Single versus double Hem-o-lok clips to secure the apendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective randomized multicentric clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Polymeric clips (Hem-o-lok ligation system) are now widely used to securing the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy. Studies comparing the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of a single hem-o-lok clips with a double hem-o-lok clips for closure of an appendiceal stump. METHODS: This prospective randomized study includes patients from two centers who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with the diagnosis of appendicitis between September 2020 and March 2023. Demographic, operative and clinical outcomes of the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips for closure of the appendiceal stump were compared. Factors affecting long postoperative hospital stay were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyzes. RESULTS: One hundred forty two (48.3%) patients in the single hem-o-lok arm and 152 (51.7%) patients in the double hem-o-lok arm were included in the analysis.The shortest operative time was noted in the single hem-o-lok group (52.1 ± 19.9 versus 61.6 ± 24.9 min, p < 0.001). The median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-10) in the single hem-o-lok group and 1 day (range 1-12) in the double hem-o-lok group, and was shorter in the single hem-o-lok arm (1.61 ± 1.56 vs 1.84 ± 1.69, p = 0.019). Based on multivariate analysis, drain placement was identified as an independent predictive factor for long hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The use of single hem-o-lok clips for appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective. Trial registration NCT04387370 ( http://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ).

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV- 2) and has resulted in increased mortality worldwide. Several studies have identified the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and other tissues. Although it has been reported that the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor affected by SARS-CoV is expressed more in the pancreas than in the lungs, the issue regarding the occurrence of pancreatitis is controversial. SARS Cov-2 rarely causes acute necrotizing pancreatitis without significantly affecting the respiratory and other systems. This paper presents a patient who underwent laparotomy due to acute necrotizing pancreatitis and hemodynamic instability caused by COVID-19 without any known risk factors.

Fall of another myth for colon cancer: Duration of symptoms does not differ between right- or left-sided colon cancers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with colorectal cancer continue to present with relatively advanced tumors that are associated with poor oncological outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between localization, symptom duration, and tumor stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted on patients newly diagnosed with a histologically proven colorectal adenocarcinoma. Standardized questionnaire-interviews were performed. Data were collected on principal presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms (time to first presentation to a doctor and time to diagnosis) and treatment, diagnostic procedures, tumor site, and stage of the tumor (tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM)). RESULTS: A total of 1795 patients with colorectal cancer were interviewed (mean age: 60.76±13.50 years, male patients: 1057, patients aged >50 years: 1444, colon/rectal cancer: 899/850, right side/left side: 383/1250, stage 0-1-2/stage 3-4: 746/923). No statistically significant correlations were found between duration of symptoms and either tumor site or stage. Principal presenting symptoms were significantly associated with left colon cancer. Patients who had "anemia," "change in bowel habits," "anal pruritus or discharge," "weight loss," and "tumor in right colon" had a significantly longer symptom time. CONCLUSION: Symptom duration is not associated with localization, nor is the tumor stage. Diagnosis of colorectal cancer at an earlier stage may be best achieved by screening of the population.

Antioxidant support in composite musculo-adipose-fasciocutaneous flap applications: an experimental study.

Free radicals are chemicals that play roles in the etio-pathogenesis of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Various antioxidants have been used in an attempt to mitigate the damage induced by these chemicals. In the present study, the antioxidative effects of grape seed extract (proanthocyanidin), tomato extract (lycopene), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on a composite re-established-flow inferior epigastric artery based rectus abdominis muscle-skin flap model on which experimental ischaemia was induced were investigated. The rats have been administered antioxidants for 2 weeks prior to the surgery and for 2 more weeks thereafter. Macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analyses were carried out at the decision of the experiment. It was found that flap skin island necrosis was significantly reduced in the proanthocyanidin, lycopene, vitamin C groups (p < 0.001). Statistical analyses showed significant decreases in inflammation, oedema, congestion, and granulation tissue in the proanthocyanidin and lycopene groups compared to the vitamin C and control groups (p < 0.001). When the viability rates of fat and muscle tissues were examined, significant improvements were found in the proanthocyanidin and lycopene groups in comparison to the other groups (p < 0.001). Serum antioxidant capacity measurements revealed significant differences in the lycopene group compared to all other groups (p < 0.001). It is concluded that lycopene and proanthocyanidin are protective antioxidants in rat composite muscle-skin flap ischaemia-reperfusion models.

Impact of para-neurologic and para-mental premorbidities on burn injury patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article was to determine whether there are differences in the progression, mortality and morbidity of these premorbid patients compared to normal burn injury patients. METHODS: In this study, 26 premorbid cases (8 males, 18 females; mean age: 30.8 years; range: 3-74 years) hospitalized in the Dicle University Burn Center between July 2007 and November 2009 were evaluated. RESULTS: Appreciation of the pathophysiological basis of the premorbidity in burn patients is important. When the treatment for premorbid burn patients is planned, the associated co- or premorbidity must be kept in mind. To improve the outcome of the treatment, considerable attention must be paid to these patients. CONCLUSION: This article gives an overview of the current literature regarding premorbid patients in the Turkish population and draws attention to this specific topic.

Does adjuvant antibiotic treatment after drainage of anorectal abscess prevent development of anal fistulas? A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of fistula formation is a major concern after incision and drainage of an anorectal abscess. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to the test the effects of antibiotic treatment on fistula formation after incision and drainage of anorectal abscesses. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. SETTING: Multicenter trial at 3 teaching hospitals in Turkey. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent abscess drainage between September 2005 and January 2008 were evaluated for eligibility. Exclusion criteria included penicillin allergy, antimicrobial agent usage before enrolment, other infection, previous anorectal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, suspicion of Fournier gangrene, secondary and recurrent anorectal abscesses, anal fistula at time of the surgery, immune compromised states, and pregnancy. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination treatment for 10 days after abscess drainage. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was rate of anorectal fistula formation at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: : Of 334 patients assessed for eligibility, 183 entered the study (placebo, 92; antibiotics, 91). Data were available for per-protocol analysis from 151 patients (placebo, 76; antibiotics, 75) with a mean age of 37.6 years; 118 patients (78.1%) were men. Overall, 45 patients (29.8%) developed anal fistulas during 1-year follow-up. Fistula formation occurred in 17 patients (22.4%) in the placebo group and in 28 patients (37.3%) in the antibiotic group (P = .044). Risk of fistula formation was increased in patients with ischiorectal abscess (odds ratio, 7.82) or intersphincteric abscess (odds ratio, 3.35) compared with perianal abscess. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic treatment following the drainage of an anorectal abscess has no protective effect regarding risk of fistula formation.

The evaluation of bacteriology in perianal abscesses of 81 adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of perianal abscesses requires prompt surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy. However, we should encourage the selective use of antimicrobial agents on a case-by-case basis, especially because there is no evidence that uncomplicated perianal abscesses can be safely treated only with drainage. For this reason, it is important to identify the causative organisms; therefore, we accessed the microbiological analysis of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 81 consecutive adult patients with perianal abscesses, who presented at a university hospital in Diyarbakir from January 2004 to December 2006, were included. Clinical and laboratory data, and results of microbiological analysis were recorded. RESULTS: All specimens, except seven, yielded bacterial growth. Escherichia coli, Bacteriodes spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common isolated organisms. CONCLUSION: In contrast to other investigators, this study demonstrated that aerobic organisms are the predominant isolates in these infections.

The evaluation of bacteriology in perianal abscesses of 81 adult patients

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of perianal abscesses requires prompt surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy. However, we should encourage the selective use of antimicrobial agents on a case-by-case basis, especially because there is no evidence that uncomplicated perianal abscesses can be safely treated only with drainage. For this reason, it is important to identify the causative organisms; therefore, we accessed the microbiological analysis of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 81 consecutive adult patients with perianal abscesses, who presented at a university hospital in Diyarbakir from January 2004 to December 2006, were included. Clinical and laboratory data, and results of microbiological analysis were recorded. RESULTS: All specimens, except seven, yielded bacterial growth. Escherichia coli, Bacteriodes spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common isolated organisms. CONCLUSION: In contrast to other investigators, this study demonstrated that aerobic organisms are the predominant isolates in these infections.

Management of duodenal injury: our experience and the value of tube duodenostomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report our experience with duodenal injuries and determine if primary repair and/or tube duodenostomy are valid options for definitive operative repair of severe duodenal injuries. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients who underwent surgery for duodenal injuries were evaluated. Management of duodenal injury was classified as primary repair and tube decompression. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were injured by a penetrating mechanism, and eight were injured by blunt mechanism. The most common injury site was in the second portion of the duodenum. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to morbidity and mortality rate. In 35 patients without morbidity, the mean length of hospital stay was 18.53+/-1.85 days in the tube duodenostomy group and 11.45+/-1.92 days in the primary repair group, and the difference was statistically significant. In the 32 patients with morbidity, the mean length of hospital stay was 47.05+/-10.46 days in the tube duodenostomy group and 49.86+/-10.86 days in primary repair group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Primary repair is suitable in the vast majority of duodenal injuries; tube duodenostomy increases the length of hospital stay and does not improve clinical outcome.

Iloprost, a prostacyclin (PGI2) analogue, reduces liver injury in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of iloprost a prostacyclin analogue on the hepatic IR injury in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were divided into four groups each containing 10 rats;(1)--controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats that underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 45 min; (4) IR/ Iloprost group: rats pretreated with iloprost (10 microg kg-1, i.v). Liver tissues were taken to determine SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: The plasma ALT and AST levels were increased in group 3 than in group 4. MDA values and the liver injury score decreased, while the SOD, CAT, and GSH values increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 3, hepatocytes were swollen with marked vacuolization. In group 4, there were regular sinusoidal structures with normal morphology without any signs of congestion. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated hepatoprotective effects of iloprost against severe ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat liver.

Independent risk factors of morbidity in penetrating colon injuries.

BACKGROUND: The present study explored the factors effective on colon-related morbidity in patients with penetrating injury of the colon. METHODS: The medical records of 196 patients were reviewed for variables including age, gender, factor of trauma, time between injury and operation, shock, duration of operation, Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI), Injury Severity Score (ISS), site of colon injury, Colon Injury Score, fecal contamination, number of associated intra- and extraabdominal organ injuries, units of transfused blood within the first 24 hours, and type of surgery. In order to determine the independent risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Gunshot wounds, interval between injury and operation > or =6 hours, shock, duration of the operation > or =6 hours, PATI > or =25, ISS > or =20, Colon Injury Score > or = grade 3, major fecal contamination, number of associated intraabdominal organ injuries >2, number of associated extraabdominal organ injuries >2, multiple blood transfusions, and diversion were significantly associated with morbidity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed diversion and transfusion of > or =4 units in the first 24 hours as independent risk factors affecting colon-related morbidity. CONCLUSION: Diversion and transfusion of > or =4 units in the first 24 hours were determined to be independent risk factors for colon-related morbidity.

Iloprost, a prostacyclin (PGI2) analogue, reduces liver injury in hepatic ischemiareperfusion in rats / Iloprost, um análogo da prostaciclina (PGI2), reduz danos da isquemia/reperfusão hepática em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of iloprost a prostacyclin analogue on the hepatic IR injury in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were divided into four groups each containing 10 rats;(1)- controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats that underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 45 min; (4) IR/ Iloprost group: rats pretreated with iloprost (10 µg kg-1, i.v). Liver tissues were taken to determine SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: The plasma ALT and AST levels were increased in group 3 than in group 4. MDA values and the liver injury score decreased, while the SOD, CAT, and GSH values increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 3, hepatocytes were swollen with marked vacuolization. In group 4, there were regular sinusoidal structures with normal morphology without any signs of congestion. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated hepatoprotective effects of iloprost against severe ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat liver.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do iloprost, um análogo da prostaciclina nos danos causados ao fígado de ratos pela lesão de IR. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos machos Sprague-Dawley (250-300 g) foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de dez; - (1) grupo de controle: dados de animais não manipulados; (2) grupo "sham": ratos que sofreram intervenção cirúrgica sem I/R, aos quais foram administrados solução salina; (3) grupo I/R; animais que foram submetidos à isquemia por 45 minutos seguida de reperfusão por 45 minutos; (4) grupo I R/Iloprost: ratos previamente tratados com Iloprost ( 10µ kg-1, i.v). Tecidos hepáticos foram retirados para determinar os níveis de SOD, CAT, GSH, e MDA e para avaliação bioquímica e histológica. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de plasma ALT e AST aumentaram no grupo 3 mais do que no grupo 4. Os valores de MDA e o índice de lesões hepáticas diminuíram, enquanto os valores de SOD, CAT e GSH aumentaram no grupo 4, em comparação com o grupo3. No grupo 3, os hepatócitos se apresentaram edemaciados, e vacuolizados. No grupo 4, havia estruturas sinusoidais regulares, apresentando morfologia normal, sem sinais de congestão. CONCLUSÃO: Demonstramos os efeitos hepato-protetores do Iloprost contra a isquemia grave e o dano de reperfusão no fígado de ratos.

The evaluation of microbiology and Fournier's gangrene severity index in 27 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify the causative microorganisms and factors associated with survival in patients with Fournier's gangrene and to determine the accuracy of the Fournier's gangrene severity index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 27 patients with Fournier's gangrene who were treated and followed up at our hospital between January 2005 and December 2006. Biochemical, hematologic, and bacteriologic study results at admission and at the final evaluation, etiologic and predisposing factors at admission, physical examination findings, the timing and extent of surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy used were all recorded. RESULTS: The admission laboratory parameters that were significantly correlated with outcome included urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium; at the final evaluation, in addition to these parameters, hematocrit, albumin, and bicarbonate levels were also significantly associated with outcome. The mean Fournier's gangrene severity index score (FGSIS) at admission for survivors was 5.04+/-2.49 compared with 13.6+/-4.61 for non-survivors. There was a strong correlation between the FGSIS and mortality (p<0.0001). Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly isolated microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: Patient metabolic status and predisposing factors are important in the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. Hence, we believe that the FGSIS should be used clinically to evaluate therapeutic options and assess results.

Effects of combined pulse electromagnetic field stimulation plus glutamine on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: An experimental study was designed to investigate the effect of combined pulse electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation plus glutamine administration on colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Anastomosis of the left colon was performed in 28 rats, which were divided into four groups; Group 1: normal resection anastomosis plus oral 50 mg/kg/day glutamine; Group 2: normal resection anastomosis plus PEMF stimulation plus oral 50 mg/kg/day glutamine; Group 3: normal resection anastomosis plus PEMF stimulation; Group 4: normal resection anastomosis. On the seventh postoperative day, the animals were killed and the bursting pressure and tissue hydroxyproline concentration of the anastomosis were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean anastomotic bursting pressure in Group 2 was significantly higher than in Groups 1 and 4. On the other hand, the mean anastomotic bursting pressure in Group 1 was significantly higher than in Group 4. The collagen deposition and the fibroblast infiltration were significantly increased on the seventh day in Group 3 compared the other groups. On the other hand, Groups 1 and 2 had higher scores for collagen deposition and fibroblast infiltration than Group 4. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, burst pressures, hydroxyproline, and histologic features (fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition) were improved in the PEMF group, and both PEMF and glutamine-enriched nutrition provide a significant gain in the strength of colonic anastomoses in rats.

Relaparotomies: Why is Mortality Higher?

BACKGROUND: Relaparotomy is sometimes required for complications that develop after abdominal surgery, but it is associated with high mortality. We aimed to investigate the independent risk factors related to mortality in patients that undergo relaparotomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients who had relaparatomies were evaluated. Risk factors studied were patient characteristics, cause of the first operation, condition of the first operation, systemic diseases, presence of peritonitis, relaparotomy interval, cause of relaparatomy, APACHE II score, transfused blood units, number of relaparatomies, length of hospital stay, and mortality. In order to determine the independent risk factors, we carried out multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 75 male and 39 female patients with a mean age of 46.06 ± 19.98 (15-84). The most common reasons for relaparotomy were leakage from intestinal primary repair or anastomosis (29.8%). Mortality developed in 55 (48.2%) patients undergoing relaparatomy. Intestinal necrosis (p = 0038) and intraabdominal sepsis (p = 0.027) were found to be risk factors in mortality. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR 0.966, p = 0. 0.017) and APACHE II score ≥ 20 (OR 0.137, p < 0.0001) were found to be independent risk factors affecting mortality. CONCLUSION: Advanced age and APACHE II score ≥ 20 were found to be independent risk factors affecting relaparotomy-related mortality.

Resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and histological alterations induced by liver ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 240-290 g were randomized into four groups of ten: (1) controls: data from unmanipulated animals; (2) sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R, and given saline; (3) I/R group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 45 min; (4) I-R/Resveratrol group: rats pretreated with resveratrol (10 micromol/L, iv). Liver tissues were obtained to determine antioxidant enzyme levels and for biochemical and histological evaluation. RESULTS: Plasma aminotransferase activities were higher in the I/R group than in the I-R/Resveratrol group. Malondialdehyde levels and the hepatic injury score decreased, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in group 4 compared to group 3. In group 4, histopathological changes were significantly attenuated in resveratrol-treated livers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, and is a potential therapeutic drug for ischemia reperfusion-related liver injury.

Non-traumatic splenic rupture: report of seven cases and review of the literature.

AIM: To evaluate seven patients with non-traumatic splenic rupture (NSR). NSR is an uncommon dramatic abdominal emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment to ensure the patient's survival. METHODS: Within 11 years, seven cases were evaluated for patient characteristics, anamnesis and symptoms, method of diagnosis, findings of laparotomy, and etiology of NSR. RESULTS: There were six (86%) male and one female (14%) patient, whose mean age was 36 +/- 12.8 (17-56) years. We report here four cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria (cases I-IV), one case of hemodialysis (case V), one case of spontaneous splenic rupture (case VI), and one case of hairy cell leukemia (case VII). Splenectomy was performed in all patients. All of them made an uneventful recovery and were discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSION: NSR is a rare entity that needs a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Using ultrasonography or computer tomography, and peritoneal aspiration of fresh blood may assist in the diagnosis of NSR. Increased awareness of NSR can enhance early diagnosis and effective treatment.

[The evaluation of 250 patients with thoracoabdominal injuries]. / Torakoabdominal yaralanma: 250 hastanin degerlendirilmesi.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic factors affecting mortality and morbidity in thoracoabdominal injuries were evaluated. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients (227 males, 23 females; mean age 30.1+/-5.11; range 15 to 71 years) who had been exposed to thoracoabdominal injuries and underwent laparotomy between June 1996 and November 2005 were investigated retrospectively. Patients were assessed according to age, sex, trauma-operation interval, shock, hospitalization period, number of injured organs, blood transfusion, timing of closed thorax drainage, thoracotomy, Abdominal Trauma Index, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Score, Revised Trauma Score, and complications. RESULTS: Mortality and morbidity ratios were 15.6% and 53.5%, respectively. The factors effective on mortality were trauma-operation interval >or=3 hours (p=0.03), presence of shock (p=0.03), increase in the rate of blood transfusion (p=0.001), injured organ number >or=3 (p=0.001), and not performing early-term closed thorax drainage (p=0.005). Trauma-operation interval <3 (p=0.02), increase in the rate of blood transfusion (p=0.02), injured organ number >or=3 (p=0.001), and not performing early-term closed thorax drainage (p=0.005) were the factors effective on morbidity. CONCLUSION: It was determined that trauma-operation period >or=3 hours, number of injured organs >or=3, and increased number of blood transfusions increased both mortality and morbidity. However, presence of shock increased only mortality. On the other hand, application of closed thorax drainage within a reasonable time period was determined to decrease mortality and morbidity.