Ozone Treatment for Chronic Anal Fistula: It Is Not Promising.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of ozone gas in the treatment of anorectal fistulae. The tip of a 20 G intravenous cannula was inserted from the fistula orifice. Medical ozone was introduced into the fistula. A total of 10 sessions of ozone gas insufflation was performed on alternate days. Treatment was considered to be successful if fistula discharge ceased and the outer fistula orifice closed; however, if discharge was continued or outer fistula orifice was open, the treatment considered to be failed. A total of 12 adult patients were included in the study. The fistula was closed in three patients (25 %), in nine patients (75 %) without closure. In one patient who had fistula closure, the fistula recurred after 2 months. Patients did not express any discomfort during ozone insufflation. There were no side effects or complications due to ozone insufflation. The success rate of ozone insufflation in anorectal fistulae closure is low.

The Effects of Preoperative Endoscopic Tattooing on Distal Surgical Margin and Ileostomy Rates in Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of endoscopic marking on the distal surgical margin and ileostomy rates in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients, who underwent surgery between September 2012 and December 2013 for rectal cancer limited to or with invasion of the upper rectum, were included in the study. The distal tumor margin was marked with purified carbon particles by colonoscopy before surgery in one group (n=20); no marking was performed in the second group (n=20). Patients were assigned randomly to each group. Laparoscopic anterior or low-anterior resection was performed in all patients. Demographic and operative data, pathology results, morbidity, and ileostomy rates were measured. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic data, the tumor size, the amount of bleeding, the specimen length, the harvested lymph node number, postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay, rehospitalization, and the operation duration between groups 1 and 2, respectively. The distal surgical margin was significantly shorter in the marked group. The protective ileostomy rates were also lower in the marked group; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative endoscopic tattooing decreases distal resection margins and may reduce protective ileostomy rates in laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Relationship between intestinal microbiota and colorectal cancer.

The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a complex and vast microbial community with up to 10(11)-10(12) microorganisms colonizing the colon. The gut microbiota has a serious effect on homeostasis and pathogenesis through a number of mechanisms. In recent years, the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and sporadic colorectal cancer has attracted much scientific interest. Mechanisms underlying colonic carcinogenesis include the conversion of procarcinogenic diet-related factors to carcinogens and the stimulation of procarcinogenic signaling pathways in luminal epithelial cells. Understanding each of these mechanisms will facilitate future studies, leading to the development of novel strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the relationship between colorectal cancer and the intestinal microbiota.

Diffusion MRI on lymph node staging of gastric adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative assessment of metastatic lymph nodes of gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 23 gastric cancer patients with a mean age of 59.4±10.9 years were analyzed. Lymph nodes were grouped as perigastric lesser curvature (Group Ia), perigastric greater curvature (Group Ib), D1+/D2 lymph nodes (Group II). Identification of histologically metastatic lymph nodes by diffusion weighted MRI was regarded as the main outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1,056 lymph nodes including 180 histologically proven metastatic lymph nodes were dissected. Although diffusion weighted MRI could identify the metastatic lymph nodes in 18 out of 23 patients (77.8%), only 69 of total 1,056 nodes (6.53%), either metastatic or non-metastatic, could be detected. There was no correlation between histopathology and diffusion weighted MRI with regard to lymph node groups (P>0.05 for all). Overall accuracy was calculated as 69.56, 65.21 and 52.17 for Groups II, Ib and Ia lymph nodes, respectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values could not be helpful to differentiate metastatic lymph nodes (P=0.673). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion weighted MRI has low accuracy to detect or to differentiate metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes based on their ADC values in gastric cancer.

Metachronous metastatic paraganglioma in jejunum as a rare entity: A case report.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively. The recurrence of these neuroendocrine tumors as a jejunal mass causing obstruction in the small intestine is an exceptional entity. The present study reports the case of a 70-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. The patient possessed a history of left nephrectomy due to malignant pheochromocytoma that had invaded into the left kidney eight months prior to presentation. Bowel obstruction was diagnosed and the patient underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Partial resection of the jejunum was performed and immunohistochemical studies revealed the lesion to be malignant paraganglioma. The majority of paragangliomas are chemo- and radioresistant. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment. Metachronous paraganglioma arising from the small intestine is an extremely rare entity and may be a relevant consideration in patients presenting with bowel obstruction.

Neoadjuvant chronomodulated capecitabine with radiotherapy in rectal cancer: a phase II brunch regimen study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of chronomodulated capecitabine administered according to a specific time schedule (Brunch Regimen: Breakfast and Lunch) as a part of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with stage II and III rectal cancer were included. Patients received capecitabine (1,650 mg/m(2) per day; 60% dose at 8:00 AM and 40% dose at 12:00 noon) administered during pelvic radiation (total 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions, 1.8 Gy daily dose between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.). After chemoradiotherapy, patients underwent surgery. The primary endpoints were pathological complete response (pCR) rate and toxicity. RESULTS: In 17 patients (20%), total tumor regression was achieved according to Dworak pathological grading system. Grade III diarrhea occurred in nine patients (10.5%), while only one patient had grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Grade II or III proctitis were seen in nine (10.5%) subjects, and grade I or II cystitis in six (6.9%). Only three patients (3.3%) developed hand and foot syndrome (both grade I-II). There were no grade IV toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Brunch Regimen for locally advanced rectal cancer consisting of neoadjuvant chronomodulated capecitabine and concurrent radiation therapy is effective and well tolerated with good safety profile, particularly with regard to the occurrence of hand and foot syndrome, in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Giant colonic lipoma with prolapse through the rectum treated by external local excision: A case report.

Colonic lipomas are a rare type of gastrointestinal benign tumor. Those that are <2 cm are generally asymptomatic and do not require any treatment. However, those that are >2 cm may be symptomatic, resulting in abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. A 39-year-old male patient presented with a mass prolapse through the anal canal, which was causing anal pain and rectal bleeding. The patient was admitted to hospital via the emergency services and directed to the Department of General Surgery with the preliminary diagnosis of a rectal prolapse. A pedunculated polyp (size, 10×8×7.5 cm) was detected at the 35th cm of the anal canal. Due to the large size of the polyp, an endoscopic polypectomy could not be performed. Therefore, the prolapsed lipoma was excised externally and the patient was discharged on the first postoperative day on which no complications were experienced. A colonic lipoma must be considered during the differential diagnosis of anorectal diseases, such as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapses. Local excision, hemicolectomy, and segmental and external resection should be considered in addition to an endoscopic polypectomy for the diagnosis and treatment of colonic lipomas.

A novel sutureless colonic anastomosis with self-gripping mesh: an experimental model.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leakage is one of the most feared complications of colorectal surgery. High morbidity and mortality rates are related to this complication and several studies had been performed to test new techniques which are suggested to reduce leakage rates. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel technique sutureless anastomosis with self-gripping mesh in an animal model by examining wound healing process in anastomosis. METHODS: In this study sixteen Norwegian Wistar Albino female rats were used. The rats' weights ranged from 250 to 300 g. The rats were divided into control and study groups. The control group underwent a colocolic anastomosis using the conventional method of hand-sewing with single-layer interrupted nonabsorbable sutures. The study group underwent a colocolic anastomosis using self-gripping mesh without sutures. These rats were sacrificed on the 10th postoperative day. The sample pieces obtained from the groups were subjected to anastomotic bursting pressure tests, to a test for hydroxyproline levels in the tissue and to histopathological examinations. The tissue was evaluated in terms of quantity of inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, neovascularization level and collagen content and classified according to the Ehrlich-Hunt model. Statistical analysis was done by using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The burst pressure mean ± range of control and study groups were 162 ± 78 and 123 ± 35, respectively (P = 0.049). The mean peritoneal adhesion grades were 3.2 ± 0.7 in the study group and 2.3 ± 0.7 in the control group (P = 0.036). The operative time was significantly shorter in the study group. The difference between the groups by mean of hydroxyproline levels was found to be significant (P = 0.001). According to histopathological examinations by means of the Ehrlich-Hunt model, the fibroblast activation and collagen fiber ratio were higher in the study group and the difference between these measurements was statistically significant (P = 0.006; P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: This study showed that use of self-gripping meshes for colocolic anastomosis in rats is a safe and feasible method. It is suggested that the most important advantage of this technique is the shorter operative time.

A rare tumor in a patient with hepatic hydatic cyst: adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma.

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a very rare type of extrahepatic adenocarcinoma which has a clinicopathologic and morphologic similarity to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although it is not common, it can be seen in organs other than the liver. The correct diagnosis can be a challenge because of its clinically similarity to HCC and the diagnosis is usually achieved by pathological examination following the surgery. We present a 48-year-old woman who was following with the diagnosis of stage 5 hepatic hydatic cyst. In her routine blood examinations, her alpha feta protein level was found higher than normal and her abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance findings did not reveal any pathological findings rather than hepatic hydatic cysts. There was a high activity of FDG on PET CT in the hepatic region so we performed a right lateral hepatectomy to the patient and final pathology was adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. In this paper we aimed to present a rare case of hepatoid carcinoma of the adrenal gland.

Does adrenaline spraying over thyroidectomy area reduce bleeding?

BACKGROUND: Means to prevent and control intra- or postoperative bleeding remain a topic of utmost importance in thyroidectomy. In this randomised clinical trial, we used adrenaline spraying to see if it helps bleeding control and reduces drainage and hematoma formation after thyroidectomy. METHODS: After total thyroidectomy, 1 mg/ml adrenaline solution in 10 ml saline was sprayed all over the operation area by a syringe in 40 patients of "Adrenaline (+) Group". In the other 40 patients in "Adrenaline (-) Group", only standart total thyroidectomy was performed. Drainage amounts of 24 hours were recorded. RESULTS: Among 80 patients, 66 (82.5%) were female and 14 (17.5%) were male. The daily drainage amounts of the Adrenaline (+) Group were found statistically significantly lower than the Adrenaline (-) Group (p<0.05). In both of the groups, thyroid volumes were significantly correlated with the drainage amounts. "p" values were 0.008 and <0.001 in Adrenaline (+) and Adrenaline (-) Groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experience using adrenaline has been encouraging and it is useful as an adjunct to thyroid surgery in order to prevent hemorrhagia and give up drain placement. But prospective randomized trials using adequate patient numbers are still needed to validate efficacy and safety.

Pure laparoscopic management of a giant ovarian cyst in an adolescent.

PATIENT: Female, 16 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Ovarian cyst Symptoms: - MEDICATION: - Clinical Procedure: Laparoscopic surgery Specialty: Surgery. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: The use of the laparoscopic approach versus open approach for the management of giant ovarian cysts is controversial. Exclusion of malignant conditions has critical importance in the laparoscopic management of these cases. However, in some cases, the possibility of malignancy and the ovarian origin of a cyst cannot be excluded during the preoperative period. CASE REPORT: Herein we present the case of a 16-year-old girl with a giant ovarian cyst. The abdominal cavity was laparoscopically explored, and no signs suggestive of malignancy were encountered; the ovarian origin of the cyst was confirmed. A Veress needle was inserted percutaneously, and the cyst was drained and laparoscopically excised. No complications were encountered at follow-up visits 3 and 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the well-known advantages of laparoscopic surgery (e.g., decreased postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and wound infection), perfect cosmetic results are particularly important for young women. The pure laparoscopic management of giant ovarian cysts is safe and feasible.

Endoscopic stapling in comparison to laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The SRS(TM) Endoscopic Stapling System (Medigus Ltd, Omer, Israel) is a novel method for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study assessed the safety and efficacy of SRS compared with laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 27 participants, 11 underwent SRS and 16 LARS. Symptoms were assessed using Velanovich GERD-health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scores. The groups were compared in reference to operation time, improvement in GERD-HRQL scores, and postoperative course. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney-U-tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 16 (59.3%) male and 11 (40.7%) female patients, mean age was 39.6 (range: 24-60) years and mean body mass index was 26.2 kg/m(2) . Both groups were statistically similar. An esophageal perforation observed in the SRS group completely recovered after over-the-scope clipping. Procedure times for SRSand LARS were 89 and 47 min, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean discharge time was longer for SRS than LARS (3 days vs 1.2 days, P < 0.05). However, this difference disappeared with the exclusion of a complicated patient with long hospitalization in the SRS group. During 6 months mean follow up, proton-pump inhibitor use was insignificantly higher in the SRS group (P > 0.05). Mean GERD-HRQL scores dropped in 87% and in 64% of patients (P > 0.05) from 29.3 to 4.1 and from 24.8 to 8.9 (P = 0.016) in LARS and SRS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The short-term results of SRS are promising. The forthcoming new-generation devices and increasing experience may further improve efficacy and decrease untoward effects.

Is concomitant cholecystectomy with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy safe?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the effect of selective concomitant cholecystectomy (SCC) on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 16 morbidly obese patients treated with concomitant LSG as the primary bariatric surgery and SCC for proven gallbladder (GB) pathology (Group A) between November 2010 and February 2013 was performed. Randomly selected 32 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was the control group (Group B). RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with a mean age of 35.5±10.7 years were included. Demographic data of groups were similar except that there were more female patients in the Group A (p=0.036). Mean body mass index (kg/m2) was 51.1±5.6 and 50.9±5.4 in Groups A and B, respectively (p=0.894). The mean operative time for patients with and without cholecystectomy was 157.2±40 and 95.72±6.2 min, respectively (p=0.001). Cholecystectomy resulted in an additional mean operative time of 49.1±27.9 min without any specific complication. There was no statistical difference with regard to overall morbidity (p=0.316) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.528) between groups. CONCLUSION: Although an increase in operative time may be an important issue, SCC can be performed on all patients with proven GB pathology during LSG without an increase in morbidity or length of hospital stay.

Acute intestinal obstruction secondary to left paraduodenal hernia: a case report.

Paraduodenal hernia, the most common type of internal herniation, is rare in the etiology of intestinal obstruction. Delayed diagnosis and surgical intervention may result in significant morbidity and mortality risk. This report presents a case of left paraduodenal hernia resulting in acute intestinal obstruction. A 43-year old male patient was admitted with a diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction. A left paraduodenal hernia was identified by computed tomography findings of an encapsulated cluster of dilated small bowel loops occupying the left upper quadrant between the stomach and pancreas, and the presence of an engorged and displaced vascular pedicle at the orifice of the hernia. Upon further investigation, the dilated proximal jejunal segments were found in the left paraduodenal fossa, enclosed in a hernia sac. After reducing the intestinal segments to the abdominal cavity, the orifice of the hernia sac was closed by suturing to the retroperitoneum. Paraduodenal hernia should be considered as a possible etiology in cases of acute intestinal obstruction with unremarkable presentations. Physicians should be familiar with the demonstrative imaging findings of computed tomography of a paraduodenal hernia. Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Laparoscopic management of totally intra-thoracic stomach with chronic volvulus.

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of intra-thoracic gastric volvulus (IGV) and to assess the preoperative work-up. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patient medical records identified 14 patients who underwent a laparoscopic repair of IGV. The procedure included reduction of the stomach into the abdomen, total sac excision, reinforced hiatoplasty with mesh and construction of a partial fundoplication. All perioperative data, operative details and complications were recorded. All patients had at least 6 mo of follow-up. RESULTS: There were 4 male and 10 female patients. The mean age and the mean body mass index were 66 years and 28.7 kg/m(2), respectively. All patients presented with epigastric discomfort and early satiety. There was no mortality, and none of the cases were converted to an open procedure. The mean operative time was 235 min, and the mean length of hospitalization was 2 d. There were no intraoperative complications. Four minor complications occurred in 3 patients including pleural effusion, subcutaneous emphysema, dysphagia and delayed gastric emptying. All minor complications resolved spontaneously without any intervention. During the mean follow-up of 29 mo, one patient had a radiological wrap herniation without volvulus. She remains symptom free with daily medication. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic management of IGV is a safe but technically demanding procedure. The best outcomes can be achieved in centers with extensive experience in minimally invasive esophageal surgery.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in management of weight regain after failed laparoscopic plication.

INTRODUCTION: Weight regain after bariatric surgery remains a challenging problem with regard to its surgical management. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 30 year-old-female patient with weight regain after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and previous gastric banding was evaluated in a tertiary-care university setting. Her last body mass index was calculated as 40.4kg/m(2). Preoperative ultrasonography revealed cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with cholecystectomy was planned as a redo surgery. A floopy and plicated stomach with increased wall thickness of the greater curvature was seen. After adhesiolysis between the plicated part of stomach and the surrounding omental tissues, concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. She was discharged on the 4th post-operative day without any complaint. At the postoperative 3rd month, her body mass index was recorded as 24kg/m(2). DISCUSSION: Redo surgery of morbid obesity after failed bariatric surgery is a technically demanding issue. Type of the surgical treatment should be decided by the attending surgeon based on the morphology of the remnant stomach caused by previous operations. CONCLUSION: As a redo surgery after failed laparoscopic gastric plication and gastric banding procedures, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy may be regarded as a safe and feasible approach in experienced hands.

Jejunogastric intussusception: a rare complication of gastric surgery.

Jejunogastric intussusception is a rare complication of gastric surgery. It usually presents with severe epigastric pain, vomiting, and hematemesis. A history of gastric surgery can help in making an accurate and early diagnosis which calls forth an urgent surgical intervention. Only reduction or resection with revision of the previously performed anastomosis is the choice which is decided according to the operative findings. We present a case of JGI in a patient with a history of Billroth II operation diagnosed by computed tomography. At emergent laparotomy, an efferent loop type JGI was found. Due to necrosis, resection of the intussuscepted bowel with Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Remission of ulcerated necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum after bariatric surgery.

A 32-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus suffering from morbid obesity with BMI 45,14 kg/m(2) was operated on. Not only the type 2DM but also one of its complication known as necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum remitted postoperatively. Obesity should no longer be regarded simply as a cosmetic problem affecting certain individuals but an epidemic that threatens global well-being. It causes or exacerbates many health problems, and in particular, it is associated with the type 2 diabetes. Necrobiosis lipoidica is a granulomatous skin disease of unknown etiology, associated mainly with diabetes mellitus. We presented in this paper a morbid obese case of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum with dramatic good response to bariatric surgery.

Reverse relationship between blood boron level and body mass index in humans: does it matter for obesity?

The exact role of boron in humans is not known although its supplementation causes several important metabolic and inflammatory changes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the possibility of an association between blood boron level and obesity in normal, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese subjects. A total number of 80 subjects, categorized into four groups based on their body mass index as normal, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese, were enrolled in this study. Age, sex, body mass index, and blood boron levels were recorded for each subject. Although the distribution of female and male subjects and blood boron levels were similar between groups, the mean age of normal subjects was significantly lower than the others (p = 0.002). There was a significant relationship between age and quantitative values of body mass index for each subject (ß = 0.24; p = 0.003). In addition, between blood boron levels and quantitative values of body mass index for each subject, a significant reverse relationship was detected (ß = -0.16; p = 0.043). Although age seemed to be an important variable for blood boron level and body mass index, blood boron levels were shown to be lower in obese subjects in comparison to non-obese subjects.

Routine use of positron-emission tomography/computed tomography for staging of primary colorectal cancer: does it affect clinical management?

BACKGROUND: The use of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for the preoperative staging of patients with colon and rectal cancer has increased steadily over the last decade. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PET/CT on the preoperative staging and clinical management of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between December 2010 and February 2012, 64 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer were evaluated with both PET/CT scans and conventional preoperative imaging studies. We prospectively recorded the medical reports of these patients. The PET/CT findings were compared with conventional imaging studies and the rate of over-staging or down-staging and changes in clinical management were evaluated. The correlation of the PET/CT with the conventional imaging was compared by a kappa agreement coefficient. Differences in the accuracy for N and T staging were assessed by χ2 and related-samples marginal homogeneity tests. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (60.9%) patients had rectal cancer and 25 (39.1%) had colon cancer. Based on PET/CT, additional lesions were found in 6 (9.4%) of the patients: hilar and paratracheal lesions in 4 patients, hepatic in 1 and supraclavicular in 1 patient. In four of six patients, detailed imaging studies or biopsies revealed chronic inflammatory changes. Hepatic and supraclavicular involvement was confirmed in two patients. Therefore, the false positivity rate of PET/CT was 6.25%. Based on the additional PET/CT, 2 (3.2%) patients had a change in surgical management. A chemotherapy regimen was administered to the patient with a 1.5 cm hepatic metastasis near the right hepatic vein; for another patient with an identified supraclavicular lymph node metastasis, a simultaneous excision was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of PET/CT for preoperative staging did not impact disease management for 96.8% of our patients. The results of our study conclude that PET/CT should not be routinely used for primary staging of colorectal cancer. More studies are required for identifying the subgroup of patients who might benefit from a PET/CT in their initial staging.