The effects of Pycnogenol(®) on colon anastomotic healing in rats given preoperative irradiation.

Pycnogenol(®) has excellent radical scavenging properties and enhances the production of antioxidative enzymes which contributes to the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract. Irradiation delivered to the abdominal region, typically results in severe damage to the intestinal mucosa. The effects of ionizing radiation are mediated by the formation of free radicals through radiolysis. Irradiation has local effects on tissues. These local effects of irradiation on the bowel are believed to involve a two-stage process which includes both short and long term components. In our study we aimed to investigate the short term effects of Pycnogenol(®) on the healing of colon anastomoses in irradiated bowel. Sixty male Wistar-Albino rats were used in this study. There were three groups: Group I, control group (n = 20); group II which received preoperative irradiation (n = 20); group III which received per oral Pycnogenol(®) before irradiation (n = 20). Only segmeter colonic resection and anastomosis was performed to the control group (Group I). The other groups (Group II, III) underwent surgery on the 5th day after pelvic irradiation. On postoperative days 3 and 7, half of the rats in each group were sacrificed and then relaparotomy was performed. There was no statistical difference between groups with respect to biochemical parameters. Bursting pressure was significantly higher in the Control and Group III compared with the Group II. In conclusion, the present study showed that preoperative irradiation effect negatively on colonic anastomoses in rats by means of mechanical parameters and administration of Pycnogenol(®) preoperatively ameliorates this unfavorable effect.

Self-expanding covered metallic stent treatment of esophagojejunostomy fistulas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of the self-expanding covered metallic stent (SECMS) therapy in the management of the postoperative anastomotic leaks that seen after total gastrectomy-esophagojejunostomy (EJ) operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast radiography and endoscopy revealed EJ fistulas in 14 patients. SECMSs were implanted both fluoroscopically and endoscopically to seal fistulas. Postoperative fistula diagnosis times, postoperative covered stent implantation times, primary success rates, clinical success rates, postinterventional oral feeding beginning times, reduction of the drainage from the surgical drains, procedure-related mortality-morbidity, and mortality related with factors other than the procedure were noted. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100 %. Clinical success rate was 79 %. Reduction of the fluid from surgical drains was observed in all patients. There were no procedure-related mortality. Recurrent fistula was observed in two patients (14 %) at the third and fifth day after the intervention. In one patient (7 %), stent dislocation was observed at the 10th day after the intervention. Non procedure-related mortality was 21 %. No anastomotic stricture, no in-stent stenosis was observed during the follow up period(11.09 ± 3.21 months). CONCLUSION: From the above results we concluded that SECMS treatment for EJ fistulas is a safe, effective and technically easy procedure.

Multiple synchronous anorectal malignant melanoma coexisting with adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon.

Primary anorectal malignant melanoma is an exceptionally rare neoplasm associated with poor prognosis. Anorectal malignant melanoma has been very rarely described with coexisting primary tumors of the colorectum. A 56-year-old female patient was admitted with a history of rectal bleeding. She had experienced increasing constipation and a sense of obstruction in the rectum for 6 months. Flexible rectosigmoidoscopy showed a large, pedinculated polypoid lesion extending from the anal canal to the rectum. She underwent a transanal local excision and was diagnosed with a melanoma of the anorectum with positive margins. Therefore, a formal abdominoperineal resection was performed. In addition to multiple synchronous anorectal malignant melanoma, we incidentally found another primary tumor in the proximal surgical margin of the resected specimen. Histopathologically, the lesion was an intramucosal adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Postoperatively, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy of six cycles duration. At present, the patient has completed 18 months of follow-up.

Giant anorectal condyloma acuminatum of buschke-lowenstein: successful plastic reconstruction with bilateral gluteal musculocutaneous v-y advancement flap.

A 58-year-old male patient presented with an anorectal verrucous carcinoma, also known as Buschke-Lowenstein tumor. Clinically, the lesion of the patient best resembled giant condyloma acuminatum with a cauliflower-like appearance. The diagnosis was confirmed with biopsy and an abdominoperineal resection was performed. The perineal defect was reconstructed with bilateral gluteal musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flap. Both functional and cosmetic results 6 years after the operation were excellent. To date, no recurrence has been noted. As long as one is aware of its existence and of its characteristic appearances, the Buschke-Lowenstein tumor is fairly easily diagnosed. The treatment of choice remains surgical resection, and adequate follow-up is essential.

Long-term results of percutaneous biliary balloon dilation treatment for benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures: are repeated balloon dilations necessary?

PURPOSE: To determine the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of percutaneous biliary balloon dilation (PBBD) of benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures and evaluate the necessity of repeated PBBD in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PBBD was performed after traversing hepaticojejunostomy strictures in 89 patients (40 male, 49 female; age range, 19-84 y; mean age ± SD, 54.5 y ± 14.0), who were divided into three groups: group I (one satisfactory initial PBBD; n = 41), group II (two or more PBBDs with satisfactory initial PBBD; n = 33), and group III (two or more PBBDs without satisfactory PBBD; n = 15). Groups I and II were randomized. The primary outcome measure was the absence of clinical biliary obstruction symptoms at 24 months. Secondary outcome measures included technical and clinical success, primary and secondary patency, major complications, and mortality. Categoric variables were compared between groups I and II. RESULTS: Procedure-related mortality and major morbidity rates were 0% and 5.6%, respectively. Mean primary and secondary patency durations were 45.3 months ± 2.2 and 71.3 months ± 15.4, respectively. The follow-up period was 36.4 months ± 15.1. The primary outcome measure was achieved in 73% of patients. Technical and clinical success rates (secondary outcome measures) were 97.8% and 84.3%, respectively. Repeated PBBD procedures were not satisfactory in 16.9% of patients. No significant differences in categoric variables were observed between groups I and II. CONCLUSIONS: PBBD of benign hepaticojejunostomy strictures is a safe and effective procedure. Repeated PBBD is not required when the first procedure is successful.

Triple metallic stenting in hilar malignant biliary obstructions.

PURPOSE: To research the effects of triple stenting on primary patency rates and on clinical and biochemical findings in patients with high-level malignant biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed eight patients who had undergone triple stenting for hilar malignant biliary obstruction, mainly with the percutaneous approach, between January 2009, and September 2009. Pre-interventional bilirubin levels and the existence of pruritus or cholangitis were recorded. Patients were examined 15 days and three months post-intervention. Procedure-related mortality and 30-day mortality rates were recorded. Changes in the serum bilirubin levels, pruritis and cholangitis were examined. Primary patency rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Pruritis and cholangitis improved within 15 days. There was a significant decrease in serum bilirubin levels, which were very near to normal limits. Two patients died: one in the fourth month and the other in the eighth month. The mean patency rate was 179±18.81 days. There were no procedure-related or 30-day mortalities in the study group. CONCLUSION: Triple metallic stenting did not significantly improve primary patency rates in hilar malignant biliary obstructions. However, the beneficial effects of triple stenting included the rapid improvement in clinical and biochemical signs in select patients. Triple stenting will be beneficial in preventing isolation that might cause cholangitis. Malignant biliary obstruction in patients with a trifurcation anomaly in the hilar region may necessitate triple stenting.

Giant hemorrhagic adrenal pseudocyst in a primiparous pregnancy: report of a case.

Adrenal cysts are rare and are usually discovered incidentally during diagnostic imaging, surgery, or autopsy. Most cystic lesions of the adrenal gland are nonfunctioning and become symptomatic when complicated by rupture, hemorrhage, or infection. A 40-year-old woman presented with a history of gradual-onset pain in her left flank region at 20 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound showed a 20-cm cystic mass in her left abdominal cavity. Pertinent laboratory tests were within normal limits. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, which revealed a 20 × 15-cm left adrenal cyst; thus, we performed left adrenalectomy with complete excision of the cyst. Histological examination confirmed a hemorrhagic adrenal pseudocyst. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and subsequent routine obstetric ultrasound examinations showed normal fetal activity and development until the pregnancy terminated with a stillbirth caused by pre-eclampsia at 34 weeks' gestation. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the 12th reported case of adrenal pseudocyst discovered during pregnancy. We analyze the clinicopathologic findings and discuss the possible association of pregnancy, with special reference to etiopathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Gastrojejunocolic Fistula.

We herein report the case of a 51-year-old man with gastrojejunocolic fistula. It is one of the late severe complications of gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy and is considered to be induced by a stomal ulcer due to inadequate resection of the stomach and incompleteness of vagotomy. The main clinical presentation of this condition is chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding and fecal vomiting. The diagnostic workup should include barium enema, gastroscopy and sometimes colonoscopy and abdominal tomography for excluding and ruling out the possibility of malignant extraluminal disease. The historical approach of the treatment of this rare entity was 2-3-phased operations which included colostomy. However today, medical management has recently been recommended as the first-line therapy, with parenteral and enteral support treatments. The preferred surgical approach is single-stage gastrocolic resection and anastomosis and this has been favored to minimize mortality.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in scleroatrophic gallbladders.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Macroscopic appearance of the gallbladder is an important factor in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes in patients with scleroatrophic gallbladders who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: From 2002-2007, 295 patients were found to have a scleroatrophic gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Investigated variables included gender, age, body mass index, preoperative ultrasound evidence of gallbladder wall thickening, number of gallstones, diameter of common bile duct, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, surgeon's experience, gallbladder adhesion score, drain use, conversion rate, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, mortality, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Most of the patients were male (56.3%). Overall mean age was 55.50 ± 13.75 years. Mean body mass index was 27.91 ± 4.43 kg/m2. Based on preoperative ultrasound findings, thickened gallbladder wall was present in 30.8% of patients, dilated common bile duct in 30.2%, and multiple gallstones in 83.1%. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 32.5% of patients. High-grade adhesions (≥ III) were encountered in 68.1% of patients. The conversion rate was 23.1%. The overall intraoperative complication rate was 31.5%. Drains were used in 63.7% of patients. Mean operative time was 65.2 ± 32.6 minutes. The rate of postoperative complications was 9.5%. Median hospital stay was 1 day (range: 1-31 days). Mortality occurred in three patients (1.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that scleroatrophic gallbladders present more difficulties for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and are associated with a higher conversion rate. Therefore, it is highly important that patients whose preoperative imaging studies suggest a scleroatrophic gallbladder be referred to an experienced center for hepato-biliary surgery.

Predictive factors for conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the standard surgical procedure for symptomatic gallbladder disease. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may be predictive of cases that would require a conversion to laparotomy. METHODS: In the period of 2002-2007, 2015 patients who underwent elective LC were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 1914) consisted of patients whose operation was successfully completed with LC. Group 2 (n = 101) consisted of patients who had a conversion. A prospective analysis of parameters, including patient demographics, laboratory values, radiologic data, and intraoperative findings, was performed. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to determine those variables predicting conversion. RESULTS: One-hundred and one (5.0%) patients required a conversion. Significant predictors of conversion to open cholecystectomy in univariate analysis were increasing age, male gender, previous upper abdominal or upper plus lower abdominal incisions, an elevated white blood cell count, high aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels, preoperative ultrasound findings of a thickened gallbladder wall and dilated common bile duct, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), high-grade adhesion, and scleroatrophic appearance of the gallbladder intraoperatively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of previous abdominal surgery, preoperative ERCP, high-grade adhesion, and scleroatrophic appearance of the gallbladder predicted conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Patient selection is very important for efficient, safe training in LC. Based on the presented data, pathways could be suggested that enable the surgeon to precisely decide, during LC, when to convert to open surgery.

Effects of CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on anastomotic healing in rats receiving preoperative 5-fluorouracil neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: When used separately, antineoplastic agents and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) pneumoperitoneum have been reported to impair anastomotic healing in experimental animals. However, the effects of their combined use have not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil followed by CO(2) pneumoperitoneum would affect the healing of anastomoses in the colon. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were given 5-fluorouracil (20 mg/kg/day) for 5 days, and were then assigned to one of the three groups. Prior to surgery, the control group received no pneumoperitoneum. The other two groups received pneumoperitoneum at 6 and 12 mmHg, respectively, for 2 hr. The large intestine was transected and anastomosis was performed via median laparotomy. On postoperative days 3 and 7, relaparotomy was performed in half of the rats in each group. From the colon, a segment including the anastomosis was excised. Tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured. For histological evaluation, the Verhofstad scale was modified and used. RESULTS: No significant differences in hydroxyproline levels were seen across the groups on postoperative days 3 or 7. However, by postoperative day 7, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and necrosis in the 6-mmHg group had decreased markedly, and granulation had improved. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings suggest that preoperative 5-fluorouracil therapy followed by pneumoperitoneum at 6 or 12 mmHg does not impair anastomotic healing.

Laparotomy with a curative intent in patients with suspected locally recurrent gastric cancer.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Most recurrent gastric tumors are unsuitable for further resection or palliative surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of re-resection in patients with local-regional recurrences of gastric cancer. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Between 1998 and 2007, 26 patients underwent laparotomy for local-regional gastric cancer recurrence. Length of time to recurrence, recurrence patterns, operative procedures, morbidity, mortality and survival after re-resection were evaluated. RESULTS: Re-resection was possible in 13 patients (50%). Among patients with resectable tumors, survival times were markedly longer, with 2 patients reaching 60 months of survival and 2 other patients reaching 48 and 28 months, respectively. Among patients with early recurrence, peritoneal carcinomatosis was more common. After re-resection, morbidity and mortality were seen, each in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the re-resected recurrences were intraluminal. In patients with early recurrences of gastric cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis was encountered most frequently. Re-resection was beneficial and long-term survival was achieved after re-resection.

Surgical outcomes and survival after multiorgan resection for locally advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ resection for locally advanced (assumed T4) gastric cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of these surgeries with regard to surgical morbidity, mortality, and survival. METHODS: Fifty-six patients underwent potentially radical gastrectomy combined with invaded organ resection. Early and late results of multiorgan resection and clinicopathologic factors influencing these results were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty patients (71.4%) received 1 additional organ resection and 16 patients (28.6%) received 2 or more additional organ resections. Postoperative morbidity and mortality was 37.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Resection of 2 or more additional organs increased postoperative morbidity and advanced age increased mortality. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 53.3% and 28.1%, respectively. Advanced age, lymph node metastasis, and resection of more than 1 additional organ were significant prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with locally advanced gastric carcinoma, multiple organ resection is worthwhile with careful patient selection.

The effects of duration of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of duration of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) pneumoperitoneum on experimental colonic anastomosis. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups. The rats in group 1 (n = 16) underwent laparotomy and colonic anastomosis without pneumoperitoneum. The rats in group 2 (n = 16) and group 3 (n = 16) were subjected to 2 and 4 hours of 12 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, respectively, before laparotomy and colonic anastomosis. Half of the rats were sacrified on the third postoperative day; and the other half, on the seventh postoperative day. A colonic segment including anastomosis site was resected for histopathologic and biochemical evaluation. On day 3, hydroxyproline levels of the three groups were similar. The edema score of group 2 was significantly higher than that of group 1, and the necrosis score was higher in group 2 than in group 3. The scores of the other histopathologic parameters were similar. On day 7, group 3 showed significantly higher hydroxyproline levels than group 1, and group 1 showed a higher necrosis score than group 3. In conclusion, CO(2) pneumoperitoneum of 12 mm Hg for 2 and 4 hours did not result in impaired healing of experimental colonic anastomosis.