent risk factor associated with mortality. Since the main determinant of mortality was the presence or absence of additional organ injuries, it is important that this should be taken into consideration in these patients.

Evaluation of current therapeutic approach to obstructive and perforated colorectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis continues to be a significant problem in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Most cases require emergency surgical intervention due to acute intestinal obstruction or perforation. This retrospective study was formed from an assessment of the clinical presentation, treatment, early results, and survival of patients with CRC undergoing emergency surgery for acute obstruction or perforation. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2017, 612 patients underwent surgery for CRC. In all, 179 patients who required emergency treatment were retrospectively evaluated according to age, gender, significant comorbidities, physiological status, surgical indications, tumor location, tumor stage, perioperative blood transfusion rate, type of surgery, and the length of the operation and hospitalization. RESULTS: In total, 152 (85%) patients had a complete obstruction and 27 (15%) patients had a perforation. A major postoperative complication was identified nearly in half of the patients. The overall mortality rate was 12% (22 patients). Mortality was seen in 12% (18 patients) cases received surgery due to obstruction and in 15% (four patients) cases received surgery due to perforation. Perioperative blood transfusion and a high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score were independent factors that predicted a major complication. Advanced age and perioperative blood transfusion were statistically independent prognostic factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Consisted with the findings of studies in the literature, the results of this study also revealed a high perioperative morbidity and mortality rate in patients with CRC who required urgent surgery. Our findings suggest that early detection and treatment of CRC with screening programs can be life-saving.

Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts. Our approach.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with hydatid cyst (HC) of the liver who were laparoscopically operated at our clinic and to define a new technique and technical details to present our experience in the field of laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts. METHODS: Between January 2014 and October 2016, 18 patients with hydatid disease of the liver were considered for laparoscopic surgery in Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery. All patients were evaluated based on history, physical examination, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) scan. All ultrasound examinations were classified according to Gharbi. All cases received laparoscopic surgical interventions. Demographic data, clinical presentation, cyst location, operative data, postoperative complications and follow-up results were recorded retrospectively. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for hydatid cysts of the liver. here were 14 female (78%) and 4 male (22%) patients with a mean age of 42.9 years (range, 19-57). The hydatid cysts were solitary in 11 patients, and multiple in 7 patients had 2 or more cysts (4 patients had 2 cysts, 3 patients had 3 cysts). Most of the cysts on USG were Gharbi type III (8 cysts), 4 of Type II, and 3 of Type I. The average operating time was 75 minutes (range 50 - 135 minutes). Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one patients due to cyst in difficult location. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver can be performed safely and successfully. This technique can be used in patients with unique, small sized, superficially located cysts, and also has the advantages of other abdominal laparoscopic operations. KEY WORDS: Hepatic hydatid cysts, Laparoscopic surgery.

Outcomes of silver nitrate use in perianal fistula: are perianal fistulas still a nightmare for surgeons?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate outcomes of % 20 silver nitrate (SNS) application in perianal fistula patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All patients who received 20 % SNS treatment for intersphincteric and transsphincteric fistulas between January 2017 and December 2017 were included in our study. Patients were invited for control examinations after one week. Patients with continued discharges after single dose of SNS kept receiving solution six more times with one month intervals. Stopping of discharges were considered as finalization of the study. Cases with discharges after 6 episodes of SNS were described as insufficient healing. The patients were grouped according to healing status (healing patients in Group 1, non-healing patients in Group 2) .Gender, age, follow-up times, date of the complaint start, number of SNS application, type of fistula and frequency of fistula discharge were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in this study. Forty-four (% 89.8) of them were male. The mean age was 44.9. Twenty-eight patients (57.1%) had intersphincteric fistulas, while twenty-two patients (42.9%) had intersfinteric fistulas. Mean number of SNS application was 4.1 (1-6). Patients in Group 1 had mean number of SNS therapy as 3.42 (1-6), whereas cases in Group 2 this number was 5.5 (3-6). Patients were observed approximately for 8.84 months (6-12). We were able to reach sufficient healing in 13 (%26) cases via 2 times and 20 (%40) cases via 3-6 times application of SNS. CONCLUSION: We were able to reach complete healing rates as % 67 with SNS application in perianal fistula. This is a non-invasive procedure and could be applied in out patient clinics, with low costs. Less complication rates enhances attraction. Patients will not loose chance of surgical treatment. Therefore, we believe SNS may be used as first line treatment in perianal fistulas. KEY WORDS: Follow-up, Perianal fistula, Silver nitrate.

Risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage in patients operated due to colorectal tumours.

Aim To evaluate risk factors that may cause anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients who underwent resection and anastomosis due to colorectal cancer. Methods Patients who underwent resection and anastomosis due to colorectal cancer between January 2014 and July 2018 in our clinic were included into the study. The patients were divided into two groups as ones with AL being Group 1, ones without AL being Group 2. Parameters related to the clinical characteristics, surgical and pathologic results in both groups were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 302 patients were included in the study. The AL was observed in 24 (7.9%) patients. Mortality was observed in five (20.8%) and six (2.2%) patients in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p=0.001). Significant risk factors for AL in the univariate analysis were coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, emergency surgical intervention, absence of preoperative intestine preparation, performed perioperative blood transfusion, tumour T stage, and neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy application. Only CAD and neoadjuvant CRT were determined as the independent risk factors for AL in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion The AL developing after colorectal surgery continues to be an important problem thereby increasing mortality and morbidity along with its negative effect on hospitalization time and functional and oncologic results. Despite several studies on the topic, it is still very difficult to estimate the AL possibility in advance. Therefore, avoiding anastomosis in high risk patients may perhaps be the best option.

Anal canal squamous cell cancer: surgical therapy, when?

Aim To describe a therapeutic approach, indications for abdominoperineal resection (APR), survival and oncological results for patients who received treatment in our surgical clinic for anal canal squamous cell cancer (SCC). Methods Patients were randomized into two groups according to the treatment method: Group 1- Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) without surgery, Group 2- CRT + APR. Results Eighteen patients with anal canal SCC were included in the study; 11 (61.1%) patients were in Group 1 and 7 (38.8%) in Group 2. Reasons for APR was as follows: three patients had insufficient CRT, two had recurrence after CRT, one had complete faecal incontinence and one patient had rectovaginal fistula. Overall five year survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was 77.7% and 72.7%, respectively. Comparing two groups five year OS was 90.9% and 57.1%, whereas DFS was 81.8%, 57.1%, respectively (p=0.389 and 0.324, respectively). Conclusion Gold standard therapy for anal canal SCC is CRT. However, APR should be applied as an escape treatment for patients suffering from tumour progression, insufficient CRT and recurrence (30%).

Are the single-step resection and primary anastomosis suitable for obstructive colorectal patients in older cases?

Aim To investigate the efficacy and safety of the single-step surgery in elderly patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods All patients who underwent single-step surgery and primary anastomosis for obstructive colorectal cancer in the period between January 2021 December 2017 were evaluated in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: younger than 65 (Group Young) and older than 65 (Group Old). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (ASA) scores, comorbidities, preoperative albumin levels, type of surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality, pathological stages, and overall survival rates were investigated. Results A total of 89 patients were included: 49 (54%) were older than 65 (Group Old). In Group Old, the mean age was 75 (65-97), of which 28 (58.3%) were males. There were 41 patients younger than 65 (Group Young) with the mean age of 52.6 (41-64 years of age), of which 21 (51.2%) were males. There was no difference between groups according to albumin level. There was no statistical difference between two groups according to tumour localization, pathological stage and type of surgery, as well as according to surgical complications. The median overall survival rate was 11 months in both groups (0-66) (p=0.320). Conclusion Meticulous preparation of older patients (correction of anaemia, electrolyte levels and pH ) paves the road for successful surgeries, including single-step resection and primary anastomosis.