The effects of sildenafil and N-acetylcysteine the zone of stasis in burns.

BACKGROUND: In burn wound healing, zones of burn, namely zone of hyperemia, the zone of stasis, and zone of coagulation, have crucial importance. These zones have been identified based on the pathophysiology of the burn, and treatment of burn has been improved. The zone of necrosis is treated by excision and repair through grafting. Zone of stasis fully recovers in 24-48 h if the burn treatment is managed well. Otherwise, it may convert to a zone of coagulation. Hyperemia zone is a zone that recovers itself. Recovery of the zone of stasis is very critical in burn treatment. Active oxygen radicals produced due to the hypermetabolism due to burn wounds are known to speed to the process of the zone of stasis converting into the zone of coagulation. The present experimental study aims to evaluate the effects of sildenafil and N-acetylcysteine on the zone of stasis and to establish whether they had any contribution to wound healing in burns. METHODS: In the present study, 32 four months old female Wistar Albino rats with 200±20 gr body weights were used. The rats were divided into four groups as the sham group (Group 1), the intraperitoneal group (Group 2), Sildenafil group (Group 3, intraperitoneal 10 mg/kg for 10 days), N-acetylcysteine (Group 4, intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg for 10 days). Tissue samples were collected for serum and cytopathology studies of the Malondialdehyde level, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalyze enzyme activity. All the rats were sacrificed on the 10th day of the tests edema, hyperemia, epithelial degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis measurements were made. RESULTS: When compared with the controls, both of the treatment groups had lower tissue damage scores. MDA level was lower in Group 3 and 4 compared to Group 2 and lower in Group 3 compared to Group 4. SOD, catalase and GPH-Px levels were higher in Group 3 and Group 4 compared to Group 2 and higher in Group 3 compared to Group 4. CONCLUSION: The results of our study conducted on an experimental burn model created by rats support that Sildenafil and N-acetylcysteine have positive effects, such as decreasing oxidative stress level and increasing wound healing in burns. Further experimental studies are required on this subject.

Matrix metalloproteinases in pathogenesis of hemorrhoidal disease.

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels in an effort to find a reliable factor that may play an important role in pathogenesis of hemorrhoidal disease. Twenty control subjects and 21 Grade I, 19 Grade II, 20 Grade III, and 21 Grade IV patients with internal hemorrhoid were included in this prospective study. The mean ages of control subjects were 47.65 ± 6.71 standard deviation (SD) years (range, 37 to 60 years). The mean age of internal Grade I, Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV patients with internal hemorrhoid were 48.85 ± 6.44, 47.20 ± 6.75, 44.90 ± 6.13, and 42.95 ± 3.49 SD years (ranges, 38 to 58, 38 to 60, 34 to 55, and 38 to 50 years), respectively. Ten milliliters of blood was taken from all subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for MMP-1, -2, -7, and -9 levels were performed using an ELISA kit (R&D Systems) following the manufacturer's instructions. There was an important difference between Grade I and Grade II groups in the serum levels of MMP-9 (P < 0.01). Patients with Grade III hemorrhoidal disease had significantly higher serum levels of all MMP than patients with Grade I and Grade II hemorrhoidal disease (P < 0.001). Also, patients with Grade 4 hemorrhoidal disease had higher serum levels of MMP-7 and -9 according to Grade I, II, and III groups (P < 0.01, 0.001). High serum levels of MMP are present in patients with hemorrhoids, suggesting the possible mechanism in the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in gastric cancer.

AIM: To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer. METHODS: One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance, tumor size, depth of wall invasion, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, perineural invasion, and pathological stage. They were not significantly associated with age, gender, tumor location, or histological type. CONCLUSION: Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer. Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis, these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.

The diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in soft tissue abscesses.

PURPOSE: To study the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in soft tissue abscesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were included in this study who were thought to have soft tissue abscess or cystic lesion as a result of clinical and radiological examinations. Localisations of the lesions were: 1 periorbital, 3 breast, 14 intraabdominal, and 32 intramuscular lesions. After other radiological examinations, DWI was performed. The signal intensity values of the lesions were evaluated qualitatively according to the hyperintensity on b-1000 DWI, using 1.5 T MR system. All of the lesions were aspirated after DWI, and detection of pus in the aspiration material was accepted as gold standard for the diagnosis of abscess. RESULTS: In 38 of the 50 patients, hyperintensity was obtained on diffusion-weighted images. False-positive results were maintained in 2 of these patients, and true-positive results were maintained in 36 of them. In 11 of the 50 patients, hypointensity was visualised on diffusion-weighted images. False-negative results were maintained in 3 of these patients, and true-negative results were maintained in 8 of them. An abscess which was seen on post-contrast conventional MRI could not be seen on DWI, and this was regarded as false-negative. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity and specificity of diffusion-weighted images for detecting soft tissue abscesses were found to be 92% and 80%, respectively. DWI has a high diagnostic value in soft tissue abscesses, and is an important imaging modality that may be used for the differentiation of cysts and abscesses.

Outcome of surgical treatment of intestinal perforation in typhoid fever.

AIM: To represent our clinical experience in the treatment of intestinal perforation arising from typhoid fever. METHODS: The records of 22 surgically-treated patients with typhoid intestinal perforation were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 18 males and 4 females, mean age 37 years (range, 8-64 years). Presenting symptoms were fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Sixteen cases were subjected to segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, while 3 cases received 2-layered primary repair following debridement, one case with multiple perforations received 2-layered primary repair and end ileostomy, one case received segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis followed by an end ileostomy, and one case received segmental resection and end ileostomy with mucous fistula operation. Postoperative morbidity was seen in 5 cases and mortality was found in one case. CONCLUSION: Intestinal perforation resulting from Salmonella typhi is an important health problem in Eastern and Southeastern Turkey. In management of this illness, early and appropriate surgical intervention is vital.

Small Bowel Obstruction due to Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckel's diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. Small bowel obstruction due to mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication. Herein, we report the diagnosis and management of a small bowel obstruction occurring due to mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum.

Acute pancreatitis, bacterial translocation, and different octreotide regimens: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of octreotide, octreotide with zinc, levamisole, and misoprostol on the bacterial translocation that develops in rats with acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: A total of 36 rats were divided into six groups, each consisting of six rats. Only laparotomy was performed on the first group. Acute pancreatitis was performed on the second group. Octreotide was given to the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups. Octreotide, octreotide with zinc, levamisole, and misoprostol were given to groups III, IV, V, VI, respectively. Rats were euthanized 48 h after the occurrence of AP. Blood and mesenteric lymph node samples were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pancreatic tissue and terminal ileum were obtained for histopathological examinations. RESULTS: The severity of pancreatitis and mucosal damage of the terminal ileum was higher in group II than groups I, III, IV, V, and VI, histopathologically (P < 0.05). There wasn't a significant difference with respect to OA with Zn or L or M and OA group (P > 0.05). A significant difference was found in PCR positivity in blood and mesenteric lymph node between groups I and II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In AP, administering octreotide alone significantly prevented the bacterial translocation by preventing mucosal damage. The zinc, levamisole, or misoprostol with octreotide did not influence the results.

[Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: results of the chest surgery clinic]. / Travmatik diyafram yirtigi: Bir gögüs cerrahisi klinigindeki sonuçlar.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an urgent and life-threatening condition concerning the branches of chest surgery and general surgery because of the accompanying injuries. We reviewed the results of our cases with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture who were operated over a period of 9 years. METHODS: The patients who underwent surgery for traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in Department of Chest Surgery Medicine Faculty of Yuzuncu Yil University were included into the study. The diagnosis was established by chest X-ray, computerized thoracic tomography, abdominal ultrasonography, and contrast upper gastrointestinal imaging modalities when needed. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases (21 males, 5 females; mean age 33; range 13 to 67 years) with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture were operated in Department of Chest Surgery Medicine Faculty of Yuzuncu Yil University between August 1996 and October 2005. Treatment approach in 15 cases was thoracotomy, in 7 cases laparotomy and in 4 cases thoracotomy + laparotomy, and in all cases, diaphragma was primarily sutured. Left diaphragmatic rupture was detected in 18 cases and right diaphragmatic rupture in 8 cases. Laceration in the diaphragma ranged between 0.5 and 15 cm. Various accompanying injuries were present in all cases except one. Abdominal organs were herniated to the thorax in 12 cases. Three cases who were operated on urgently with severe accompanying injuries died. There was no mortality in the postoperative period and morbidity occurred in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture, when overlooked and accompanied with severe injuries, can cause complications and even death. Its diagnosis and treatment must be dealt with rapidly and cautiously.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula due to a swallowed sewing needle: a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

A primary fistula between the abdominal aorta and the duodenum is rare and usually fatal. Atherosclerosis remains the most common etiologic factor, accounting for more than two-thirds of the cases reported. Other etiologies include carcinoma, ulcers, radiation, aortitis and foreign bodies including sewing needle, cocktail stick, open safety pin and fishbone. We report a case of a 17 year-old girl who underwent surgical treatment because of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding which was related to an aortoduodenal fistula caused by a swallowed sewing needle. At operation, a chronic aortoduodenal fistula that contained the sewing needle was found and repaired. This is the fourth case in the literature in which a needle was found to be associated with the development of an aortoenteric fistula.

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rat.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on healing of experimental colonic anastomoses in a rat model. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups: postoperative day (POD) 3 untreated control group, POD 3 EGb 761 group, POD 7 untreated control group, and POD 7 EGb 761 group. In the oral EGb 761 groups, the agent was given at 9.6 mg daily per orogastric route using a 4-F fine feeding catheter. We measured bursting pressures and hydroxyproline content and histologically examined the resected anastomoses on POD 3 and POD 7. RESULTS: The bursting pressures increased more in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3, but this difference was not statistically significant. Hydroxyproline content was higher in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3, and this difference was statistically significant. Anastomosis bursting pressure values and hydroxyproline contents were significantly higher in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 7. Histological examination showed greater fibroblastic activity in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3. There was no significant difference in anastomotic polimorphonuclear leukocyte, mononuclear cells and blood vessel neodevelopment between the POD 3 groups, but there was significant difference in fibroblastic activity and blood vessel neodevelopment between the POD 7 groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed us that EGb 761 administration resulted in enhanced stability of colonic anastomoses during the first postoperative week.

Effects of spinal anesthesia and laryngeal mask anesthesia on mood states during hemorrhoidectomy.

The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of laryngeal mask anesthesia (LMA) and spinal anesthesia on mood states in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy. A total of 46 patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids were included in this study. LMA with fentanyl plus propofol was given to 23 patients, and spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine was administered to 23 patients. Mood changes were assessed preoperatively and 2 h postoperatively with the Profile of Mood States (POMS), which consists of 65 questions that are designed to measure 6 identifiable mood states (tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion). No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in terms of baseline POMS global and subscale scores, except for scores regarding vigor. No significant mood changes were observed after hemorrhoidectomy in patients who were given LMA; however, an increase in total POMS score was reported in patients given spinal anesthesia. These findings suggest that mood score is affected by spinal anesthesia but not by LMA in patients who are about to undergo hemorrhoidectomy.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine IV on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia with Prilocaine: A Double-Blind, Prospective Study in Adult Surgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: The duration of spinal anesthesia with prilocaine has been poorly documented and no English-language study has been published regarding the effects of dexmedetomidine on the duration of anesthesia with spinal prilocaine. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine IV on the duration of action of prilocaine and its associated adverse events (AEs) in spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this double-blind, prospective study, patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I to II who were to undergo lower abdominal, anorectal, or extremity surgery with a spinal anesthetic were assigned to 1 of 2 groups. All patients were administered prilocaine 2% for spinal anesthesia. Within 10 minutes after spinal anesthesia was initiated, group 1 received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg IV, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.4 µg/kg · h for 50 minutes; group 2 (control) received the same amount of physiologic saline in the same time frame. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), duration of sensory and motor blockade, and sedation scores were tracked. Patients were observed for 4.5 hours after surgery, with follow-ups occurring up to 96 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were assessed for study inclusion, 23 of whom were excluded. Sixty patients (42 men, 18 women; mean [SD] age, 40.56 [16.86] years) were included in the study. MAP was similar in the 2 groups throughout the study. Mean (SD) HR was significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2 at 20 minutes (70.43 [19.28] vs 77.63 [18.14] beats per minute, respectively; P = 0.02). The mean (SD) duration of the persistence of sensory anesthesia (ie, the time required for the maximal level of anesthesia to regress 2 dermatomes) was significantly longer in group 1 compared with group 2 (148.33 [21.18] vs 122.83 [18.73] minutes; P < 0.001). The mean (SD) time to complete abolishment of motor blockade was also significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (215.16 [25.10] vs 190.83 [18.57] minutes; P < 0.001). The average sedation score in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (P < 0.001) during anesthesia. Significantly more patients in group 1 required atropine than those in group 2 (9 vs 2 patients; P < 0.001) to treat bradycardia. There was no significant between-group difference in the number of patients who received ephedrine to treat hypotension. One patient in each group reported waist and back pain; 2 patients in each group reported nausea. Shivering occurred in 0 and 5 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively; the between-group difference in AEs was not statistically significant. Paresthesia, postdural puncture headache, allergic reactions, total spinal anesthesia, urinary retention, or vomiting-AEs commonly associated with spinal anesthesia-were not observed or reported by either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that dexmedetomidine IV significantly prolonged the duration of spinal anesthesia and provided a significantly higher level of sedation compared to placebo in this group of adult surgical patients. The treatment was generally well tolerated in all patients.

Impaired function of the levator ani muscle in the grand multipara and great grand multipara.

Repeated deliveries might disturb the levator function and increase defecation disorders. In this prospective study, we determined the electric activity of the levator ani muscle (LAM) in nullipara, multipara, grand multipara, and great grand multipara (20 subjects for each group). Multiparity, grand multiparity, and great grand multiparity were defined as women having 2 - 5, 6 - 9, and 10 and over deliveries, respectively. The number of deliveries of multipara, grand multipara and great grand multipara were 4.05 +/- 1.14 (2 - 5), 7.55 +/- 1.23 (6 - 9) and 12.2 +/- 2.16 (10 - 17), respectively. All women were asked whether they had experienced constipation, fecal or urinary incontinence, and/or pelvic pain. All women were also evaluated for pelvic organ prolapse. Electromyography (EMG) of the LAM at rest and on contraction was recorded. EMG is an electrical recording of muscle activity. Constipation, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse were encountered in multipara, grandmultipara and great grand multipara women. The LAM EMG at rest and on contraction in the nullipara was accepted as control. Both the resting and contractile activities of the LAM were as follows: nullipara > multipara > grand multipara > great grand multipara. These findings indicate that levator dysfunction and defecation disorders are increased with repeated deliveries because of pudendal and/or levator ani nerve injury and traumatic injury to the LAM occurred with the mechanical stresses of vaginal deliveries.

Biliary tract reconstruction with autologous rectus sheath graft--an experimental study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Common bile duct injuries which cause significant morbidity and mortality are one of the most serious complications of cholecystectomies. They can be repaired by various approaches. METHODOLOGY: We used an autologous graft obtained from the posterior sheath of the rectus muscle in biliary tract reconstruction for common bile duct defect. This experimental study was carried out on six dogs. A tissue fragment was excised from the posterior sheath of the rectus muscle together with the fascia transversalis and peritoneum. A channel from the fascial graft was formed around a T-tube. The autologous rectus sheath graft was sutured to the common bile duct as a segmental conduit graft. Afterwards, blood biochemistry values and liver histopathology were investigated. Dogs were studied by T-tube cholangiography 4 months postoperatively just prior to removing the T-tube and again 2 months later at relaparotomy. The hepatic parenchyma, intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts were detected by ultrasonography during the last 2 months, one time in fifteen days. RESULTS: There was no anastomotic insufficiency. The fascial graft gained an appearance similar to bile duct in dogs. Postoperatively, no change in blood biochemical parameters was observed, and in the preoperative and postoperative periods no histopathological change in the liver was found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the use of an autologous fascial graft to repair common bile duct injuries as a conduit graft for segmental bile duct loss may be a feasible and alternative method of treatment.

Calcaneal brown tumor with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid carcinoma: an atypical localization.

Brown tumors are one of the characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism, although, in some cases, they are noted with secondary hyperparathyroidism as well. The authors present a case of a 50-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid carcinoma with an unusual location of a brown tumor in the calcaneus. She first presented with pain and swelling over the heel and ankle, and the diagnosis was suspected by radiographs. Biopsy of the calcaneal lesion confirmed a brown tumor. After the parathyroid lesion was removed surgically, her symptoms were relieved. The calcaneal lesion was treated with immobilization of the foot.

[The role of peritoneal aspiration cytology diagnosis of acute appendicitis]. / Akut apandisit tanisinda peritoneal aspirasyon sitolojisinin yeri.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to search the role of peritoneal aspiration cytology in acute appendicitis. METHODS: Peritoneal aspiration cytology was (PAC) conducted for fifty suspected acute appendicitis patients before their operations. PAC findings was compared with histopathologic results. RESULTS: Negative appendicectomy rate according to clinical diagnosis was 20%. PAC was positive in 32 and negative in 18 patients. 93.75% PAC (+) patients had acute appendicitis, 44.4% PAC (-) patients had normal appendices. The false positive rate was 6.2% and the false negative rate was 55.6%. The sensitivity, the specificity, the positive predictive value, the negative predictive value of PAC for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 75%, 80%, 93.8%, 44.4%, respectively and the accuracy was 76%. CONCLUSION: PAC positive results support the diagnosis of acute appendicitis strongly. However, PAC (-) results don't exclude the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.