Effect of sildenafil citrate on the liver structure and function in obstructive jaundice: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of 10 mg/kg sildenafil on the structure and function of the liver in a rat model of obstructive jaundice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two male Wistar albino rats were distributed into six different groups. Obstructive jaundice was performed by legating the common bile duct. 10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate in drinking water was delivered orally after the operation before sacrificing them. Rats were sacrificed either after 10 or 28 days according to the study design. The blood and tissue samples from the liver were obtained to perform a biochemical and histopathological analysis to study functional and structural changes in the liver. RESULTS: At the 10th day, there was no difference between the sildenafil-treated and control groups with regard to the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels (p=0.423, p=0.661). The alkaline phosphatase total bilirubin levels among the groups were statistically different (p<0.001). At the 28th day, liver function tests except alanine aminotransferase showed significant differences among the groups (p<0.001). Liver function tests did not changed significantly between the 10th and 28th day in sildenafil-treated rats (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed among the groups with regard to cholestasis, fibrosis, inflammation, and necrosis (p<0.001). However, edema increased in the sildenafil-treated group (p<0.001). On the 28th day, the severity of structural changes in the liver after obstructive jaundice, except edema, reduced significantly (p<0.001). The sildenafil-treated groups at different time points didn't show any statistical difference in histopathological changes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 10 mg/kg sildenafil citrate dramatically reverses the biochemical and histopathological liver changes induced by obstructive jaundice in rats.

Melatonin exhibits supportive effects on oxidants and anastomotic healing during intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on intestinal anastomosis after intestinal ischemia/ reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats of both sexes were divided into 3 groups: sham, control, and treatment. IRI was performed by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 30 minutes, followed by reperfusion. The sham rats received only manipulation of the SMA. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administered to the treatment group, and the control group was given a vehicle injection. Both the treatment group and the control group further underwent ileal resection of a 1-cm segment and anastomosis. On the postoperative seventh day, the anastomotic burst pressure, hydroxyproline level, histological indices of wound healing, and oxidative parameters of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (T-GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. A one-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used for the categorical data. RESULTS: Melatonin treatment led to a significantly higher burst pressure (p=0.027 and p<0.001, respectively). The 2 antioxidant enzymes, CAT and SOD, were at the highest level in the sham and melatonin groups and the lowest level in the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). Melatonin treatment resulted in a significantly higher level of both enzymes compared with the control group (p=0.026 and 0.003, respectively). The GSHpx and total GSH levels were slightly elevated in the treated rats, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.205 and 0.216, respectively). Fibroblast infiltration, capillary formation, and epithelialization were significantly better in the melatonin-treated animals. The granulocyte and mononuclear infiltration scores were similar between all groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that melatonin had marked effects on intestinal anastomotic healing during intestinal IRI.

The Effect of Peritoneal Prednisolone Lavage in Bacterial Peritonitis: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated and compared the effects of antibiotic and steroid lavage on survival and cytokine levels in an experimental abdominal sepsis model. BACKGROUND: In abdominal sepsis, abdominal lavage with saline or antibiotic solutions is a well-documented intervention known to have positive impact on survival; however, the effects of steroid lavage in abdominal sepsis have not yet been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 24). Abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Six hours after laparotomy, the authors performed a relaparatomy followed by cecal resection and an abdominal lavage. Abdominal lavage was performed using saline in group 1, equal volumes of cefazolin sodium in group 2, low-dose methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) in group 3, and high-dose methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg) in group 4. After division of 2 subgroups from each of the 4 groups, the first of the rats (n = 12) were euthanized 6 hours later for evaluation of cytokines (ie, interleukin [IL] 1ß, 2, 4, 10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), and the others were followed for 30 days for analysis of mortality rates. RESULTS: The mortality rate of the rats in group 2 was significantly higher than group 4, which had no mortality (P = 0.032). Although insignificant, the lowest mean value of IL-1ß, IL-2, and TNF-α were in group 1, and the highest was in group 2. The lowest IL-4 level was in group 3, and the highest level was in group 2 (P = 0.41). Interleukin-10 levels were significantly lower in group 4 and higher in group 2 (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The authors state that peritoneal lavage with prednisolone improved survival rates with increasing doses in abdominal sepsis.

Effects of melatonin on cytokine release and healing of colonic anastomoses in an experimental sepsis model.

BACKGROUND: The present objective was to identify effects of early melatonin application on healing of anastomotic wound and inflammation in an experimental sepsis model. METHODS: A total of 60 Wistar albino rats were divided into 2 groups. Cecal ligation puncture (CLP) and colonic resection anastomosis were performed on both the control group and the melatonin treatment group. Both groups were divided into 3 subgroups consisting of 10 rats each. One subgroup from each group underwent re-laparotomy at the 16th hour, the next on the 3rd day, and the final subgroup on the 7th day. Presently evaluated were effects of melatonin treatment of early sepsis on interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (INF-γ), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as burst pressures (BPs), collagen and hydroxyproline (OHP) content of the anastomotic segments, histopathologic healing, immunohistochemical expressions, CD34, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß). RESULTS: IL-6 and INF-γ levels of the treatment group showed a significant decrease at the 16th hour and an increase on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. IL-10 levels were significantly higher at the 16th hour and significantly lower on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days in the control group (p<0.001 for each). The treatment group also showed significantly higher capillary permeability, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposits (p<0.001 for each). CD34 expression was significantly increased in the treatment group on the 7th postoperative day (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Application of melatonin in early sepsis significantly improved colonic anastomotic healing in a rat model.

Stewart Treves Syndrome in a Woman with Mastectomy.

Stewart Treves Syndrome is an angiosarcoma generally seen long time after radical mastectomy in breast carcinoma patients in chronic lymphoedema area. It's an angiosarcoma developed on a long standing lymphoedema, following a radical mastectomy. An 86-year-old woman was referred to our Dermatology outpatient clinic which developed a giant erythematous, oedematous, purplish lobulated plaque on her right forearm anteromedially with a few satellite erythematous papulonodules on her arm. The pathology revealed spindle-shaped tumour cells invading dermis with vascular differentiation into the subcutaneus tissue which are compatible with a diagnosis of angiosarcoma.

Comparison of inguinal hernia repairs performed with lichtenstein, rutkow-robbins, and gilbert double layer graft methods.

Tension-free repairs are performed commonly in inguinal hernia operations. The objective of the present study is to compare the outcomes of three different tension-free repair methods known as Lichtenstein, Rutkow-Robbins, and Gilbert double layer. One-hundred and fifty patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia were randomly split into three groups. The comparisons across groups were carried out in terms of operation length, postoperative pain, femoral vein flow velocity, early and late complications, recurrence rates, length of hospital stay, time required to return to work, and cost analysis. No difference was found between the groups regarding age, gender, type and classification of hernia, postoperative pain, and late complications (p > 0.05). Operation length was 53.70 ± 12.32 min in the Lichtenstein group, 44.29 ± 12.37 min in the Rutkow-Robbins group, and 45.21 ± 14.36 min in the Gilbert group (p < 0.05). Mean preoperative and postoperative femoral vein flow velocity values were 13.88 ± 2.237 and 13.42 ± 2.239 cm/s for Lichtenstein group, 12.64 ± 2.98 and 12.16 ± 2.736 cm/s for Rutkow-Robbins group, and 16.02 ± 3.19 and 15.52 ± 3.358 cm/s for the Gilbert group, respectively. Statistical difference was found between all the groups (p < 0.001). However, no difference was determined between the groups regarding the decrease rates (p = 0.977). Among early complications, hematoma was observed in one (2 %) patient of Lichtenstein group, five (10 %) patients of Rutkow-Robbins group, and three (6 %) patients of Gilbert group (p = 0.033). Cost analysis produced the following results for Lichtenstein, Rutkow-Robbins, and Gilbert groups: US $157.94 ± 50.05, $481.57 ± 11.32, and $501.51 ± 73.59, respectively (p < 0.001). Lichtenstein operation was found to be more advantageous compared with the other techniques in terms of cost analysis as well as having unaffected femoral blood flow. Therefore, we believe that Lichtenstein repair is still the most appropriate surgical option in patients diagnosed with inguinal hernia.

Comparison of cyanoacrylate-assisted arteriotomy closure with conventional closure technique.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare conventional suture closure of arteriotomy with N-butyl-cyanoacrylate-assisted suture closure. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. Standard arteriotomy was performed to the abdominal aorta through a midline incision. In the first group, arteriotomy was closed by 3 stitches with 45 degrees between each and in the second by two stitches with 0.1 ml (12-12.5 mg) cyanoacrylate. Amount of blood loss, operation time and severity of myointimal hyperplasia by immunohistochemistry on aorta segments were measured on postoperative days 7 and 30. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic time was 13.5 +/- 1.64 in the first and 13.0 +/- 1.75 min in the second group (p = 0.356). Operation time was 23.45 +/- 3.63 in the control and 21.0 +/- 3.09 min in the second group (p = 0.027). Mean amount of bleeding was 473.75 +/- 260.5 in the first and 327.5 +/- 155.36 microl in the second group (p = 0.037). Intimal thickness on the 7th day was 80.62 +/- 7.92 in the first and 83.24 +/- 3.42 microm in the second group, and on the 30th day was 81.64 +/- 5.11 in the first and 88.77 +/- 11.03 microm in the second group. The early and late intimal thicknesses were similar (p = 0.35 and 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of arteriotomies with fewer sutures in combination with cyanoacrylate is a safe method associated with less blood loss and shorter operation time. It also does not lead to increased myointimal hyperplasia.

Effect of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate on high-risk colonic anastomoses.

We investigated the effect of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (BCA) on colonic anastomosis under clean contaminated procedure (CCP) and bacterial peritonitis (BP) conditions in rats. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 80) were divided into two groups: CCP and BP. In the CCP group, colonic resection and anastomosis were performed. BP was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. BCA was administered to the anastomosis in half of the rats in both groups. Anastomotic assessment was done on postoperative days 3 and 7 by evaluating the burst pressure, and gross anastomotic and histopathologic healing indices. The presence and severity of adhesion formation was also investigated. There were no differences in terms of gross healing parameters on days 3 and 7. Burst pressures were also similar on both days (p = 0.244 and p = 0.101, respectively). In the early phase (day 3), adhesion development (p < 0.001), granulocytic cell infiltration (p = 0.02), inflammation (p = 0.019) and necrosis (p = 0.019) were higher in the BCA groups. Mononuclear cell infiltration (p = 0.659), fibroblastic cell infiltration (p = 0.538) and capillary formation (p = 0.316) were similar. In the late phase (day 7), adhesion development (p < 0.001), necrosis (p = 0.001) and granulocytic cell infiltration (p = 0.034) were higher in the treatment groups. Fibroblastic cell infiltration (p = 0.017) and capillary formation (p = 0.016) were lower in BCA treated rats, particularly in the BP condition. Mononuclear cell infiltration did not differ (p = 0.176). The application of BCA did not provide any benefit under either CCP or BP conditions. Moreover, BCA caused increased inflammatory reactions, necrosis and adhesion formation. During the late phase of healing, the ongoing enhanced inflammation caused a reduction in capillary formation and fibroblastic infiltration, particularly under BP conditions.

Effect of cyanoacrylate on closure of gastric perforation: a comparative study in a rat model.

The aim of the study was to compare suture, clip and clip combined with topical N-butyl cyanoacrylate in an experimental model of gastric perforation. Sixty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups. Midline laparotomy was performed and a 4 mm puncture was done on the anterior surface of the stomach. Closure was performed by sutures in the first group, clip in the second group, and clip with topical cyanoacrylate in the third group. Ten rats underwent a re-laparotomy on the 3(rd) and 7(th) days, respectively. Intraabdominal adhesions, burst pressures, procedural time, total operation time and histological evaluation were analyzed. In the early phase, clip with topical cyanoacrylate treatment significantly improved burst pressures (p=0.001). In the late phase, burst pressure levels were slightly higher in the third group. Procedural period and total operation times were significantly higher in the suture-treated group and lower in the clip group. Clip with topical cyanoacrylate treatment improved histological healing indices, with significant difference in granulation, chronic inflammation and collagenisation scores, but at the expense of a significantly increased adhesion formation (P=0.001). Our study shows that gastric perforations can be effectively treated by the combination of clip and cyanoacrylate with shorter time and acceptable side-effects in selected cases.

Effects of two different meshes used in hernia repair on nerve transport.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of two different types of mesh used in hernia repair on nerve transport and neural injury. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-five Wistar-albino rats were randomly allocated to three groups. Basal neural transport on the index of the left sciatic nerve was performed in all groups before surgery. In the control group, only sciatic nerve manipulation was performed. Other groups received a cuff around the index sciatic nerve. The second group received a monofilament polypropylene and the third group received a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh. Effects of entrapment on neural transport were evaluated by electromyography on the 28th day. Tissue samples from sciatic nerves were taken for evaluation of nerve injury. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between basal latency and amplitudes (p=0.609 and p=0.152, respectively). But latency was significantly different 4 weeks after the operation (p < 0.0001). At post hoc evaluation, entrapment groups had longer latency times compared with those in the control group (p=0.006 and p < 0.0001, respectively). But the increase in latency between entrapment arms was similar on the 28th day (p=0.601). Both initial and late term amplitudes were similar (p=0.364 and 0.913, respectively). Histologic evaluation by Masson's trichrome staining revealed high fibrosis scores and increased collagen deposits, especially in the polypropylene group (p < 0.0001), and increased inflammation in the polytetrafluoroethylene group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the two most commonly used meshes in tension-free hernia surgery have different effects on nerve physiology and morphology. We concluded that alterations in nerve physiomorphology are from the properties of the mesh and may be the source of postoperative pain in hernia surgery.

Comparison of different surgical options in the treatment of pilonidal disease: retrospective analysis of 175 patients.

Pilonidal sinus disease is a benign disorder with an unidentified etiology and is observed mainly in young adults. It is an important health problem because it causes work loss. Although various nonsurgical treatment options have been tried up to date, there is a consensus on surgical intervention to treat the disease today. The optimal surgical method should be simple, associated with short hospital stay and low recurrence rates. In this study, patients who have undergone different surgical treatment methods due to pilonidal disease were retrospectively analyzed. The medical records of 175 patients who were operated on between 2002 and 2005 at the General Surgery Departments of Gaziosmanpasa University Medical School and Bartin State Hospital for pilonidal disease were reviewed for treatment option, postoperative complications, hospitalization time, work-off periods, and recurrence rates. The patients consisted of 150 (85.3%) males with a mean age of 26.47 +/- 7.78 years. Marsupialization was applied to 82 (46.9%), unroofing to 20 (14.7%), primary closure to 29 (16.6%), and Limberg flap to 44 (25.1%) patients. The longest hospitalization period of 3.61 +/- 1.08 days was observed in the Limberg flap group. The longest return to work period (20.12 +/- 5.1 days) was observed in the marsupialization group. Both differences were significant. The highest complication rate was observed among the primary closure group (31%) followed by the patients treated by Limberg flap technique (15.8%). In the primary closure group, infection was detected in five (17.2%) and wound dehiscence in four (13.8%) individuals. The highest complication rates (31.03%) and recurrences (13.8%) were observed in the primary closure group. Various operative methods utilized in the treatment of pilonidal disease are associated with a number of advantages and disadvantages. Postoperative complication rates of unroofing and marsupialization are low, but require long wound care. In our study, we did not observe any recurrence among the patients treated by unroofing, but experienced a high recurrence ratio among subjects treated by marsupialization. In addition, there were high complication rates in the primary closure and Limberg flap groups. So, the best option is to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the available surgical methods and respect the patient's decision.

An assessment of the effects of two types of bioresorbable barriers to prevent postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in rats.

PURPOSE: This study assessed and compared the efficacy of two types of bioresorbable membranes in the prevention of postoperative adhesion under clean contaminated and bacterial peritonitis conditions using a cecal ligation and puncture model in rats. METHODS: Wistar albino rats (n = 72) were divided into six groups. Bacterial peritonitis was induced using a cecal ligation and puncture model in groups 2, 4, and 6. Groups 1, 3, and 5 served as controls for clean contaminated procedures in the absence of bacterial peritonitis. Groups 1 and 2 were the untreated clean contaminated and bacterial peritonitis groups and served as controls for the effect of the bioresorbable membranes in each condition. In groups 3 and 4, a 1.5 x 3 cm USP glycerol/sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose membrane was wrapped around the cecal resection area and a 2 x 4 cm membrane was left under the incision. The oxidized regenerated cellulose membrane was similarly applied in groups 5 and 6. Four weeks later, the adhesions were evaluated. In addition, fibrosis and inflammation were observed histopathologically. RESULTS: Adhesion development (P = .008), fibrosis (P = .008), and inflammation (P = .0001) differed among the groups. Both materials increased adhesion formation in the bacterial peritonitis condition. Increased fibrotic activity was detected in all material-applied groups under both conditions. In addition, more inflammation was detected in the groups that received the application of a material, especially in the presence of bacterial peritonitis. CONCLUSION: Neither material prevented adhesions in clean contaminated conditions. Moreover, they increased adhesion formation in bacterial peritonitis.

Comparison of adhesive properties of five different prosthetic materials used in hernioplasty.

This experimental study was designed to assess and to compare intra-abdominal adhesions following the use of five commercially available prosthetic mesh grafts in the repair if abdominal wall defects. Sixty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10). A 2 x 1 cm defect at abdominal wall was created and defects were closed either primarily or with one of the following prosthetic mesh grafts: monofilament polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose-coated polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglactin 910 composite, or resorbable hydrophilic collagen-coated multifiber polyester. The severity of adhesions was graded, tensile strengths of adhesions were measured, and histopathological grades of inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. Polypropylene mesh resulted in more adhesion formation in comparison to primary repair and other grafts used in this study, except polypropylene/polyglactin 910 composite mesh. In addition, the highest tensile strength of omental adhesions was detected in the polypropylene group (chi2 = 26.249; p = .0001). Polyester composite mesh caused the least adhesion formation among the groups. Sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose-coated polypropylene and polyester composite meshes revealed the highest fibrosis scores (chi2 = 50.776; p = .0001). The highest inflammatory activity was detected in the polytetrafluoroethylene mesh group (chi2 = 16.564; p = .005). Thus, sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose-coated polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes following polyester composite mesh were the minimal adhesion-forming grafts in this study. Disadvantages of the polytetrafluoroethylene mesh were lower fibrotic activity and higher inflammatory reaction to the graft.