Investigation of symptom management and functional state of women who underwent breast cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the symptom management and the functional status of women who underwent surgery for breast cancer. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital surgical oncology clinic. This study was conducted on 80 patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery in the last 5 years in a surgical oncology clinic of a university hospital. Study data were collected using the patient identification form, Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale Related to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer, and Functional Living Index-Cancer. The data were analyzed with the SPSS program. RESULTS: The mean total score of Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale Related to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer was found to be 157.28±36.86, and the mean total score of the Functional Living Index-Cancer was found to be 103.79±18.77. When the correlation between the Functional Living Index-Cancer and Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale Related to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer scales used in the study was examined, it was determined that there was a positive statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) between the subscale and scale total scores. CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, it was determined that the self-efficacy and functional status of the patients were poor. Their functional status was also determined to be improved as the symptom self-efficacy levels increased.

Gastric pouch cancer after mini gastric bypass surgery: The first case report.

Development of gastric cancer following bariatric surgery is very rare. Nearly all patients with cancer after mini gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass have carcinoma in their remnant stomach. This is the first case with the development of gastric cancer in the gastric pouch following mini gastric bypass surgery. Our case was a 32-year-old woman who was admitted to our department with oral intolerance 5 years after mini gastric bypass. In her endoscopic examination, an ulcerovegetan mass in the gastric pouch (Siewert type III) was detected. The pathological examination of the biopsies was reported as low differentiated adenocarcinoma. Clinical staging was performed using Positron emission tomographycomputed tomography (PET-CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography (T3N1M0). Following four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, en-bloc total gastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and partial small intestine resection were performed. In pathological evaluation, no tumors were detected in the specimen and a total of 38 lymph nodes were dissected. This finding was accepted as a pathologic complete response. Signs and symptoms such as anemia, oral intolerance, and vomiting that develop after bariatric surgery can often be attributed to the surgical procedure performed, but it should be kept in mind that similar symptoms may also be associated with malignancy. In case of clinical suspicion, endoscopic examination and cross-sectional imaging should be performed.

Is extereme cytoreductive surgery beneficial to survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma?

INTRODUCTION: Malign peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon disease that is difficult to treat. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) are the gold standards for treating MPM. Sometimes extreme cytoreductive surgery (eCRS) is required to achieve complete cytoreduction, which is one of the most important prognostic factors. There is limited information in the literature about the contribution of eCRS in patients with MPM. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of eCRS on survival and perioperative outcomes. METHODS: The Department of Surgical Oncology at Cumhuriyet University database was retrospectively reviewed for MPM patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC between January 2004 and December 2018. Patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC were divided into eCRS and less extensive CRS (leCRS) groups. A resection of ≥5 organs or ≥3 small bowel anastomoses were defined as eCRS. Both groups were compared regarding survival, demographic information, and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were included. eCRS-HIPEC was used in 15 patients. Complete cytoreduction (CC score 0/1) was achieved in all 31 patients. Compared to leCRS, the eCRS group had a longer median length of stay, longer intensive care unit stay, a higher median peritoneal cancer index (PCI), higher intraoperative blood loss, more frequent occurrence of any complication, and a longer operative time (all p values < 0.001). Clavien Dindo 3-4 complications, ASA, and gender were similar in both groups of patients (p > 0.05). It was found that there was no significant difference between the OS of the eCRS and leCRS groups (37.5 vs. 42.8 months, p = 0.895). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of serious complications and morbidity are similar in patients undergoing eCRS compared to leCRS. In patients with high PCI and multiorgan involvement, complete cytoreduction can be achieved by performing eCRS, and survival results equivalent to those with low PCI can be achieved.

The Role of Axillary SUVmax in 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting the Number of Axillary Metastases of Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) in determining the maximum number of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) detectable in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Turkiye, from January 2015 to August 2021. METHODOLOGY: A total of 104 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after a PET-CT scan were examined. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was utilised to determine optimal cut-off values for the standardised uptake values of the primary tumour (pSUVmax) and axillary lymph nodes (nSUVmax) in the presence of ALNM and the presence of more than two ALNMs. RESULTS: The presence of more than two ALNMs was associated with pSUVmax, nSUVmax, LVI, and the number of LNs detected on PET-CT. In the ROC analysis, for the ability to predict more than two ALNMs in SLNB/axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), cut-offvalues were calculated as 4.65 for pSUVmax (AUC=0.669, sensitivity=66.7%, specificity=62%, PPV=0.482, NPV=0.800, p=0.006) and 1.75 for nSUVmax (AUC=0.838, sensitivity=81.8%, specificity=88.7%, PPV= 0.676, NPV=0.913, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Low sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy values that limit the use of PET-CT in preoperative axillary evaluation can be increased by targeting the criterion of more than two ALNMs. Thus, PET-CT can be used more effectively in axilla management. KEY WORDS: Breast cancer, Positron emission tomography, SUVmax values, Axillary lymph node, ACOSOG Z0011.

Is complete mesocolic excision or total mesorectal excision necessary during cytoreductive surgery in ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis with colonic involvement?

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy are effective in the treatment of ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis (OPC). Colon resection is often required to achieve maximal cytoreduction during CRS. The success of complete mesocolic excision (CME) and total mesorectal excision (TME) in the surgical treatment of primary colorectal tumors is well-known. Our study aimed to investigate the factors affecting mesocolic lymph node metastasis (MLNM) and the contribution of CME/TME techniques to maximal cytoreduction in patients diagnosed with ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis (OPC) with colon metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2004-2020, 30 patients who underwent colorectal resection with CME/TME techniques due to OPC-related colon metastasis were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 61 (33-86). Six (20%) patients underwent total colectomy, 7 (23%) subtotal colectomy, 6 (20%) right hemicolectomy, 4 (13%) left hemicolectomy, and 7 (23%) rectosigmoid resection. Histopathological diagnosis was high-grade serous carcinoma in 29 (97%) patients, and malignant mixed Mullerian tumor in 1 (3%) patient. MLNM was detected in 17 (56%) of 30 patients. There was a significant relationship between MLNM and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastasis (PALNM) (p = 0.009) and lymphovascular invasion in primary ovarian tumors (p = 0.017). There was no significant relationship between MLNM and depth of colonic invasion (p = 0.463), histological grade (p = 0.711), and primary/secondary surgery (p = 0.638). MLNM was seen in 8 (47%) of 17 patients with only serosal invasion. CONCLUSION: A high rate of MLNM can be seen in OPC-induced colon metastasis regardless of the degree of colon wall invasion. In patients with PALNM, the frequency of MLNM increases. We believe that if colon resection is to be performed in OPC, a colectomy should be performed by CME/TME principles to achieve maximal cytoreduction.

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a potential prognostic factor in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and many researchers are focused on the discovery and use of different biomarkers in prognosis prediction. The use of Nrf2 as a prognostic marker in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the expression of Nrf2 protein in gastric adenocarcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 86 patients who underwent gastric resection and D2 lymph node dissection due to gastric adenocarcinoma were included. Clinicopathological characteristics, such as age, gender, gastrectomy type, pathologic T (pT) and N (pN) stages, tumor grade, tumor type per Lauren's classification, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and Nrf2 expression were evaluated. RESULTS: While pT, pN, and Nrf-2 expression were found to be negative prognostic predictors for overall survival in one-way analysis of variance, Nrf-2 expression was the only significant negative prognostic predictor in multivariance analysis. pT, pN, diffuse type, high tumor grade, and Nrf-2 expression significantly affected overall survival in Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p < 0.01, p = 0.027, and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support that Nrf2 is a prognostic marker in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Anti-Nrf2 therapy options should be investigated to improve prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

Negative-to-Positive Lymph Node Ratio as an Independent Prognostic Factor for Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the ratio of negative/positive lymph nodes (RNP) and other clinic pathological parameters. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:  Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey, from February 2008 to December 2019. METHODOLOGY: Consecutive 119 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, who underwent gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection, were included. RNP, other clinicopathological parameters such as tumour grade, type and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were analysed, as their prognostic impact was investigated. RESULTS: RNP was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (p = 0.003) and was significantly associated with poor survival (p <0.001). Advanced pathologic T and N stage, presence of perineural invasion (PNI), presence of LVI, high tumour grade, and diffuse-type as per Louren's classification, and the number of the negative lymph nodes were also significantly associated with poor survival (all p <0.05). Although pathologic N stage (p <0.01), PNI (p <0.01), LVI (p <0.01), tumour type as per Louren's classification (p <0.01), tumour grade (p <0.01) and the number of negative lymph nodes (p <0.01) were significantly associated with overall survival in univariate analyses; only gender (p = 0.025), gastrectomy type (p = 0.037), PNI (p = 0.028), tumour type (p = 0.006), and number of  negative lymph nodes (p = 0.003) were meaningfully associated with survival in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The ratio of negative/positive lymph nodes can be used as an independent prognostic marker in patients with gastric cancer, who undergo curative resection, as an alternative prognostic marker to the pathologic N stage. Key Words: Stomach neoplasms, Lymph node ratio, Prognosis, Gastrectomy, Lymph nodes.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Experience in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Single-Center Analysis of 180 Cases.

BACKGROUND: In peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), increased life span and disease-free survival times are shown in patients with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) following cytoreductive surgery (SRC). In this study, our main objective was to present our experience of performing SRC and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC and EPIC) on patients with PC, in light of the literature. METHODS: Demographic data, follow-up results, peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CCR) score, and morbidity and mortality rates of 180 patients treated with SRC + HIPEC + EPIC for PC at the Department of Surgical Oncology at Sivas Cumhuriyet University between January 2008 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Distribution of 180 PC cases according to primary organs included 53 ovarian, 39 colorectal, 33 stomach, 25 primary peritoneum, 10 uterus, 10 tuba, five soft tissue, and five appendix originated carcinoma. The average PCI of the cases detected preoperatively was 21 (5-30). Completeness of cytoreduction scores of CCR-0 in 102 cases, CCR-1 in 67 cases, CCR-2 in eight cases, and CCR-3 in three cases was obtained. Median operation time was 300 (200-540) minutes. Perioperative morbidity rate was 47.0%, and perioperative mortality rate was 13.5%. CONCLUSION: The peritonectomy procedure is a difficult, long-lasting, troublesome intervention, but it is the most important treatment option with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in patients selected for PC treatment in experienced centers.

ADAM10 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: Results of a curative gastrectomy cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer is among the most common human cancers with high mortality rates. ADAM10, a member of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family has also been found to be associated with gastric carcinoma and has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we investigated the association of ADAM10 expression with prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma patients that underwent gastric resection with D2 lymph node dissection. METHODS: Total 86 consecutive patients that underwent resection for gastric adenocarcinoma were included. Immunohistochemical ADAM10 expression and its association with clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses and survival analyses were performed using SPSS ver.22. RESULTS: High grade tumors, advanced stage tumors and diffuse type tumors showed significantly worse prognosis. A statistically significant association between ADAM10 expression and overall survival (OS) was observed in the univariate analysis, however, this association did not maintain its significance in the multivariate analysis. No statistically significant association was found ADAM-10 expression and clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical ADAM10 expression may be used as a prognostic marker in gastric adenocarcinoma, however, introduction of a standardized immunohistochemical scoring system seems to be necessary for evaluation of ADAM10 staining.

Co-existence of cecal volvulus with situs inversus totalis: A case report.

Detorsion, cecopexy, cecostomy and tube cecostomy are the treatment options for acute cecal volvulus if there is no intestinal ischemia. Resection required if intestinal viability, necrosis, gangrene or perforation exists. After resection, primary anastomosis or ileostomy can be performed. First colonoscopic decompression testing may be appropriate in terms of saving time for elective surgery. The co-existance of situs inversus totalis with cecal volvulus may cause uncertainty of the definite diagnosis and delay of surgical procedure. This is a case report about cecal volvulus together with situs inversus totalis.

KRAS, BRAF oncogene mutations and tissue specific promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor SFRP2, DAPK1, MGMT, HIC1 and p16 genes in colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a serious disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Genetic changes, such as mutations in proto-oncogenes and DNA repair genes, and loss of function in the tumor suppressor genes cause colorectal cancer development. Abnormal DNA methylation is also known to play a crucial role in colorectal carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: In this study, frequencies of KRAS and BRAF mutations, promoter hypermethylation profiles of SFRP2, DAPK1, MGMT, HIC1 and p16 genes, and possible associations between hypermethylation of these genes and KRAS and BRAF mutations were aimed to find out. METHODS: Ninety three colorectal cancer tissues and 14 normal colon mucosas were included in the study. Common twelve KRAS gene mutation were investigated with using reverse-hybridization strip assay method. BRAF V600E mutations were investigated with RFLP method. Hypermethylation status of five tumor suppressor genes were detected by using reverse-hybridization strip assay method after bisulfite modification of DNA. RESULTS: KRAS and BRAF mutation frequencies were determined as 54.84% and 12.9%, respectively. Promoter hypermethylation frequencies of tumor suppressor genes SFRP2, DAPK1, MGMT, HIC1 and p16 were determined as 66.7%, 45.2%, 40.9%, 40.9% and 15.1%, respectively. Statistically significant associations were found between BRAF mutation and SFRP2 and p16 tumor suppressor genes hypermethylation (SFRP2; p= 0.005, p16; p= 0.016). Compared to rectum, SFRP2 (p= 0.017) and MGMT (p= 0.013) genes have statistically significantly higher promoter hypermethylation in colon. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study have confirmed that KRAS mutations and SFRP2 hypermethylation can be used as genetic markers in colorectal cancer.

Well-differentiated abdominal liposarcoma: experience of a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: We presented abdominal liposarcoma cases diagnosed and managed in a tertiary care center and also conducted a literature review on main features of this tumor. METHODS: Chart reviews of eight cases were conducted, and clinical, surgical, histopathological, and follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, complete surgical resection was performed with adjacent organ resection in 25% of cases, and radiotherapy was not administered. Recurrence was developed in only one case and died after 2 years and 3 months, and other cases are under follow-up without recurrence. Histopatological examinations revealed findings of well-differentiated liposarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: According to our surgical experience, the surgical margin positivity may not be a determining factor for the survival of patients with well-differentiated liposarcoma, and in the absence of macroscopic invasion, adjacent organ resection may not be required. Radiotherapy may not be preferred when complete resection of abdominal mass was achieved.

Does hydatid disease have protective effects against lung cancer?

We hypothesized that solid tumors rarely occur in patients with hydatid disease. We obtained the serum of 14 patients diagnosed with hydatid disease, the serum of 10 patients who did not have a history of hydatid disease, and the hydatid cyst fluid from six patients. These sera and fluid samples were added at different concentrations to NCI-H209/An1 human lung small cell carcinoma cells and L929 mouse fibroblasts as a control group. Sera of patients with hydatid diseases had cytotoxic effects on NCI-H209/An1 cells, but they did not have cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. Sera from healthy subjects did not have a cytotoxic effect on the tumor cell line or control fibroblasts. Cyst fluid, also, did not have toxic effects on the NCI-H209/An1 cell line, but was toxic to fibroblasts up to a 1:32 dilution. Sera from patients with hydatid disease had cytotoxic effects on human small cell lung cancer cells in vitro.

Antitumoral effects of Allium sivasicum on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo.

This work aims to investigate the antiproliferative properties of Allium sivasicum (AS) on breast cancer. AS extracts were studied for cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell lines. In vitro apoptosis studies of breast cancer cells were performed by annexin V staining in flow cytometry analyses. AS showed cytotoxicity to three cancer cell lines. Annexin-positive cells level in AS treated cell lines were higher than the untreated control cells. The expressions of caspase-7 protein and TUNEL positive cells were much higher for the rats treated by AS, compared with the untreated control group. The expressions of the Ki-67 decreased in treatment groups compared with the control group. In vivo studies showed that mean tumor volume inhibition ratio in AS treated group was 38 % compared with the untreated rats. These results indicate that A. sivasicum has antitumoral potential against breast cancer.

Antitumoral effects of Melissa officinalis on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: There is a long standing interest in the identification of medicinal plants and derived natural products for developing cancer therapeutics. Here we investigated the antiproliferative properties of Melissa officinalis (MO) from Turkey on breast cancer. METHODS: MO extracts were studied for cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231). In vitro apoptosis studies were performed by annexin V staining and flow cytometry analyses. Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and caspase 7 in the tumoral tissue sections of DMBA-induced mammary tumors in rats was also performed, along with TUNEL assays to detect apoptotic cells. In vivo anticancer activity testing was carried out with reference to inhibition of growth of DMBA induced mammary tumors in rats. RESULTS: MO showed cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines, inducing increase in Annexin-positive cells. Expression of caspase-7 protein and TUNEL positive cells were much higher in rats treated by MO, compared with the untreated control group, while expression of Ki-67 was decreased. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that mean tumor volume inhibition ratio in MO treated group was 40% compared with the untreated rats. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that MO extrcts have antitumoral potential against breast cancer.

A new technique for partial splenectomy with radiofrequency technology.

The advantage of partial splenectomy is the preservation of its immunologic function. In this series, 8 patients underwent a spleen preservation procedure with radiofrequency. Four of the partial splenectomy procedures were performed in elective situations, whereas the other 4 cases were performed to control traumatic bleeding in emergency situations. A harrow-like radiofrequency probe with 6 needles was applied to the spleen, and the division of the splenic parenchyma was completed using a surgical scalpel through the midline of the ablated tissue. This safe, fast, and simple technique allows for preservation of splenic function with minimum blood loss.

Huge cystic lymphangioma mimicking ovarian malignancy: a case report.

Lymphangiomas are rare benign congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. Clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic masses to acute abdominal pain. A 25-year-old female who presented with acute onset of abdominal distension and severe pelvic pain is presented. As a palpable mass was found on the pelvic examination and ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic cystic mass, an ovarian malignancy was suspected. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed cystic lymphangioma of the sigmoid colon. The clinical, radiological and pathological findings of the patient are discussed with a brief review of the literature.

Management of neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast: A rare entity.

Neuroendocrine (NE) carcinoma of the breast is extremely rare and constitutes less than 0.1% of all breast tumors. Only a few studies are currently available in the literature and a standard approach to treating this tumor has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to apply pathological treatment modalities in clinical practice and to select the most appropriate treatment accordingly. Six female patients were diagnosed with primary NE carcinoma of the breast. The patients underwent modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection. Pathological specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and an immunohistochemical panel of antibodies [neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin, synoptophysin, estrogen and progesterone receptor, c-erbB2 and Ki-67]. The results showed that tumor size ranged from 2 to 4.5 cm in diameter. Lymph node metastasis was detected in 4 (67%) patients. Estrogen and progesterone receptor expression was found in 5 (83%) patients. None of the patients expressed c-erbB2. Chromogranin was found to be positive in 5 (83%) patients. Synoptophysin expression was detected in 5 (83%) patients. NSE was stained in 4 (67%) patients. An intraductal component was found in 5 (83%) patients. Lymphovascular invasion was found in 5 (83%) patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to patients with a Ki-67 index of ≥10%. Radiotherapy was administered to 4 (67%) patients, and 4 (67%) patients received hormonal therapy. The mean follow-up time was 31.1 months (range 12-52). All 6 patients survived, although following chemotherapy and tamoxifen, the disease progressed in 1 patient who received second-line hormonal therapy. In conclusion, NE carcinoma of the breast is a distinct entity. Management of this rare tumor may include surgery and radiotherapy depending on the size of the tumor and lymph node status. However, the exact role of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy has yet to be established. Adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with a Ki-67 index of ≥10%, and hormonal treatment appears to be feasible in patients who are positive for estrogen and/or progesterone receptor.

Small bowel tumors in emergency surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, surgical therapy, and prognosis of 13 patients with small bowel tumor admitted for surgical procedures in an emergency setting. METHODS: From 1996 to 2008, 13 consecutive surgical cases of small bowel tumors were treated at the Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, and Kütahya State Hospital, Department of General Surgery. Clinical and radiological charts of these patients were reviewed retrospectively from the department database. RESULTS: Intestinal obstruction (7 cases) and perforation (5 cases) were the most common clinical presentations, followed by intussusception (1 case). Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histologic type (4 cases), while small bowel sarcoma was seen in three cases and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in two cases. The remaining cases had carcinoid tumor, small bowel angioleiomyoma, Brunner's gland adenoma, and inflammatory pseudotumor of the small intestine. CONCLUSION: Small bowel tumors are rare, the symptoms often non-specific, and the accuracy of different diagnostic tests remains to be improved. Timing and type of the intervention to the process and biological behavior of the pathological cells predict the prognosis.

Chlorhexidine gluconate: an ideal scolicidal agent in the treatment of intraperitoneal hydatidosis?

Hydatid disease is a parasitic disease that is treated primarily by surgery. The most important complication of surgical treatment is spillage of the contents of the cyst, leading to secondary dissemination. In this study, the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx-Glu) was investigated in the treatment of experimental intraperitoneal hydatidosis (IPH). IPH was reproduced in 100 Wistar albino rats by inoculation with 1 ml of a suspension contained approximately 1500 viable protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus following determination of scolicidal activity of chlorhexidine gluconate in vitro. Five minutes after protoscolex inoculation, 5 ml of the scolicidal solution was instilled into the peritoneal cavity: 0.9% NaCl (control group), 4.0% Chx-Glu, 0.4% Chx-Glu, and 0.04% Chx-Glu. After 6 months of follow-up, the rats were sacrificed, and the number of isolated cysts, peroperative and postoperative deaths, and toxicity were evaluated. Cyst formation did not occur in any of the Chx-Glu groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05), whereas it was detected in all of the control rats. In addition, to 4.0% Chx-Glu was found to be more toxic and to cause a high mortality rate compared to the 0.4% and 0.04% Chx-Glu groups and the control group (p < 0.05). Chx-Glu 0.04% was found to be the most potent, nontoxic agent; it is easily available, inexpensive, and highly potent in a short period of time at the low concentration. Chx-Glu 0.04% can be used safely in the treatment of intraperitoneal hydatidosis and hydatid cyst.