Comparison of methods for closure of appendix stump during laparoscopic appendectomy using endoloops: Single surgeon experience.

BACKGROUND: In this study, using single or double endoloops, with reference to the literature, we aimed to retrospectively assess the results for patients in our clinic who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: This study included 251 patients who were operated on by a single surgeon; 137 of the patients were male (54.6%) and 114 were female (45.4%). Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of endoloop procedure that was used. Group 1 included 107 patients for whom a single endoloop was used. Group II included 144 patients for whom double endoloop was used. Age, sex, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, pathological findings, perioperative appendix findings, perioperative abdominal findings, post-operative complications requiring hospitalization and wound infections were assessed for each patient. Patients were also assessed statistically for complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics, perioperative surgery findings, pathological findings or duration of hospital stays between the two groups of the patients. However, the duration of operation was shorter in Group I (54.9±16.1 min) as compared to Group II (61.2±18.8 min). The incidence of complications requiring rehospitalization was statistically significantly lower in Group I (1.9%; n=2) as compared to Group II (9%; n=13) (p=0.018). There were no complications requiring re-operation for patients in Group I. In Group II, four patients (2.8%) required re-operation; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Concerning wound infection, there was also no significant difference between Group I (7.5% n=8) and Group II (4.9% n=7). CONCLUSION: Using a double endoloop does not decrease the risk of post-operative complications, but it does increase the cost and the duration of the operation. We have concluded that using a single endoloop in a laparoscopic appendectomy may be more appropriate.

Do you have restless leg syndrome? I understood from your eyes.

PURPOSE: According to many studies in the literature, there is a strong association between restless leg syndrome and dopaminergic dysfunction. Dopamine is also the major catecholamine in the retina and is also a possible transmitter of the amacrine and interplexiform cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible association between RLS and retinal thickness. METHODS: In this study, we included 33 patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic RLS according to the "International RLS Study Group" criteria and 31 healthy subjects. All the patients and controls underwent routine ophthalmologic examination and had spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed. We compared the retinal thickness of the patients and control subjects. RESULTS: In the RLS group, foveal thickness was thinner then controls. Also, only inferior, superior, and temporal quadrant retina nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were significantly thinner in the RLS group. The parafoveal ganglion cell complex (GCC) in the superior temporal, inferior temporal, inferior nasal quadrant, and perifoveal superior nasal thickness was also significantly thinner in the patient group. Pearson correlation analyses showed that there were statistically significant negative correlations between disease duration and macular GCC and RNFL thickness. Negative correlations were also detected between parafoveal superior, temporal, inferior and nasal macular thickness, parafoveal superior nasal, inferior temporal GCC thickness, and perifoveal superior nasal GCC thickness and disease duration. CONCLUSION: According to our results; most retinal layers are thinner in RLS patients, so it can be considered that OCT has a predictive value for progression of RLS.

Evaluation of the association between sexual dysfunction and demyelinating plaque location and number in female multiple sclerosis patients.

Purpose To investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) in female multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to explore its association with the location and number of demyelinating lesions. Material and Methods We evaluated 42 female patients and 41 healthy subjects. All patients underwent neurological examination and 1.5 T brain and full spinal MRI. All subjects completed the female sexual function index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Short-Form 36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36). All participants were also evaluated for serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4, estradiol, and total testosterone. Results No statistically significant differences between the MS and control groups were found for age, body mass index (BMI), serum TSH, T4, E2, and total testosterone level. MS patients had a statistically significantly lower FSFI and SF-36 scores and higher BDI and BAI scores compared with healthy subjects. The location and number of demyelinating lesions were not associated with SD. Conclusion In our cohort, this difference in SD appears unrelated to the location and number of demyelinating lesions. These findings highlight the importance of the assessment and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, in MS patients reporting SD.

High asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine and L-arginine levels in migraine patients.

Experimental and clinical data strongly suggests that nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in migraine. This is also supported by studies of migraine induced by substances that release NO. NO is synthesized from L-arginine by endothelial NO synthase (NOS). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the major endogenous competitive inhibitor of NOS. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is an inactive stereoisomer of ADMA. It may reduce NO production by competing with arginine for cellular uptake. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine in migraine patients during the interictal period. One hundred migraine patients and 100 healthy volunteers were recruited. The patients were in the interictal period and classified into two groups as having migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Their serum ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromotography (HPLC) method. ADMA, SDMA and L-arginine levels were significantly higher in migraine patients compared to the control group. But there was no difference between the patients with and without aura. These results suggest that NOS inhibitors and L-arginine/NO pathway plays an important role in migraine pathopysiology.

Lumbar Opening Pressure and Radiologic Scoring in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Is There Any Correlation?

BACKGROUND: To investigate correlation between lumbar opening pressure (LOP) and radiological scores based on cranial MRI and contrast-enhanced MR venography in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients with IIH who underwent brain MRI and contrast-enhanced MR venography before measurement of LOP between 2010-2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Three experienced radiologists (blinded to LOP values) evaluated a total of 51 patients. They reached a consensus on the presence or absence of 6 radiological findings identified in the literature as characteristic for IIH: empty sella, perioptic dilation, optical tortuosity, flattening of the posterior globe, swelling of the optic disc, and bilateral transverse sinus stenosis. The radiological score was obtained by giving 1 point for the presence of each finding, with the highest possible score of 6 points. The correlation between the calculated radiological scores and LOP was evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between LOP and radiological scores (r=0.095; p=0.525, Spearman's rank coefficient). Similarly, no significant correlation was detected between LOP and each of the radiological findings (partial empty sella [p=0.137], perioptic dilation [p=0.265], optical tortuosity [p=0.948], flattening of the posterior globe [p=0.491], swelling of the optic disc [p=0.881], and bilateral dural sinus stenosis [p=0.837], Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between LOP and reliable radiological features of IIH.

Cyanoacrylate application on colonic anastomosis: is it safe or not?

INTRODUCTION: Major complications of colonic anastomosis include fistula, bleeding, and anastomotic stricture, and the most common one is anastomotic leakage. Many organic or inorganic tissue adhesives are being used such as fibrin glue or cyanoacrylate to strengthen or protect colonic anastomosis. Up to now, a great number of studies have been carried out to investigate the effects of these biomaterials. AIM: To determine the effect of cyanoacrylate application on anastomosis safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, rats were divided into two groups; a control group and an experimental group. Full-thickness incisions were done on the left colon of the rats, and then end-to-end anastomosis was performed by using 5/0 silk separated sutures. In the experimental group we applied cyanoacrylate over the sutures. The samples were taken on the 7th day. RESULTS: In the control group the average tissue hydroxyproline levels and the average bursting pressures were significantly higher than in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of all the experimental studies is to prevent and reduce anastomotic complications. Despite all the studies that have been done, colonic anastomosis complications continue to be a problem. As a result, we suggest that cyanoacrylate has a negative effect on the healing process of colonic anastomosis.

Evaluation and follow-up of cognitive functions in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the incidence of cognitive impairment among patients with stroke, the associated risk factors, progression of the cognitive impairment, and the association between the localization of the lesion(s) as detected by magnetic resonance imaging and the affected areas of cognitive function. METHODS: A total of 40 patients over 18 years of age enduring a transient ischemic stroke or minor stroke within the past 3 months who had a minimum life expectancy of 1 year were included in this study. Same number, age-, and sex-matched individuals were included as controls. Patients were inquired on the presence of risk factors for stroke. A series of neuropsychological test batteries were administered in patient and control subjects for assessing cognitive functions. These tests were readministered at 6 and 12 months of follow-up to assess the progression of cognitive functions. RESULTS: In this study among the patients with stroke, a significant impairment was seen in multiple cognitive functional tests following ischemic stroke as compared to control groups. The most common risk factors for stroke included hypertension (72.5%), hyperlipidemia, and cigarette smoking. The number of cognitive domains with an impairment was highest (in four cognitive tests) among those with coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, followed by those who had a >50% stenosis in Doppler (three cognitive tests). These findings suggest that the frequency of risk factors associated with stroke does not correlate with the frequency of risk factors associated with cognitive dysfunction. The stroke localizations were classified among the patients with stroke and reviewed in accordance with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Neuropsychological tests, clinical findings, and imaging studies should be used to document the poststroke cognitive dysfunction.

Diagnostic Value of Hook Wire Localization Technique for Non-Palpable Breast Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of hook wire localization biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions which were detected by ultrasonography (USG) or mammography (MMG). METHODS: In this retrospective study, USG or MMG-guided hook wire localization technique was performed on 83 patients who had non-palpable breast lesions. Then histopathological examination was performed on surgically removed specimens. All patients' mammograms or ultrasonograms were categorized using Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification. RESULTS: Radiologically, 27 (32.53%) patients were classified as BI-RADS 3, 49 (59.04%) BI-RADS 4, one (1.2%) BIRADS 5 and six (7.23%) BI-RADS 0. Histopathological results were benign in 68 (81.9%) and malignant in 15 (18.1%) patients. Twenty-seven patients were classified as BI-RADS 3 and definitive diagnoses for all were benign. Besides, 49 patients were classified as BI-RADS 4 and histopathologically 14 of them were reported as malignant, and 35 as benign. Sensitivity of MMG was 93% and specificity was 55%. For USG, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 73%. CONCLUSION: In early diagnosis of breast cancer, the validity of the imaging-guided hook wire localization biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions has been proved. The cooperation of surgeon, radiologist and pathologist increases the successfull results of hook wire localization technique.

Cerebral vasomotor reactivity in fibromyalgia patients and its relationship to central neuropathic pain.

Background - Cerebral vasomotor reactivity, defined as the cerebral vasculature response to hypoxia, is not wellunderstood in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This study investigated the difference in the cerebrovascular reactivity (i.e., responsiveness to hypercapnia was evaluated by use of breath- holding index) to the breath-holding index (BHI) between patients with fibromyalgia and a group of normal controls. Methods - The study included 40 FM patients and 40 healthy subjects. Cerebrovascular reactivity was evaluated using the BHI, which is a nonaggressive, well-tolerated, real-time, reproducible screening method to study cerebral haemodynamics. Insonation depth and basal velocity were symmetrical and not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). All patients completed the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the somatization subscale of the SCL-90-R symptom checklist. Results - The BHI ranged from 0.30 to 2.20 (mean 1.11±0.45) in the FM patients and 1.10 to 2.80 (mean 1.90±0.35) in the control group (p<0.001). Disease duration and right BHIaverage and left BHIaverage values exhibited a significant negative correlation (r=-0.877; p<0.001, r=-0.842; p<0.001, respectively). As pain and fatigue scores increased, the right BHIaverage and left BHIaverage values decreased (r=-0.431; p=0.005, r=-0.544; p<0.001, r=-0.341; p=0.031, r=-0.644; p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions - BHI values showed that cerebrovascular reactivity in FM patients decreased in comparison to healthy individuals. BHI decreased as disease duration and severity increased. Cerebrovascular reactivity decreased in FM patients, and this phenomenon should be accepted as an abnormality. Additionally, this outcome may have been the result of a mechanism responsible for central neuropathic pain.

Is iron-deficiency anemia associated with migraine? Is there a role for anxiety and depression?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we determined the frequency of migraine headache in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) patients and whether it was related to anxiety, depression, and somatization. METHODS: We included 127 consecutive IDA patients into the study. All patients were asked validated questions about headache and migraine face-to-face. They were administered validated questionnaires for anxiety-depression The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and somatization. The quality of life (QoL) disturbance associated with headache was marked on a 0-10 VAS. RESULTS: Of all IDA patients, 79.5 % defined headache at any time of their life. In addition, 36.2 % of all IDA patients defined the criteria for migraine. IDA patients with migraine were more frequently smokers and had significantly lower hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume values (p values < 0.05). The IDA group with migraine had significantly higher mean anxiety score (p = 0.046) and headache-related QoL disturbance score (p = 0.021) than the IDA group without migraine. Migraine patients with aura had lower hemoglobin values (p = 0.02), higher depression scores (p = 0.005), and higher migraine-related QoL disturbance scores than others. CONCLUSIONS: IDA patients have a high frequency of migraine headache. The presence of anxiety and depression have great influence on the presence of migraine in IDA patients.

Neuromyelitis Optica and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patients in Turkish Cohort: Demographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Features.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an immune-mediated, chronic relapsing, inflammatory disease characterized by severe attacks of optic neuritis and myelitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features; antibody status; and treatment modalities of patients with NMO and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in a Turkish cohort from 11 centers. METHODS: A total of 182 patients were included in this study. Data on age at disease onset, sex, type of attacks, clinical presentation, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, serum antiaquaporin-4 antibody status, annual progression index, and medical and family histories were collected. RESULTS: Mean age was 38.43±12.40 years (range, 13 to 75 y), and mean age at disease onset was 31.29±12.40 years (median, 29 y; range, 10 to 74 y). In NMO group, the rate of NMO immunoglobulin (Ig)G positivity was 62.5%. The annual progression index was significantly higher in the longitudinally extending spinal cord lesion. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was higher in the late than early-onset NMO group. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed a lower rate of NMO IgG positivity, more severe disability in patients with NMO/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders presenting with either transverse myelitis or late-onset NMO, and no correlation between disability and NMO IgG status.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension presenting with coma: a case report and literature review.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is characterized by orthostatic headache in the absence of a history of head trauma or lumbar puncture, and diagnosis is confirmed by a specific cerebrospinal fluid pressure and neuroimaging findings. It rarely presents with coma. A 62-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive decline of 2 to 4 weeks' duration. He was diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension according to cerebrospinal fluid pressure and neuroimaging findings, and treated conservatively.

A retrospective analysis of early and late term complications in patients who underwent application of retention sutures for gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Complications associated with wound healing after abdominal tumor operations continue to be a significant problem. This study aimed to determine the significance of retention sutures in preventing these complications. For this purpose, early and late term results of patients who underwent application of polydioxanone (PDS) and additional retention sutures for abdominal closure were retrospectively evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical files of 172 patients who were operated due to gastrointestinal tract malignancies in our clinic between January 2007 and January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in whom the fascia was repaired only with PDS (Group 1) were compared to patients in whom the fascia was repaired with PDS and retention sutures (Group 2) in terms of age, gender, postoperative evisceration-wound infection (<1 month), incisional hernia (>1 month), incision type, co-morbid factors, and operative time. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age or gender (p=0.680 and p=0.763). No significant difference was detected in terms of postoperative incisional hernia (p=0.064). Evisceration and post-operative wound infection were significantly lower in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (p=0.008 and p=0.002). Operative time was significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.0001). Co-morbid features were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of incision type (p=0.743). CONCLUSION: In the presence of co-morbid factors that disrupt wound healing in surgical patients with gastrointestinal malignancy, retention suture can be safely used as a supplement for optimal wound care.

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Edirne and its districts concomitant comorbid conditions and secondary complications.

We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of restless legs syndrome in Edirne and its districts, located in Western Thrace, which is the most western part of Turkey. In this study, 4003 individuals who could communicate and agreed to participate in the study were evaluated. To obtain the data from the applicants in 30 Family Health Centres in Edirne and its districts, a face-to-face questionnaire that consisted of 54 questions was prepared by the researchers. The questionnaire included general information, questions to evaluate potential concomitant comorbid conditions and questions regarding the symptomatology used in restless legs syndrome (RLS) diagnosis, as well as questions to evaluate insomnia and tension-type headache secondary to insomnia according to the ICD-II Criteria (International Classification of Sleep Disorders-II Criteria). Of 4003 individuals, 282 were diagnosed with RLS according to the questionnaire results from Edirne and its districts, and the prevalence of RLS was 7%. Approximately, 47.9% of the patients with RLS were male, and 52.1% were female, which was not significantly different (p > 0.05). Anaemia was identified in 41.1 % of the cases and control group was detected in 19.4 %, which was significantly different (p < 0.001). Secondary insomnia was identified in 64.2% of the cases with RLS and was not detected in 35.8%, which was significantly different (p < 0.001). RLS prevalence studies will increase the awareness of the community and provide early diagnosis and treatment, as well as serve as a basis to reduce morbidity and improve the quality of life.

Clinical and radiological features in CADASIL and NOTCH3-negative patients: a multicenter study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The diversity of clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings of CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) from different regions of the world has not yet been studied in depth. Here we investigated the variability of clinical, radiological and genetic data of 48 patients analyzed for NOTCH3 mutation in Turkey. METHODS: Clinical evaluation was made according to a preformed questionnaire. Cranial neuroimaging findings were determined on the basis of T1, T2, FLAIR and proton-density magnetic resonance scans. For genetic analysis, polymerase chain reaction was performed with primers flanking exons 2-6 and 11 of NOTCH3 gene. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (52.1%) were diagnosed as CADASIL with NOTCH3 mutation, while 23 patients (47.9%) had no mutation (NOTCH3-negative patients). The mean age and age at stroke onset were lower in male CADASIL patients (p < 0.03). A family history of migraine (p = 0.012), stroke (p < 0.001), recurrent strokes (p = 0.020) and dementia (p = 0.012) was more common in CADASIL patients. Temporal pole involvement was more common in CADASIL patients (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: It is of clinical importance to identify the heterogeneity of CADASIL from different countries due to a low correlation of clinical and radiological data with respect to NOTCH3 mutation.

Intracranial hypotension is a rare cause of orthostatic headache: a review of the etiology, treatment and prognosis of 13 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation is to examine the causes, clinical picture, treatment, and prognosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, a rare cause of orthostatic headache, among the cases presenting in our clinic. METHODS: Thirteen cases (5 males and 8 females), diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension in our clinic between January 1st, 2009 and October 30th, 2011, were included in this study. The presenting symptoms, treatment, findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid pressure measured at lumbar puncture (in available patients), and the healing period of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: Five patients with orthostatic headache and accompanying symptoms were treated with bed rest, increase in oral fluid intake, intravenous hydration and caffeine, and experienced a complete recovery. Complete recovery was observed in two patients (15.3%) within 10 days, in another two (15.3%) within 15 days and in one patient (7.6%) within 21 days. Headache and other clinical symptoms significantly regressed within 30 days in four patients (37.6%) who received similar treatment, but a mild headache persisted intermittently during follow-up in these individuals. As the headache had not resolved after 30 days, an epidural blood patch was applied in these four cases (37.6%) and the clinical picture completely improved within 10 to 15 days. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension should primarily be suspected in cases complaining about postural headache and contrast-enhanced cranial imaging should be performed. The presence of cranial nerve paralysis and pyramidal tract signs should b considered. Conservative treatments should be considered initially, however if conservative treatments fail, epidural blood patches must be applied.

Acute malignant intestinal obstruction accompanied by synchronous multifocal intestinal cancer in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: report of a case.

Acute mechanical intestinal obstruction is one of the most common modes of presentation in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This report presents a case of PJS with malignant acute jejunal obstruction accompanied by synchronous foci of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal cancer originated from hamartomatous polyps. The follow-up endoscopic findings of the patient also revealed severe polyposis of the entire gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and colon, in addition to the small intestine. Very few cases of multifocal synchronous small intestinal cancer in PJS patients have been reported in the previous literature.

The effect of admission blood pressure on the prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage that occurred during treatment with aspirin, warfarin, or no drugs.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but blood pressure (BP) management during the acute phase of ICH is still controversial. Approximately one-fourth of ICHs occur during treatment with warfarin or aspirin. AIM: This study was designed to determine the effect of admission BP on the early prognosis of ICH patients by dividing them into three groups (warfarin, aspirin, and no drugs). METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-nine patients with supratentorial ICH were divided into three groups according to medication. Each group was evaluated in terms of prognosis and the risk for mortality based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge (good prognosis: mRS ≤ 3; poor prognosis: mRS > 3). The effect of admission BP on prognosis was evaluated for each group. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate was 72% for ICH patients treated with warfarin, 41.6% for ICH patients treated with aspirin, and 35% for ICH patients treated with no drugs. Admission mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) values were higher in patients with poor prognosis compared with patients with good prognosis for the aspirin (P = .002) and no-drug (P = .001) groups, but not in the warfarin (P = .067) group. CONCLUSION: A high MABP at admission was found to be an independent predictor of poor prognosis for ICH patients treated with aspirin or with no drugs, but not for ICH patients treated with warfarin.